e10vq
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended January 31, 2010
OR
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission file number: 000-33385
CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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California
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33-0945304 |
(State of incorporation)
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
1141-A Cummings Road
Santa Paula, California 93060
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
(805) 525-1245
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its
corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted
pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such
files). Yes o No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a
non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated
filer, accelerated filer, and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act
(Check one):
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Large accelerated filer o
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Accelerated filer þ
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Non-accelerated filer o
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Smaller Reporting Company o |
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(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act).Yes o No þ
Registrants number of shares of common stock outstanding as of January 31, 2010 was 14,504,833
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains statements relating to our future results
(including certain projections and business trends) that are forward-looking statements within
the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those
sections. Forward-looking statements frequently are identifiable by the use of words such as
believe, anticipate, expect, intend, will, and other similar expressions. Our actual
results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties.
These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: increased competition, conducting
substantial amounts of business internationally, pricing pressures on agricultural products,
adverse weather and growing conditions confronting avocado growers, new governmental regulations,
as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those set forth in Part I.,
Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31,
2009, and those detailed from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and we undertake
no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events, or otherwise.
2
CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
INDEX
3
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
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ITEM 1. |
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
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January 31, |
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October 31, |
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2010 |
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2009 |
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Assets |
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Current assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
972 |
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$ |
875 |
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Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $1,822 (2010) and $2,353 (2009) |
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29,163 |
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22,314 |
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Inventories, net |
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13,410 |
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11,731 |
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
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7,177 |
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7,191 |
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Advances to suppliers |
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6,152 |
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2,329 |
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Income taxes receivable |
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762 |
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2,178 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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2,728 |
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2,728 |
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Total current assets |
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60,364 |
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49,346 |
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Property, plant, and equipment, net |
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39,232 |
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38,621 |
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Investment in Limoneira Company |
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23,681 |
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24,200 |
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Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries |
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1,504 |
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1,382 |
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Goodwill |
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3,591 |
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3,591 |
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Other assets |
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5,992 |
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6,076 |
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$ |
134,364 |
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$ |
123,216 |
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Liabilities and shareholders equity |
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Current liabilities: |
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Payable to growers |
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$ |
1,650 |
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$ |
396 |
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Trade accounts payable |
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2,446 |
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2,223 |
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Accrued expenses |
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26,153 |
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20,032 |
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Short-term borrowings |
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14,570 |
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5,520 |
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Dividend payable |
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7,252 |
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Current portion of long-term obligations |
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1,367 |
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1,366 |
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Total current liabilities |
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46,186 |
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36,789 |
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Long-term liabilities: |
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Long-term obligations, less current portion |
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13,891 |
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13,908 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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2,830 |
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3,032 |
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Total long-term liabilities |
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16,721 |
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16,940 |
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Commitments and contingencies |
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Shareholders equity: |
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Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000
shares authorized; 14,505 (2010) and (2009)
issued and outstanding |
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14 |
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14 |
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Additional paid-in capital |
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39,726 |
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39,714 |
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Accumulated other comprehensive income |
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150 |
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466 |
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Retained earnings |
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31,567 |
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29,293 |
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Total shareholders equity |
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71,457 |
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69,487 |
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$ |
134,364 |
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$ |
123,216 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial
statements.
4
CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
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Three months ended |
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January 31, |
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2010 |
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2009 |
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Net sales |
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$ |
67,320 |
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$ |
70,647 |
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Cost of sales |
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58,445 |
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58,188 |
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Gross margin |
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8,875 |
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12,459 |
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Selling, general and administrative |
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5,164 |
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5,300 |
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Operating income |
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3,711 |
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7,159 |
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Interest expense |
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(229 |
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(326 |
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Other income, net |
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265 |
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255 |
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Income before provision for income taxes |
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3,747 |
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7,088 |
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Provision for income taxes |
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1,473 |
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2,708 |
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Net income |
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$ |
2,274 |
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$ |
4,380 |
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Net income per share: |
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Basic |
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$ |
0.16 |
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$ |
0.30 |
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Diluted |
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$ |
0.16 |
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$ |
0.30 |
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Number of shares used in per share computation: |
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Basic |
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14,505 |
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14,419 |
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Diluted |
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14,572 |
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14,429 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial
statements.
5
CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
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Three months ended |
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January 31, |
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2010 |
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2009 |
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Net income |
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$ |
2,274 |
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$ |
4,380 |
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Other comprehensive loss, before tax: |
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Unrealized investment holding losses arising
during period |
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(518 |
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(2,247 |
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Income tax benefit related to items of
other comprehensive loss |
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202 |
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870 |
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Other comprehensive loss, net of tax |
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(316 |
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(1,377 |
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Comprehensive income |
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$ |
1,958 |
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$ |
3,003 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial statements.
6
CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
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Three months ended January 31, |
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2010 |
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2009 |
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Cash Flows from Operating Activities: |
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Net income |
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$ |
2,274 |
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$ |
4,380 |
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Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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791 |
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749 |
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Provision for losses on accounts receivable |
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88 |
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Income from Maui Fresh, LLC |
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(122 |
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(96 |
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Interest on deferred consideration |
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24 |
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45 |
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Stock compensation expense |
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12 |
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8 |
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Effect on cash of changes in operating assets and
liabilities: |
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Accounts receivable |
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(6,849 |
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(546 |
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Inventories, net |
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(1,679 |
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1,464 |
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
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14 |
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(189 |
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Advances to suppliers |
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(3,823 |
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(2,785 |
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Income taxes receivable |
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1,416 |
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999 |
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Other assets |
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(30 |
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(21 |
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Payable to growers |
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1,254 |
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(1,820 |
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Income taxes payable |
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1,618 |
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Trade accounts payable and
accrued expenses |
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6,321 |
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1,333 |
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Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
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(397 |
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5,227 |
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Cash Flows from Investing Activities: |
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Acquisitions of and deposits on
property, plant, and equipment |
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(1,288 |
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(704 |
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Net cash used in investing activities |
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(1,288 |
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(704 |
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Cash Flows from Financing Activities: |
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Payment of dividend to shareholders |
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(7,252 |
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(5,047 |
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Proceeds from revolving credit facilities, net |
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9,050 |
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380 |
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Payments on long-term obligations |
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(16 |
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(16 |
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Exercise of stock options |
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36 |
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Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
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1,782 |
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(4,647 |
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Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
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97 |
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(124 |
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Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
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875 |
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1,509 |
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Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
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$ |
972 |
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$ |
1,385 |
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Noncash Investing and Financing Activities: |
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Tax benefit related to stock option exercise |
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$ |
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$ |
7 |
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Construction in progress included in trade accounts payable |
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$ |
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$ |
39 |
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Unrealized investment holding losses |
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$ |
(518 |
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$ |
(2,247 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial
statements.
7
CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
1. Description of the business
Business
Calavo Growers, Inc. (Calavo, the Company, we, us or our) procures and markets avocados and
other perishable commodities and prepares and distributes processed avocado products. Our
expertise in marketing and distributing avocados, processed avocados, and other perishable foods
allows us to deliver a wide array of fresh and processed food products to food distributors,
produce wholesalers, supermarkets, and restaurants on a worldwide basis. We procure avocados
principally from California, Mexico, and Chile. Through our operating facilities in southern
California, Texas, New Jersey, Arizona, and Mexico, we sort, pack, and/or ripen avocados and/or
tomatoes for distribution both domestically and internationally. Additionally, we also distribute
other perishable foods, such as pineapples and Hawaiian grown papayas, and prepare processed
avocado products. We report our operations in two different business segments: (1) fresh products
and (2) processed products.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by
the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and
with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements.
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements contain all adjustments, consisting of adjustments of a normal recurring nature
necessary to present fairly the Companys financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that
may be expected for a full year. These statements should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Companys Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2009, as amended in February 2010, we adopted accounting guidance for subsequent
events, which establishes general standards of accounting for, and disclosure of, events that occur
after the balance sheet date, but before financial statements are issued or are available to be
issued. In particular, this accounting guidance sets forth:
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The period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity
should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or
disclosure in the financial statements. |
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The circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions
occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements. |
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The disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred
after the balance sheet date. |
Our adoption of this accounting guidance did not have a material impact on our financial
position, results of operations or liquidity.
Effective the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted, on a prospective basis, guidance
related to fair value measurements pertaining to nonfinancial assets and liabilities. The adoption
of this accounting guidance did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of
operations or liquidity.
Effective the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted revised accounting guidance for
business combinations, which changed its previous accounting practices regarding business
combinations. The statement requires a number of changes, to be applied prospectively, to the
purchase method of accounting for acquisitions, including changes in the way assets and liabilities
are recognized in the purchase accounting. It also changes the recognition of assets acquired and
liabilities assumed arising from contingencies, requires the capitalization of in-process research
and development at fair value, and requires the expensing of acquisition-related costs as incurred.
The impact of this accounting guidance and its relevant updates on our results of operations or
financial position will vary depending
8
CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
on each specific business combination. We did not close any business combinations in the
first quarter of fiscal 2010. See Note 9 for a business combination we closed in February 2010.
Effective the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted revised accounting guidance for the
determination of the useful life of intangible assets. This accounting guidance amends the factors
that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the
useful life of a recognized intangible asset. This change is intended to improve the consistency
between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset and the period of expected cash flows used
to measure the fair value of the asset. The requirement for determining useful lives must be
applied prospectively to intangible assets acquired after the effective date and the disclosure
requirements must be applied prospectively to all intangible assets recognized as of, and
subsequent to, the effective date. Our adoption of this accounting guidance did not have a
material impact on its financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
Effective the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted revised accounting guidance for
measuring liabilities at fair value. This accounting guidance provides clarification that in
circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not
available, a reporting entity is required to measure fair value using one or more of the following
methods: 1) a valuation technique that uses a) the quoted price of the identical liability when
traded as an asset or b) quoted prices for similar liabilities or similar liabilities when traded
as assets and/or 2) a valuation technique that is consistent with the principles of the accounting
guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures. This accounting guidance also clarifies that
when estimating the fair value of a liability, a reporting entity is not required to adjust to
include inputs relating to the existence of transfer restrictions on that liability. Our adoption
of this accounting guidance did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of
operations or liquidity.
Effective the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted revised accounting guidance related to
the accounting and reporting for minority interests. Minority interests are now re-characterized
as noncontrolling interests and are reported as a component of equity separate from the parents
equity, and purchases or sales of equity interests that do not result in a change in control will
be accounted for as equity transactions. In addition, net income attributable to the
noncontrolling interest is now included in consolidated net income on the face of the income
statement and, upon a loss of control, the interest sold, as well as any interest retained, will be
recorded at fair value with any gain or loss recognized in earnings.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In June 2009, the FASB issued revised guidance for the accounting of transfers of financial
assets. This guidance is intended to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and
comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial statements about
a transfer of financial assets; the effects of a transfer on its financial position, financial
performance, and cash flows; and a transferors continuing involvement, if any, in transferred
financial assets. This accounting guidance will be effective for financial statements issued for
fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009, and interim periods within those fiscal years.
Early adoption is not permitted. We do not believe that adoption of this guidance will have a
material impact on our financial position and results of operations.
In June 2009, the FASB issued revised guidance for the accounting of variable interest
entities, which replaces the quantitative-based risks and rewards approach with a qualitative
approach that focuses on identifying which enterprise has the power to direct the activities of a
variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entitys economic performance. This
accounting guidance also requires an ongoing reassessment of whether an entity is the primary
beneficiary and requires additional disclosures about an enterprises involvement in variable
interest entities. This accounting guidance will be effective for financial statements issued for
fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009, and interim periods within those fiscal years.
Early adoption is not permitted. We do not believe that adoption of this guidance will have a
material impact on our financial position and results of operations.
9
CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
2. Information regarding our operations in different segments
We report our operations in two different business segments: fresh products and processed
products. These two business segments are presented based on how information is used by our
president to measure performance and allocate resources. The fresh products segment includes all
operations that involve the distribution of avocados and other perishable food products. The
processed products segment represents all operations related to the purchase, manufacturing, and
distribution of processed avocado products. Additionally, selling, general and administrative
expenses, as well as other non-operating income/expense items, are evaluated by our president in
the aggregate. We do not allocate assets, or specifically identify them to, our operating
segments. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period
presentation. The following table sets forth sales by product category, by segment (in thousands):
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Three months ended January 31, 2010 |
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Three months ended January 31, 2009 |
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Fresh |
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Processed |
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|
|
|
Fresh |
|
|
Processed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
products |
|
|
products |
|
|
Total |
|
|
products |
|
|
products |
|
|
Total |
|
Third-party sales: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Avocados |
|
$ |
43,619 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
43,619 |
|
|
$ |
48,846 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
48,846 |
|
Tomatoes |
|
|
8,064 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,064 |
|
|
|
4,028 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,028 |
|
Pineapples |
|
|
1,734 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,734 |
|
|
|
3,651 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,651 |
|
Papayas |
|
|
2,094 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,094 |
|
|
|
1,868 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,868 |
|
Other Fresh products |
|
|
1,020 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,020 |
|
|
|
1,950 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,950 |
|
Processed food service |
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,257 |
|
|
|
8,257 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,176 |
|
|
|
8,176 |
|
Processed retail and club |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,587 |
|
|
|
4,587 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,172 |
|
|
|
4,172 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total gross sales |
|
|
56,531 |
|
|
|
12,844 |
|
|
|
69,375 |
|
|
|
60,343 |
|
|
|
12,348 |
|
|
|
72,691 |
|
Less sales incentives |
|
|
(194 |
) |
|
|
(1,861 |
) |
|
|
(2,055 |
) |
|
|
(184 |
) |
|
|
(1,860 |
) |
|
|
(2,044 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net sales |
|
$ |
56,337 |
|
|
$ |
10,983 |
|
|
$ |
67,320 |
|
|
$ |
60,159 |
|
|
$ |
10,488 |
|
|
$ |
70,647 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fresh |
|
|
Processed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
products |
|
|
products |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
(All amounts are presented in thousands) |
|
Three months ended January 31, 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net sales |
|
$ |
56,337 |
|
|
$ |
10,983 |
|
|
$ |
67,320 |
|
Cost of sales |
|
|
51,518 |
|
|
|
6,927 |
|
|
|
58,445 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross margin |
|
$ |
4,819 |
|
|
$ |
4,056 |
|
|
$ |
8,875 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended January 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net sales |
|
$ |
60,159 |
|
|
$ |
10,488 |
|
|
$ |
70,647 |
|
Cost of sales |
|
|
51,370 |
|
|
|
6,818 |
|
|
|
58,188 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross margin |
|
$ |
8,789 |
|
|
$ |
3,670 |
|
|
$ |
12,459 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the quarters ended January 31, 2010 and 2009, intercompany sales and cost of sales of
$5,875 and $6,117 were eliminated.
10
CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
3. Inventories
Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
January 31, |
|
|
October 31, |
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
2009 |
|
Fresh fruit |
|
$ |
6,443 |
|
|
$ |
4,495 |
|
Packing supplies and ingredients |
|
|
2,851 |
|
|
|
2,652 |
|
Finished processed foods |
|
|
4,116 |
|
|
|
4,584 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
13,410 |
|
|
$ |
11,731 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
During the three month periods ended January 31, 2010 and 2009, we were not required to, and
did not, record any provisions to reduce our inventories to the lower of cost or market.
4. Related party transactions
Certain members of our Board of Directors market avocados through Calavo pursuant to marketing
agreements substantially similar to the marketing agreements that we enter into with other growers.
During the three months ended January 31, 2010 and 2009, the aggregate amount of avocados procured
from entities owned or controlled by members of our Board of Directors was $0.7 million and $0.1
million. Amounts payable to these board members was $0.5 million as of January 31, 2010. We did
not have an accounts payable balance to these board members as of October 31, 2009.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and 2009, we received $0.1 million as dividend income
from Limoneira.
5. Other assets
At January 31, 2010, other assets in the accompanying consolidated condensed financial
statements included the following intangible assets: customer-related, trade name and
non-competition agreements of $1.8 million (accumulated amortization of $0.9 million) and brand
name intangibles of $0.3 million. The customer-related, trade name and non-competition agreements
are being amortized over periods up to ten years. The intangible asset related to the brand name
currently has an indefinite life and, as a result, is not currently subject to amortization. We
anticipate recording amortization expense of approximately $114,000 for the remainder of fiscal
2010, with $144,000 of amortization expense for fiscal years 2011 and 2012 and $131,000 of
amortization expense for fiscal years 2013 and 2014. The remainder of approximately $241,000 will be
amortized over fiscal years 2015 through 2018.
6. Stock-Based Compensation
We have one active stock-based compensation plan, the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, under which
employees and directors may be granted options to purchase shares of our common stock. Stock
options are granted with exercise prices of not less than the fair market value at grant date,
generally vest over one to five years and generally expire five years after the grant date. We
settle stock option exercises with newly issued shares of common stock.
We measure compensation cost for all stock-based awards at fair value on the date of grant and
recognize compensation expense in our consolidated statements of operations over the service period
that the awards are expected to vest. We measure the fair value of our stock based compensation
awards on the date of grant.
11
CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
A summary of stock option activity, related to our 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, is as follows
(in thousands, except for per share amounts):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-Average |
|
|
Aggregate |
|
|
|
Number of Shares |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
|
Intrinsic Value |
|
Outstanding at October
31, 2009 |
|
|
284 |
|
|
$ |
10.23 |
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at January 31, 2010 |
|
|
284 |
|
|
$ |
10.23 |
|
|
$ |
1,863 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable at January 31, 2010 |
|
|
226 |
|
|
$ |
9.41 |
|
|
$ |
1,665 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At January 31, 2010, outstanding stock options had a weighted-average remaining contractual
term of 2.1 years. At January 31, 2009, exercisable stock options had a weighted-average remaining
contractual term of 0.9 years. The total recognized stock-based compensation expense was
insignificant for the three months ended January 31, 2010.
7. Other events
Dividend payment
On December 11, 2009 we paid a $0.50 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $7.3
million to shareholders of record on December 1, 2009.
Contingencies
Hacienda Suit We are currently under examination by the Mexican tax authorities (Hacienda)
for the tax years ended December 31, 2000 and December 31, 2004. We have received assessments
totaling approximately $2.0 million and $4.5 million from Hacienda related to the amount of income
at our Mexican subsidiary. Subsequent to that initial assessment, the Hacienda offered a
settlement of approximately $400,000 related to the tax year 2000 assessment, which we declined.
In the second quarter of 2009, we won our most recent appeal case for the tax year ended December
31, 2000. The Hacienda subsequently appealed that decision and the case was sent back to the tax
court due to administrative error by such jurisdiction. In the second quarter of 2009, the
Hacienda initiated an examination related to tax year ended December 31, 2007 as well. We are not
aware of any assessments related to this examination, but we do not expect this examination to have
a significant impact on our results of operations. We pledged our processed products building
located in Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico as collateral to the Hacienda in regards to these
assessments.
From time to time, we are also involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of our
business that we do not believe will have a material adverse impact on our financial statements.
8. Fair value measurements
A fair value measurement is determined based on the assumptions that a market participant
would use in pricing an asset or liability. A three-tiered hierarchy draws distinctions between
market participant assumptions based on (i) observable inputs such as quoted prices in active
markets (Level 1), (ii) inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable
either directly or indirectly (Level 2) and (iii) unobservable inputs that require the Company to
use present value and other valuation techniques in the determination of fair value (Level 3).
12
CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
The following table sets forth our financial assets (there are no liabilities
requiring disclosure) as of January 31, 2010 that are measured on a recurring basis during the
period, segregated by level within the fair value hierarchy:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level 1 |
|
|
Level 2 |
|
|
Level 3 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
(All amounts are presented in thousands) |
|
Assets at Fair Value: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment in Limoneira Company(1) |
|
$ |
23,681 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
23,681 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets at fair value |
|
$ |
23,681 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
23,681 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The investment in Limoneira Company consists of
marketable securities in the Limoneira Company stock.
We currently own approximately 15% of Limoneiras
outstanding common stock. These securities are
measured at fair value by quoted market prices.
Unrealized gain and losses are recognized through
other comprehensive income. Unrealized investment
holding losses arising during the quarter ended
January 31, 2010 was $0.5 million. |
9. Subsequent events
We have evaluated events subsequent to January 31, 2010 to assess the need for potential
recognition or disclosure in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based upon this evaluation, it
was determined that no subsequent events occurred that require recognition in the financial
statements and that the following items represent events that merit disclosure herein:
Business Acquisition
Calavo Growers, Inc. (Calavo), Calavo Salsa Lisa, LLC (Calavo Salsa Lisa), Lisas Salsa
Company (LSC) and Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson, entered into an Asset Purchase and
Contribution Agreement, dated February 8, 2010 (the Acquisition Agreement), which sets forth the
terms and conditions pursuant to which Calavo acquired a 65 percent ownership interest in newly
created Calavo Salsa Lisa which acquired substantially all of the assets of LSC on February 8,
2010. Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson, through LSC, hold the remaining 35 percent ownership
of Calavo Salsa Lisa. LSC is a respected regional producer in the upper Midwest of Salsa Lisa
refrigerated salsas. The Acquisition Agreement provided, among other things, that Calavo make
a payment totaling $100,000 for such 65 percent interest, as well a
$300,000 payment representing a loan to be repaid from Calavo Salsa
Lisa. Calavo made the initial
payment on February 8, 2010. The purchase price can increase, subject to certain earn-out
payments, as defined.
13
|
|
|
ITEM 2. |
|
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
This information should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated condensed
financial statements and the notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report, and the audited
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended October 31, 2009 of Calavo Growers, Inc. (we, Calavo, or the Company).
Recent Developments
Dividend payment
On December 11, 2009 we paid a $0.50 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $7.3
million to shareholders of record on December 1, 2009.
Contingencies
Hacienda Suit We are currently under examination by the Mexican tax authorities (Hacienda)
for the tax years ended December 31, 2000 and December 31, 2004. We have received assessments
totaling approximately $2.0 million and $4.5 million from Hacienda related to the amount of income
at our Mexican subsidiary. Subsequent to that initial assessment, the Hacienda offered a
settlement of approximately $400,000 related to the tax year 2000 assessment, which we declined.
In the second quarter of 2009, we won our most recent appeal case for the tax year ended December
31, 2000. The Hacienda subsequently appealed that decision and the case was sent back to the tax
court due to administrative error by such jurisdiction. In the second quarter of 2009, the
Hacienda initiated an examination related to tax year ended December 31, 2007 as well. We are not
aware of any assessments related to this examination, but we do not expect this examination to have
a significant impact on our results of operations. We pledged our processed products building
located in Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico as collateral to the Hacienda in regards to these
assessments.
From time to time, we are also involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of our
business that we do not believe will have a material adverse impact on our financial statements.
Net Sales
The following table summarizes our net sales by business segment for each of the three-month
periods ended January 31, 2010 and 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended January 31, |
|
(in thousands) |
|
2010 |
|
|
Change |
|
|
2009 |
|
Net sales to third-parties: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fresh products |
|
$ |
56,337 |
|
|
|
(6.4 |
)% |
|
$ |
60,159 |
|
Processed products |
|
|
10,983 |
|
|
|
4.7 |
% |
|
|
10,488 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net sales |
|
$ |
67,320 |
|
|
|
(4.7 |
)% |
|
$ |
70,647 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As a percentage of net sales: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fresh products |
|
|
83.7 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
85.2 |
% |
Processed products |
|
|
16.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.8 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2010, compared to fiscal 2009, decreased by $3.3
million, or 4.7%. The decrease in fresh product sales during the first quarter of fiscal 2010 was
primarily related to decreased sales of Mexican sourced avocados, as well as pineapples. These
decreases were partially offset, however, by increased sales from Chilean sourced avocados, as well
as tomatoes. While the procurement of fresh avocados related to our
14
fresh products segment is very seasonal, our processed products business is generally not
subject to a seasonal effect. For the related three-month period, our processed products business
sales increased when compared to the corresponding prior year period. This was primarily due to an
increase in total pounds of product sold.
Net sales to third parties by segment exclude value-added services billed by our Uruapan
packinghouse and our Uruapan processing plant to the parent company. All intercompany sales are
eliminated in our consolidated results of operations.
Fresh products
Net sales delivered by the business decreased by approximately $3.8 million, or 6.4%, for the
first quarter of fiscal 2010, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2009. As discussed
above, this decrease in fresh product sales during the first quarter of fiscal 2010 was primarily
related to a decrease in sales of Mexican sourced avocados (due primarily to a decrease in both
units sold and sales price per unit), as well as pineapples (due primarily to a decrease in both
units sold and sales price per unit). These decreases were partially offset, however, by increased
sales from Chilean sourced avocados (due primarily to an increase in units sold), as well as
tomatoes (due primarily to an increase in sales price per unit).
Sales of Mexican sourced avocados decreased $7.8 million, or 17.3%, for the first quarter of
2010, when compared to the same prior year period. The decrease in Mexican sourced avocados was
primarily related to a decrease in the average selling price per carton of Mexican avocados, which
decreased approximately 9.5% when compared to the same prior year period. We attribute much of
this decrease to the volume of non-Mexican sourced avocados in the U.S. marketplace during the
first quarter of 2010, as compared to the same prior year period. Additionally, the volume of
Mexican fruit sold decreased by 3.7 million pounds, or 8.7%, when compared to the same prior year
period. We attribute some of this decrease in volume to the aforementioned decrease in sales
prices, as discussed above, as growers were less willing to harvest their fruit.
Sales of pineapples decreased $1.9 million, or 52.8% for the first quarter of fiscal 2010,
when compared to the same period for fiscal 2009. The decrease in sales for pineapples was
primarily due to a decrease in volume by 39.1% when compared to the same prior year period. This
decrease is primarily related to our agreement with Maui Pineapple Company ending in December 2009.
We believe that we have secured an additional Hawaiian source of pineapples and are currently pursuing
other sources as well.
Partially offsetting such decreases was an increase in sales of Chilean sourced avocados,
which increased $2.3 million, or 122.9%, for the first quarter of 2010, when compared to the same
prior year period. This increase was primarily related to the increase in the volume of Chilean
fruit sold of 2.4 million pounds, or 135.2%. We believe this increase was primarily related to the
significantly larger size of the Chilean avocado crop. The price per pound experienced a decrease
of 5.2% for the first quarter of fiscal 2010, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2009, due
primarily to such increased crop size.
Sales of tomatoes increased $4.0 million, or 100.2%, for the first quarter of fiscal 2010,
when compared to the same period for fiscal 2009. The increase in sales for tomatoes is primarily
due to a significant increase in the average per carton selling price of 84.6%. We attribute some
of the increase in the per carton selling price to the lower volume of tomatoes in the U.S.
marketplace (due to weather conditions in Florida) during the first quarter of our fiscal 2010, as
compared to the same prior period.
We anticipate that California avocado sales will experience a seasonal and cyclical increase
during our second fiscal quarter of 2010, as compared to the first quarter of 2010 and second
fiscal quarter of 2009.
We anticipate that net sales related to Mexican sourced avocados and tomatoes will increase
during our second fiscal quarter of 2010, as compared to the first fiscal quarter of 2010. We
anticipate Chilean avocados to experience a seasonal decrease.
15
Processed products
Processed product sales for the quarter ended January 31, 2010, when compared to the same
period for fiscal 2009, increased $0.5 million, or 4.7%. This increase was primarily related to a
3.7% net increase in total pounds sold. The increase in pounds sold primarily related to an
increase in the pounds sold of our high-pressure guacamole products, which increased approximately
10.3%, but was partially offset by a decrease in the sale of our frozen guacamole products, which
decreased approximately 1.8% when compared to the same prior year period. The net average selling
price of our processed products did not significantly change during our first fiscal quarter of
2010 when compared to the same prior year period.
Based primarily on the sluggish economy in the United States, we believe that retail sales, as
a percentage of total net processed product sales, may increase in the future.
Gross Margins
The following table summarizes our gross margins and gross profit percentages by business
segment for each of the three-month periods ended January 31, 2010 and 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended January 31, |
|
(in thousands) |
|
2010 |
|
|
Change |
|
|
2009 |
|
Gross margins: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fresh products |
|
$ |
4,819 |
|
|
|
(45.2 |
)% |
|
$ |
8,789 |
|
Processed products |
|
|
4,056 |
|
|
|
10.5 |
% |
|
|
3,670 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total gross margins |
|
$ |
8,875 |
|
|
|
(28.8 |
)% |
|
$ |
12,459 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit percentages: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fresh products |
|
|
8.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.6 |
% |
Processed products |
|
|
36.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
35.0 |
% |
Consolidated |
|
|
13.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
17.6 |
% |
Our cost of goods sold consists predominantly of fruit costs, packing materials, freight and
handling, labor and overhead (including depreciation) associated with preparing food products and
other direct expenses pertaining to products sold. Gross margins decreased by approximately $3.6
million, or 28.8%, for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 when compared to the same period for fiscal
2009. These decreases were primarily attributable to reductions in our fresh products segment.
During our first fiscal quarter of 2010, as compared to the same prior year period, the
decrease in our fresh products segment gross margin percentage was primarily related to a similar
fruit cost year-over-year, but at a lower selling price, for Mexican sourced avocados. We believe
this decrease in selling price is primarily related to a significantly higher volume of non-Mexican
fruit in the U.S marketplace, which put downward pressure on carton selling prices. As a result of
this downward pressure, we were not able to purchase Mexican sourced fruit as effectively (in
relation to the selling price) as we were able to in the same prior year period. Additionally, we
experienced a decrease in the volume of Mexican sourced avocados sold by 3.7 million pounds or
8.7%, which we believe was primarily related to the aforementioned pricing pressure. Combined,
these had the effect of increasing our per pound costs, which, as a result, negatively impacted
gross margins.
The processed products gross profit percentages for the first quarter of fiscal 2010, as
compared to the same prior year period, increased primarily as a result of lower fruit costs. Note
that for our processed products, specifically our frozen products, inventory typically turns at a
much slower rate than fresh inventory (i.e. inventory costs for processed products often relate to
earlier periods when compared to fresh inventory).
16
Selling, General and Administrative
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended January 31, |
|
(in thousands) |
|
2010 |
|
|
Change |
|
|
2009 |
|
Selling, general and administrative |
|
$ |
5,164 |
|
|
|
(2.6 |
)% |
|
$ |
5,300 |
|
Percentage of net sales |
|
|
7.7 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.5 |
% |
Selling, general and administrative expenses include costs of marketing and advertising, sales
expenses and other general and administrative costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses
decreased $0.1 million, or 2.6%, for the three months ended January 31, 2010, when compared to the
same period for fiscal 2009. This decrease was primarily related to lower corporate costs,
including, but not limited to, costs related to a decrease in bad debt expense (totaling
approximately $0.2 million), as well as a decrease in expected management bonuses (totaling
approximately $0.1 million). These decreases were partially offset by increases in director fees
(totaling approximately $0.1 million) and legal fees (totaling approximately $0.1 million).
Provision for Income Taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended January 31, |
|
(in thousands) |
|
2010 |
|
|
Change |
|
|
2009 |
|
Provision for income taxes |
|
$ |
1,473 |
|
|
|
(45.6 |
)% |
|
$ |
2,708 |
|
Percentage of income before
provision for income taxes |
|
|
39.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
38.2 |
% |
For the first three months of fiscal 2010, our provision for income taxes was $1.5 million, as
compared to $2.7 million for the comparable prior year period. We expect our effective tax rate to
be approximately 39% during fiscal 2010.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash used in operating activities was $0.4 million for the three months ended January 31,
2010, compared to $5.2 million provided by operations for the similar period in fiscal 2009.
Operating cash flows for the three months ended January 31, 2010 reflect our net income of $2.3
million, net non-cash charges (depreciation and amortization, stock compensation expense, interest
on deferred consideration, and income from Maui, LLC) of $0.7 million and a net decrease in the
noncash components of our operating capital of approximately $3.4 million.
Our operating capital decrease primarily includes a net increase in accounts receivable of
$6.8 million, an increase in advances to suppliers of $3.8 million, and an increase in inventory of
$1.7 million, partially offset by an increase in trade accounts payable and accrued expenses of
$6.3 million, a decrease in income tax receivable of $1.4 million, and an increase in payable to
growers of $1.2 million.
The increase in our accounts receivable, as of January 31, 2010, when compared to October 31,
2009, primarily reflects higher sales recorded in the month of January 2010, as compared to October
2009. The increase in advances to suppliers primarily reflects advances made to Agricola Belher
related to the receipt of tomatoes. The increase in inventory is primarily related to an increase
in the fresh fruit on hand at January 31, 2010. This was primarily driven by more fruit being
delivered for California sourced avocados in the month of January 2010, as compared to October
2009, as well as an increase in
the volume of Mexican avocados purchased during our first fiscal quarter of 2010. The increase in
accounts payable and accrued expenses is primarily related to an increase in our payables related
to tomatoes and Chilean avocados. The decrease in payable to our growers primarily reflects a
decrease in California fruit delivered in the month of January 2010, as compared to October 31,
2009. The decrease in income tax receivable relates primarily to income from operations through
the three months ended January 31, 2010. The increase in payable to growers primarily relates to
more fruit being delivered for California sourced avocados in the month of January 2010, as
compared to October 2009.
17
Cash used in investing activities was $1.3 million for the three months ended January 31, 2010
and related principally to the purchase of property, plant and equipment items.
Cash provided by financing activities was $1.8 million for the three months ended January 31,
2010, which related principally to borrowings on our credit facilities totaling $9.0 million,
partially offset by the payment of our $7.3 million dividend.
Our principal sources of liquidity
are our existing cash balances, cash generated from
operations and amounts available for borrowing under our existing credit facilities. Cash and cash
equivalents as of January 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009 totaled $1.0 million and $0.9 million. Our
working capital at January 31, 2010 was $14.2 million, compared to $12.6 million at October 31,
2009.
We believe that cash flows from operations and available credit facilities will be sufficient
to satisfy our future capital expenditures, grower recruitment efforts, working capital and other
financing requirements. We will continue to evaluate grower recruitment opportunities and
exclusivity arrangements with food service companies to fuel growth in each of our business
segments. Our non-collateralized, revolving credit facilities with Farm Credit West, PCA and Bank
of America, N.A. expire in February 2012 and July 2011. Under the terms of these agreements, we
are advanced funds for both working capital and long-term productive asset purchases. Total credit
available under these combined borrowing agreements was $45 million, with a weighted-average
interest rate of 2.1% and 2.4% at January 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009. Under these credit
facilities, we had $21.0 million and $12.0 million outstanding as January 31, 2010 and October 31,
2009, of which $6.5 million was classified as a long-term liability as January 31, 2010 and October
31, 2009. These credit facilities contain various financial covenants, the most significant
relating to tangible net worth (as defined), and Funded Debt to Earnings Before Interest, Taxes,
Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) (as defined). We were in compliance with all such covenants
at January 31, 2010.
Contractual Obligations
There have been no material changes to our contractual commitments from those previously
disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended October 31, 2009. For a
summary of the contractual commitments at October 31, 2009, see Part II, Item 7, in our 2009 Annual
Report on Form 10-K.
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
See footnote 1 to the consolidated condensed financial statements that are included in this
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
18
|
|
|
ITEM 3. |
|
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, payable to
growers, accounts payable, current and long-term borrowings pursuant to our credit facilities with
financial institutions, and long-term, fixed-rate obligations. All of our financial instruments
are entered into during the normal course of operations and have not been acquired for trading
purposes. The table below summarizes interest rate sensitive financial instruments and presents
principal cash flows in U.S. dollars, which is our reporting currency, and weighted-average
interest rates by expected maturity dates, as of January 31, 2010.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expected maturity date January 31, |
|
(All amounts in thousands) |
|
2010 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
Thereafter |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents (1) |
|
$ |
972 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
972 |
|
|
$ |
972 |
|
Accounts receivable (1) |
|
|
29,163 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29,163 |
|
|
|
29,163 |
|
Advances to suppliers (1) |
|
|
6,152 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,152 |
|
|
|
6,152 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payable to growers (1) |
|
$ |
1,650 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
1,650 |
|
|
$ |
1,650 |
|
Accounts payable (1) |
|
|
2,446 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,446 |
|
|
|
2,446 |
|
Current borrowings pursuant to credit
facilities (1) |
|
|
14,570 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,570 |
|
|
|
14,570 |
|
Long-term borrowings pursuant to credit
facilities (2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
5,450 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,450 |
|
|
|
6,566 |
|
Fixed-rate long-term obligations (3) |
|
|
1,367 |
|
|
|
1,370 |
|
|
|
1,373 |
|
|
|
1,376 |
|
|
|
1,380 |
|
|
|
1,942 |
|
|
|
8,808 |
|
|
|
9,872 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
We believe the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable,
advances to suppliers, payable to growers, accounts payable, and current borrowings
pursuant to credit facilities approximate their fair value due to the short maturity of
these financial instruments. |
|
(2) |
|
Long-term borrowings pursuant to our credit facility bears interest at 2.3%. We
believe that a portfolio of loans with a similar risk profile would currently yield a
return of 1.4%. We project the impact of an increase or decrease in interest rates of 100
basis points would result in a change of fair value by approximately $178,000. |
|
(3) |
|
Fixed-rate long-term obligations bear interest rates ranging from 4.3% to 6.4% with a
weighted-average interest rate of 6.2%. We believe that loans with a similar risk profile
would currently yield a return of 2.5%. We project the impact of an increase or decrease
in interest rates of 100 basis points would result in a change of fair value of
approximately $327,000. |
We were not a party to any derivative instruments during the fiscal year. It is currently
our intent not to use derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes. Additionally, we
do not use any hedging or forward contracts to offset market volatility.
Our Mexican-based operations transact business in Mexican pesos. Funds are transferred by our
corporate office to Mexico on a weekly basis to satisfy domestic cash needs. Historically, the
consistency of the spot rate for the Mexican peso has led to a small-to-moderate impact on our
operating results. Based on the significant decrease in the valuation of the Mexican
peso to the U.S. dollar over the past eighteen months, however, we are currently considering the use of derivative instruments to
hedge the fluctuation in the Mexican peso in our fiscal 2010. Total foreign currency gains for the
three months ended January 31, 2010, and 2009, net of losses, was less than $0.1 million.
|
|
|
ITEM 4. |
|
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal
executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure
controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), as of the end of the period covered by this report.
Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer
concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
There were no changes in the Companys internal control over financial reporting during the
quarter ended January 31, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to
materially affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
19
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
|
|
|
ITEM 1. |
|
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS |
We are involved in litigation in the ordinary course of business, none of which we believe
will have a material adverse impact on our financial position or results of operations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
Asset Purchase and Contribution Agreement dated February 8, 2010
among Calavo Growers, Inc., Calavo Salsa Lisa LLC, Lisas Salsa
Company, Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson. (Portions of this
agreement have been deleted and filed separately with the Securities
and Exchange Commission Pursuant to a request for confidential
treatment.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.1 |
|
|
Amendment No. 3 to Loan
Agreement dated February 9, 2010 between Bank of America, N.A. and Calavo Growers, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.2 |
|
|
Term Revolving Credit Agreement dated April 9, 2008 (effective date May 1, 2008) between
Farm Credit West, PCA, and Calavo Growers, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.3 |
|
|
Amended and Restated Limited
Liability Company Agreement for Calavo Salsa Lisa, LLC dated February
8, 2010 among Calavo Growers, Inc., Calavo Salsa Lisa LLC, Lisas Salsa
Company, Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson. (Portions of this
agreement have been deleted and filed separately with the Securities
and Exchange Commission Pursuant to a request for confidential
treatment.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31.1 |
|
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 7241, as
Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31.2 |
|
|
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 7241, as
Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32.1 |
|
|
Certification by Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of
Periodic Report Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. |
20
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Calavo Growers, Inc.
(Registrant)
|
|
Date: March 11, 2010 |
By |
/s/ Lecil E. Cole
|
|
|
|
Lecil E. Cole |
|
|
|
Chairman of the Board of Directors,
Chief Executive Officer and President
(Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
Date: March 11, 2010 |
By |
/s/ Arthur J. Bruno
|
|
|
|
Arthur J. Bruno |
|
|
|
Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer
and Corporate Secretary
(Principal Financial Officer) |
|
21
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
Number |
|
Description |
|
2.1 |
|
|
Asset Purchase and Contribution Agreement dated February 8, 2010
among Calavo Growers, Inc., Calavo Salsa Lisa LLC, Lisas Salsa
Company, Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson. (Portions of this
agreement have been deleted and filed separately with the Securities
and Exchange Commission Pursuant to a request for confidential
treatment.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.1 |
|
|
Amendment No. 3 to Loan
Agreement dated February 9, 2010 between Bank of America, N.A. and Calavo Growers, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.2 |
|
|
Term Revolving Credit Agreement dated April 9, 2008 (effective date May 1, 2008) between
Farm Credit West, PCA, and Calavo Growers, Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.3 |
|
|
Amended and Restated Limited
Liability Company Agreement for Calavo Salsa Lisa, LLC dated February
8, 2010 among Calavo Growers, Inc., Calavo Salsa Lisa LLC, Lisas Salsa
Company, Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson. (Portions of this
agreement have been deleted and filed separately with the Securities
and Exchange Commission Pursuant to a request for confidential
treatment.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
31.1 |
|
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 7241, as Adopted Pursuant
to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
31.2 |
|
|
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 7241, as Adopted
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
32.1 |
|
|
Certification by Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Periodic Report
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. |
22
exv2w1
Exhibit 2.1
Text marked by [ * * *] has been omitted pursuant to a Request for Confidential Treatment and
was filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
EXECUTION VERSION
ASSET PURCHASE AND CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
AMONG
CALAVO GROWERS, INC.,
a California Corporation,
CALAVO SALSA LISA, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company,
LISAS SALSA COMPANY,
a Minnesota corporation,
AND
ELIZABETH NICHOLSON AND ERIC NICHOLSON
Dated as of February 8, 2010
Table of Contents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 1 |
|
DEFINITIONS |
|
|
1 |
|
1.1 |
|
Definitions |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 2 |
|
PURCHASE OF THE TRANSFERRED ASSETS; PURCHASE PRICE |
|
|
7 |
|
2.1 |
|
Sale and Purchase of Assets |
|
|
7 |
|
2.2 |
|
Liabilities |
|
|
8 |
|
2.3 |
|
Purchase Price.The aggregate purchase price payable by Purchaser for the Transferred Assets (the Purchase Price) is: |
|
|
9 |
|
2.4 |
|
Earn Out Payments |
|
|
9 |
|
2.5 |
|
Allocation of Purchase Price |
|
|
11 |
|
2.6 |
|
Power of Attorney |
|
|
11 |
|
2.7 |
|
Post-Closing Accounts Receivable |
|
|
12 |
|
2.8 |
|
Transferred Assets Cooperation |
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 3 |
|
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF COMPANY AND THE SHAREHOLDERS |
|
|
13 |
|
3.1 |
|
Organization and Good Standing of Company |
|
|
13 |
|
3.2 |
|
Capitalization of Company |
|
|
13 |
|
3.3 |
|
Corporate Powers |
|
|
13 |
|
3.4 |
|
Authority of Company and Shareholders |
|
|
13 |
|
3.5 |
|
Binding Effect |
|
|
14 |
|
3.6 |
|
No Breach |
|
|
14 |
|
3.7 |
|
Consents |
|
|
14 |
|
3.8 |
|
Subsidiaries and Other Equity Investments |
|
|
14 |
|
3.9 |
|
Interests of Owners of Company |
|
|
14 |
|
3.10 |
|
Financial Statements |
|
|
14 |
|
3.11 |
|
Undisclosed Liabilities |
|
|
15 |
|
3.12 |
|
Absence of Certain Changes |
|
|
15 |
|
3.13 |
|
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting |
|
|
16 |
|
3.14 |
|
Receivables |
|
|
16 |
|
3.15 |
|
Payables |
|
|
16 |
|
3.16 |
|
Real Property |
|
|
16 |
|
3.17 |
|
Leases of Personal Property |
|
|
16 |
|
3.18 |
|
Ownership and Use of Assets |
|
|
17 |
|
3.19 |
|
[Omitted] |
|
|
17 |
|
3.20 |
|
Insurance |
|
|
17 |
|
3.21 |
|
Guarantees |
|
|
17 |
|
3.22 |
|
Loan Agreements |
|
|
17 |
|
3.23 |
|
Supplier and Customer Relationships |
|
|
17 |
|
3.24 |
|
[***] |
|
|
17 |
|
3.25 |
|
[***] |
|
|
17 |
|
3.26 |
|
Inventory |
|
|
18 |
|
i
Table of Contents
(continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.27 |
|
Other Agreements |
|
|
18 |
|
3.28 |
|
Absence of Defaults |
|
|
18 |
|
3.29 |
|
Litigation |
|
|
18 |
|
3.30 |
|
Compliance with Laws |
|
|
18 |
|
3.31 |
|
Environmental Matters |
|
|
18 |
|
3.32 |
|
Proprietary Information |
|
|
19 |
|
3.33 |
|
Tax Matters |
|
|
19 |
|
3.34 |
|
Employees |
|
|
20 |
|
3.35 |
|
Finders and Brokers |
|
|
20 |
|
3.36 |
|
Accuracy and Completeness |
|
|
21 |
|
3.37 |
|
Securities Laws |
|
|
21 |
|
3.38 |
|
No Other Representations |
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 4 |
|
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER |
|
|
22 |
|
4.1 |
|
Organization and Good Standing |
|
|
22 |
|
4.2 |
|
Corporate Powers |
|
|
22 |
|
4.3 |
|
Authority |
|
|
22 |
|
4.4 |
|
Binding Effect |
|
|
22 |
|
4.5 |
|
Issuance of Membership Interests to Company |
|
|
22 |
|
4.6 |
|
No Breach |
|
|
23 |
|
4.7 |
|
Consents |
|
|
23 |
|
4.8 |
|
Finders and Brokers |
|
|
23 |
|
4.9 |
|
Accuracy and Completeness |
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23 |
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4.10 |
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Nonreliance |
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23 |
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4.11 |
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Orders, Actions or Agreements Affecting the Ability of the Company to Operate |
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23 |
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ARTICLE 5 |
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MISCELLANEOUS AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES |
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24 |
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5.1 |
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Consents from Third Parties; Governmental Filings; Cooperation; Estoppel Letters |
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24 |
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5.2 |
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Agreements Regarding Employees After the Closing |
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24 |
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5.3 |
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Cooperation on Tax Matters |
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25 |
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5.4 |
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Lease Assumption |
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25 |
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5.5 |
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Further Assurance; Post-Closing Cooperation |
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25 |
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ARTICLE 6 |
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CLOSING |
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25 |
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6.1 |
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Time, Place, and Date |
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25 |
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6.2 |
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Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Purchaser |
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26 |
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6.3 |
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Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Company and Sellers |
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27 |
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ARTICLE 7 |
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POST-CLOSING CONFIDENTIALITY AND NON-COMPETITION COVENANTS |
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27 |
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7.1 |
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Confidentiality |
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27 |
|
ii
Table of Contents
(continued)
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Page |
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7.2 |
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Non-Competition and Unfair Competition Covenant |
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28 |
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7.3 |
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Duration |
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29 |
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7.4 |
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Scope and Reasonableness |
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29 |
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7.5 |
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Name Change |
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29 |
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7.6 |
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Purchasers Remedies |
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29 |
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7.7 |
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Venue |
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30 |
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ARTICLE 8 |
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INDEMNIFICATION |
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30 |
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8.1 |
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Survival of Representations, Warranties, and Agreements |
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30 |
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8.2 |
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Indemnification by Company and the Shareholders |
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31 |
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8.3 |
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Indemnification by Purchaser |
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31 |
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8.4 |
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Notice of Claims; Contest of Claims |
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32 |
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8.5 |
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Additional Indemnification Limitations |
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33 |
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ARTICLE 9 |
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GENERAL PROVISIONS |
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34 |
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9.1 |
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Notices |
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34 |
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9.2 |
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Amendments and Termination; Entire Agreement |
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35 |
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9.3 |
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Incorporation of Exhibits and Schedules |
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35 |
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9.4 |
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Successors and Assigns |
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35 |
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9.5 |
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Calculation of Time |
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36 |
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9.6 |
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Further Assurances |
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36 |
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9.7 |
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Provisions Subject to Applicable Law |
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36 |
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9.8 |
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Waiver of Rights |
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36 |
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9.9 |
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Headings; Gender and Number; Interpretation |
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36 |
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9.10 |
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Expenses |
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37 |
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9.11 |
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Counterparts |
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37 |
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9.12 |
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Representation by Counsel |
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37 |
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9.13 |
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Governing Laws |
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37 |
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9.14 |
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Jury Trial |
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37 |
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9.15 |
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Injunctive Relief |
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37 |
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9.16 |
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Equity Holder Approval |
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37 |
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iii
ASSET PURCHASE AND CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
THIS ASSET PURCHASE AND CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (Agreement) is entered into as of
February 8, 2010, and effective as set forth in Article 6, by and among Calavo Growers, Inc., a
California corporation (Calavo), Calavo Salsa Lisa, LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company (Purchaser), Lisas Salsa Company, a Minnesota corporation (Company)
and Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson (the Shareholders, and together with Company,
the Sellers).
WHEREAS, Company is engaged in the business of producing and distributing salsa and salsa
products (the Business).
WHEREAS, Company desires to sell, transfer and assign to Purchaser, and Purchaser desires to
purchase, the Transferred Assets (as defined below) for the consideration and on the terms set
forth in this Agreement.
WHEREAS, Calavo owns all of the outstanding equity interests of Purchaser, and the
Shareholders own all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Company.
WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of Calavo and Company have determined that it is in the best
interests of Calavo, Purchaser and Company and their respective shareholders for Purchaser to
purchase the Transferred Assets upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
WHEREAS, in connection with the purchase and sale of the Transferred Assets, Company desires
to contribute to Purchaser, and Purchaser desires to accept from Company, a portion of the goodwill
related to the Business, in exchange for 35% of the equity of the Purchaser, in a transaction
intended to qualify as a tax-deferred contribution under Section 721 of the Internal Revenue Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants and agreements
hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
1.1 Definitions.
[***] shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.24.
Accounts Payable shall mean trade payables incurred by Company prior to the Closing
Date in the ordinary course of business, including but not limited to those set forth on
Schedule 1.1.
Accounts Receivable shall mean all accounts, notes and other receivables which
relate to the Business accrued to Company prior to the Closing Date including but not limited to
those set forth on Schedule 1.1.
Affected Employees shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.
Affiliate means: (a) with respect to a person, any member of such persons family;
(b) with respect to an entity, any officer, director, stockholder, partner or investor of or in
such entity or of or in any Affiliate of such entity; and (c) with respect to a person or entity,
any person or entity which directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls, is
Controlled by, or is under common Control with such person or entity. Control means
possession, directly or indirectly, of power to direct or cause the direction of management or
policies (whether through ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise).
Agreement shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
Ancillary Documents means any agreement, certificate or other document executed on
or prior to Closing in connection with this Agreement.
Assumed Liabilities means any liabilities or other obligations under agreements
included in the Transferred Assets and effectively assigned to Purchaser that, according to such
agreements, relate solely to periods after the Closing Date (but, in each case, specifically
excluding any obligation to the extent relating to or arising out of (i) any breach of such
agreements occurring prior to the Closing Date or as a result of the Closing, (ii) any violation of
law, breach of warranty, tort or infringement or misappropriation occurring prior to the Closing
Date or as a result of the Closing; (iii) any product liability, infringement or misappropriation
claims with respect to products delivered or manufactured for sale (including works-in-progress)
prior to the Closing Date; or (iv) any charge, complaint, Proceeding, investigation, claim or
demand relating to subsections (i), (ii) or (iii) above); provided that, without limiting the
generality of the foregoing and for the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall Assumed Liabilities
include any Retained Liability.
Base Purchase Price shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.
Bill of Sale shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.2.
Business shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
Calavo shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
Closing shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1.
Closing A/R Schedule shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.2.
Closing Date means the date of the Closing.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and all Laws promulgated
pursuant thereto or in connection therewith.
Contribution shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.
Common Stock means shares of common stock of Company.
2
Company shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
Companys Closing Documents shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.2.
[***] shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.2.
Disclosure Schedule shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph
of Article 3.
Earn Out Fiscal Year shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4.
Earn Out Payment Milestones shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4.
Earn Out Payments shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.
Employment Agreement shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.
Environmental Law means all federal, state, and local laws, judicial decisions,
regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders, and decrees, now or previously in effect and
regulating, relating to, or imposing liability or standards of conduct concerning air emissions,
water discharges, noise emissions, the release or threatened release of any hazardous material into
the environment, the generation, handling, treatment, storage, transport or disposal of any
hazardous material, or otherwise concerning pollution or the protection of the outdoor or indoor
environment.
Excluded Assets means (i) all stock and other ownership interests in Company, (ii)
Companys Organizational Documents, qualifications to conduct business as a foreign corporation,
arrangements with registered agents relating to foreign qualifications, taxpayer and other
identification numbers, seals, minute books, stock transfer books and blank stock certificates and
other documents relating primarily to the organization, maintenance and existence of Company as a
corporation or limited liability company, as applicable (provided that Purchaser
shall be entitled to receive a copy of relevant documentation reasonably requested by Purchaser),
(iii) all rights of Company or the Shareholders under or pursuant to this Agreement and the
Disclosure Schedule, (iv) all contracts and agreements between Company and either or both
Shareholders or their Affiliates, (v) any cash in excess of the Transferred Cash, (vi) the desk of
Elizabeth Nicholson, (viii) all accounts, notes and other receivables of Company which relate to
the Business, including the Accounts Receivable, (ix) all Insurance Policies, including any rights
and claims thereunder, (ix) any bank accounts of Company (provided that the retention by Company of
such bank accounts shall in no way affect Transferred Cash being considered a
Transferred Asset),and (ix) all other assets, agreements and properties of Company
specifically listed or described on the attached Schedule 1.1.
Financial Statements shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.10.
Form 8594 shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5.
GAAP means United States generally accepted accounting principles, consistently
applied.
3
Governmental Entity means any United States government, any state or other political
subdivision thereof or any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or
administrative functions of or pertaining to government, including, without limitation, the
Securities and Exchange Commission and any state securities commissions.
Included Products shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4.
Indebtedness means any and all of the following Liabilities of Company, whether or
not contingent: (i) indebtedness for borrowed money (including any principal, premium, accrued and
unpaid interest, related expenses, prepayment penalties, commitment and other fees, sale or
liquidity participation amounts, reimbursements, indemnities and all other amounts payable in
connection therewith), (ii) Liabilities evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, or other similar
instruments or debt securities, (iii) Liabilities of Company under or in connection with letters of
credit or bankers acceptances or similar items, (iv) all Liabilities arising from cash/book
overdrafts, (v) Liabilities under capitalized leases, (vi) all Liabilities of Company under
conditional sale or other title retention agreements, (vii) all Liabilities with respect to vendor
advances or any other advances made to Company, (viii) all Liabilities of Company arising from any
breach of any of the foregoing, (ix) any prepayment penalties or similar Liabilities associated
with the foregoing, (x) Liabilities of Company to either Shareholder or any of their Affiliates,
including Promissory Note, dated January 1, 2010, payable to the Shareholders, and (x) all
indebtedness of others guaranteed or secured by any lien or security interest on the assets of
Company.
Insurance Policies shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.20.
Intellectual Property means all intellectual property of any type or nature of
Company, including the rights of Company to the names, terms, trademarks, service marks and/or
trade names [***], and any other similar or associated trademarks (whether registered or
unregistered), trade names, service names, trade styles, logos and designs, and all prints and
labels on which such trademarks, trade names, trade styles and service marks have appeared or
appear, and all designs and general intangibles of like nature, now existing or hereafter adopted
or acquired, including, without limitation, all designs, logos or word marks that incorporate,
constitute or comprise the terms, in the singular or in the plural, [***]; all right, title and
interest in the foregoing, all registrations and recordings of the foregoing, including all
applications,
registrations, and recordings in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or in any
similar office or agency of the United States, any state, or any foreign country, including any and
all goodwill associated therewith (collectively, the Trademarks), together with the
goodwill of the business in connection with which the Trademarks are used and which are symbolized
by the Trademarks, along with the right to recover for damages and profits for past infringements
thereof; all right, title and interest in and to all other intellectual property of any type or
nature of Company, including all corporate names, trade dress, brands, domain names, including
[***], logos, slogans, goodwill, copyrights, trade secrets, including any label descriptions,
website descriptions, and sale sheet descriptions used by Company, and all applications and
registrations with respect to any of the foregoing, and all continuations, continuations-in-part,
reissues, re-examinations, extensions and renewals thereof.
IRS means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
4
Knowledge means with respect to any person that is an entity, the knowledge of the
executive officers and directors of such person, after reasonable and due inquiry or based upon the
current books and records of such person; provided, that with respect to the Company, Knowledge
means to the knowledge of Elizabeth Nicholson, after reasonable and due inquiry or based upon the
current books and records of the Company and that with respect to the Purchaser, Knowledge means to
the knowledge of Michael Lippold, after reasonable and due inquiry based upon the current books and
records of Purchaser.
Laws means all foreign, federal, state and local statutes, laws, ordinances,
regulations, rules, resolutions, orders, determinations, writs, injunctions, awards, judgments and
decrees applicable to the specified persons or entities.
Lease means that certain Lease Agreement, dated June 16, 2006, between Company and
Marsden Investment, LLC, as amended.
Lease Assignment Consent shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.2.
Liabilities means all Indebtedness, obligations, losses, damages, costs, expenses
and other liabilities, whether absolute, accrued, matured, contingent, known or unknown, fixed or
otherwise.
Limited Liability Company Agreement means the amended and restated limited liability
company agreement of Purchaser, which shall be substantially in the form and substance of
Exhibit A attached hereto.
Losses shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.
Net Sales shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4.
Material Adverse Effect and Material Adverse Change mean (i) any effect
on, or change in, the business of the given person or other event, fact or circumstance that (alone
or in the aggregate) is or that a reasonable person would believe would be expected to be
materially adverse to the business, operations, properties, assets or condition (financial or
otherwise) of the person, or (ii) an event, fact or circumstance that has or would have a
significant likelihood of a material adverse effect on the ability of the person to perform its
obligations under this Agreement and/or the Ancillary Documents.
Membership Interests mean membership interests of Purchaser, as defined in the
Limited Liability Company Agreement.
Order means any award, decision, injunction, judgment, order, ruling, subpoena, or
verdict entered, issued, made, or rendered by any court, administrative agency, or other
Governmental Entity or by any arbitrator.
Organizational Documents means (a) the articles or certificate of incorporation and
the bylaws of a corporation; (b) the articles or certificate of formation and limited liability
company agreement of a limited liability company; (c) any charter or similar document adopted or
filed in
5
connection with the creation, formation, or organization of a person; and (d) any
amendment to any of the foregoing.
Proceeding means any action, arbitration, audit, hearing, investigation, litigation,
or suit (whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative, or informal) commenced, brought,
conducted, or heard by or before, or otherwise involving, any Governmental Entity, court, or
arbitrator.
Product shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.24.
Purchase Price shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.
Purchaser shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
Purchasers Closing Documents shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.
Recipe Information means [***].
Retained Liabilities means (i) Indebtedness, (ii) Accounts Payable, (iii) expenses
of Company (with respect to expenses incurred by or on behalf of Company or the Shareholders)
incident to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereunder including all legal,
accounting and investment banking fees and disbursements and any sale, success, transaction or
similar bonuses paid or payable to employees or consultants of Company in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iv) any obligation to the extent relating to or
arising as a result of (A) any breach of an agreement of Company occurring prior to the Closing
Date or as a result of the Closing, (B) any violation of law, breach of warranty, tort or
infringement or misappropriation occurring prior to the Closing Date or as a result of the
Closing; (C) any product liability, infringement or misappropriation claims with respect to
products delivered or manufactured for sale (including works-in-progress) prior to the Closing
Date, or (D) any litigation, arbitration, charge, complaint, Proceeding, investigation, claim or
demand (including, without limitation, any claims and legal proceedings that are listed on a
schedule to this Agreement), whether brought before or after the Closing, that is based upon or
arises out of any actions or omissions made or taken by the Company or either Shareholder prior to
the Closing, (v) any liability of Company for Taxes, and (vi) any other obligations and other
Liabilities of Company or either Shareholder, other than those specifically included as Assumed
Liabilities.
SBA Lender means Park Midway Bank.
SBA Loan means any loans to Company pursuant to that certain Note, dated January 9,
2001, between Company and the SBA Lender.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Securities Laws means, collectively, the Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, the Advisors Act, the Investment Company Act or any rules or regulations promulgated by a
self-regulatory organization and all state securities laws, as amended, and the rules and
regulations thereunder.
6
Shareholders shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
Tax Returns means all returns, declarations, reports, claims for refund, or
information returns or statements relating to Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto,
and including any amendment thereof.
Taxes means all federal, state, local and foreign taxes and installments of
estimated taxes, assessments, deficiencies, levies, imports, duties, license fees, registration
fees, withholdings, or other similar charges of every kind, character or description imposed by any
governmental or quasi-Governmental Entities, and any interest, penalties or additions to tax
imposed thereon or in connection therewith.
Transferred Assets has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.
Transferred Cash has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.
Transfer Taxes means all sales, use, transfer, recording, ad valorem and other
similar Taxes and fees.
TroyGould shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.12.
WARN Acts means, collectively, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act
of 1988 and any similar or comparable state law.
ARTICLE 2
PURCHASE OF THE TRANSFERRED ASSETS; PURCHASE PRICE
2.1 Sale and Purchase of Assets. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in this Agreement, and in reliance upon the representations, warranties, covenants and
agreements contained herein, Company hereby sells, assigns, transfers, conveys and delivers to
Purchaser, and Purchaser hereby purchases, acquires, accepts and takes possession of, all of
Companys right, title and interest in and to the Transferred Assets, free and clear of any and all
liens, security interests or other claims or encumbrances. The Transferred Assets shall mean all
of Company right, title and interest in the assets, property, goodwill, and business of every
kind, nature and description, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, choate or inchoate,
wherever situated, whether or not reflected in the Financial Statements, existing on the date
hereof, owned, leased, licensed or otherwise used or occupied by Company including, without
limitation, the following:
(a) Real Property. All leasehold interests in real estate, buildings and improvements
thereon, and easements, rights of way and other rights appurtenant thereto, which relate to the
Business, including but not limited to the Lease;
(b) Tangible Personal Property. All (i) inventory; (ii) equipment and machinery,
including repair parts, tools, and miscellaneous property; (iii) automobiles, trucks, and other
vehicles; and (iv) office furniture, fixtures, computers and other office equipment and supplies,
which relate to the Business, including but not limited to the property set forth on
7
Schedule
2.1(b) attached hereto; provided, however, that Elizabeth Nicholsons desk is not being
acquired by Purchaser and shall constitute an Excluded Asset;
(c) Contracts. All contracts, commitments, agreements, leases, arrangements,
undertakings and licenses, whether oral or written, which relate to the Business or the Transferred
Assets, other than contracts listed as Excluded Assets, including but not limited to those set
forth on Schedule 2.1(c) attached hereto; provided, however, that any contracts,
commitments, agreements, leases, arrangements, undertakings or licenses between Company and either
or both Shareholders or their Affiliates are not being acquired by Purchaser and shall constitute
Excluded Assets;
(d) Intellectual Property. All Intellectual Property that relates to the Business or
the Transferred Assets, including the Companys rights, title, and interest in and to the names,
terms, trademarks, tradenames and or service marks [***] and all rights and interests in the
domain name [***];
(e) Third-Party Claims. All rights and claims of the Company, whether mature,
contingent or otherwise, against third parties relating to the Transferred Assets or the
Business, whether in tort, contract or otherwise, including, without limitation, causes of
action, unliquidated rights and claims under or pursuant to all warranties, representations and
guarantees made by manufacturers, suppliers or vendors, but specifically excluding any rights and
claims of the Company relating to the Excluded Assets and Retained Liabilities.
(f) Permits and Licenses. To the extent that they are transferable, all permits,
approvals, orders, authorizations, consents, licenses, certificates, franchises, exemptions of, or
filings or registrations with, any court or regulatory authority in any jurisdiction, which have
been issued or granted to, or are owned or used by, the Company, in connection with the Business or
ownership of the Transferred Assets, and all pending applications therefore;
(g) Cash. Cash in an amount of at least $49,258.08 (the Transferred Cash);
(h) Files and Records. All of the Companys business and other books, papers, logs,
ledgers, files, records, customer lists, advertising and promotional materials, catalogues and
price lists, which relate to the Business or the Transferred Assets, and all computerized or
electronically stored versions thereof; and
(i) Goodwill. All good will and going concern value relating to the Business and the
Transferred Assets;
but excluding the Excluded Assets. Company shall not sell, assign, transfer, convey or deliver to
Purchaser, and Purchaser shall not purchase, acquire, accept, or take possession of any of the
Excluded Assets.
2.2 Liabilities. In connection with the sale, transfer, conveyance, assignment and
delivery of the Transferred Assets pursuant to this Agreement, Purchaser hereby assumes and becomes
liable for the Assumed Liabilities. Except for the Assumed Liabilities, Purchaser shall not assume
by virtue of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, and shall have no liability
for, any Retained Liabilities. Company remains liable for all Retained Liabilities.
8
2.3 Purchase Price.The aggregate purchase price payable by Purchaser for the
Transferred Assets (the Purchase Price) is:
(1) The base purchase price (the Base Purchase Price), payable by wire transfer
concurrently with the execution hereof, as follows: (a) to Company, $143,777.32; and (b) to the SBA
Lender, an amount, not to exceed $256,222.68, equal to the amount necessary to repay in full all
principal, accrued interest and other amounts owed on the SBA Loan on the Closing Date; plus
(2) A Membership Interest representing 35% of the Membership Interests (as defined in the
Limited Liability Company Agreement) of Purchaser, issuable to Company in exchange for a portion of
the Companys goodwill, valued at $53,846.15 (the Contribution); plus
(3) Earn-out payments (the Earn Out Payments) calculated and paid in the manner, and
subject to the terms and conditions, described in Section 2.4.
2.4 Earn Out Payments.
(a) Based upon the performance of Purchaser during each of its first seven fiscal years ending
after the Closing, beginning with the fiscal year ending October 31, 2010 and concluding with the
fiscal year ending October 31, 2016 (each such fiscal year, an Earn Out Fiscal Year),
Company shall be entitled to receive Earn Out Payments from Purchaser up to an aggregate amount of
$3,000,000, calculated and paid as follows (Earn Out Payment Milestones):
(1) The first Earn Out Fiscal Year, if any, in which Purchaser achieves Net Sales (defined
below) in excess of $30,000,000, Company shall be entitled to payment in an amount of $1,000,000;
(2) The first Earn Out Fiscal Year, if any, in which Purchaser achieves Net Sales in excess of
$40,000,000, Company shall be entitled to payment in an amount of $1,000,000; and
(3) The first Earn Out Fiscal Year, if any, in which Purchaser achieves Net Sales in excess of
$50,000,000, Company shall be entitled to payment in an amount of $1,000,000.
(b) For purposes of this Section 2.4, Net Sales shall only include Net Sales during the
applicable Earn Out Fiscal Year, and shall not be aggregated with any other period or Earn Out
Fiscal Year.
(c) [Omitted]
(d) More than one of the Earn Out Payment Milestones may be met in a particular Earn Out
Fiscal Year, but an Earn Out Payment shall only be made once per Earn Out Payment Milestone, and in
no event shall more than an aggregate of $3,000,000 in Earn Out Payments be made. For example, if
in each Earn Out Fiscal Year prior to the Earn Out Fiscal
9
Years ending in October 31, 2012,
Purchaser has Net Sales of less than $30,000,000, and then for the Earn Out Fiscal Year ending
October 31, 2013, Purchaser has Net Sales of $43,000,000, Company would be entitled to Earn Out
Payments of $2,000,000 for the Earn Out Fiscal Year ended October 31, 2013, because it is the first
Earn Out Fiscal Year in which Purchaser achieved Net Sales in excess of $30,000,000, and the first
Earn Out Fiscal Year in which Purchaser achieved Net Sales in excess of $40,000,000. If then in
the Earn Out Fiscal Year ending October 31, 2014, Purchaser has Net Sales of $53,000,000, Company
would be entitled to an Earn Out Payment of an additional $1,000,000, because it is the first year
in which Purchaser achieved Net Sales in excess of $50,000,000, but Company had already received
Earn Out Payments for the Earn Out Payment Milestones pursuant to subsection (a)(1) and (a)(2).
(e) Net Sales shall be determined by Purchaser (in consultation with Calavo) in
accordance with the accounting principles used by Calavo in determining its Net Sales reported in
its audited financial statements for the applicable fiscal year, including GAAP, provided however
that, for purposes of this Section:
(1) the amount of Net Sales shall be adjusted such that the amount of Net Sales is increased
to cancel out any Service Payments (as defined in the Limited Liability Company Agreement) made to
Calavo pursuant to the Limited Liability Company Agreement (for example, if Net Sales ([***]) generated by Purchaser after
payment of the Service Payments of [***] of Net Sales equals [***] in revenues, Net Sales for
purposes of this Section shall equal [***]); and
(2) Net Sales will only include Net Sales generated by Purchaser, Calavo or any of their
respective affiliates from [***].
(f) Subject to Section 7.6, any Earn Out Payments shall be paid no later than 30 days after
the filing of Calavos Annual Report on Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission for
the Earn Out Fiscal Year at issue (but in any event not later than 90 days after the end of the
Earn Out Fiscal Year at issue). Purchasers Executive Committee shall send notice of the
calculation of the Net Sales within 10 days of the filing of such annual report. In the event
that Purchaser is merged into Calavo or into any subsidiary of Calavo at any time prior to the last
day of the last Earn Out Fiscal Year, Calavo shall account for Purchaser as a separate profit and
accounting unit in order to permit calculation of the Earn Out Milestones. Sellers will have the
right to inspect the books and records of Purchaser and, if applicable, Calavo, for purposes of
reviewing the calculations of Net Sales for purposes of the Earn Out Payment, provided that Sellers
shall maintain the confidentiality of all confidential information about Purchaser or Calavo that
they acquire in connection with their investigation in accordance with the confidentiality
provisions set forth in this Agreement and the Limited Liability Company Agreement.
(g) Calavo guarantees to Company the timely performance of Purchasers obligations under this
Section 2.4. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event Purchaser fails to
make any payment under this Section 2.4, Calavo will make such payment to Company within three
business days after the date Purchaser was required to make the payment. In the event that
Purchaser is liquidated or that Purchaser is merged into Calavo, Calavo shall be
10
obligated to
perform Purchasers obligations under this Section 2.4. The obligations set forth in this Section
2.4 shall continue regardless of whether or not LSC (or any Permitted Transferees, as defined in
the Limited Liability Company Agreement) continue to be a member of Purchaser, or continues to hold
a Member Interest of Purchaser.
(h) As of the date of this Agreement, Purchasers fiscal year ends on October 31; Purchaser
promptly shall notify the Sellers if Purchaser subsequently changes its fiscal year,
and Purchaser and Sellers will work in good faith to amend the time periods in this Section
2.4 to correspond with Purchasers new fiscal year while preserving the intent of the parties with
respect to the Earn Out Payments.
2.5 Allocation of Purchase Price.
(a) The Sellers understand and acknowledge that Purchaser is currently undertaking an
appraisal of the value of the Transferred Assets. Purchaser and Sellers shall allocate the
Purchase Price in accordance with Code Section 1060 among the Transferred Assets, taking into
consideration the results of such appraisal. The Contribution of the Company to Purchaser will be
reported as a transaction under Section 721 of the Code for Tax purposes.
(b) Purchaser shall prepare an IRS Form 8594, Asset Acquisition Statement Under Section 1060
(Form 8594), for each of Purchaser and the Sellers, that is consistent with the
allocation of the Purchase Price described in this Section 2.5 and subject to review and approval
by Sellers, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Sellers shall timely file their
Form 8594 within ten days after Purchaser requests that they make such filing. If required by
applicable law, Purchaser shall also prepare and file amendments to Form 8594 for each of Purchaser
and the Sellers, subject to review and approval of Sellers, not to be unreasonably withheld, after
the exact amount of the Earn Out Payments has been determined and, within ten days after receiving
Purchasers request, the Sellers shall execute and file each such amended Form 8594.
(c) Purchaser, Company, and the Shareholders agree to be bound by the allocation of the
Purchase Price described in this Section 2.5 in the preparation, filing, and audit of all tax
returns, and each party agrees that (if required by applicable law) it shall file the Form 8594
with its Tax Return for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date and, if required by
applicable law, each party shall file an amended Form 8594 consistent with the allocation
principles described in this Section 2.5 with respect to the allocation of the Earn-Out Payments
after the exact amount of the Earn-Out Payments has been determined.
2.6 Power of Attorney. Company hereby constitutes and appoints Purchaser, its
successors and assigns, the true and lawful attorneys of Company with full power of substitution,
in Companys name and stead, but on behalf and for the benefit of Purchaser, its successors and
assigns: (a) to collect, demand and receive any and all of the Transferred Assets transferred
hereunder and to give receipts and releases for and in respect of the same; (b) to institute and
prosecute in Companys names, or otherwise, for the benefit of Purchaser, any and all actions,
suits or proceedings, at law, in equity or otherwise, which Purchaser may deem proper in order to
collect, assert or enforce any claim, right or title of any kind in or to the Transferred Assets,
to defend or compromise any and all such actions, suits or proceedings in respect of any of the
11
Transferred Assets, and to do all such acts and things in relation thereto as Purchaser shall deem
advisable for the collection or reduction to possession of any of the Transferred Assets; and (c)
to take any and all other reasonable action designed to vest more fully in Purchaser the
Transferred
Assets in order to provide for Purchaser the benefit, use, enjoyment and possession of such
the Transferred Assets. Company acknowledges that the foregoing powers are coupled with an
interest and shall be irrevocable by it or upon its subsequent dissolution or in any manner or for
any reason. Purchaser shall be entitled to retain for their own account any amounts collected
pursuant to the foregoing powers, including any amounts payable as interest with respect thereto.
2.7 Post-Closing Accounts Receivable. Within five (5) business days after the end of
each of the first six months after the Closing Date, starting February 28, 2010 and ending August
30, 2010, Company shall deliver to Purchaser, (a) payment in an amount equal to (i) the Accounts
Receivable for which payment was received during the preceding month (or with regards to February
28, 2010, Accounts Receivable for which payment was received during the time period between the
Closing Date and February 28, 2010), less (ii) the Accounts Payable paid during the preceding month
(or with regards to February 28, 2010, Accounts Payable paid during the time period between the
Closing Date and February 28, 2010), and (b) a list setting forth the Accounts Receivable received
during such period and the Accounts Payable paid during such period, certified by an officer of
Company. In the event that Accounts Payable exceed Accounts Receivable for the given period, no
payment shall be owing by Company to Purchaser and the amount of any future payments pursuant to
this Section shall be reduced by the amount of such excess Accounts Payable (For example, if
Accounts Payable for the period ending April 30, 2010, exceeded the Accounts Receivable for the
period ending April 30, 2010 by $1,000, and the Accounts Receivable for the period ending May 31,
2010, exceeded the Accounts Payable for the period ending May 31, 2010 by $3,000, Company would
only owe $2,000 ($3,000-$1,000) for the period ending May 31, 2010). Company and the Shareholders
hereby represent and covenant that all Accounts Receivable will be received by Company, and all
Accounts Payable will be paid by Company, in the ordinary course of business in accordance with
past practices. Purchaser and Calavo and its authorized representatives shall have full access to
the premises and the books, records, agreements, and other documents of Company during all
reasonable hours, and Purchaser and Calavo shall each be furnished with copies of all such books,
records, agreements, and other documents as may be reasonably requested by it in order to verify
the payments to be made pursuant to this Section 2.7; provided that Purchaser and Calavo shall
reimburse Company for any expenses reasonably related thereto.
2.8 Transferred Assets Cooperation. At the Closing, Purchaser will acquire hereunder,
and thereafter Purchaser or its designee shall have the right and authority to collect for
Purchasers or its designees account, all items which constitute a part of the Transferred Assets,
other than as set forth in Section 2.7. Sellers shall promptly transfer or deliver to Purchaser or
its designee any cash or other property that Seller may receive in respect of any deposit, prepaid
expense, claim, contract, license, lease, commitment, sales order, or purchase order, of any
character, or any other item constituting a part of the Transferred Assets. After the Closing
Date, the Sellers shall permit Purchaser to endorse with the name of Company for deposit in the
Purchasers account any checks or drafts received in payment thereof. After the Closing Date, the
Sellers hereby agree to cooperate with Purchaser to notify any and all account debtors, suppliers,
distributors, or other parties related to the Business regarding the transfer of
the Business to Purchaser. If Company or the Shareholders are contacted by any actual or
12
potential customers of Purchaser, Company and/or the Shareholders shall refer any and all such
customers to Purchaser. All payments and reimbursements made by any third party in the name of or
to Company in connection with or arising out of the Transferred Assets in respect of any period on
or after the Closing Date shall be paid over to Purchaser without right of set off as soon as
practicable.
ARTICLE 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
COMPANY AND THE SHAREHOLDERS
Except as otherwise specifically described in the disclosure schedule (the Disclosure
Schedule) delivered to Purchaser and Calavo by the Sellers concurrently with, or prior to, the
execution and delivery of this Agreement, Sellers jointly and severally represent and warrant to
Purchaser and Calavo that the following representations and warranties (in addition to any
representations and warranties made by any of them elsewhere in this Agreement) are accurate and
complete as of the date of this Agreement:
3.1 Organization and Good Standing of Company. Company is a corporation duly
incorporated and organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Minnesota. Company is duly qualified and licensed to do its business and is in good standing in
each jurisdiction in which the business transacted by it or the nature or location of its assets
makes such qualification or licensing necessary except where the failure to be so qualified or
licensed or in good standing would not have a Material Adverse Effect. The Sellers have delivered
to Purchaser and Calavo an accurate and complete copy, as amended to date, of the Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws of Company.
3.2 Capitalization of Company.
(a) The Shareholders jointly own 79,000 shares of Common Stock of Company. Such shares of
Common Stock constitute all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Company, and there are
no outstanding options, warrants, contracts, subscriptions, commitments, or other rights of any
character which may entitle any person to acquire any of the issued or unissued capital stock of
Company.
(b) The Shareholders have good, lawful, and marketable title to, and record and beneficial
ownership of, all of the issued and outstanding shares of the outstanding capital stock of Company.
All such outstanding shares have been duly authorized, are fully paid and non-assessable, and were
validly issued in compliance with all applicable statutes, regulations, and other laws. Each
Shareholder owns his or her shares of the outstanding Common Stock of Company free and clear of all
liens, security agreements, shareholders agreements, voting trust agreements, and other claims and
encumbrances.
3.3 Corporate Powers. Company has and holds the right and power, and all licenses,
permits, authorizations, and approvals (governmental or otherwise), necessary to entitle it to use
its name, to own and operate its properties and assets, and to carry on its business.
3.4 Authority of Company and Shareholders. Company and each Shareholder has the full
right, power, and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the
13
transactions contemplated hereby. All acts and other proceedings required to be taken by Company
and each Shareholder in order to enable such person to carry out this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby have been taken.
3.5 Binding Effect. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Company
and each Shareholder and (together with any agreements or instruments to be executed and delivered
at the Closing by any such person) constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of each such
person, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by (a) applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization or similar Laws from time to time in effect
which affect creditors rights generally, or (b) legal and equitable limitations on the
availability of specific remedies.
3.6 No Breach. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.6/3.7, neither the execution
and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of any transaction contemplated hereby will,
with or without notice or the passage of time, (1) violate any Laws or Order applicable to Company
or either Shareholder, (2) result in the breach of, cause an acceleration of the obligations under,
permit the termination of, or otherwise constitute a default under, any corporate charter, bylaw,
limited liability company operating agreement, lease, license, loan agreement, promissory note,
deed of trust, mortgage, or other instrument, undertaking, commitment, or agreement to which
Company or either Shareholder is a party or is otherwise subject, (3) result in the creation of any
lien or other encumbrance upon any of Companys assets, or (4) have a material adverse effect on
the business or results of operations of Company.
3.7 Consents. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.6/3.7, neither the execution
and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of any transaction contemplated hereby requires
Company or either Shareholder to obtain any consent, permit, or approval, or to make any filing or
registration, under any Laws or Order applicable to Company or either Shareholder or under any
corporate charter, bylaw, limited liability operating agreement, lease, license, loan agreement,
promissory note, deed of trust, mortgage, or other instrument, undertaking, commitment, or
agreement to which Company or either Shareholder is a party or is otherwise subject.
3.8 Subsidiaries and Other Equity Investments. Company does not, directly or
indirectly, own any stock or other equity interest in any corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust, association, or other entity or business venture, and Company is not a party to any
agreement or commitment to acquire any such equity interest.
3.9 Interests of Owners of Company. Neither Shareholder nor any of his or her
Affiliates (1) has any direct or indirect ownership interest in any supplier, customer, lessor,
sublessor, or other person or entity which does business with Company or (2) has any direct or
indirect ownership interest in any assets or properties of Company (other than solely by reason of
such persons ownership of Common Stock). The business of Company has been conducted only through
Company.
3.10 Financial Statements. Company and Shareholders have provided Purchaser with an
accurate and complete copy of the balance sheet of Company as of December 31, 2009 and the related
statements of income for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31,
14
2009 (the
Financial Statements). The Financial Statements fairly present the financial position of
Company as of the respective dates of the balance sheets included in those Financial Statements and
the Companys transactions and results of Companys operations (including liabilities) for the
specified periods indicated therein. Except as otherwise expressly described in Schedule
3.10, the Financial Statements were prepared on a basis consistent with Companys past
practices.
3.11 Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.11, as of the
respective dates of the balance sheets that are contained in the Financial Statements, Company had
no Liability of any nature (whether fixed, accrued, contingent, or otherwise) that was not fully
reflected and reserved against in the Financial Statements as required to be set forth in the
Financial Statements prepared using the methodology set forth in the Financial Statements that is
of a nature required by GAAP to be reserved against or reflected therein.
3.12 Absence of Certain Changes. Since December 31, 2008:
(a) Company has not incurred any Liabilities of any nature (whether fixed, accrued,
contingent, or otherwise), except Liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(b) There has been no Material Adverse Change in the assets, Liabilities, or financial
condition of Company;
(c) There has been no Material Adverse Change in the business prospects of Company;
(d) Company has not entered into (or agreed to enter into) any leases, loan agreements, or
other agreements, except in the ordinary course of business;
(e) Company has not amended or modified Companys Organizational Documents;
(f) Other than [***], Company has not entered into, amended, terminated, or received notice of
termination of any license, distributorship, dealer, sales representative, joint venture, or credit
contract or agreement, other than in the ordinary course of business;
(g) Company has not terminated or waived any right of substantial value;
(h) Company has not purchased or otherwise acquired or sold, mortgaged, pledged, leased, or
otherwise disposed of any of its assets (or agreed to take any of such actions), except in the
ordinary course of business;
(i) Company has not paid any dividends, or made any other distributions, to the Shareholders
or any former holders of Common Stock;
(j) There has been no material damage, destruction, or other casualty loss with respect to
property owned or leased by Company (whether or not covered by insurance); and
15
(k) The business of Company in all other respects has been conducted only in its ordinary
course.
3.13 Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Company makes and keeps books,
records and accounts that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect Companys
transactions and dispositions of assets. The present system of internal accounting controls of
Company, which will be maintained pending the Closing Date, reasonably assures that transactions
are recorded as necessary (i) to permit the preparation of financial statements on a basis
consistent with past practices, (ii) to fairly present the financial condition and results of
operations of Company, and (iii) to maintain accountability for assets. Company has not used any
improper accounting practices to incorrectly reflect or not reflect any of its assets, liabilities,
revenues or expenses.
3.14 Receivables. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.14, the Accounts
Receivable of Company are reflected properly on its books and records and are valid receivables
subject to no setoffs or counterclaims, and all such Accounts Receivable that exist as of the date
hereof are reflected properly on Companys books and records and will constitute valid receivables
subject to no setoffs or counterclaims. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.14, all such
receivables described in the preceding sentence have been or will be collected in the ordinary
course of business at their recorded amounts. The aggregate amount of Accounts Receivable as of the
date hereof is $122,874.43.
3.15 Payables. The Accounts Payable of Company are reflected properly on Companys
books and records and are valid Accounts Payable incurred and payable in the ordinary course of
business and no Accounts Payable are past due. The aggregate amount of Accounts Payable as of the
date hereof is $48,685.02.
3.16 Real Property.
(a) Company does not own, directly or indirectly, any real property, and Company does not
occupy any real property other than as the lessee or sublessee thereof.
(b) The Lease is the only lease or sublease of real property to which Company is a party. An
accurate and complete copy of the Lease has been delivered to Purchaser and Calavo by the Sellers.
With respect to the Lease: (1) the Lease is in full force and effect and is valid, binding, and
enforceable, and the tenant or subtenant to the lease or sublease is entitled to quiet possession
thereunder; (2) all rent and all other amounts owing under the lease or sublease are fully paid;
(3) Company has not assigned to any other person any of its right, title, and interest in and to
the lease or sublease; (4) Company has not violated any applicable statutes, rules, or regulations
(including, without limitation, zoning, land use, and Environmental Laws) in connection with its
use of the property covered by the lease or sublease; and (5) Company is not a party to any
disputes regarding the lease or sublease.
3.17 Leases of Personal Property.
(a) Company does not lease or sublease any personal property to any other person.
16
(b) Schedule 3.17 describes each lease or sublease by which Company leases or
subleases personal property from another person. With respect to each such lease and sublease:
(1) the lease or sublease is in full force and effect and is valid, binding, and enforceable, and
Company is entitled to possession of the personal property thereunder; (2) all rent and all other
amounts owing under the lease or sublease are fully paid; (3) Company has not assigned to any other
person any of its right, title, and interest in and to the lease or sublease; (4) Company has not
violated any applicable Laws (including, without limitation, zoning, land use, and Environmental
Laws) in connection with its use of the property covered by the lease or sublease; and (5) Company
is not a party to any disputes regarding the lease or sublease.
3.18 Ownership and Use of Assets. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.18,
Company is the lawful owner, lessee, sublessee or licensee of each of the assets that is used in
its business. Company owns, leases, subleases or licenses such assets free and clear of all liens,
security interests, or other claims or encumbrances, except as otherwise described in this
Agreement or related to the SBA Loans. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.18, all such assets that
consist of machinery, equipment, motor vehicles, or other tangible personal property or fixtures
are free of material defects, are commercially usable and are in good operating condition and
repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted.
3.19 [Omitted].
3.20 Insurance. Schedule 3.20 describes all insurance policies that are
currently maintained by Company, listing the insurer, the type and period of coverage, the scope
and amount of coverage, and deductible amounts (Insurance Policies). Each insurance
policy is in full force and effect, and Company is not in default of its obligations under the
policy.
3.21 Guarantees. Company has not guaranteed the liabilities or obligations of any
other person.
3.22 Loan Agreements. Schedule 3.22 describes every loan or credit agreement,
promissory note, letter of credit, or other borrowing arrangement under which Company currently has
borrowed any money, or is entitled to borrow, including the SBA Loan, and lists the outstanding
principal and accrued interest thereunder. Company has not made any outstanding loan to any person
who is an officer, director or shareholder of Company.
3.23 Supplier and Customer Relationships. Schedule 3.23 lists (1) the top ten
suppliers of products to Company for the year ended December 31, 2009 and (2) the top eight
customers of Company for the year ended December 31, 2009. No such supplier or customer within the
past twelve months has notified the Company of the termination of its business relationship with
Company, and to the Knowledge of Company, no such supplier or customer has terminated or threatened
to terminate its business relationship with Company. Neither Company nor the Shareholder has
received written or oral notice that any supplier or customer of Company intends to terminate its
business relationship with Company prior to or after the Closing Date.
3.24 [***]
3.25 [***]
17
3.26 Inventory. With the exception of certain caps not used with the Companys
current products, the Companys inventories are of good, usable and merchantable quality in all
material respects, and (a) all of Companys inventories are recorded on the Financial Statements at
the lower of cost or market value and (b) no write-down in inventory (as a result of the inventory
not being good, useable and of merchantable quality) has been made or should have been made during
the past two years.
3.27 Other Agreements. In addition to agreements that are described in the Disclosure
Schedule pursuant to any other section of this Article 3, Schedule 3.27 describes each of
the following agreements (written or oral) to which Company is a party or is otherwise bound: (1)
each agreement involving total payments by Company over its term of more than $10,000; (2) each
agreement under which the consequences of a default would have a Material Adverse Effect on
Company; (3) each agreement with a term of over one year unless the agreement is terminable without
penalty by Company on no more than thirty days notice; (4) each agreement relating to the
distribution, sales representation or licensing of the products of Company, (5) each agreement
which prohibits Company from freely engaging in business anywhere in the United States and (6) each
agreement not entered into by Company in the ordinary course of business.
3.28 Absence of Defaults. With respect to each lease, sublease, license, loan
agreement, promissory note, deed of trust, mortgage, supply agreement, sales agreement, and other
agreement to which Company is a party or is otherwise subject: (1) Company is not in default or
breach of its obligations thereunder; and (2) no claim of default or breach has been made against
Company thereunder, and no event has occurred which, with the passage of time or the giving of
notice, will result in the occurrence of a default or breach by Company. To the
Knowledge of Company, no other party is in breach or default and no event has occurred which
with notice or lapse of time would constitute a breach or default by such party, or permit
termination, modification or acceleration under such agreement.
3.29 Litigation. There is no litigation, arbitration, investigation, tax audit, or
other claim or proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of the Shareholders, threatened against
Company. Company is not in default under any Order to which it is bound or otherwise subject. The
Shareholders are not aware of any audit, investigation, review, or other inquiry (or proposed
audit, investigation, review, or inquiry) by any Governmental Entity regarding any assets or
business of Company, and neither Shareholder is aware of the existence of any dispute or potential
dispute with any Governmental Entity regarding any aspect of the assets or business of Company.
3.30 Compliance with Laws. Company is in compliance with all applicable Laws
pertaining to its assets or the operation of its business. No claim has been made to Company by
any Governmental Entity (and no such claim is anticipated) to the effect that the business
conducted by Company fails to comply with any Law or that a license, permit, certificate, or
authorization (which has not promptly thereafter been obtained) is required with respect to the
operation of such business.
3.31 Environmental Matters. Company is conducting and has at all times conducted its
business and operations (including, without limitation, its use and occupancy of the real property
that it owns, leases, or subleases) in material compliance with all Environmental Laws.
18
Company
has not received any written notice of claims or actions pending or threatened against it by any
Governmental Entity or any other person relating to a violation or an alleged violation of any
Environmental Laws, and there is no basis for any such claim or action.
3.32 Proprietary Information.
(a) To the Knowledge of the Sellers: (1) there are no assignments, licenses, or sublicenses
with respect to any of the Intellectual Property; (2) there are no pending or threatened claims by
any person with respect to the use by Company of the Intellectual Property; (3) no Shareholder or
employee of Company has an ownership interest in any of the Intellectual Property; and (4) the
Intellectual Property does not infringe on the rights of any other person. Company is the
registered owner of the [***], and otherwise owns or possesses adequate rights to use [***] used by
it in connection with its Business as currently conducted, in each case, free and clear of all
liens, security interests, or other claims or encumbrances (other than the SBA Loan). As to all
other Intellectual Property, to the Knowledge of Sellers, all such Intellectual Property is free
and clear of all liens, security interests, or other claims or encumbrances (other than the SBA
Loan).
(b) [***]
3.33 Tax Matters.
(a) Company has filed, on a timely basis, all Tax Returns and all required reports and
estimates for all years and periods for which such Tax Returns, reports and estimates were due, and
all such returns, reports and estimates were prepared in the manner required by applicable law.
Each such Tax Return and/or report properly reflected, and did not understate, the income, the
taxable income, and the liability for Taxes and Transfer Taxes of Company in the relevant taxation
period covered by the Tax Return or report. Company has paid in full all Taxes and Transfer Taxes
that are (or were) due and payable by it. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.33, Company
has not ever received written notice from any Governmental Entity in a jurisdiction where it does
not currently file Tax Returns or reports to the effect that it is or may be subject to taxation by
that jurisdiction.
(b) Company has withheld amounts from its employees in compliance with the Tax withholding
provisions of applicable law. Company has filed all Tax Returns and reports for all years and
periods for which any such Tax Returns and reports were due with respect to employee income Tax
withholding and social security and unemployment Taxes, and all such Tax Returns and reports were
prepared in the manner required by applicable law. All payments due from Company as shown on such
Tax Returns and reports on account of employee income Tax withholding or social security and
unemployment Taxes have been paid.
(c) Each Shareholder has filed, on a timely basis, all Tax Returns, reports and estimates for
all years and periods for which such Tax Returns, reports and estimates were due with respect to
income or other distributions received by such person from Company, and all such returns and
estimates were prepared in the manner required by applicable law. Each such Tax Return properly
reflected, and did not understate, the income, the taxable income, and the liability for Taxes and
Transfer Taxes of such Shareholder with respect to the operations of
19
Company, as applicable, in the
relevant taxation period covered by the Tax Return or report. Each Shareholder has paid in full
all Taxes and Transfer Taxes that are (or were) due and payable by such person with respect to the
operations of Company. No Shareholder has ever received written notice from any Governmental
Entity in a jurisdiction where such person does not currently file Tax Returns or reports to the
effect that such person is or may be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction arising out of the
operations of Company.
(d) Company has been a validly electing S corporation within the meaning of Code Sections 1361
and 1362 at all times during its existence, and Company will be an S corporation up to and
including the Closing Date. During the past ten years, Company has not (1) acquired assets from
another corporation in a transaction in which Companys Tax basis for the acquired assets was
determined, in whole or in part, by reference to the Tax basis of the acquired assets (or any other
property) in the hands of the transferor or (2) acquired the stock of any corporation that is a
qualified subchapter S subsidiary.
3.34 Employees.
(a) None of the employees of Company is represented by a labor union or is covered by a
collective bargaining, union, or similar agreement. To the Knowledge of Company, there are no
controversies, grievances, or complaints pending or threatened between Company and any of its
employees or current or threatened work stoppages, strikes, or other labor actions.
(b) Company is in compliance with all applicable Laws, including immigration laws and
requirements regarding Form I-9 compliance, and Orders respecting employment and employment
practices and the terms and conditions of employment and wages and hours. To the Knowledge of
Company, no current or former employee of Company has ever been exposed to radiation at hazardous
levels, or to any other dangerous condition, hazardous substance, or hazardous emission at the
Companys facility in St. Paul.
(c) Schedule 3.34 lists each director, officer, and employee for Company. Except as
described in Schedule 3.34: (1) Company has not entered into any employment or severance
agreement with any of its directors, officers, or employees; (2) Company has not entered into any
agreement with any officer or employee prohibiting or restricting the termination of his or her
employment; (3) Company is not subject to any pension plan, retirement plan, profit sharing plan,
stock option plan, deferred compensation plan, or other employee benefit plan; (4) no current
officer or employee of Company will be entitled to any severance payments upon his or her
termination of employment, and no such former officer or employee currently is receiving such
severance payments; and (5) no director, officer, or employee of Company is entitled to receive a
bonus or other compensation payment based upon the completion of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.
3.35 Finders and Brokers. No person has acted as a finder, broker, or other
intermediary on behalf of Company or either Shareholder in connection with this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereby, and no person is entitled to any brokers or finders fee or
similar fee with respect to this Agreement or such transactions as a result of actions taken by
Company or either Shareholder.
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3.36 Accuracy and Completeness. No representation or warranty of Company or either
Shareholder contained in this Agreement, in the Disclosure Schedule, or in any other schedule,
exhibit, agreement, or document delivered pursuant to this Agreement fraudulently contains, or will
fraudulently contain, any untrue statement of a material fact or fraudulently omits, or will
fraudulently omit, to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein, in
light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. Company and the Shareholders
have delivered to Purchaser and Calavo an accurate and complete copy of each agreement and other
document (as fully amended) that is described in or referred to in the Disclosure Schedule.
3.37 Securities Laws.
(a) The Membership Interests that are allocable to Company are being acquired for Companys
own account and not with a view to the public distribution of any of the Membership Interests.
Company will not sell, hypothecate or otherwise transfer any of the Membership Interests except in
accordance with applicable federal and state securities laws.
(b) Company and each Shareholder understand that the offering and sale of the Membership
Interests pursuant to this Agreement are intended to be exempt from registration under the
Securities Act by virtue of Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and Regulation D under the
Securities Act.
(c) Company and each Shareholder understand that: (i) the Membership Interests have not been
registered or qualified under the Securities Act or the securities laws of California, Minnesota or
any other state, and neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state or other
regulatory authority has made any recommendation or finding concerning the value of the Membership
Interests; (ii) there is no assurance that Company will be able to sell the Membership Interests at
a purchase price that Company deems reasonable; (iii) the Membership Interests may be offered, sold
or otherwise transferred by Company only if the transaction is registered and qualified under the
applicable provisions of federal and state securities laws or if exemptions from such registration
and qualification are available; (iv) the satisfaction of these securities registration exemptions
is Companys responsibility; and (v) neither Purchaser nor Calavo is under any obligation to assist
Company in satisfying these exemptions, and neither Purchaser nor Calavo intends to register any
subsequent transaction by Company under applicable federal and state securities laws.
(d) No oral or written representations or recommendations have been made, and no oral or
written information has been furnished, to Company or the Shareholders regarding the advisability
of acquiring the Membership Interests. Purchaser has provided Company and each Shareholder
(including their professional advisors, if any) with a sufficient opportunity to ask questions and
receive answers concerning the terms and conditions of the issuance of the Membership Interests and
to obtain any additional information which Calavo or Purchaser possesses or can acquire without
unreasonable effort or expense that is necessary to verify the
accuracy of the information that is contained in the documents described in the immediately
preceding paragraph.
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(e) Company and each Shareholder have such knowledge and experience in financial and business
matters that Company and each Shareholder are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an
investment in Purchaser and of making an informed investment decision. Company and each of the
Shareholders are accredited investors as defined in Rule 501 of the Securities Act.
3.38 No Other Representations. Except for the representations and warranties
expressly set forth in this Agreement and the Disclosure Schedule, neither Sellers nor any other
Person makes any other express or implied representation or warranty on behalf of any of the
Sellers, Company, or otherwise, in each case in respect of the Business, Company, Companys assets
and liabilities or otherwise.
ARTICLE 4
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER
Calavo and Purchaser jointly and severally represent and warrant to Company and the
Shareholders that the following representations and warranties (in addition to any representations
and warranties made by Calavo or Purchaser elsewhere in this Agreement) are accurate and complete
as of the date of this Agreement:
4.1 Organization and Good Standing. Calavo is a corporation duly incorporated and
organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of California.
Purchaser is a limited liability company duly formed and organized, validly existing, and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. Calavo is the sole owner and member of
Purchaser.
4.2 Corporate Powers. Each of Calavo and Purchaser has and holds the right and power,
and all licenses, permits, authorizations, and approvals (governmental or otherwise), necessary to
entitle it to use its corporate name, to own and operate its properties, and to carry on its
business as such business exists as of the date hereof.
4.3 Authority. Each of Calavo and Purchaser has the full right, power, and authority
to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. All
acts and other proceedings required to be taken by each of Calavo and Purchaser in order to enable
it to carry out this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby have been taken.
4.4 Binding Effect. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each of
Calavo and Purchaser and (together with any agreements and instruments to be executed and delivered
by each of Calavo and Purchaser at the Closing) constitutes its legal, valid, and binding
obligation, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by (a) applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization or similar Laws from time to time in effect
which affect creditors rights generally, or (b) legal and equitable limitations on the
availability of specific remedies.
4.5 Issuance of Membership Interests to Company. The Membership Interests to be
issued by Purchaser to Company at the Closing, when issued in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, will be duly authorized, fully paid and nonassessable.
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4.6 No Breach. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the
consummation of any transaction contemplated hereby will, with or without notice or the passage of
time, (1) violate any Laws or Order applicable to either Calavo or Purchaser, (2) result in the
breach of, cause an acceleration of the obligations under, permit the termination of, or otherwise
constitute a default under, any corporate charter, bylaw, lease, license, loan agreement,
promissory note, deed of trust, mortgage, or other instrument, undertaking, commitment, or
agreement to which Calavo or Purchaser currently is subject, or (3) result in the creation of any
lien or other encumbrance upon any of Calavo or Purchasers assets.
4.7 Consents. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the
consummation of any transaction contemplated hereby requires Calavo or Purchaser to obtain any
consent, permit, or approval, or to make any filing or registration, under any Laws or Order
applicable to Calavo or Purchaser or under any corporate charter, bylaw, lease, license, loan
agreement, promissory note, deed of trust, mortgage, or other instrument, undertaking, commitment,
or agreement to which Calavo or Purchaser currently is a party or is otherwise subject.
4.8 Finders and Brokers. There is no investment banker, broker, finder, or other
intermediary retained by Calavo or Purchaser who might be entitled to any fee or commission in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and for which Company or the
Shareholders would be responsible.
4.9 Accuracy and Completeness. No representation or warranty of Calavo or Purchaser
contained in this Agreement or in any schedule, exhibit, agreement, or document delivered pursuant
to this Agreement fraudulently contains, or will fraudulently contain, any untrue statement of a
material fact or fraudulently omits, or will fraudulently omit, to state a material fact necessary
to make the statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made,
not misleading.
4.10 Nonreliance. Except as set forth in this Agreement and the Disclosure Schedule,
there are no representations or warranties, between Calavo, Purchaser and the Sellers with regards
to the Transferred Assets or the Business, Company, Companys assets and liabilities or otherwise
except as specifically set forth herein and therein, and neither Calavo nor Purchaser have relied
or are relying on any other representation or warranty in entering into and completing the
transactions contemplated in this Agreement.
4.11 Orders, Actions or Agreements Affecting the Ability of the Company to Operate.
There is no (a) Order against the Purchaser or any of its Affiliates or any material portion of
their respective properties or assets, which have or could have a material adverse effect on the
ability of Purchaser to operate its Business after the Closing Date; (b) demand, claim, suit,
audit, investigation, notice of violation or non-compliance, action, arbitration or legal,
administrative or other proceeding (including appeals) (an Action) pending or, to the
Knowledge of Purchaser, threatened against the Purchaser or any of its Affiliates or any material
portion of its properties or assets, which have or could have a material adverse effect on the
ability of the Purchaser to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or the Company to
operate its Business after the Closing; or (c) agreement to which the Purchaser or any of its
23
Affiliates are a party that will restrict the ability of the Company to operate its Business after
the Closing. The Purchaser does not know of any valid basis for any such Order or Action.
ARTICLE 5
MISCELLANEOUS AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES
5.1 Consents from Third Parties; Governmental Filings; Cooperation; Estoppel Letters.
(a) After the Closing, the Shareholders, with the cooperation of Purchaser, shall use their
commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all consents, permits, and approvals from lessors,
lenders, Governmental Entities, and other third parties that Purchaser or Calavo determines are
required in order to prevent Purchasers acquisition of the Transferred Assets from (1) violating
any Laws or Orders applicable to Purchaser, Company, or the Shareholders or (2) resulting in the
breach of, default under, or acceleration of the obligations under, any lease, loan agreement,
license, deed of trust, mortgage, or other agreement to which any of Company or the Shareholders is
a party or is otherwise subject.
(b) After the Closing, Purchaser, Calavo and Sellers shall cooperate in complying fully and on
a timely basis with any and all filings with Governmental Entities that are required as a result of
this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(c) After the Closing, each party to this Agreement shall promptly notify the other parties to
this Agreement upon learning that (1) any third party has alleged that its consent is required in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (2) a claim or legal proceeding
is pending or threatened before any Governmental Entity that presents a substantial risk of the
restraint or rescission of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
5.2 Agreements Regarding Employees After the Closing.
(a) Purchaser agrees to enter into and to deliver at the Closing to Shareholder Elizabeth
Nicholson an agreement (the Employment Agreement) providing for her
employment with Purchaser after the Closing in substantially the form of Exhibit B
attached hereto, and Ms. Nicholson agrees to execute said Employment Agreement.
(b) Purchaser and Calavo understand and acknowledge that Company will terminate, effective
immediately prior to the Closing, the employment of all of its employees employed at or in
connection with the Business (collectively, the Affected Employees), and provided that
Purchaser hires all such Affected Employees as set forth in this Section 5.2, Company is not
required to take any action pursuant to, or is otherwise subject to, the WARN Act.
(c) Purchaser will offer employment following the Closing Date to such Affected Employees at
wage rates consistent with those in place at the time of Closing, provided however that as a
condition to such employment (i) such Affected Employee must execute and deliver to Purchaser a
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Agreement, substantially in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit C, and (ii) such Affected Employee must be a U.S. citizen or
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otherwise a lawful
resident of the United States. Such Affected Employees who accept such employment will be employed
in accordance with the standard employee policies and practices of Purchaser, but nothing contained
in this Section 5.2 shall be deemed to create an employment contract between the Purchaser or
Calavo and any such personnel. Any Affected Employee that becomes an employee of Purchaser
following the Closing shall be subject to all rules, regulations, requirements and policies
applicable to all new hires of Purchaser. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in
this Agreement, all such Affected Employees shall be employees at will and nothing expressed or
implied in this Agreement will obligate Purchaser or Calavo to provide continued employment to any
such Affected Employee for any specific period of time following the Closing Date.
5.3 Cooperation on Tax Matters. Company and the Shareholders shall be responsible for
paying any and all Taxes that are incurred as a result of the transfer of the Transferred Assets to
Purchaser.
5.4 Lease Assumption. Purchaser agrees that effective upon Closing, it shall assume
the performance of the covenants, restrictions and obligations of Company under the Lease, but only
with respect to the period subsequent to the Closing Date.
5.5 Further Assurance; Post-Closing Cooperation. All transactions at the Closing
shall be deemed to have taken place simultaneously. At the Closing, and from time to time after
the Closing Date, Company and the Shareholders will execute and deliver such bills of sale and such
other and further instruments of conveyance, assignment, transfer and consent as Purchaser, Calavo
or its counsel may reasonably request to effect the conveyance and transfer of the Transferred
Assets to Purchaser, and Company will assist Purchaser in the collection and reduction to the
Purchasers possession of the Transferred Assets. Following the Closing, each of Company and the
Purchaser will afford the other party, its counsel and its accountants, during normal business
hours, reasonable access to the books, records and other data relating to the
Business in its possession with respect to periods prior to the Closing and the right to make
copies and extracts therefrom, to the extent that such access may be reasonably required by the
requesting party in connection with (a) the preparation of Tax Returns, (b) the determination or
enforcement of rights and obligations under this Agreement, (c) compliance with the requirements of
any Governmental Entity, (d) the determination or enforcement of the rights and obligations of any
indemnified party, or (e) in connection with any actual or threatened action or proceeding
involving the Transferred Assets, the Assumed Liabilities or this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby.
ARTICLE 6
CLOSING
6.1 Time, Place, and Date. Closing of the purchase and sale contemplated by this
Agreement (the Closing), subject to the other provisions of this Article VI, shall occur
concurrently with effectiveness of this Agreement, at the offices of TroyGould PC, 1801 Century
Park East, Suite 1600, Los Angeles, CA 90067, or at such other place and in such other manner
(including by facsimile or e-mail transmission of signature pages) as shall be agreed upon by
Purchaser, Calavo and the Sellers.
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6.2 Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Purchaser. The effectiveness of this
Agreement is subject to the fulfillment and satisfaction of each of the following conditions and
this Agreement shall not be considered effective unless or until all such conditions are fulfilled,
or the waiver in writing by Purchaser of any such condition which is not fulfilled:
(a) [***]
(b) Employees. Purchaser and Calavo shall be satisfied, in their sole and absolute
discretion, that certain current employees of Company (as determined by Purchaser and Calavo) are
willing to become the employees of Purchaser on reasonably similar terms and conditions as their
employment with Company.
(c) Consents. All registrations, filings, applications, notices, consents, orders,
approvals, qualifications or waivers listed in Schedule 3.7, including the consent to the
assignment of the Lease (the Lease Assignment Consent), shall have been filed, made or
obtained and all waiting periods specified by law with respect thereto shall have expired or been
terminated.
(d) [***]. The Amendment to the [***] shall not have been amended or terminated.
(e) Documents. Concurrently with the execution and delivery of this agreement,
Company and the Shareholders, as applicable, shall have executed and delivered to Purchaser and
Calavo the following, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Purchaser and Calavo (the
Companys Closing Documents), and, where applicable, such Company
Closing Documents shall be deemed effective concurrently with the effectiveness of this
Agreement:
(1) A bill of sale, assignment and assumption agreement (the Bill of Sale);
(2) An assignment of all Intellectual Property included in the Transferred Assets, including
any trademarks, executed by Company or the other persons designated therein, in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit D, for purposes of filing with the United States Patent and Trademark
Office;
(3) A certificate executed by an officer of Company including (i) a complete and accurate list
of all Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable as of the Closing Date, which list sets forth the
aging of such Accounts Receivables (the Closing A/R Schedule), and (ii) a statement of
income for the period between December 31, 2009 and a date within 7 days of the Closing Date, both
certified by such officer as having been prepared in accordance with and applied on a basis
consistent with Companys past practices;
(4) A good standing certificate for Company as of a date not more than 7 days prior to the
Closing Date, issued by the Secretary of State of Minnesota;
(5) The Employment Agreement, executed by Lisa Nicholson;
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(6) The Limited Liability Company Agreement, executed by Company and the Shareholders;
(7) Evidence satisfactory to Purchaser and Calavo, in the sole and absolute discretion of
Purchaser and Calavo, that the SBA Loan has been paid in full and that any security interests in
the Transferred Assets have been terminated and released;
(8) A copy of a fully executed and authorized amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of
Company, changing the name of Company from Lisas Salsa Company, for Purchaser to file with the
Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota; and
(9) Such other documents as Purchaser and Calavo may reasonably request.
6.3 Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Company and Sellers. The effectiveness of
this Agreement is subject to the fulfillment and satisfaction of each of the following conditions,
and this Agreement shall not be considered effective unless or until all such conditions are
fulfilled, or the waiver in writing by Company of any such condition which is not fulfilled:
(a) Documents at Closing. Concurrently with the execution and delivery of this
agreement, Purchaser and Calavo, as applicable, shall have executed and delivered to the Sellers
the following, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Company and the Shareholders (the
Purchasers Closing Documents), and, where applicable, such Purchasers Closing Documents
shall be deemed effective concurrently with the effectiveness of this Agreement:
(1) The Base Purchase Price by wire transfer in accordance with Section 2.3;
(2) A Bill of Sale, executed by Purchaser;
(3) The Employment Agreement, executed by Purchaser;
(4) The Lease Assignment Consent executed by Purchaser, if applicable; and
(5) The Limited Liability Company Agreement, executed by Purchaser and Calavo.
ARTICLE 7
POST-CLOSING CONFIDENTIALITY AND
NON-COMPETITION COVENANTS
7.1 Confidentiality. Neither Company nor either Shareholder shall at any time after
the Closing use or disclose to any person, directly or indirectly, any confidential information
concerning the business of Purchaser or Company, including, without limitation, [***] or any other
business secret, trade secret, financial information, proprietary software, internal
27
procedure,
business plan, marketing plan, pricing strategy or policy, supplier list, or customer list, except
to the extent that such use or disclosure is (x) necessary to the performance of the Shareholders
employment with Purchaser during the period that he or she is so employed, (y) required by an order
of a court of competent jurisdiction (provided that the Shareholder must promptly give Purchaser
written notice of such order), or (z) authorized in writing by the Chief Executive Officer or Chief
Financial Officer of Purchaser. The prohibition that is contained in the preceding sentence shall
not apply to any information that is disclosed to the public by Purchaser or Calavo or that
otherwise becomes generally available to the public other than through a disclosure by a
Shareholder, Company or by a person acting in concert with such person. The confidentiality
covenant of Section 7.1 shall terminate immediately in the event Sellers purchase Calavos entire
interest in Purchaser pursuant to the Limited Liability Company Agreement.
7.2 Non-Competition and Unfair Competition Covenant. To provide Purchaser the full
value of its acquisition of the Transferred Assets, and as a material inducement to Purchaser and
Calavo to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby, Company and each Shareholder agree to refrain from competing with
Purchaser to the extent provided in this Article 7. Without the prior written consent of
Purchaser, neither Company nor either Shareholder shall, at any time during the period described in
Section 7.3, directly or indirectly (whether as owner, principal, agent, partner, officer,
employee, independent contractor, consultant, or otherwise) and whether or not for compensation:
(a) Solicit for the purpose of hiring, or cause any person to solicit for the purpose of
hiring, any officer or employee of Purchaser; or
(b) Compete with (or have any ownership interest in any corporation, limited liability
company, partnership, or other entity that competes with) the Business that is conducted by
Purchaser (either as it exists on the date hereof or as developed between the date hereof and the
date on which Company is no longer owns equity interests in Purchaser) (1) in any county, city, or
other geographic area in the United States (including, without limitation, each county in the
States of California and Minnesota) or foreign country in which Company has conducted its business
prior to the date of this Agreement so long as Purchaser carries on such business or a similar
business in such place or places, or (2) in any other domestic or foreign geographic area in which
Purchaser subsequently conducts the Business during the time that either Elizabeth or Eric
Nicholson, or any of their Affiliates, owns equity interests in Purchaser; provided, however, that
the provisions of this Section 7.2 shall not be construed as prohibiting Company or any Shareholder
from acquiring and passively owning up to one percent of the outstanding securities of any
corporation whose common shares are traded on a national securities exchange.
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7.3 Duration. With respect to each of Elizabeth Nicholson, Eric Nicholson and
Company, the non-competition and unfair competition covenant of Section 7.2 shall be effective for
a period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the fifth anniversary of the date on which
neither Company nor either Elizabeth or Eric Nicholson, nor any of their Affiliates, owns equity
interests in Purchaser. The non-competition and unfair competition covenant of Section 7.2 shall
terminate immediately in the event Sellers purchase Calavos entire interest in Purchaser pursuant
to the Limited Liability Company Agreement.
7.4 Scope and Reasonableness. Purchaser, Company and the Shareholders agree that it
is not their intention to violate any public policy or statutory or common law. The parties intend
that the non-competition and unfair competition covenant contained in Sections 7.2 and 7.3 shall be
construed as a series of separate covenants by Company and each of the Shareholders, one for each
area included in the geographical scope described in Section 7.2 and for each year (or portion
thereof) described in Section 7.3. Except for geographical coverage and duration, each such
covenant of Company and each Shareholder shall contain all of the terms of the covenants of this
Article 7. If any arbitrator or court of competent jurisdiction refuses to enforce any covenant
contained in this Article 7, then such unenforceable covenant shall be deemed to have been deleted
from this Agreement to the extent necessary to permit the remaining separate covenants to be
enforceable. Company and each Shareholder has considered
the nature and extent of the restrictions upon competition set forth in this Article 7 and
agrees that they are reasonable with respect to duration and geographical scope and in all other
respects. Company and each Shareholder agrees that the preceding restrictions on such Persons
activities are necessary, appropriate and reasonable to protect the goodwill, confidential
information, trade secrets and other legitimate interests of Purchaser from unfair and
inappropriate competition and to obtain the benefit of the bargain set forth in this Agreement as
specifically negotiated by the parties hereto.
7.5 Name Change. Promptly following the Closing, Company shall change its corporate
name so as not to include the name [***] or any derivation thereof or of any of the other
Intellectual Property included in the Transferred Assets, and Company hereby authorizes Purchaser
to file the Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation delivered to Purchaser pursuant to
Section 6.2 with the Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota any time after the Closing. From
and after the Closing, Company, the Shareholders and their respective employees, agents,
representatives and affiliates shall cease to use any such Intellectual Property (or any variation
thereof) for any purpose other than for the benefit of Purchaser or Calavo, which for purposes of
this Agreement shall include the collection and deposit of the Accounts Receivable.
7.6 Purchasers Remedies. Company and each Shareholder agree that the provisions of
this Article 7 are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of
Purchaser. If Company or a Shareholder breaches any of the provisions of Section 7.1 or 7.2,
Purchaser may, among other remedies, withhold any Earn-Out Payments that are otherwise owed to
Company under this Agreement, up to the amount of Purchasers actual monetary damages, unless and
until a final determination is made by a court or arbiter of competent jurisdiction that Company
and the Shareholders have not breached Section 7.1 or 7.2 in a manner causing actual monetary
damages; provided, that any such withholding must be made in good faith, and if the Earn-Out
Payments are withheld and the claim for breach of this
29
provision is later determined to be invalid
or the withholding exceeded the actual monetary damages, Purchaser will promptly pay the amount of
the withheld Earn Out Payment plus 10% interest from the date the Earn Out Payment was due to the
date paid. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall withholdings by Purchaser from the
Earn-Out Payment be deemed an acknowledgement by Purchaser, Company or the Shareholders that
damages or the withholding of payment is an adequate remedy for the breach of the provision of this
Section 7.1 or 7.2. Company and each Shareholder agrees and acknowledges that damages and such
termination of payments would be an inadequate remedy for his or her breach of any of the
provisions of Section 7.1 or 7.2, and that his or her breach of any of such provisions will result
in immeasurable and irreparable harm to Purchaser. Therefore, in addition to any other remedy to
which Purchaser or Calavo may be entitled by reason of Companys or the Shareholders breach of any
such provision, Purchaser or Calavo shall be entitled to seek and obtain temporary, preliminary,
and permanent injunctive relief from any court of competent jurisdiction restraining Company or the
Shareholder from committing or continuing any breach of any provision of Section 7.1 or 7.2.
7.7 Venue. For purposes of injunctive relief, Company and each Shareholder agree to
submit to the jurisdiction of the courts located in the jurisdiction or jurisdictions where it is
alleged that Purchaser is at the time being damaged by an alleged breach or violation of the
provisions of this Article 7.
ARTICLE 8
INDEMNIFICATION
8.1 Survival of Representations, Warranties, and Agreements.
(a) Except as otherwise described in this Section 8.1(a), all representations and warranties
of the parties that are contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing Date for a period of
eighteen months, and any claim for indemnification pursuant to Section 8.2(a) or 8.3(a) that is
based upon the alleged breach of a representation or warranty must be brought not later than
eighteen months after the Closing Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing:
(1) Representations and warranties that are made fraudulently (as defined under common law) by
a party shall survive forever;
(2) Companys and the Shareholders representations and warranties that are contained in the
following sections of this Agreement shall survive forever: Sections 3.1 (Organization and Good
Standing of Company), 3.2 (Capitalization of Company), 3.4 (Authority of Company and the
Shareholders), 3.5 (Binding Effect), 3.18 (Ownership), 3.29 (Litigation), and 3.35 (Finders and
Brokers);
(3) Companys and the Shareholders representations and warranties that are contained in the
following sections of this Agreement shall survive for three years: 3.31 (Environmental Matters)
and 3.34 (a) and (c) (Employees);
(4) Companys and Shareholders representations and warranties that are contained in Section
3.32 ( Proprietary Information) shall survive for two years; and
30
(5) Companys and the Shareholders representations and warranties that are contained in the
following sections of this Agreement shall survive for the applicable statute of limitations: 3.33
(Tax Matters) and 3.34(b)(Employees); and
(6) Purchasers representations and warranties that are contained in the following sections of
this Agreement shall survive forever: Sections 4.1 (Organization and Good Standing), 4.2
(Corporate Powers), 4.3 (Authority), 4.4 (Binding Effect), 4.8 (Finders and Brokers) and 4.11
(Orders, Actions).
(b) A claim with respect to a breach of a representation or a warranty shall not be foreclosed
if the maker of such claim shall have made such claim in writing to the other party prior to the
expiration of the survival period described in Section 8.1(a).
(c) All agreements of the parties made in this Agreement to perform obligations before, at, or
after the Closing shall survive forever except for those agreements, that, by their terms,
contemplate a shorter survival period. All representations, warranties, and agreements of the
parties that are contained in the Disclosure Schedule or in any exhibit or other schedule to this
Agreement or in any other agreement or document that is delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall
be deemed to be contained in this Agreement.
8.2 Indemnification by Company and the Shareholders. Subject to the provisions of
this Article 8, Company and the Shareholders jointly and severally shall indemnify, defend, and
hold harmless Calavo, Purchaser and each of their respective directors, officers, managers,
stockholders, members, employees, agents, successors, Affiliates and assigns (other than Company,
the Shareholders, and their Affiliates) from and against any and all losses, damages, obligations,
liabilities, and other costs and expenses, including, without limitation, settlement costs,
judgments, interest, penalties and reasonable attorneys fees, accountants fees, and other costs
and expenses for investigating or defending any actions, claims, and proceedings (all of the
foregoing being collectively referred to herein as Losses) that they may incur based
upon, arising out of, relating to, or resulting from:
(a) Any breach of any representation or warranty of Company or either Shareholder made in this
Agreement (including any schedule delivered pursuant to this Agreement);
(b) Any breach of, or failure to perform, any agreement of Company or either Shareholder that
is contained in this Agreement (including any schedule delivered pursuant to this Agreement); or
(c) Any Retained Liability of Company.
8.3 Indemnification by Purchaser. Subject to the provisions of this Article 8,
Purchaser and Calavo shall jointly and severally indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Company and
the Shareholders from and against any and all Losses that Company and the Shareholders may incur
based upon, arising out of, relating to, or resulting from:
(a) Any breach of any representation or warranty of Purchaser or Calavo made in this Agreement
(including any schedule delivered pursuant to this Agreement); or
31
(b) Any breach of, or failure to perform, any agreement of Purchaser or Calavo that is
contained in this Agreement (including any schedule delivered pursuant to this Agreement); or
(c) Assumed Liabilities (excluding, however, any and all Losses relating to Assumed
Liabilities if and to the extent that such Losses (i) are borne on a pro rata basis by Calavo and
the Sellers by reason of their Membership Interests in Purchaser and (ii) do not result from any
breach of any representation or warranty of Purchaser or Calavo made in this
Agreement, including any schedule delivered pursuant to this Agreement, or from any breach of,
or failure to perform, any agreement of Purchaser or Calavo that is contained in this Agreement,
including any schedule delivered pursuant to this Agreement).
8.4 Notice of Claims; Contest of Claims.
(a) If any indemnified party believes that it has incurred any Losses, or if any claim or
legal proceeding is instituted by a third party with respect to which any indemnified party intends
to claim any Losses under this Article 8, the indemnified party shall notify the indemnifying
party. The notice shall describe the Losses, the amount of the Losses, if known, and the method of
computation of the Losses, all with reasonable particularity and shall contain a reference to the
provisions of this Agreement in respect of which the Losses shall have been incurred; and, in the
case of a claim or legal proceeding by a third party, shall include a copy of all documents
received by the indemnified party in connection therewith and any other information known to the
indemnified party with respect to the claim or legal proceeding. The notice shall be given
promptly after the indemnified party becomes aware of each such Loss, claim, or legal proceeding,
but failure to give such prompt notice shall not affect an indemnifying partys obligations
hereunder except to the extent (if any) that the indemnifying party has suffered Losses as a result
of such notification failure.
(b) With respect to any indemnification notice that does not involve a claim or legal
proceeding by a third party, the indemnifying party shall, within thirty days after receipt of such
notice of Losses, pay or cause to be paid to the indemnified party the amount of Losses incurred by
the indemnified party and described in the notice, subject to Section 8.4(c). With respect to an
indemnification notice that involves a claim or legal proceeding by a third party, the indemnifying
party shall, within thirty days after receipt of such notice, notify the indemnified party if it
elects to conduct and control the defense of the claim or legal proceeding. If the indemnifying
party does not so notify the indemnified party of its election to conduct and control the defense
of the claim or legal proceeding, the indemnified party shall have the right to defend, contest,
settle, or compromise the claim or legal proceeding, and the indemnifying party shall, within
thirty days after receipt of notice from the indemnified party, pay to the indemnified party the
amount of any Losses resulting from the indemnified partys liability to the third-party claimant,
subject to Section 8.4(c).
(c) The indemnifying party shall notify the indemnified party within thirty (30) days
following its receipt of such notice if the indemnifying party disputes its liability to the
indemnified party under this Agreement or the amount of the Losses. If the indemnifying party does
not so notify the indemnified party, the claim specified by the indemnified party in such notice
shall be conclusively deemed to be a liability of the indemnifying party under this
32
Agreement, and
the indemnifying party shall pay the amount of such liability to the indemnified party on demand
or, in the case of any notice in which the amount of the claim (or any portion of the claim) is
estimated, on such later date when the amount of such claim (or such portion of such claim) becomes
finally determined. If any dispute arises pursuant this Section 8.4, the
indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall meet within 10 days of the indemnifying
partys delivery of the notice of such dispute. If they cannot resolve the dispute within 30 days,
the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall resolve such dispute in accordance with
Sections 9.13 and 9.14.
(d) Subject to the provisions of Section 8.4(b) and 8.4(c) and the limitations in this
Agreement, the indemnifying party shall have the right to undertake, conduct, and control, through
counsel of its own choosing (if such counsel is reasonably acceptable to the indemnified party) and
at the sole expense of the indemnifying party, the defense of a claim or legal proceeding brought
by a third party. At the expense and request of the indemnifying party, the indemnified party
shall cooperate in connection with such defense; the indemnified party shall otherwise be entitled
to participate in (but not control) the defense of the claim or legal proceeding at its own
expense. So long as the indemnifying party is defending the claim or legal proceeding in good
faith and on a reasonable basis, and so long as the indemnified party does not incur any Losses by
reason of the defense of the claim or legal proceeding, the indemnified party shall not pay or
settle the claim or legal proceeding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the indemnified party shall
have the right to pay or settle the claim or legal proceeding at any time, provided that in such
event the indemnified party shall waive any right to indemnity therefor by the indemnifying party.
The indemnifying party shall not settle the claim or legal proceeding without the written consent
of the indemnified party, which shall not be unreasonably withheld; provided, however, that the
indemnified party shall not be required to give its consent unless the third-party claimant
delivers to the indemnified party an unconditional release of all liability with respect to the
claim or legal proceeding.
8.5 Additional Indemnification Limitations.
(a) The maximum aggregate indemnification obligation of Company and the Shareholders pursuant
to Section 8.2(a), which maximum amount shall be the obligation of each of Company, Elizabeth
Nicholson and Eric Nicholson jointly and severally, shall not exceed the sum of the amount of the
Purchase Price, including the aggregate amount of Earn-Out Payments that actually become due and
owing to which such persons are entitled, plus the amount of any distributions received by Company
from Purchaser pursuant to Section 5.6 of the Limited Liability Company Agreement prior to the two
year anniversary of the date hereof, which distributions shall not be deemed to include payments
made to Elizabeth Nicholson pursuant to the Employment Agreement or payments made as Tax
Distributions pursuant to Section 5.5 of the Limited Liability Company Agreement. The maximum
aggregate indemnification obligation of Purchaser and Calavo pursuant to Section 8.3(a) shall not
exceed the amount of the Purchase Price, including the aggregate amount of Earn-Out Payments that
actually become due and owing to which Company becomes entitled, plus the amount of any
distributions received by Calavo from Purchaser pursuant to Section 5.6 of the Limited Liability
Company Agreement prior to the two year anniversary of the date hereof, which distributions shall
not be deemed to include payments made to Calavo as payments for services or payments made as Tax
Distributions pursuant to Section 5.5 of the Limited Liability Company Agreement; provided,
33
however, that the maximum aggregate indemnification obligation of Purchaser and Calavo with
respect to Losses incurred by Company and the Shareholders as a result of Purchasers or Calavos
breach of Section 4.11 (Orders, Actions or Agreements Affecting the Ability of the Company to
Operate) shall be Eight Million Dollars ($8,000,000).
(b) No claims shall be made by Purchaser or Calavo for indemnification from Company or the
Shareholders pursuant to Section 8.2(a) unless and until the aggregate amount of the Losses
incurred by Purchaser and/or Calavo in the aggregate exceeds $50,000, in which event Company and
the Shareholder shall become liable only for Losses in excess of $50,000.
(c) The indemnification limitations described in Section 8.5(b) shall not apply to a claim
that is made under Section 8.2(b) based upon an alleged breach of, or failure to perform, any
agreement of Company or either Shareholder, or under Section 8.2(c).
(d) The amount of any recovery by an indemnified party pursuant to this Article 8 shall be net
of any insurance proceeds recoverable by the indemnified party (but not to the extent that such
proceeds are repaid by the indemnified party through increased insurance premiums) and net of any
tax benefits as part of determining Losses. Any indemnification payment made pursuant to this
Agreement shall be treated by the parties to this Agreement as an adjustment to the Purchase Price
for Tax purposes.
(e) This Article 8 of this Agreement sets forth the sole and exclusive remedies of Purchaser
and Calavo, on the one hand, and of Sellers, on the other hand, for monetary damages after the
Closing arising out of a breach of this Agreement by the other party or parties. Nothing herein
restricts or prevents the right of any party to pursue causes of action for which equitable relief
is sought.
(f) If Purchaser or Calavo becomes entitled to receive an indemnification payment under the
terms of this Article 8, Purchaser shall have the right to apply any unpaid Earn Out Payments that
are otherwise payable to Company pursuant to Section 2.4 above as an offset against, and in full or
partial satisfaction of, the amounts that are owed to Purchaser or Calavo pursuant to the
indemnification provisions of this Article 8; provided, that any such offset must be based on a
good faith estimate of the amount of Losses by Purchaser, and if the Earn-Out Payments are offset
and the indemnification claim is later determined to be invalid, Purchaser will promptly pay the
amount of offset Earn Out Payment plus 10% interest from the date the Earn Out Payment was due to
the date paid. However, the amount or duration of the indemnification obligations pursuant to this
Article 8 shall not be limited to the Earn Out Payments.
ARTICLE 9
GENERAL PROVISIONS
9.1 Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted by this
Agreement to be given by one party to another party shall be delivered in writing, by registered
or certified United States mail (postage prepaid and return receipt requested), by reputable
overnight delivery service, or by facsimile transmission, and addressed as follows:
34
Calavo:
Calavo Growers, Inc.
1141A Cummings Road
Santa Paula, California 93060
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
Purchaser:
c/o Calavo Growers, Inc.
1141A Cummings Road
Santa Paula, California 93060
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
Company:
Lisas Salsa Company
2124 University Avenue W
St. Paul, Minnesota 55114
Shareholders:
Lisa and Eric Nicholson
[***]
or such other address or facsimile number as the party may designate to the other parties to this
Agreement. Any such notice or communication that is sent in the foregoing manner shall be deemed
to have been delivered upon actual receipt by facsimile transmission, or three days after deposit
in the United States mail, or one day after delivery to an overnight delivery service.
9.2 Amendments and Termination; Entire Agreement. This Agreement may be amended or
terminated only by a writing executed by each party to this Agreement. Together with the
Disclosure Schedule, any and all exhibits and schedules to this Agreement and the Ancillary
Documents, this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties relating to the subject
matter hereof and supersedes all prior oral and written understandings and agreements relating to
such subject matter.
9.3 Incorporation of Exhibits and Schedules. The Disclosure Schedule and any and all
exhibits, schedules and Ancillary Documents that are attached to this Agreement are incorporated
into this Agreement and shall be deemed to be part of this Agreement.
9.4 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall benefit,
the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
rights and obligations of Company and the Shareholders are not assignable to another person without
Purchasers prior written consent, and Calavo and Purchaser shall remain obligated for any Earn-Out
Payments regardless of assignment. Subject to the preceding sentences of this paragraph, this
Agreement is not intended to benefit any person, or to be enforceable by any person, other than the
parties to this Agreement.
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9.5 Calculation of Time. Wherever in this Agreement a period of time is stated in a
number of days, unless otherwise stated it shall be deemed to mean calendar days starting with the
first day after the event or delivery of notice and ending at the end of the last day of the
applicable time period. However, when any period of time so stated would end upon a Saturday,
Sunday, or legal holiday, such period shall be deemed to end upon the next day following that is
not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
9.6 Further Assurances. Each party to this Agreement shall perform any further acts
and execute and deliver any further documents that may be requested by another party and that are
reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.
9.7 Provisions Subject to Applicable Law. All provisions of this Agreement shall be
applicable only to the extent that they do not violate any applicable law, and are intended to be
limited to the extent necessary so that they will not render this Agreement invalid, illegal, or
unenforceable under any applicable law. If any provision of this Agreement or any application
thereof shall be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the validity, legality, and
enforceability of other provisions of this Agreement or of any other application of such provision
shall in no way be affected thereby and in lieu of such illegal, invalid or unenforceable
provision, there will be added automatically as a part of this Agreement a legal, valid and
enforceable provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision as
may be possible.
9.8 Waiver of Rights. No party to this Agreement shall be deemed to have waived any
right or remedy that it has under this Agreement unless this Agreement expressly provides a period
of time within which such right or remedy must be exercised and such period has expired or unless
such party has expressly waived the same in writing. The waiver by any party of a right or remedy
hereunder shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any other right or remedy or of any subsequent
right or remedy of the same kind.
9.9 Headings; Gender and Number; Interpretation.
(a) The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not
affect in any manner the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
(b) Where appropriate to the context of this Agreement, use of the singular shall be deemed
also to refer to the plural, and use of the plural to the singular, and pronouns of one gender
shall be deemed to comprehend either or both of the other genders.
(c) The terms hereof, herein, hereby, and variations thereof shall, whenever used in
this Agreement, refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section hereof. The
term person refers to any natural person, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or
other association or entity.
(d) The words include, includes, and including as used in this Agreement shall be deemed
to be followed by the words without limitation. Any statute, rule, or regulation defined or
referred to in this Agreement means such statute, rule, or regulation as from time to time amended,
including by successor statutes, rules, and regulations.
36
9.10 Expenses. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each party to this
Agreement shall bear its own costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement.
Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, Purchaser and Calavo shall not be
responsible for the payment of costs and expenses (including attorneys fees) incurred by any party
other than Purchaser or Calavo in negotiating, interpreting, or enforcing this Agreement.
9.11 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, and by
each party on a separate counterpart, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which
taken together shall constitute but one and the same instrument. This Agreement may be executed by
facsimile or electronic transmission in PDF format.
9.12 Representation by Counsel. Company and each Shareholder understand and
acknowledge that: (1) TroyGould PC (TroyGould) has served as counsel to Purchaser and
Calavo (and not to them) in connection with this Agreement; (2) they have been advised to consult
with their personal attorneys about this Agreement and have had a sufficient opportunity to do so;
and (3) no representations have been made to them by Purchaser, Calavo or TroyGould regarding the
Tax consequences to them of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
In the event of any dispute between any parties to this Agreement, no presumption or burden of
proof shall be imposed on or against a party as a result of the preparation of this Agreement by
its counsel.
9.13 Governing Laws. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced
in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to such
states conflict-of-law principles.
9.14 Jury Trial. Each party hereto agrees that all rights to a trial by a jury
of any claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement are forever and absolutely waived.
9.15 Injunctive Relief. Each party to this Agreement is entitled to bring an action
for temporary or preliminary injunctive relief at any time in any court of competent jurisdiction
in
order to prevent immeasurable and irreparable injury that might result from a breach of this
Agreement.
9.16 Equity Holder Approval. The Shareholders, by executing this Agreement, are
authorizing and approving the sale of the Transferred Assets and the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement. Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson, as the sole directors of Company, are
hereby approving this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby in their capacity as
Director of Company. Calavo, as the sole equity holder of Purchaser, by executing this Agreement,
is authorizing and approving the purchase of the Transferred Assets and the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
[signature page follows]
37
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Calavo, Purchaser, Company and the Shareholders have executed and
delivered this Agreement as of the date first written above.
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CALAVO:
Calavo Growers, Inc.
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By: |
/s/ Lecil E. Cole
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Name: |
Lecil E. Cole |
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Title: |
Chief Executive Officer |
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PURCHASER:
Calavo Salsa Lisa, LLC
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By: |
/s/ Lecil E. Cole
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Name: |
Lecil E. Cole |
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Title: |
Chief Executive Officer |
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COMPANY:
LISAS SALSA COMPANY
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By: |
/s/ Elizabeth Nicholson
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Name: |
Elizabeth (Lisa) Nicholson |
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Title: |
President |
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SHAREHOLDERS:
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By: |
/s/ Elizabeth Nicholson
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Elizabeth (Lisa) Nicholson |
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By: |
/s/ Eric Nicholson
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Eric Nicholson |
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38
EXHIBIT A
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
(Filed
Separately)
EXHIBIT B
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (this Agreement) is entered into as of February 8, 2010,
by and between Calavo Salsa Lisa, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the
Employer), and Elizabeth Nicholson (the Employee).
RECITALS
A. The Employer, Calavo Growers, Inc., a California corporation (Calavo), Lisas
Salsa Company, a Minnesota corporation (LSC), the Employee and her husband, Eric
Nicholson, are parties to an Asset Purchase and Contribution Agreement dated as of February 8, 2010
(the Asset Purchase Agreement) pursuant to which the Employer purchased the business and
substantially all of the assets of LSC. The business of LSC consisted of the manufacture and
marketing of salsa, and the Employer currently engages in such acquired business. The Employee is
the Chief Executive Officer of LSC, and the Employee and her husband are the sole owners of LSC.
The Employer desires to hire the Employee to serve as its Director of Salsa Design and Production.
B. Calavo owns 65.0% of the outstanding equity interests of the Employer, and LSC owns 35.0%
of the outstanding equity interests of the Employer. The Employers management and operations are
governed by an Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement dated as of
February 8, 2010 among Calavo, LSC, the Employer, the Employee and Eric Nicholson (the LLC
Agreement).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and other good and valuable consideration,
the receipt and sufficiency of which hereby are acknowledged, the Employer and the Employee hereby
agree as follows:
(a) Term of Employment. The Employer hereby employs the Employee, and the Employee
hereby accepts employment with the Employer (Employment), in accordance with the terms
and conditions of this Agreement. The term of the Employees Employment under this Agreement (the
Term of Employment) shall commence on the date of this Agreement and shall end on the
Employment termination date that is specified in writing by either the Employer or the Employee to
the other party.
(b) At Will Employment. The Employer has the right to terminate the Employees
Employment at any time, with or without prior notice, and with or without cause and for any reason
or for no specified reason. The Employee has the right to terminate her Employment at any time,
with or without prior notice. The Employee is employed by the Employer at will, and this
Agreement does not provide the Employee with any right to continue in the Employment of the
Employer for any minimum or specified period.
1
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2. |
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POSITION, DUTIES, AUTHORITY AND EXCLUSIVITY OF SERVICES. |
(a) Position. During the Term of Employment, the Employee shall serve as the
Employers Director of Salsa Design and Production (or such other title as the parties may mutually
agree upon from time to time).
(b) Reporting. The Employee shall report on a day-to-day basis directly to, and shall
be subject to the supervision and direction of, such officer of the Employer (the Designated
Officer) as is designated to the Employee from time to time by the Employers Chief Executive
Officer. Unless and until otherwise designated by the Chief Executive Officer, the Designated
Officer to whom the Employee shall report shall be Alan Ahmer.
(c) Duties, Responsibilities and Authority. The Employees duties, responsibilities
and authority shall consist of overseeing the production of salsa at the Employers manufacturing
facility in St. Paul, Minnesota and participating in the Employers product development and sales
and marketing efforts. The Employee shall be responsible for diligently and competently performing
all services and acts that are necessary or advisable to fulfill those duties and responsibilities
and shall render such services on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Employee shall at all
times be subject to, observe and carry out such reasonable employment-related rules, regulations
and policies as the Employers Executive Committee, Chief Executive Officer or Designated Officer
may from time to time establish for the Employers employees, including, without limitation,
Calavos code of ethics.
(d) Principal Business Office. Without restricting any requirement that the Employee
engage in reasonable business-related travel, the principal location in which the Employee shall be
required to perform her duties and responsibilities shall be St. Paul, Minnesota.
(e) Exclusivity of Services. Except for sick leave that is permitted under the
Employers rules, regulations and policies and except for the paid vacation time that is described
in Section 4(c), the Employee shall, throughout the Term of Employment, devote substantially all of
her attention and time during the Employers normal business hours to serving in the position
described in Section 2(a) and to the performance of her duties and responsibilities in good faith
and to the best of her ability. So long as the Employee does not violate any of the
confidentiality, noncompetition or unfair competition provisions of Section 6 or fail to perform
her duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, the Employee shall be permitted reasonable
time to make and manage her personal business investments and to serve on civic, educational and
charitable boards and committees. The Employee shall not serve on the board of directors of any
for-profit entity without the prior written consent of the Employers Employee Committee.
(a) Base Salary.
(i) For services rendered during the Term of Employment, the Employer shall pay to the
Employee an annual base salary (the Base Salary) of not less than $50,000, payable in
regular installments in accordance with the Employers customary payroll practices for employees.
If the Employee is entitled to receive Base Salary for any period that is
2
less than one calendar month, the Base Salary for such period shall be computed by prorating
the annual Base Salary over such period based upon the actual number of days therein.
(ii) Notwithstanding Section 3(a)(i):
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If and when the Employers net sales for any fiscal year during
the Term of Employment are at least $4,000,000, the Base Salary shall
be $60,000, effective as of the beginning of the immediately
following fiscal year; |
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If and when the Employers net sales for any fiscal year during
the Term of Employment are at least $6,000,000, the Base Salary shall
be $70,000, effective as of the beginning of the immediately
following fiscal year; and |
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If and when the Employers net sales for any fiscal year during
the Term of Employment are at least $8,000,000, the Base Salary shall
be $81,000, effective as of the beginning of the immediately
following fiscal year. |
(iii) For purposes of Section 3(a)(ii), the Employers net sales shall be determined by the
Employer (in consultation with Calavo) in accordance with the generally accepted accounting
principles used by Calavo in determining its net sales reported in its audited financial statements
for the applicable fiscal year. As of the date of this Agreement, the Employers fiscal year ends
on October 31; the Employer promptly shall notify the Employee if the Employer subsequently changes
its fiscal year.
(b) Annual Bonus.
(i) Subject to the terms of this Agreement, with respect to each of the Employers fiscal
years that ends during the Term of Employment, the Employee shall be entitled to receive from the
Employer an annual performance bonus (the Annual Bonus) equal to four percent (4.0%) of
the Employers pre-tax income (if any) for such fiscal year; provided, however, that, beginning
with the second fiscal year that ends during the Term of Employment, the Employee shall be entitled
to receive the Annual Bonus only if the Employers pre-tax income for such fiscal year is at least
ten percent (10.0%) greater than the Employers pre-tax income for its immediately preceding fiscal
year. For example, if the Employers pre-tax income is $1,000,000 for the fiscal year ending
October 31, 2010 and $1,000,000 for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2011, the Employee shall be
entitled to an Annual Bonus of $40,000 for the 2010 fiscal year but shall not be entitled to an
Annual Bonus for the 2011 fiscal year since the pre-tax income for the 2011 fiscal year was not at
least 10.0% greater than the pre-tax income for the 2010 fiscal year.
(ii) The Employer shall pay each Annual Bonus to the Employee within fifteen days after
Calavos receipt of the signed report from its independent registered public accounting firm
regarding such firms audit of Calavos financial statements for the applicable fiscal year. For
purposes of Section 3(b)(i), the Employers pre-tax income shall be
3
determined by the Employer (in consultation with Calavo) in accordance with the generally
accepted accounting principles used by Calavo in determining its pre-tax income reported in its
audited financial statements for the applicable fiscal year and, consistent with the manner in
which Calavo calculates its pre-tax income, the Employers pre-tax income shall be calculated by
deducting the Employers cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses, interest
expense, depreciation expense and other expenses from its net sales for the applicable fiscal year.
Furthermore, consistent with the manner in which Calavo calculates the amount of an income-based
annual bonus that is owed to a Calavo employee, the Employers pre-tax income for each fiscal year
shall be calculated by deducting the estimated amount of the Annual Bonus that is payable to the
Employee for such fiscal year under this Agreement.
(c) Withholding. All Base Salary, Annual Bonuses and other payments to be made to the
Employee under this Agreement are subject to the Employers right to make customary and applicable
deductions and withholdings, including, without limitation, for federal and state taxes, FICA,
Medicaid and other customary payroll activities.
(d) Equity Interests in Calavo and the Employer. The Employee acknowledges and agrees
that neither Calavo nor the Employer has made any representations or promises to her regarding her
receipt of (1) stock options or other rights to acquire shares of Calavo common stock under an
employee stock plan or otherwise or (2) equity interests in the Employer (other than the equity
interest currently held by LSC), and that nothing in this Agreement entitles her to any such stock
options, shares or other equity interests.
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EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT, VACATIONS AND CAR LEASE
ALLOWANCE. |
(a) Employee Benefits. During the Term of Employment, the Employee shall be entitled
to receive all benefits for which she is otherwise eligible under any and all deferred compensation
plans, life, disability, health, accident and other insurance programs and similar employee benefit
plans and programs (if any) that the Employer elects in its sole discretion to provide from time to
time to its employees (collectively referred to herein as the Benefits). However, the
Employer reserves the right to terminate, reduce or otherwise amend any or all of the Benefits from
time to time so long as such action applies generally to all of its employees. Except as
otherwise required by applicable law with respect to continued COBRA group health care coverage
and except as expressly required by the terms of the Employers life, disability, health, accident
and other insurance programs and similar employee benefit plans and programs, the Employees right
to receive Benefits shall terminate upon the termination of her Employment for any reason.
(b) Business Expense Reimbursement and Office. Provided that the Employee provides
appropriate documentation of her expenses, the Employee shall be entitled to receive full
reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses that are incurred by her during
the Term of Employment in accordance with the policies and procedures established from time to time
by the Employer. During the Term of Employment, the Employee shall be provided with reasonable
office space at the Employers expense. The Employees rights under this Section 4(b) shall
terminate as of the date that her Employment terminates for
4
any reason, provided that the Employer shall remain obligated to reimburse the Employee for
any such expenses that were properly incurred by her during the Term of Employment.
(c) Vacations. During each of the first four calendar years in the Term of
Employment, the Employee shall be entitled to take fifteen days of paid vacation time; the Employee
shall be entitled to take twenty days of paid vacation time during each calendar year beginning
with the fifth calendar year in which the Employee serves as an employee of the Employer. The
Employee shall also be entitled to take paid vacation time with respect to firm-wide vacation days
and floating holidays that are listed on the holiday schedule that the Employer distributes to
its employees on an annual basis. The Employee shall be entitled to accrue unused vacation time
only in accordance with the Employers vacation accrual policy for its employees. Within ten days
after the termination of the Employees Employment for any reason, the Employer shall make a
payment to the Employee for any properly accrued but unused vacation time based upon her Base
Salary in effect as of the date of her Employment termination.
(d) Car Lease Allowance. During the Term of Employment, the Employer shall pay to the
Employee a monthly car lease allowance of $600. The Employees rights under this Section 4(d)
shall terminate as of the date that her Employment terminates for any reason, provided that, within
ten days after the termination of the Employees Employment, the Employer shall make a payment to
the Employee for any accrued but unpaid car allowance payments covering the Term of Employment.
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POST-EMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION. |
(a) General. Except as specifically provided in this Agreement, the Employer shall
have no obligation to make any compensation, severance or other payments to the Employee, or to
provide any other benefits to the Employee, after the date of the termination of the Employees
Employment for any reason. The termination of the Employees Employment shall not affect the right
of LSC to receive payments to which it is entitled under the terms and conditions of (1) the Asset
Purchase Agreement by reason of the sale of LSCs assets to the Employer or (2) the LLC Agreement
by reason of LSCs status as a member of the Employer.
(b) Base Salary. Upon the termination of the Employees Employment for any reason,
the Employee shall not be entitled to receive any additional Base Salary payments from the Employer
except:
(i) The Employee shall have the right to receive any earned but unpaid Base Salary as of the
date of the Employment termination, which the Employer shall pay within ten days after the
Employees Employment termination date; and
(ii) If the Employer terminates the Employees Employment without Cause (as defined in Section
5(b)(iii) below) prior to the two-year anniversary of the date of this Agreement, or if the
Employee terminates her Employment for Good Reason (as defined in Section 5(b)(iv) below) prior to
the two-year anniversary of the date of this Agreement, then the Employer shall also make a lump
sum payment to the Employee in an amount equal to her annual Base Salary that is in effect on the
Employment termination date, payable by the Employer within ten days after the Employment
termination date and subject to the Employers
5
right to make customary and applicable deductions and withholdings, including, without
limitation, for federal and state taxes, FICA, Medicaid and other customary payroll activities.
The Employee shall not be entitled to receive the payment described in this paragraph if the
Employer terminates the Employees Employment for Cause, or if she terminates her Employment other
than for Good Reason, prior to the two-year anniversary of the date of this Agreement; and the
Employee shall not be entitled to receive the payment described in this paragraph if her Employment
terminates for any reason on or after the two-year anniversary of the date of this Agreement.
(iii) For purposes of this Agreement, Cause means: (1) willful misconduct by the
Employee with respect to the Employer that has a material adverse effect on the Employer and which
misconduct is not cured within thirty days after written notice of such misconduct is given by the
Employer to the Employee; (2) the Employees willful refusal to attempt to follow the proper
written direction of the Chief Executive Officer or the Designated Officer unless the Employee has
a good faith reason to believe that such direction is illegal or is a violation of the Employers
rules, regulations and policies, which refusal shall continue for a period of at least thirty days
after written notice of such refusal is given by the Employer to the Employee; (3) the substantial
and continuing refusal by the Employee to attempt to perform her duties required under this
Agreement after written notice of demand for performance of such duties is delivered to the
Employee by the Employer (which notice must specifically identify the manner in which the Employer
believes the Employee has substantially and continually refused to attempt to perform her duties
under this Agreement) and after the Employee has failed to cure such refusal to attempt to perform
her duties for at least thirty days after her receipt of such notice; (4) the Employees conviction
of, or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony (other than a felony involving a
traffic violation); (5) the Employees theft, embezzlement or other criminal misappropriation of
funds from the Employer; or (6) the Employees willful breach of any other material provision of
this Agreement (including, without limitation, Section 6, entitled Confidentiality and Unfair
Competition), which breach is not cured by the Employee within thirty days after written notice of
such breach is given by the Employer to the Employee. For purposes of this paragraph, no act, or
failure to act, on the Employees part will be considered willful unless done, or omitted to be
done, by the Employee not in good faith and without reasonable belief that the Employees action or
omission was in the best interests of the Employer.
(iv) For purposes of this Agreement, Good Reason means the occurrence, without the
Employees written consent, of any of the following: (1) a material demotion in the duties of the
Employee, if the Employees duties are not restored by the Employer within thirty days after
written notice is given by the Employee to the Employer; (2) a change in the Employees duties
requiring her to perform the majority of her hours of Employment more than 35 miles from St. Paul,
Minnesota, if the Employer fails to remedy such change within thirty days after written notice is
given by the Employee to the Employer; (3) any breach by the Employer of any material provision of
this Agreement, which breach is not cured by the Employer within thirty days after written notice
of such breach is given by the Employee to the Employer; or (4) the failure of any successor to the
Employer (whether direct or indirect or whether by merger, acquisition of assets, consolidation or
otherwise) to assume in a writing delivered to the Employee the obligations of the Employer under
this Agreement, if such assumption agreement is not delivered to the Employee within ten days after
she provides the
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successor to the Employer with written notice of her desire to receive such agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Employee shall be deemed to have terminated her Employment for
Good Reason for purposes of this Agreement only if she terminates her Employment within thirty days
after the occurrence of the event described in this paragraph that permits her to terminate her
Employment for Good Reason.
(c) Annual Bonus.
(i) Upon the termination of the Employees Employment for any reason, the Employee shall be
entitled to receive any earned but unpaid Annual Bonus for a fiscal year of the Employer that ended
on or before the date of her Employment termination, calculated and payable in the manner and by
the date described in Section 3(b).
(ii) If the Employees Employment terminates for any reason prior to the completion of any
fiscal year of the Employer, the Employee shall be entitled to receive an Annual Bonus upon the
subsequent completion of the fiscal year in which her Employment terminates, calculated and payable
in the manner and by the date described in Section 3(b) except that the amount of the Annual Bonus
that is owed to the Employee shall equal (1) the amount of the Annual Bonus that would have been
payable to the Employee if she had served as an employee under this Agreement for the entire fiscal
year, (2) multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of days in such
fiscal year in which she was employed under this Agreement and the denominator of which shall be
365. For example, if the Employee was employed for 200 days in a fiscal year in which she would
have received an Annual Bonus of $50,000 if she had been employed for the entire fiscal year, the
Employee shall be entitled to receive an Annual Bonus equal to $27,397.26 ($50,000 x 200/365).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Employee shall not be entitled to receive an Annual Bonus for a
fiscal year that ends after the termination of her Employment (other than the Employers 2010
fiscal year, if her Employment terminates prior to October 31, 2010) unless the Employers pre-tax
income for such fiscal year is at least 10.0% greater than the Employers pre-tax income for its
immediately preceding fiscal year.
(iii) Except as described in Section 5(c)(ii), the Employee shall not be entitled to receive
an Annual Bonus payment or any other payment with respect to a fiscal year of the Employer that
ends after the termination of her Employment for any reason.
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CONFIDENTIALITY; UNFAIR COMPETITION. |
(a) Confidentiality. The Employee shall at no time, either during her Employment or
after the termination of her Employment for any reason, use or disclose to any person, directly or
indirectly, any confidential or proprietary information concerning the business of the Employer or
Calavo (including Calavos subsidiaries), including, without limitation, any salsa recipe of the
Employer or Calavo or any other business secret, trade secret, financial information, software,
internal procedure, business plan, marketing plan, pricing strategy or policy or customer list,
except to the extent that such use or disclosure is (1) necessary to the performance of the
Employees Employment during the period that she is so employed, (2) required by an order of a
court of competent jurisdiction, or (3) authorized in writing by the Employers Chief Executive
Officer or Designated Officer. The prohibition that is contained in
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the preceding sentence shall not apply to any information that is or becomes generally
available to the public other than through a disclosure by the Employee or by a person acting in
concert with her. Within five days after the termination of her Employment, the Employee shall
return to the Employer or Calavo all memoranda, notes and other documents in her possession or
control that relate to the confidential information of the Employer or Calavo. Upon the Employers
request, the Employee agrees to execute and deliver to the Employer any form of confidentiality
agreement that the Employer or Calavo requires generally from its employees.
(b) Competition During the Term of Employment. During her Employment, the Employee
shall not, directly or indirectly (as owner, principal, agent, partner, officer, employee,
independent contractor, consultant, shareholder or otherwise), (1) hire (or solicit for the purpose
of hiring) or cause any other person to hire (or solicit for the purpose of hiring) any employee or
officer of the Employer or Calavo or of any Calavo subsidiary or (2) compete in any manner with the
business then being conducted by the Employer or Calavo or by any Calavo subsidiary. The
prohibition that is set forth in the preceding sentence shall not be construed as prohibiting the
Employee from acquiring and owning up to one percent of the outstanding common stock of any
corporation whose common stock is traded on a national securities exchange.
(c) Unfair Competition After the Term of Employment. During the twelve-month period
that immediately follows the termination of the Employees Employment for any reason, in order to
prevent the Employee from competing unfairly with the Employer, the Employee shall not, directly or
indirectly (as owner, principal, agent, partner, officer, employee, independent contractor,
consultant, shareholder or otherwise), hire (or solicit for the purpose of hiring) or cause any
other person to hire (or solicit for the purpose of hiring) any person who is an employee or
officer of the Employer or Calavo or of any Calavo subsidiary during such twelve-month period.
(d) Remedies. If the Employee breaches any of the provisions of this Section 6 or if
the Employee breaches any of the terms of any other confidentiality or unfair competition agreement
that she may enter into with the Employer, the Employer may, among its other remedies and
notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement, terminate all payments that are
otherwise owed to the Employee under this Agreement, and the Employer shall be relieved of any
obligation to make such payments to the Employee. Furthermore, the Employee acknowledges that
damages and such termination of payments would be an inadequate remedy for her breach of any of the
provisions of this Section 6, and that her breach of any of such provisions will result in
immeasurable and irreparable harm to the Employer. Therefore, in addition to any other remedy to
which the Employer may be entitled by reason of the Employees breach of any such provision, the
Employer shall be entitled to seek and obtain temporary, preliminary and permanent injunctive
relief from any court of competent jurisdiction restraining the Employee from committing or
continuing any breach of any provision of this Section 6.
(e) Other Noncompetition Covenants. The provisions of this Section 6 shall not
diminish or otherwise affect any of the noncompetition covenants or other covenants that the
Employee or LSC has given pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement or the LLC Agreement.
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(f) Effect of the Purchase of Calavos Interest in the Employer. If the entire
ownership interest that Calavo holds in the Employer is purchased by LSC, by the Employee, or by
one or more of LSCs Permitted Transferees (as such term is defined in the LLC Agreement), then,
effective on the closing date of the sale of Calavos ownership interest:
(i) The provisions of Section 6(a) of this Agreement that prohibit the Employees use or
disclosure of the Employers confidential or proprietary information shall terminate, but the
provisions of Section 6(a) that prohibit the Employees use or disclosure of other confidential or
proprietary information of Calavo or of any subsidiary of Calavo (excluding the Employer) shall
continue in full force and effect;
(ii) The provisions of Section 6(b) of this Agreement shall terminate in their entirety; and
(iii) The provisions of Section 6(c) of this Agreement that prohibit the Employee from hiring
(or soliciting for the purpose of hiring), or causing any other person to hire (or solicit for the
purpose of hiring), specified employees and officers shall terminate with respect to persons who
were or are employees or officers of the Employer, but such provisions shall continue in full force
and effect for all other specified employees and officers of Calavo or of any subsidiary of Calavo
(excluding the Employer).
(a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement (and any separate confidentiality agreements
that may be entered into between the Employer and the Employee) constitutes the entire agreement of
the Employer and the Employee relating to the terms and conditions of the Employees Employment and
supersedes all prior oral and written understandings and agreements relating to such subject
matter. However, this Agreement does not modify or terminate any provision of the Asset Purchase
Agreement or the LLC Agreement.
(b) Notices. All notices required or permitted by this Agreement to be given by one
party to the other party shall be delivered in writing, by registered or certified United States
mail (postage prepaid and return receipt requested) or by reputable overnight delivery service, to
the Employer or the Employee, as applicable, at the address that appears on the signature page of
this Agreement (or to such other address that one party gives the other in the foregoing manner).
Any such notice that is sent in the foregoing manner shall be deemed to have been delivered three
days after deposit in the United States mail or one day after delivery to an overnight delivery
service.
(c) Expenses. Each party to this Agreement shall bear its own costs and expenses
(including, without limitation, attorneys fees) incurred in connection with this Agreement.
(d) Amendment and Termination. This Agreement may be amended or terminated only
pursuant to a writing executed by the Employer and the Employee.
(e) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall benefit,
the Employer and the Employee and their respective successors and assigns
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(including, without limitation, the Employees personal representative and beneficiaries and
any corporation or other entity into which the Employer is merged); provided, however, that the
Employee is not entitled to assign her obligations hereunder to another person.
(f) Calculation of Time. Wherever in this Agreement a period of time is stated in a
number of days, it shall be deemed to mean calendar days. However, when any period of time so
stated would end upon a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, such period shall be deemed to end upon
the next day following that is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.
(g) Further Assurances. Each of the Employer and the Employee shall perform any
further acts and execute and deliver any further documents that may be reasonably necessary to
carry out the provisions of this Agreement.
(h) Provisions Subject to Applicable Law. All provisions of this Agreement shall be
applicable only to the extent that they do not violate any applicable law and are intended to be
limited to the extent necessary so that they will not render this Agreement invalid, illegal or
unenforceable under any applicable law. If any provision of this Agreement or any application
thereof shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and
enforceability of other provisions of this Agreement or of any other application of such provision
shall in no way be affected thereby.
(i) Waiver of Rights. Neither party shall be deemed to have waived any right or
remedy that it has under this Agreement unless this Agreement expressly provides a period of time
within which such right or remedy must be exercised and such period has expired or unless such
party has expressly waived the same in writing. The waiver by either party of a right or remedy
hereunder shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any other right or remedy or of any subsequent
right or remedy of the same kind.
(j) Headings; Gender and Number. The headings contained in this Agreement are for
reference purposes only and shall not affect in any manner the meaning or interpretation of this
Agreement. Where appropriate to the context of this Agreement, use of the singular shall be deemed
also to refer to the plural, and use of the plural to the singular, and pronouns of one gender
shall be deemed to comprehend either or both of the other genders. The terms hereof, herein,
hereby and variations thereof shall, whenever used in this Agreement, refer to this Agreement as
a whole and not to any particular section of this Agreement. The term person refers to
any natural person, corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other association or
entity, as applicable.
(k) Representation of the Employee; Interpretation of This Agreement. The Employee
acknowledges and agrees that she has had an adequate opportunity to review this Agreement with her
counsel prior to executing this Agreement, and that she is freely entering into this Agreement
without coercion from any source. The Employer and the Employee have negotiated the terms of this
Agreement, and the language used herein was chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent.
This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction
against the party causing the instrument to be drafted.
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(l) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and by facsimile or
electronic transmission in PDF format, each of which will be deemed an original but both of which
together will constitute a single instrument.
(m) Governing Laws; Jury Trial Waiver. This Agreement shall be governed by, and
construed and enforced in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of Delaware without
giving effect to such states conflict-of-law principles. Each party agrees that all rights to
a trial by a jury of any claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement are forever and
absolutely waived.
(Signature Page Follows)
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Employer and the Employee have executed and delivered this Agreement
as of the date first written above.
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CALAVO SALSA LISA, LLC
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By: |
/s/
Lecil E. Cole |
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Lecil E. Cole |
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Chief Executive Officer |
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Address:
c/o Calavo Growers, Inc.
1141A Cummings Road
Santa Paula, California 93060
Attention: Chief Financial Officer |
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/s/
Elizabeth Nicholson |
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ELIZABETH NICHOLSON
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Address:
[***] |
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EXHIBIT C
FORM OF CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS AGREEMENT
The First Name in Avocados
CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
Bi-Lingual Version (Version Bilingue)
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English Version |
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(Versión en Espanol) Spanish Version |
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Introduction
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Introducción |
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Calavo Growers, Inc. intends to conduct its business honestly
and ethically wherever we operate in the world. We will
constantly improve the quality of our services, products and
operations and will maintain a reputation for honesty, fairness,
respect, responsibility, integrity, trust and sound business
judgment. No illegal or unethical conduct on the part of our
directors, officers or employees or their affiliates is in the
Companys best interest. Calavo will not compromise its
principles for short-term advantage. The honest and ethical
performance of this Company is the sum of the ethics of the men
and women who work here. Thus, we are all expected to adhere
to high standards of personal integrity.
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Calavo Growers, Inc. intenta conducir sus negocios honesta y
eticamente dondequiera que opere en el mundo. Constantemente,
mejorara la calidad de sus servicios, productos y operaciones y
mantendrá una reputación de honestidad, justicia, respecto,
responsabilidad, integridad, confianza y legitimo juicio en los
negocios. No es el mejor interés de la empresa, la conducta
unetical o ilegal por parte de nuestros directores, oficiales o
empleados o de sus afiliadas. Calavo no compromete estos
principios para tomar ventaja en el corto plazo. El desempeno
honesto y ético de la empresa es la suma de la ética de hombres
y mujeres que trabajan aquí. Por tanto se espera que todos se
adhieran a altos estándares de integridad personal. |
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This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the Code) covers a
wide range of business practices and procedures. It does not
cover every issue that may arise, but it sets out basic principles
to guide all directors, officers and employees of Calavo. All of
our directors, officers and employees must conduct themselves
accordingly and seek to avoid even the appearance of improper
behavior. This Code should also be provided to and followed by
Calavos agents and representatives, including consultants.
As required by applicable law and Nasdaq regulations, this Code
will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
SEC), posted on the Companys website or otherwise made
available for examination by our shareholders.
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Este código de conducta y ética en los negocios (el código)
cubre un gran rango de procedimientos y practicas en los
negocios. No cubre todos los aspectos que puedan ocurrir, pero
si establece los principios básicos que guían a todos los
directores, oficiales y empleados de CALAVO. Todos nuestros
directores, oficiales y empleados deben conducirse
apropiadamente y tratar de evitar cualquier apariencia de
comportamiento incorrecto. Este código será proveído y seguido
por los agentes, representantes y consultores de Calavo.
Como es requerido y aplicable por ley y por los reglamentos del
Nasdaq, este código, deberá ser sometido a la Comisión de
Intercambio de Valores (Securities and Exchange Commission
SEC), debe ser desplegado en el sitio WEB de la empresaa, o de
otra forma estar disponible para su revisión por los accionistas. |
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1. Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations.
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1. Acatamiento de leyes, reglas y reglamentos. |
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Obeying the law, both in letter and in spirit, is the foundation on
which Calavos ethical standards are built. All directors, officers
and employees must respect and obey the laws of the United
States and of the cities, states and foreign countries in which we
operate. In particular, all directors, officers and employees must
comply with federal securities laws, rules and regulations that
govern Calavo, and they must obey all applicable Equal
Employment Opportunity laws and act with respect and
responsibility towards others in all of their dealings.
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La obediencia de la ley, tanto en papel como en espíritu son el
fundamento en el cual los estándares éticos de Calavo fueron
construidos. Todos los directores, oficiales y empleados deben
respectar las leyes de los Estados Unidos y otras ciudades,
estados y países extranjeros en los cuales Calavo opera. In
particular, todos los directores, oficiales y empleados deben
acatar las leyes federales de valores, reglas y reglamentos que
gobiernan Calavo, y además deben obedecer todo lo aplicable a
las leyes de igualdad y oportunidad de empleo, y actuar con
respeto y responsabilidad con todos los que se relacionan con el
negocio. |
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2. Avoidance of Conflicts of Interest.
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2. Evitamiento de conflictos de interés |
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Calavos directors, officers and employees must never permit
their personal interests to conflict, or even appear to conflict,
with the interests of the company. A conflict of interest exists
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Los directores, oficiales y empleados de Calavo nunca deben
permitir que sus intereses personales estén en conflicto con los |
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CALAVO Ethics Policy English Spanish 0209
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Confidential
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English Version |
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(Versión en Espanol) Spanish Version |
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when a persons private interest interferes in any way, or even
appears to interfere, with Calavos interests. A conflict situation
can arise when a director, officer or employee takes actions, or
has interests, that may make it difficult to perform his or her
Company work objectively and effectively. Conflicts of interest
may also arise when a director, officer or employee, or a
member of his or her family, receives improper personal benefits
as a result of his or her position with Calavo.
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intereses de la empresa. Un conflicto de intereses existe
cuando un interés privado de una persona interfiere de alguna
forma, o aparenta interferir con los intereses de Calavo. Una
situación de conflicto se deriva cuando un director, oficial o
empleado toma acciones, o tiene intereses, que hagan difícil
desempenar su trabajo en forma objetiva y efectiva. Conflictos
de intereses también se puede derivar cuando un director, oficial
o empleado, o miembro de su familia, recibe beneficios
inapropiados como resultado de su posición con Calavo. |
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For example, it is a conflict of interest for a Calavo director,
officer or employee to work simultaneously for a competitor or
customer, even as a consultant or board member. Each director,
officer and employee must be particularly careful to avoid
representing Calavo in any transaction with a third party with
whom the director, officer or employee has any outside business
affiliation or relationship. The best policy is to avoid any direct
or indirect business connection with our customers and
competitors, except on our behalf.
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Por ejemplo, es un conflicto de intereses para un director, oficial
o empleado de Calavo es trabajar simultáneamente para un
competidor o cliente, inclusive como consultor o miembro de su
junta directiva. Cualquier director, oficial y empleado debe ser
particularmente cuidadoso de evitar representar a Calavo en
cualquier transacción con otros grupos, con los cuales el tiene
relaciones o afiliaciones externas de negocios. La mejor política
es evitar cualquier conexión de negocios, directa o indirecta con
clientes o competidores, excepto a nombre de Calavo. |
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Conflicts of interest are prohibited under this Code except in
limited cases under guidelines or exceptions specifically
approved in advance by the Board of Directors. Since some of
our directors, officers and employees grow avocados and other
agricultural products and will enter into marketing agreements
with Calavo, the Board of Directors will approve such marketing
agreements and will not consider them to be a violation or
waiver of this Code as long as the terms of the agreements are no
more favorable to the directors, officers and employees than
agreements that we enter into with third parties.
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Conflictos de intereses son prohibidos bajo este código, excepto
in casos limitados bajo los lineamientos o excepciones
específicamente aprobadas por adelantado por la Junta Directiva.
Como algunos directores, oficiales y empleados cultivan
aguacates y otros productos agrícolas, ellos entraran en acuerdos
de mercadeo con Calavo, la Junta Directiva aprobara esos
acuerdos y no serán considerados como una violación a este
código, en cuanto los términos del acuerdo no sea mas
favorables a los directores, oficiales y empleados que los
acuerdos suscritos con otros grupos externos. |
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Conflicts of interest may not always be clear-cut, so if you have
a question, you should consult with your supervisor or with the
Director of Human Resources. The Directors telephone number
and address are set forth in Section 15 below. Any director,
officer or employee who becomes aware of any transaction or
relationship that is a conflict of interest or a potential conflict of
interest should bring it to the attention of the Director of Human
Resources.
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Conflictos de intereses no siempre están claros. Por tanto si
usted tiene alguna pregunta puede consultar con su supervisor o
con el Director de Recursos Humanos. El teléfono, y dirección
del Director se detallan abajo en la Sección 15. Cualquier
director, oficial o empleado quien se entere de alguna
transacción o relación que tiene conflicto de intereses o potencial
de conflicto de intereses debe llevarlo a la atención del Director
de Recursos Humanos. |
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3. Bribes, Kickbacks and Gifts.
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3. Sobornos, pago ilícitos y regalos. |
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No bribes, kickbacks or other similar remuneration or
consideration may be given to any person or organization in
order to attract or influence business activity. The United States
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act prohibits giving anything of
value, directly or indirectly, to officials of foreign governments
or foreign political candidates in order to obtain or retain
business. Therefore, this Code strictly prohibits making illegal
payments to government officials of any country.
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No se permitirán, sobornos, pagos ilícitos, regalos o
remuneraciones similares a ninguna persona u organización con
tal de atraer o influir en la actividad del negocio. En Estados
Unidos, el Acta de Practicas de Corrupción Foránea prohíbe dar
cualquier cosa de valor, directa o indirectamente a oficiales de
gobiernos extranjeros o candidatos políticos extranjeros con tal
de obtener o retener el negocio. Por tanto, este código prohíbe
estrictamente hacer pagos ilegales a oficiales de gobierno de
cualquier país. |
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Calavos directors, officers and employees are also prohibited
from receiving or providing gifts, gratuities, fees or bonuses as
an inducement to attract or influence business activity. No
entertainment should ever be offered, given or accepted by any
Calavo director, officer or employee (or any family member of
any such person) in connection with our business activities
unless it: (a) is consistent with customary business practices; (b)
is not excessive in value; (c) cannot be construed as a bribe or
payoff; and (d) does not violate any laws or regulations. Please
discuss with your supervisor or our Director of Human
Resources any entertainment that you are not certain is
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A los directores, oficiales y empleados también se les prohíbe
recibir o proveer regalos, gratitudes, bonos, honorarios con tal de
influir en la actividad del negocio. Ningún director, oficial o
empleado deberá ofrecer o aceptar entretenimiento para el o
algún miembro de su familia en conexión con las actividades del
negocio al menos que: a) es consistente con las practicas
normales del negocio, b) no es excesivo en valor, c) no puede ser
construido como soborno o mordida o regalo y d) no viola
ningún ley o reglamento. Por favor discuta esto con su
supervisor o con la Directora de Recursos Humanos si no esta
seguro que algún entretenimiento es apropiado. |
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CALAVO Ethics Policy English Spanish 0209
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4. Confidential Information.
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4. Información Confidencial. |
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Our directors, officers and employees will often come into
contact with, or have possession of, confidential information
about Calavo or our suppliers, customers or affiliates, and they
must take all appropriate steps to assure that the confidentiality
of such information is maintained. Confidential information
includes all nonpublic information that might be of use to
competitors or harmful to Calavo if disclosed. It also includes
nonpublic information that our suppliers, customers or affiliates
have entrusted to us.
Confidential information, whether it belongs to Calavo or any of
our suppliers, customers or affiliates, may include, among other
things, strategic business plans, actual operating results,
projections of future operating results, marketing strategies,
customer lists, personnel records, proposed acquisitions and
divestitures, new investments, changes in dividend policies, the
proposed issuance of additional securities, management changes
or manufacturing costs, processes and methods. Confidential
information about our company and other companies,
individuals and entities must be treated with sensitivity and
discretion and only be disclosed to persons within Calavo whose
positions require use of that information or if disclosure is
required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.
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Los directores, oficiales y empleados con frecuencia estarán en
contacto con, o tienen posesión de información confidencial
acerca de Calavo y sus suplidores, clientes o afilados. Ellos
debe tomar los pasos apropiados para asegurar que la
confidencialidad de tal información es mantenida.
Información confidencial incluye toda la información no pública
que podría ser usada por los competidores para afectar a Calavo
si es divulgada. También incluye información no pública que
suplidores, clientes y afiliados nos confiaron.
Información confidencial, como sea que ella pertenezca a Calavo
o cualquiera de sus suplidores, clientes o afiliados, puede incluir
entre otras cosas, planes estratégicos del negocio, resultados
actuales de operaciones, resultados de proyecciones futuras,
estrategias de mercadeo, lista de clientes, registros de personal,
propuestas de adquisición del total o porciones de empresas
liquidadas, nuevas inversiones, cambios en la política de
dividendos, en las propuesta de emisión de valores adicionales,
cambios en la gerencia o cambios en los costos, procesos y
métodos de manufactura. Información confidencial acerca de la
empresas y otras entidades debe ser tratada con sensitividad y
discreción y solo debe ser revelada a personas dentro de Calavo
en aquellas posiciones donde el use de información o su
exposición es requerida por las leyes, reglas y reglamentos. |
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5. Insider Trading.
(This section applies to corporate and head of CDM only.)
Any misuse of material nonpublic information in connection
with trading in Calavos securities, or in the securities of another
company or entity with which we do business, can expose an
individual to civil penalties, criminal fines and a prison term
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act)
and related laws. Material information is information that a
reasonable investor would consider important in a decision to
purchase or sell securities of Calavo or of any company or other
entity with which we do business. In short, information is
material if it could reasonably be expected to affect the price of
our stock or the stock of another company or entity. The
examples of confidential information that are listed in the
preceding paragraph are also examples of information that
generally are considered material.
Under
the Exchange Act, directors, officers and employees who
possess material information about Calavo that is not available
to the public are considered insiders. Spouses, relatives,
friends, suppliers, customers, brokers and others outside the
company who may have acquired the material nonpublic
information directly or indirectly from a director, officer or
employee are also considered insiders. The Exchange Act and
this Code prohibit insiders who possess material nonpublic
information about Calavo from trading in, or recommending the
sale or purchase of, Calavos securities until the end of the
second business day after the material information has been
disclosed by Calavo to the public through a press release or a
report that is filed with the SEC.
The following guidelines should be followed in dealing with
material nonpublic information:
Until the end of the second business day after material
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5. Comercio Interior.
(Esta sección aplica a la corporación y la gerencia de CDM.)
Cualquier uso erróneo de información no publica e material en la
conexión con negociar en las seguridades de Calavo, o en las
seguridades de otra compañía o entidad con las cuales hacemos
negocio, puede exponer a un individuo a las penas civiles, las
multas criminales y un término de prisión bajo acto de
intercambio de seguridades de 1934 (el acto del intercambio) y
las leyes relacionadas. La información material es información
que un inversionista razonable consideraría importante en una
decisión de comprar o vender seguridades de Calavo o de
cualquier compañía o de otra entidad con quienes hagamos
negocio. La información material si podría razonablemente
afectar el precio de nuestra acción o de la acción de otra
compañía o entidad. Los ejemplos de la información
confidencial que se enumeran en el párrafo precedente son
también los ejemplos de la información que consideran en
general material.
Bajo acto del intercambio, consideran a los directores, a los
oficiales y a los empleados que poseen la información material
que no esta disponible al público sobre Calavo, como los
iniciados. Consideran a los esposos, a los parientes, a los
amigos, a los surtidores, a los clientes, los corredores y otros
fuera de la compañía que pudo haber adquirido la información
material no publica, directamente o indirectamente de un
director, de un oficial o de un empleado también como los
iniciados. El acto del intercambio y este código prohíben a los
iniciados que poseen la información material no publica sobre
Calavo de negociar adentro, o dar recomendación de la venta o
de la compra de las seguridades de Calavo hasta el final del
segundo día laboral después de que la información material haya
sido divulgada por Calavo al público a través de un lanzamiento |
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CALAVO Ethics Policy English Spanish 0209
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information about Calavo has been publicly disclosed
by Calavo through a press release or a report that is
filed with the SEC, a director, officer or employee may
not disclose the information to any family member or
any other person or entity except persons with Calavo
whose positions require use of that information.
Until the end of the second business day after material
information about Calavo has been publicly disclosed
in the manner described above, a director, officer or
employee who possesses that information may not
purchase, sell or otherwise transfer any of the
Companys securities, except pursuant to a written
prearranged trading plan that satisfies applicable legal
requirements and that has been approved in advance
by Calavos Chief Financial Officer. This prohibition
applies to relatives who live in your household and to
corporations, trusts, partnerships and other entities that
are under your control.
Until the end of the second business day after material
information about another company or entity with
which we do business has been publicly disclosed in
the manner described above, a Calavo director, officer
or employee who possesses that information may not
purchase, sell or otherwise transfer any securities of
the other Company or entity or disclose the material
information to anyone except those within Calavo
whose positions require use of that information. This
prohibition applies to relatives who live in your
household and to corporations, trusts, partnerships and
other entities that are under your control.
A short sale of Calavos securities evidences an
expectation on the part of the seller that the securities
will decline in value, and therefore signals to the
market that the seller lacks confidence in Calavo or its
short-term prospects. In addition, short sales may
reduce the sellers incentive to improve the companys
performance. For these reasons, short sales of
Calavos securities are prohibited by this Code. This
prohibition extends to so-called short sales against the
box, where the seller may own the securities being
sold but may not deliver the securities to cover the sale
order.
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de prensa o un informe que se archiva con las pautas siguientes
de SEC. Las pautas siguientes deben ser seguidas en ocuparse
de la información material no publica:
Hasta el final del segundo día laboral después de que
la información material sobre Calavo haya sido
divulgada al público por Calavo a través de un
lanzamiento de prensa o un informe que se archiva con
el SEC, un director, un oficial o un empleado no podra
divulgar la información a cualquier miembro de la
familia o cualquier otra persona o entidad excepto
personas que trabajan en posiciones de Calavo que
requieran uso de esa información.
Hasta el extremo del segundo día laboral después de
que la información material sobre Calavo se haya
divulgado al público de la manera descrita arriba,
directores, oficiales o empleados que poseen esa
información no podran comprar, vender o transferir de
otra manera cualesquiera las seguridades de la
compañía, a menos que conforme a un plan que
negocia por escrito y satisfaga requisitos legales
aplicables y que ha sido aprobado por adelantado por
el principal oficial financiero de Calavo. Esta
prohibición se aplica a los parientes que viven en su
casa y a las corporaciones, las confianzas, las
sociedades y otras entidades que están bajo su control.
Hasta el extremo del segundo día laboral después de
que la información material sobre otra compañía o
entidad con quienes hacemos negocio se haya
divulgado al público de la manera descrita arriba,
directores de Calavo, oficiales, o empleados que
poseen esa información, no podran comprar, vender o
transferir de otra manera las seguridades de otra
compañía o entidad y no podran divulgar la
información material a cualquier persona excepto ésos
con posiciones dentro de Calavo que requieran uso de
esa información. Esta prohibición se aplica a los
parientes que viven en su casa y a las corporaciones,
las confianzas, las sociedades y otras entidades que
están bajo su control.
Una venta corta de las seguridades de Calavo rendirá
evidencia de una expectativa de parte del vendedor a
que las seguridades declinarán en valor, y por lo tanto
señala al mercado que el vendedor carece confianza en
Calavo y a las perspectivas a corto plazo de Calavo.
Además, las ventas cortas pueden reducir el incentivo
del vendedor para mejorar el funcionamiento de la
compañía. Por estas razones, las ventas cortas de las
seguridades de Calavo son prohibidas por este código.
Esta prohibición extiende a las ventas cortas supuestas
contra la caja, donde el vendedor puede poseer las
seguridades que son vendidas pero no puede entregar
las seguridades para cubrir la orden de la venta. |
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6. Public Disclosure of Information Required by the
Securities Laws.
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6. Exposición pública de la información requerida por las
leyes de Valores. |
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Calavo is a public Company that is required to file various
reports and other documents with the SEC. An objective of this
Code is to ensure full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable
disclosure in the reports and other documents that we file with,
or otherwise submit to, the SEC and in the press releases and
other public communications that we distribute.
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Calavo es una entidad pública y se les es requerido presentar
reportes y documentos a la Comisión de Intercambio de Valores
(Security Exchange Commission SEC). Uno de los objetivos de
este código es asegurar el total de los reportes y documentos que
se presentan al SEC sean justo, preciso, puntual y comprensible,
así como las notas a la prensa y otras comunicaciones públicas |
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CALAVO Ethics Policy English Spanish 0209
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The federal securities laws, rules and regulations require Calavo
to maintain disclosure controls and procedures, which are
defined as controls and other procedures that are designed to
ensure that financial information and non-financial information
that is required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file
with or otherwise submit to the SEC (i) is recorded, processed,
summarized and reported within the time periods required by
applicable federal securities laws, rules and regulations and (ii)
is accumulated and communicated to our management, including
our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, in a
manner allowing timely decisions by them regarding required
disclosure in the reports.
Some of our directors, officers and employees will be asked to
assist management in the preparation and review of the reports
that we file with the SEC, including recording, processing,
summarizing and reporting to management information for
inclusion in these reports. If you are asked to assist in this
process, you must comply with all disclosure controls and
procedures that are communicated to you by management
regarding the preparation of these reports.
You must also perform with diligence any responsibilities that
are assigned to you by management in connection with the
preparation and review of these reports, and you may be asked to
sign a certification to the effect that you have performed your
assigned responsibilities.
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que Calavo distribuye.
La ley Federal de Valores, reglas y reglamentos requieren a
Calavo mantener, divulgar sus controles y procedimientos, los
cuales son definidos como controles y otros procedimientos que
son designados para asegurar que la información financiera y la
información no financiera que es requerida y divulgada en los
reportes presentados al SEC, (i) es registrada, procesada ,
resumida y reportada dentro del tiempo y periodos requeridos
aplicados por la ley federal de valores, reglas y reglamentos y
(ii) es acumulada y comunicada por nuestra gerencia, incluyendo
al Presidente Ejecutivo y al Oficial Mayor Financiero, en tal
forma que les permita tomar prontas decisiones en referencia a
la divulgación de los reportes.
A algunos de los directores, oficiales y empleados se les pedirán
asistir a la gerencial en la preparación y revisión de los reportes
que se presentaran al SEC, incluyendo, registro, proceso,
resumen y reporte a la gerencia de la información a ser incluido
en estos reportes. Si se le pide que asista en este proceso, usted
debe de cumplir con todo lo referido en los controles y
procedimientos que son comunicados a usted por la gerencia en
relación con la preparación de estos reportes. Usted también
deberá ejecutar con diligencia cualquier responsabilidad que la
gerencia le asigne en conexión con la preparación y revisión de
estos reportes, y se le pedirá que firme una certificación de que
usted llevo a cabo las responsabilidades asignadas.
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SEC regulations impose upon our Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer various obligations in connection with
annual and quarterly reports that we file with the SEC, including
responsibility for:
Establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and
procedures and internal control over financial reporting
that, among other things, ensure that material information
relating to Calavo is made known to the Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer on a timely basis;
Ensuring that the Companys internal control over
financial reporting provides reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles;
Evaluating on a quarterly basis the effectiveness of
Calavos disclosure controls and procedures;
Disclosing to Calavos auditors and audit committee (i)
specified deficiencies and weaknesses in the design or
operation of the Companys internal control over financial
reporting, (ii) fraud that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in Calavos internal
control over financial reporting, and (iii) specified
changes relating to Calavos internal control over financial
reporting; and
Providing certifications in Calavos annual and quarterly
reports regarding the above items and other specified
matters.
This Code requires our Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer to carry out their designated responsibilities in
connection with our annual and quarterly reports, and this Code
requires you, if asked, to assist our executive officers in
performing their responsibilities under these SEC regulations.
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Las reglamentos del SEC impone sobre el Presidente Ejecutivo y el Oficial Financiero Mayor varias obligaciones en con los
reportes trimestrales y anuales que se deben presentar al SEC,
incluyendo la responsabilidad por:
El establecimiento y mantenimiento y divulgación de los
controles y procedimientos de control interno sobre el reporte
financiero, que entre otras cosas, asegura que la información
material relacionada con Calavo es del conocimiento del
Presidente Ejecutivo y del Oficial Mayor Financiero
oportunamente.
Asegurar que el control interno de la empresa sobre el
reporte financiero provee razonable garantía en relación con la
fiabilidad del reporte financiero y de la preparación de los
estados financieros de conformidad con los principios contables
generalmente aceptados.
Evaluar trimestralmente la eficacia de la divulgación de los
controles y procedimientos.
Divulgarlo a los auditores y comité de auditoria de Calavo
(i) especialmente deficiencias y debilidades en el diseno u
operación de los controles internos de la empresa en el reporte
financiero, (ii) fraude que envuelve a la gerencia u otros
empleados que tengan un papel significante en el reporte
financiero interno (iii) específicante cambios relaciones con el
reporte financiero interno, y
Suministrando certificaciones en los reportes trimestrales y
anuales de Calavo en referencia a los puntos mencionados arriba
y otros puntos específicos.
Este código de ética requiere que el Presidente Ejecutivo y el
Oficial Mayor Financiero ejecuten las responsabilidades
designadas en con los reportes trimestrales y anuales, y requiere
que usted, si se le pide, asista a los oficiales ejecutivos en
ejecutar sus responsabilidades bajo las reglamentos del SEC. |
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7. Record-Keeping.
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7. Custodia de los registros. |
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Calavo requires honest and accurate recording and reporting of
information in order to make responsible business decisions. For
example, only the true and actual number of hours worked
should be reported. Also, business expense accounts must be
documented and recorded accurately. If you are not sure whether
a certain expense is legitimate, ask your supervisor or the
Director of Human Resources.
All of Calavos books, records, accounts and financial statements
must be maintained in reasonable detail, must accurately and
appropriately reflect the Companys transactions and must
conform both to applicable legal requirements and to the
Companys system of internal control over financial reporting
and disclosure controls and procedures.
All transactions must be recorded in a manner that will present
accurately and fairly our financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows and that will permit us to prepare
financial statements that are accurate, complete and in full
compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Unrecorded or off the books funds or assets should not be
maintained unless expressly permitted by applicable laws, rules
and regulations.
Business records and communications often become public, and
we should avoid exaggeration, derogatory remarks, guesswork
or inappropriate characterizations of people and companies that
can be misunderstood. This applies equally to e-mail, internal
memoranda and formal reports.
Records should be retained in accordance with Calavos record
retention policies, and records should be destroyed only if
expressly permitted by our record retention policies and
applicable laws, rules and regulations. If you become the subject
of a subpoena, lawsuit or governmental investigation relating to
your work at Calavo, please notify your supervisor and contact
our Director of Human Resources immediately.
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Calavo requiere reportar información honesta y precisa para
tomar decisiones responsables de negocios. Por ejemplo, solo
las horas correctas de trabajo deberán ser reportadas. También,
todos los gastos de negocios deben ser documentados y
registrados exactamente. Si no esta seguro que cierto gasto es
legitimo, pregunte a supervisor o a la Directora de Recursos
Humanos.
Todos los libros, registros, cuentas y estados financieros de
Calavo, deberán ser mantenidos en suficiente detalle y deberán
mostrar exacta y apropiadamente las transacciones de la empresa
de conformidad con los requerimientos legales y con el sistema
interno de control y la divulgación de controles y
procedimientos sobre el reporte financiero, Todas las
transacciones deberán ser registradas en forma tal que presente
exacta y justamente la condición financiera, resultados de las
operaciones y flujos de caja y que le permitan preparar estados
financieros exactos, completos y en acatamiento con las leyes ,
reglas y reglamentos aplicables. Activos sin registrar o fuera de
los libros no se deben mantener, al menos permitido
expresamente por las leyes, reglar y reglamentos aplicables.
Los registros y comunicaciones algunas veces se hace públicos,
y se debe evitar la exageración, comentarios despectivos,
conjeturas y características de personas y entidades inapropiadas
que puedan ser malentendidos. Esto aplica igualmente a e-
mailes, memorandos internos y reportes formales
Los registros deberán ser retenidos de acuerdo con la política de
retención de registros de Calavo, y los registros deberán ser
destruidos solo si expresamente es permitido por la política de
retención de registros y las leyes, reglas y reglamentos
aplicables. Si usted es sujeto de una citación, un juicio o una
investigación gubernamental relacionada con su trabajo en
Calavo, por favor notifique a su supervisor inmediato y póngase
en contacto inmediatamente con la Directora de Recursos
Humanos |
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8. Corporate Opportunities.
Directors, officers and employees are prohibited from taking for
themselves personally opportunities that are discovered through
the use of Calavos property or confidential information or as a
result of their position with Calavo, except upon the prior written
consent of the Board of Directors.
No director, officer or employee may use corporate property,
information or position for improper personal gain; no director,
officer or employee may use Company contacts to advance his
or her private business or personal interests at the expense of
Calavo or its customers, suppliers or affiliates; and no director,
officer or employee may directly or indirectly compete with
Calavo. Directors, officers and employees owe a duty to the
Company to advance its legitimate interests when the
opportunity to do so arises.
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8. Oportunidades de la corporación.
A los directores, oficiales y empleados se les prohíbe tomar
ventaja para si mismos de las oportunidades que son
descubiertas a través del uso de información confidencial de
Calavo, o por medio de su posición in Calavo, excepto con
consentimiento escrito de la Junta Directiva de Calavo. Ningún
director, oficial o empleado deberá usar propiedad de la
corporación, información o posición como ganancia personal.
Ningún director, oficial o empleado usara contactos de la
empresa para tomar ventaja en sus negocios privados y de interés
personal, a expensas de Calavo , sus clientes, suplidores y
afiliados, y ningún director, oficial o empleado directa o
directamente competirá con Calavo. Los Directores, ofíciales y
empleados tienen la obligación con la empresa de fomentar
intereses legítimos cuando la oportunidad se presente. |
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9. Competition and Fair Dealing.
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9. Competencia y negocios honestos. |
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We seek to outperform our competition fairly and honestly. We
seek competitive advantages through superior performance but
never through unethical or illegal business practices.
Stealing proprietary information, possessing trade secret
information that was obtained without the owners consent, or
inducing such disclosures by past or present employees of other
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Se busca aventajar a la competencia honesta y justamente. Se
buscan ventajas competitivas a través de un desempeno superior,
pero nunca a través de practicas uneticas o ilegales.
Esta prohibido el robo de información patentada, posesión de
secretos del negocio que fueron obtenidos con el consentimiento
del dueno, o revelar tales secretos por exempleados y empleados |
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companies is prohibited.
Each director, officer and employee should endeavor to respect
the rights of and deal fairly with Calavos customers, suppliers,
competitors and affiliates. No director, officer or employee
should take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation,
concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation
of material facts or any other intentional unfair-dealing practice.
To maintain the companys valuable reputation, compliance with
our quality processes and safety requirements is essential. In the
context of ethics, quality requires that our products and services
be designed to meet our obligations to customers. All inspection
and testing documents must be handled in accordance with all
applicable laws, rules and regulations.
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actuales. Cada director, oficial o empleado, deberá esforzarse
por respectar los derechos de justa competencia con los clientes,
suplidores, competidores y afiliados de Calavo. Ningún director,
oficial o empleado deberá de tomar ventaja de ninguna persona
a través de manipulación, ocultamiento, abuso de información
privilegiada, malinterpretación de hechos materiales o cualquier
otra intención de ejercer una practica desleal.
Es esencial mantener la valuable reputación de la empresa,
acatamiento con los procesos de calidad y requerimientos de
seguridad. En el contexto de ética, calidad requiere que los
productos y servicios sea disenados para cumplir con las
obligaciones con nuestros clientes. Todas las inspecciones y
evaluaciones de documentos deben manejarse de acuerdo con las
leyes aplicables, reglas y reglamentos. |
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10. Protection and Proper Use of Company Assets.
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10. Proteción y use correcto de los activos de la empresa |
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Directors, officers and employees should endeavor to protect
Calavos assets and ensure their efficient use. Theft, carelessness
and waste have a direct impact on the Companys profitability.
Any suspected incident of fraud or theft should be immediately
reported for investigation. Company equipment will not be used
for non-company business. Incidental personal use of items may
be permitted pursuant to written policies approved by the Board
of Directors.
The obligation of directors, officers and employees to protect
Calavos assets includes its proprietary information. Proprietary
information includes intellectual property such as trade secrets,
patents, trademarks and copyrights, as well as business,
marketing and service plans, engineering and manufacturing
ideas, designs, databases, records, salary information and any
unpublished financial data and reports.
Unauthorized use or distribution of this information would
violate Company policy. It could also be illegal and result in
civil or even criminal penalties.
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Los directores, oficiales y empleados deberán esforzarse por
proteger los activos de la empresa y asegurar su uso eficiente.
Robo, descuido, y desperdicio han tenido un impacto directo en
la rentabilidad de la empresa. Cualquier sospecha , o incidente
de fraude o robo deber ser reportado e investigado
inmediatamente . El equipo de la empresa no deberá ser usando
para actividades no relacionadas con el negocio. Eventualmente
el uso del mismo es permitido según las políticas escritas y
aprobadas por la Junta Directiva.
La obligación de los directores, oficiales y empleados es
proteger los activos de Calavo incluyendo información
patentada. La información patentada incluye la propiedad
intelectual tal como secretos del negocio, patentes, marcas
registradas, derechos de autor, así como planes de mercadeo y
servicio, ideas de manufactura e ingeniería, disenos, base de
datos, registros, información salarial, y cualquier otros reportes
financieros no publicados. El uso y distribución no autorizada
de tal información, viola la política de la empresa. Esto puede
resultar en juicios civiles y penalidades criminales. |
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11. Discrimination and Harassment.
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11. Discriminación y hostigamiento. |
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The diversity of Calavos directors, officers and employees is a
tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal
opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate
any illegal discrimination or harassment of any kind. Examples
include derogatory comments based on racial or ethnic
characteristics and unwelcome sexual advances.
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La diversidad de los directores, de los oficiales y de los
empleados de Calavo es un enorme activo. Estamos confiados
firmemente a proporcionar oportunidad igual en todos los
aspectos del empleo y no toleraremos ninguna discriminación u
hostigamiento ilegal. Ejemplos incluyen, los comentarios
despectivos basados en las características raciales o étnicas y
avances sexuales incómodos. |
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12. Health and Safety.
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12. Salud y Seguridad. |
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Calavo strives to provide each director, officer and employee
with a safe and healthy work environment.
Each director, officer and employee has responsibility for
maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for all other persons
by following safety and health rules and practices and reporting
accidents, injuries and unsafe equipment, practices or conditions.
Violence and threatening behavior are not permitted. Directors,
officers and employees should report to work in condition to
perform their duties, free from the influence of illegal drugs or
alcohol. The use of illegal drugs or alcohol in the workplace will
not be tolerated.
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Calavo se esfuerza por proveer a cada director, oficial y
empleado con un seguro y saludable ambiente de trabajo. Todo
director, oficial y empleado tiene la responsabilidad de mantener
un seguro y saludable ambiente de trabajo para otras personas
siguiendo las reglas y practicas de salud y seguridad y
reportando cualquier accidente, heridas, o equipo o practicas y
condiciones peligrosas.
Violencia y amenazas no serán permitidas. Directores, oficiales
y empleados deberán reportarse a trabajar en condiciones que
estén fuera del uso ilegal de drogas o alcohol. No será tolerado el
uso ilegal de drogas y alcohol en el lugar de trabajo. |
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CALAVO Ethics Policy English Spanish 0209
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13. Waivers and Amendments of the Code.
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13. Renuncias y enmiendas a este código. |
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Only Calavos Board of Directors may grant a waiver of any
provision of this Code to any director, officer or employee and
any such waiver will promptly be publicly disclosed as required
by law or Nasdaq regulations.
This Code can be amended only by the Board of Directors, and
any such amendment will promptly be publicly disclosed as
required by law or Nasdaq regulations
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Renuncias o enmiendas a este código puede ser otorgada a
cualquier director oficial y empleado por la Junta Directiva de
Calavo, y cualquier renuncia será públicamente divulgada como
lo es requerido por la ley o por los reglamentos del NASDAQ.
Este código puede ser enmendado solo por la Junta Directiva, y
cualquier enmienda será prontamente divulgada y publicada
como lo requiere la ley y los reglamentos del NASDAQ. |
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14. Enforcement of the Code.
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14. Aplicación de este código. |
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A violation of this Code by any director, officer or employee
will be subject to disciplinary action, including possible
termination of employment. The degree of discipline imposed by
Calavo may be influenced by whether the person who violated
this Code voluntarily disclosed the violation to Calavo and
cooperated with Calavo in any subsequent investigation.
In some cases, a violation of this Code may constitute a criminal
offense that is subject to prosecution by federal or state
authorities.
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Una violación a este código por un director, oficial o empleado
será sujeta a acciones disciplinarias, incluyendo la posibilidad de
separación del empleo. El grado de disciplina impuesto por
Calavo puede ser influido por el hecho de que la persona que
violo el código voluntariamente , lo revelo y coopero con
Calavo en la investigación subsecuente.
In algunos caso, la violación de este código puede constituir un
ofensa criminal y es sujeta de persecución por autoridades
federales o estatales. |
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15. Reporting Concerns.
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15. Reportes de interés. |
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Understanding and acting upon any issues that exist regarding
financial, accounting, and/or audit matters is an essential
component to our ability to take action and ensure the highest
levels of financial integrity. Employees may report any concerns
regarding the companys internal accounting controls or auditing
matters by calling 1-888-279-6251 in the U.S. or on line at
www.ethicspoint.com to leave a confidential message for our
audit committee.
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El entendimiento y la toma de acción inmediata de cualquier
asunto que exista en relación con las finanzas, contabilidad y
asuntos de auditoria son componentes esenciales de la habilidad
de tomar acción y asegurar niveles altos de integridad. Los
empleados dentro de EEUU deben reportar cualquier
preocupación que tengan en relación con los controles
financieros/contables o de auditoría de la empresa llamando al 1-
888-279-6251 o por Internet a www.ethicspoint.com para dejar
un mensaje al Comité de Auditoría. |
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16. Compliance Procedures; Reporting Misconduct or Other
Ethical Violations.
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16. Acatamiento de procedimientos, y reporte de mala
conducta u otras violaciones la é tica. |
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Directors, officers and employees should promptly report any
unethical, dishonest or illegal behavior, or any other violation of
this Code or of other Calavo policies and procedures, to our
Director of Human Resources. The telephone number is 1-805-921-3201; the mailing address is 1141-A Cummings Road, Santa
Paula, CA 93060; the email address is HR@CALAVO.COM. If
you ever have any doubt about whether your conduct or that of
another person violates this Code or compromises the
Companys reputation, please discuss the issue with your
supervisor or with our Director of Human Resources or you may
report any concerns regarding the Companys internal
accounting controls or auditing matters by calling 1-888-279-
6251 from the U.S. (option of English or Spanish). From
Mexico you may call 001-800-840-7907 (option of Spanish or
English). Both numbers allow for a confidential message to be
left for our audit committee. A confidential message can also be
left on line for our audit committee at www.ethicspoint.com.
Calavos policy is not to allow retaliation for a report of
unethical, dishonest or illegal behavior, or of any other violation
of this Code or of other Calavo policies and procedures, if a
director, officer or employee makes the report about another
persons conduct in good faith. Directors, officers and
employees are expected to cooperate in internal investigations
regarding possible unethical, dishonest or illegal behavior or any
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Los directores, oficiales y empleados deberán reportar
oportunamente cualquier conducta unética, deshonesta o
cualquier comportamiento ilegal o cualquier violación a este
código o políticas y procedimiento de Calavo, a nuestro Director
de Recursos Humanos. El número de teléfono es 1-805-921-
3201 o a la siguiente dirección: 1141 A Cummings Road, Santa
Paula, CA 93060. Dirija por favor su correo electrónico a:
HR@CALAVO.COM
Si en algún momento tiene duda acerca su conducta o si ve que
la de otras personas viola este código o compromete la
reputación de la compañía, discute con su supervisor o con
Recursos Humanos. Usted puede reportar sus preocupaciones en
referencia a los controles internos contables o de auditoría
llamando al 1-888-279-6251 dentro de EEUU; En Mexico,
favor de llamar 001-800-840-7907, tendrá la opción de dejar un
mensaje confidencial en ingles o en español con nuestra Comité
Auditoria. Para dejar su mensaje en confidencia por Internet
visite el sitio www.ethicspoint.com.
La política de Calavo es no permitir venganza por el reporte de
comportamientos no éticos y deshonestos, o cualquier violación
a este código u otra política o procedimiento de Calavo, cuando
el reporte es hecho de buena fe por un director, oficial o
empleado. Se espera que los directores, oficiales y empleados, |
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other possible violation of this Code or of other Calavo policies
and procedures.
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cooperen con las investigaciones internas, en referencia a posible
comportamiento no ético o ilegal, o cualquier violación a este
código u otras políticas y procedimientos de Calavo. |
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Page 9 |
The First Name in Avocados
CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
CODIGO DE ETICA Y CONDUCTA DE CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
Annual Employee Declaration
Declaracion Annual del Empleado
If you do not have a conflict of interest to disclosure, please sign below only.
I have read and understand the Calavo Growers business conduct and ethics policy and I agree to
abide by this policy. I further declare that I have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Si usted no tiene un conflicto del interés al acceso, firme por favor abajo solamente.
Yo he leído y entendido la Política de Etica y Conducta del negocio de Calavo Growers y estoy de
acuerdo en cumplir con esta política. Además declaro que no tengo conflicto de intereses que
declarar.
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/s/ Elizabeth Nicholson
Signature (Firma)
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Elizabeth (Lisa) Nicholson, Director
Printed Name and Title
(Escriba nombre y
posición)
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February 10, 2010
Date (Fecha) |
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If you do have a conflict of interest to disclosure, please sign below only.
I have read and understand the Calavo Growers business conduct and ethics policy and I agree to
abide by this policy. I further declare that I have the following conflicts of interest to declare
as
explained below.
Si usted tiene un conflicto del interés al acceso, firme por favor abajo solamente.
Yo he leído y entendido la Política de Etica y Conducta del negocio de Calavo Growers y estoy de
acuerdo en cumplir con esta política. Además declaro que tengo el siguiente conflicto de intereses
como explicare aquí abajo.
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Printed Name and Title
(Escriba nombre y
posición
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Page 10 |
EXHIBIT D
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ASSIGNMENT
THIS TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT (this Assignment) is made and entered into as of February
8, 2010 (Effective Date) by and among Calavo Salsa Lisa, LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company (Assignee), on the one hand, and Lisas Salsa Company, a Minnesota
corporation (Company), and Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson, on the other hand
(collectively, Company, Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson are the Assignor, and,
together with Assignee, the Parties).
WHEREAS, Assignor and Assignee are parties to that certain Asset Purchase and Contribution
Agreement dated as of even date herewith (the Agreement); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Agreement, Assignor wishes to assign to Assignee, and Assignee wishes
to acquire from Assignor, the United States federally registered trademark [***], and all
associated rights and goodwill (the Trademark).
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt, sufficiency and adequacy of
which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, agree that, effective as
of the date of the Agreement, Assignor hereby grants, assigns and quitclaims to Assignee, to the
fullest extent possible, all of the Assignors right, title, and interest to the Trademark
(including all rights, registrations and applications therefor for the United States and throughout
the world), together with all goodwill associated with the Mark, along with the right to recover
for damages and profits for past infringements thereof.
Assignor agrees to execute and deliver, without further consideration, at the request of
Assignee, all documents, instruments and assignments, and to cooperate and perform any other
reasonable acts the Assignee may require in order to vest all Assignors right, title and interest
in and to the Mark in Assignee, including to effect proper filing and recordation with the United
States Patent and Trademark Office of the assignment of the Mark to Assignee, and/or to provide
evidence to support any of the foregoing in the event such evidence is deemed necessary by
Assignee, to the extent such evidence is in the possession or control of Assignor.
Nothing herein contained shall itself change, amend, extend or alter (nor shall it be deemed
or construed as changing, amending, extending or altering) the terms or conditions of the Agreement
in any manner whatsoever. In the event of any conflict or other difference between the Agreement
and this Assignment, the provisions of the Agreement shall control.
i
This Assignment shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the internal laws of the
State of Delaware without regard to any conflicts of laws principles or provisions.
The terms of this Assignment cannot be altered, amended, changed or modified except by an
instrument in writing signed by the Parties to be bound. This Assignment may be executed in
counterparts, and once so signed, such counterparts shall constitute a single original document.
This Assignment is executed and delivered pursuant to and subject to the Agreement.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
ii
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Assignor and Assignee have caused this Assignment to be executed by their
duly authorized representatives as of the Effective Date.
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ASSIGNOR: |
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ASSIGNEE: |
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LISAS SALSA COMPANY |
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CALAVO SALSA LISA, LLC |
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By:
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/s/ Elizabeth Nicholson |
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By: |
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/s/ Lecil E. Cole |
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Name:
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Elizabeth (Lisa) Nicholson
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Name:
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Lecil E. Cole |
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Title:
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President
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Title:
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Chief Executive Officer |
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By: |
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/s/ Elizabeth Nicholson |
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Elizabeth (Lisa) Nicholson |
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Eric Nicholson |
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i
exv10w1
Exhibit 10.1
AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO LOAN AGREEMENT
This Amendment No. 3 (this Amendment) dated as of February 9, 2010. is between Bank of
America. N.A. (the Bank) and Calavo Growers, Inc., a California corporation (together, the
Borrower).
RECITALS
A. The bank and the Borrower entered into a certain Business Loan Agreement dated as of October 15, 2007 (together with any previous amendments, the
Agreement).
B. The
Bank and the Borrower desire to amend the Agreement.
AGREEMENT
1. Definitions.
Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Amendment shall have
the meaning given to them in the Agreement.
2. Limited
waiver. Bank hereby waives Borrowers failure to comply with Borrowers
agreement to maintain the level of current assets in excess of current liabilities required under
Section 7.18 of the Agreement for the Borrowers fiscal
year ended October 31, 2009. Borrower
understands and acknowledges that the foregoing waiver does not constitute a waiver of any other
term, provision, or condition of the Agreement or of any document related thereto.
3. Amendments. The Agreement is hereby amended as follows:
3.1 Section 7.18 of the Agreement is amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
7.18 Working Capital. [Reserved].
4. Representations and Warranties. When the Borrower signs this Amendment, the Borrower
represents and warrants to the Bank that; (a) there is no event, which is, or with notice or lapse
of time or both would be, a default under the Agreement except those events, if any, that have been
disclosed in writing to the Bank or waived in writing by the Bank,
(b) the representations and
warranties in the Agreement are true as of the date of this Amendment as if made on the date of
this Amendment, (c) this Amendment does not conflict with any law, agreement or obligation by which
the Borrower is bound, and (d) if the Borrower is a business entity or
- 1 -
a trust,
this Amendment is within the Borrowers powers, has been duly authorized, and does not
conflict with any of the Borrowers organizational papers.
5. Conditions.
This Amendment will be effective when the Bank receives the following items,
in form and content acceptable to the Bank:
4.1
A copy of this Amendment executed by Borrower.
4.2
If the Borrower or any guarantor is anything other than a natural person, evidence that the
execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower and/or such guarantor of this Amendment and
any instrument or agreement required under this Amendment have been duly authorized.
4.3 Payment by the Borrower of all costs, expenses and attorneys fees (including allocated costs
for in-house legal services) incurred by the Bank in connection with this Amendment.
6. Effect of Amendment. Except as provided in this Amendment, all
of the terms and
conditions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
7. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of which when so
executed shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts
together shall constitute but one
and the same instrument.
8.
FINAL AGREEMENT. BY SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT EACH PARTY REPRESENTS AND AGREES THAT: (A) THIS
DOCUMENT REPRESENTS THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN PARTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF,
(B) THIS DOCUMENT SUPERSEDES ANY COMMITMENT LETTER, TERM SHEET OR OTHER WRITTEN OUTLINE OF TERMS
AND CONDITIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF, UNLESS SUCH
COMMITMENT LETTER, TERM SHEET
OR OTHER WRITTEN OUTLINE OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS EXPRESSLY PROVIDES TO THE CONTRARY, (C) THERE ARE
NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES, AND (D) THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY
EVIDENCE OF ANY PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OR UNDERSTANDINGS OF THE
PARTIES.
[Balance of page intentionally left bank.]
- 2 -
This
Amendment is executed as of the date stated at the beginning or this Amendment.
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Bank of America, N.A.
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/s/ Renee Gordon
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Renee Gordon |
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Borrower: Calavo Growers, Inc., a California corporation
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/s/
James Snyder
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James Snyder |
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Corporate Controller |
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exv10w2
Exhibit 10.2
Loan
No. 3789055-101
TERM REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT
THIS TERM REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT (Agreement) is entered into as of April 9, 2008, between
FARM CREDIT WEST, PCA, Visalia, California (FCW) and CALAVO GROWERS, INC., Santa Paula,
California (the Company).
SECTION 1. The Credit Facility. On the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, FCW agrees
to make advances to the Company during the period set forth below in an aggregate principal amount
not to exceed $30,000,000.00 (the Commitment). The Agreement and Commitment is executed,
delivered and accepted not in payment of but for the purpose of amending, restating and replacing
the following described obligations, and renewing any unpaid balance(s) evidenced thereby: Note
dated June 7, 2007, in the principal amount of $20,000,000.00. Furthermore, the Commitment also
evidences an additional loan advance(s) to the extent the Commitment under this Agreement exceeds
the renewed unpaid balance(s) referred to above.
SECTION
2. Sale of Interest. The Company acknowledges that FCW has the option to participate all or
a portion of the Commitment with one or more lenders, including CoBank, ACB (CoBank). All
advances hereunder shall be made by CoBank as agent for FCW and all repayments by the Company
hereunder shall be made to CoBank as agent for FCW.
SECTION 3. Purpose. The purpose of the Commitment is to finance the purchase and installation of
capital items and other corporate needs of the Company.
SECTION
4. Term. The term of the Commitment shall be from the date hereof, up to and including
February 1, 2012.
SECTION 5. Availability. Subject to the provisions of Section 25, advances will be made available
on any day on which FCW, CoBank, and the Federal Reserve Banks are open for business upon the
telephonic or written request of the Company. Requests for advances must be received no later than
12:00 Noon, Companys local time, on the date the advance is desired. Advances will be made
available by CoBank by wire transfer of immediately available funds to such account or accounts as
may be authorized by the Company. The Company shall furnish to CoBank a duly completed and
executed copy of a CoBank Delegation and Wire and Electronic Transfer Authorization Form, and CoBank shall be entitled to rely on (and shall incur no liability to the Company in acting on) any
request or direction furnished in accordance with the terms thereof.
SECTION 6. Interest and Fees.
(A) Interest. The Company agrees to pay interest on the unpaid balance of the Commitment in
accordance with the following interest rate option:
(1) 7-Day LIBOR Index Rate. At a rate (rounded upward to the nearest l/l00th% and adjusted for
reserves required on Eurocurrency Liabilities (as hereinafter defined) for banks subject to FRB
Regulation D (as hereinafter defined) or required by any other federal law or
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AGREEMENT NO. 3789055-101
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Page 2 |
regulation) per annum equal at all times to 125 basis points (1.25%) above the annual rate quoted
by the British Bankers Association (the BBA) at 11:00 a.m. London time for the
offering of seven (7) day of U.S. dollars deposits, as published by Bloomberg or another major
information vendor listed on BBAs official website on the first
U.S. Banking Day (as hereinafter
defined) in each week with such rate to change weekly on such day. The rate shall be reset
automatically, without the necessity of notice being provided to the Company or any other party, on
the first U.S. Banking Day of each succeeding week and each change in the rate shall be applicable
to all balances subject to this option and information about the then current rate shall be made
available upon telephonic request. For purposes hereof (a) U.S. Banking Day shall mean a day on
which CoBank is open for business, dealings in U.S. dollar deposits are being carried out in the
London interbank market, and banks are open for business in New York City and London, England; (b)
Eurocurrency Liabilities shall have meaning as set forth
in FRB Regulation D; and (c) FRB
Regulation D shall mean Regulation D as promulgated by the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System, 12 CFR Part 204, as amended.
(2) LIBOR.
At a fixed rate per annum equal to LIBOR (as hereinafter defined) plus 125 basis
points (1.25%). Under this option: (1) rates may be fixed for
Interest Periods (as hereinafter
defined) of 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36 or 48 months as selected by the Company; (2) amounts may be
fixed in increments of $100,000.00 or multiples thereof; (3) the maximum number of fixes in place at
any one time shall be 10; and (4) rates may only be fixed on a Banking Day (as hereinafter
defined) on 3 Banking Days prior written notice. For purposes hereof: (a) LIBOR shall mean the
rate (rounded upward to the nearest sixteenth) and adjusted for reserves required on Eurocurrency
Liabilities (as hereinafter defined) for banks subject to FRB Regulation D (as herein defined)
or required by any other federal law or regulation) quoted by the British Bankers Association (the
BBA) at 11:00 a.m. London time 2 Banking Days before the commencement of the Interest Period for
the offering of U.S. dollar deposits in the London interbank market for the Interest Period
designated by the Company; as published by Bloomberg or another major information vendor listed on
BBAs official website; (b) Banking Day shall mean a day on which CoBank is open for business,
dealings in U.S. dollar deposits are being carried out in the London interbank market, and banks
are open for business in New York City and London, England; (c) Interest Period shall mean a
period commencing on the date this option is to take effect and ending on the numerically
corresponding day in the next calendar month or the month that is 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36 or 48
months thereafter, as the case may be; provided, however, that: (i) in the event such ending day is
not a Banking Day, such period shall be extended to the next Banking Day unless such next Banking
Day falls in the next calendar month, in which case it shall end on the preceding Banking Day; and
(ii) if there is no numerically corresponding day in the month, then such period shall end on the
last Banking Day in the relevant month; (d) Eurocurrency Liabilities shall have meaning as set
forth in FRB Regulation D; and (e) FRB Regulation D shall mean Regulation D as promulgated by
the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 12 CFR Part 204, as amended.
(3) Fixed Rate. At a fixed rate per annum to be quoted by FCW and CoBank in its sole discretion in
each instance. Under this option, rates may be fixed on such balances and for such periods, as may
be agreeable to FCW and CoBank in its sole discretion in each instance, provided that: (1) the
minimum fixed period shall be 1 years; (2) amounts may be fixed in
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increments of $100,000.00 or multiples thereof; and (3) the maximum number of fixes in place at any
one time shall be 10.
The Company shall select the applicable rate option at the time it requests a loan hereunder and
may, subject to the limitations set forth above, elect to convert balances bearing interest at the
variable rate option to one of the fixed rate options. Upon the expiration of any fixed rate
period, interest shall automatically accrue at the variable rate option provided for above unless
the amount fixed is repaid or fixed for an additional period in accordance with the terms hereof.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, rates may not be fixed in such a manner as to cause the Company to
have to break any fixed rate balance in order to pay any installment of principal. All elections
provided for herein shall be made telephonically or in writing and must be received by 12:00 Noon
Companys local time. Interest shall be calculated on the actual number of days each loan is
outstanding on the basis of a year consisting of 360 days and shall be payable monthly in arrears
by the 20th day of the following month or on such other day in such month as CoBank shall require
in a written notice to the Company.
(B) Commitment Fee. In consideration of the Commitment, the Company agrees to pay to FCW a
commitment fee on the average daily unused portion of the Commitment at the rate of 0.15% per annum
(calculated on a 360 day basis based on utilization, which is defined as outstanding advances plus
issued and outstanding letters of credit divided by the total available amount of the Commitment),
payable quarterly in arrears by the 20th day following each quarter. Such fee shall be payable for
each quarter (or portion thereof) occurring during the original or any extended term of the
Commitment.
SECTION 7. Repayment and Maturity. The unpaid principal balance of the Commitment shall mature and
be due and payable on February 1, 2012 (the Maturity Date).
SECTION 8. Promissory Note.
The Companys obligation to repay the Commitment shall be evidenced by a
promissory note in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A
(Note).
SECTION 9. Manner and Time of Payment. CoBank shall maintain a record of all loans, the interest
accrued thereon, and all payments made with respect thereto, and such record shall, absent proof of
manifest error, be conclusive evidence of the outstanding principal and interest on the loans. All
payments shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available
funds, by check, or by automated
clearing house or other similar cash handling processes as specified by separate agreement between
the Company and CoBank. Wire transfers shall be made to ABA No. 307088754 for advice to and credit
of CoBank (or to such other account as CoBank may direct by notice). The Company shall give CoBank
telephonic notice no later than 12:00 Noon Companys local time of its intent to pay by wire and
funds received after 3:00 p.m. Companys local time shall be credited on the next business day.
Checks shall be mailed to CoBank, Department 167, Denver, Colorado 80291-0167 (or to such other
place as CoBank may direct by notice). Credit for payment by check will not be given until the
later of: (a) the day on which CoBank receives immediately available funds; or (b) the next
business day after receipt
of the check all as set forth in the Servicing Agreement between Borrower, FCW, and CoBank in form
attached hereto as Exhibit B.
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SECTION 10. Capitalization. The Company has purchased a $1,000.00 stock investment under FCWs
capitalization plan. The Company understands that FCWs stock is at risk and that any reference to
FCW equities or to stock or participation
certificates required by Lenders bylaws in any
document, agreement or Loan Document shall mean the FCW stock investment described herein.
SECTION 11. Patronage. The Commitment is eligible for patronage under the plan and in accordance
with the provisions of FCWs bylaws and its practices and procedures related to patronage
distribution and as set forth in Section 27.
SECTION 12. Security. The Companys obligations under this Agreement and the Note shall be secured
by a statutory first lien on all equity which the Company may now own or hereafter acquire in FCW.
With the exception of the security referenced in the preceding sentence, the Companys obligations
under this Agreement and the Note shall be unsecured,
SECTION
13. Conditions Precedent. FCWs obligation to make advances hereunder is subject to the
condition precedent that FCW receive, in form and content satisfactory to FCW, each of the
following:
(A) Agreement. A duly executed copy of this Agreement and all instruments and documents
contemplated hereby.
(B) Evidence of Authority. Such certified board resolutions, evidence of incumbency, and other
evidence that FCW may require that this Agreement and the Note have been duly authorized and
executed.
(C) Fees and Other Charges. All fees and other charges provided for herein.
(D) Evidence of Insurance. Such evidence as FCW may require that the Company is in compliance with
Section 15(C) hereof
E) Event of Default. That no Event of Default (as defined in Section 18 hereof) or event which
with the giving of notice and/or the passage of time would become an Event of Default hereunder (a
Potential Default), shall have occurred and be continuing.
SECTION 14. Representations and Warranties.
(A) Agreement. The Company represents and warrants to FCW that as of the date of this Agreement:
(1) Compliance. The Company and, to the extent contemplated hereunder, each Subsidiary (as
defined below), is in compliance with all of the terms of this Agreement, and no Event of Default
or Potential Default exists hereunder.
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(2) Subsidiaries.
The Company has the following Subsidiaries: Calavo de Mexico S.A. de
C.V.; and
Calavo Foods de Mexico S.A. de C.V. For purposes hereof, a Subsidiary shall mean a corporation of
which shares of stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or
other managers of such corporation are owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company.
(3) Conflicting
Agreements. This Agreement and the Note (collectively, at any time, the Loan
Documents), do not conflict with, or require the consent of any party to, any other agreement to
which the Company is a party or by which it or its property may be bound or affected, and do not
conflict with any provision of the Companys bylaws, articles of incorporation, or other
organizational documents.
(4) Compliance. The Company and, to the extent contemplated hereunder, each Subsidiary, if any, is
in compliance with all of the terms of the Loan Documents.
(5) Binding Agreement. The Loan Documents create legal, valid, and binding obligations of the
Company which are enforceable in accordance with their terms, except to the extent that enforcement
may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar laws affecting creditors rights
generally.
SECTION 15. Affirmative Covenants. Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by FCW, while this
Agreement is in effect, the Company agrees to and with respect to Subsections 15(A) through 15(F)
hereof, agrees to cause each Subsidiary, if any, to:
(A) Corporate Existence, Licenses. (i) Preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence and
good standing in the jurisdiction of its incorporation or formation; (ii) qualify and remain
qualified to transact business in all jurisdictions where such qualification is required; and (iii)
obtain and maintain all licenses, certificates, permits, authorizations, approvals, and the like
which are material to the conduct of its business or required by law, rule, regulation, ordinance,
code, order, and the like (collectively, Laws).
(B) Compliance with Laws. Comply in all material respects with all applicable Laws, including,
without limitation, all Laws relating to environmental protection, In addition, the Company agrees
to cause all persons occupying or present on any of its properties, and to cause each Subsidiary,
if any, to cause all persons occupying or present on any of its properties, to comply in all
material respects with all environmental protection Laws.
(C) Insurance. Maintain insurance with insurance companies or associations acceptable to FCW in
such amounts and covering such risks as are usually carried by companies engaged in the same or
similar business and similarly situated, and make such increases in the type or amount of coverage
as FCW may request. At FCWs request, all policies (or such other proof of compliance with this
Subsection as may be satisfactory to FCW) shall be delivered to
FCW.
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(D) Property Maintenance. Maintain all of its property that is necessary to or useful in the proper
conduct of its business in good working condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted.
(E) Books and Records. Keep adequate records and books of account in which complete entries will be
made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
(GAAP) consistently applied.
(F) Inspection. Permit FCW or its agents, upon reasonable notice and during normal business hours
or at such other times as the parties may agree, to examine its properties,
books, and records, and to discuss its affairs, finances, and accounts, with its respective
officers, directors, employees, and independent certified public
accountants.
(G) Reports and Notices. Furnish to FCW:
(1) Annual Financial Statements. As soon as available, but in no event more than 90 days after the
end of each fiscal year of the Company occurring during the term hereof, annual consolidated and
consolidating financial statements of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries, if any,
prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied. Such financial statements shall: (a) be
audited by independent certified public accountants selected by the
Company and acceptable to FCW;
(b) be accompanied by a report of such accountants containing an opinion thereon acceptable to FCW;
(c) be prepared in reasonable detail and in comparative form; and (d) include a balance sheet, a
statement of income, a statement of retained earnings, a statement of cash flows, and all notes and
schedules relating thereto.
(2) Interim Financial Statements. As soon as available, but in no event more than 45 days after the
end of each fiscal quarter, a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its consolidated
Subsidiaries, if any, as of the end of such quarter, a consolidated statement of income for the
Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries, if any, for such period and for the period year to date,
and such other interim statements as FCW may specifically request, all prepared in reasonable
detail and in comparative form in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and certified by an
authorized officer or employee of the Company acceptable to FCW.
(3) Notice of Default. Promptly after becoming aware thereof, notice of the occurrence of an Event
of Default or a Potential Default.
(4) Notice of Non-Environmental Litigation. Promptly after the commencement thereof, notice of the
commencement of all actions, suits, or proceedings before any court, arbitrator, or governmental
department, commission, board, bureau, agency, or instrumentality affecting the Company or any
Subsidiary which, if determined adversely to the Company or any such Subsidiary, could have a
material adverse effect on the financial condition, properties, profits, or operations of the
Company or any such Subsidiary.
(5) Notice of Environmental Litigation. Promptly after receipt thereof, notice of the receipt of
all pleadings, orders, complaints, indictments, or any other communication alleging a condition
that may require the Company or any Subsidiary to undertake or to
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contribute to a cleanup or other response under environmental Laws, or which seek penalties,
damages, injunctive relief, or criminal sanctions related to alleged violations of such Laws, or
which claim personal injury or property damage to any person as a result of environmental factors
or conditions.
(6) Bylaws and Articles. Promptly after any change in the Companys bylaws or articles of
incorporation (or like documents), copies of all such changes, certified by the Companys
Secretary.
(7) Other Information. Such other information regarding the condition or operations, financial or
otherwise, of the Company or any Subsidiary as FCW may from time to time reasonably request,
including but not limited to copies of all pleadings, notices, and communications referred to in
Subsections 15(G)(4) and (5) above.
(8) Financial Certificate. Together with each set of financial statements furnished to FCW pursuant
to Section 15(G)(1), and each quarterly statement submitted pursuant to Section l5(G)(2) for a
period corresponding to a period for which one or more of the financial covenants set forth in
Section 17 hereof are required to be tested, a certificate of an officer or employee of the Company
acceptable to FCW setting forth calculations showing compliance with each of the financial
covenants that require compliance at the end of the period for which the statements are being
furnished.
(H) Certain Organizational Changes. Provide FCW with prior notice (and as early as practicable) of
any merger, consolidation reorganization under a different provision of law, acquisition of all or
a material part of the assets of another organization, change of name, adoption of any trade name,
or creation of any Subsidiary, affiliate or material joint venture(s). For purposes of this
covenant, joint venture transaction(s), which alone or in the aggregate exceed $1,000,000, are
considered material.
SECTION 16. Negative Covenants. Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by FCW, which agreement will
not be unreasonably withheld, while this Agreement is in effect, the Company will not:
(A) Borrowings. Create, incur, assume, or allow to exist, directly or indirectly, any
indebtedness or liability for borrowed money (including trade or bankers acceptances),
letters of credit, or the deferred purchase price of property or services (including
capitalized leases), except for: (i) debt to FCW; (ii) accounts payable to trade creditors
incurred in the ordinary course of business; and (iii) current operating liabilities
(other than for borrowed money) incurred in the ordinary course of business; (iv) debt of
the Company to Bank of America in an amount not to exceed $10,000,000.00 and all
extensions, renewals, and refinancing thereof; (v) letters of credit issued by any bank for
the account of the Company in an aggregate face amount not to exceed $5,000,000.00 at any
one time outstanding; and (vi) capitalized leases existing on the date hereof existing
from time to time.
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(B) Liens. Create, incur, assume, or allow to exist any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, lien
(including the lien of an attachment, judgment, or execution), security interest, or other
encumbrance of any kind upon any of its property, real or personal (collectively, Liens). The
foregoing restrictions shall not apply to: (i) Liens in favor of FCW or CoBank; (ii) Liens for
taxes, assessments, or governmental charges that are not past due; (iii) Liens and deposits under
workers compensation, unemployment insurance, and social security Laws; (iv) Liens and deposits to
secure the performance of bids, tenders, contracts (other than contracts for the payment of money),
and like obligations arising in the ordinary course of business as conducted on the date hereof; (v)
Liens imposed by
Law in favor of mechanics, materialmen, warehousemen, and like persons that secure obligations that
are not past due; and (vi) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions, and other similar encumbrances
which, in the aggregate, do not materially interfere with the occupation, use, and enjoyment of the
property or assets encumbered thereby in the normal course of its business or materially impair the
value of the property subject thereto.
(C) Transfer of Assets. Sell, transfer, lease, or otherwise dispose of any of its assets, except in
the ordinary course of business.
(D) Contingent Liabilities. Assume, guarantee, become liable as a surety, endorse, contingently
agree to purchase, or otherwise be or become liable, directly or indirectly (including, but not
limited to, by means of a maintenance agreement, an asset or stock purchase agreement, or any other
agreement designed to ensure any creditor against loss), for or on account of the obligation of any
person or entity, except by the endorsement of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection or
similar transactions in the ordinary course of the Companys business.
(E) Change in Business. Engage in any business activities or operations substantially different
from or unrelated to the Companys present business activities or operations.
SECTION 17. Financial Covenants. Unless otherwise agreed to in writing, while this Agreement is in
effect:
(A) Working Capital. The Company will maintain, on a consolidated basis, current assets in excess
of current liabilities of at least Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000), measured on a quarterly
basis beginning January 31, 2008
(B) Tangible Net Worth. The Company will maintain, on a consolidated basis, a Tangible Net Worth
equal to at least Thirty-Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($32,500,000.00), measured on a
quarterly basis. Tangible Net Worth means the value of total assets (including leaseholds and
leasehold improvements and reserves against assets but excluding goodwill, patents, trademarks,
trade names, organization expense, unamortized debt discount and expense, capitalized or deferred
research and development costs, deferred marketing expenses, and other like intangibles, and monies
due from affiliates, officers, directors, employees, shareholders, members or managers) less total
liabilities, including but not limited to accrued and deferred income taxes, but excluding the
non-current portion of
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Subordinated Liabilities. Subordinated Liabilities means liabilities subordinated to the
Borrowers obligations to FCW in a manner acceptable to FCW in its sole discretion.
(C) EBITDA. The Company will maintain an EBITDA of at least Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($7,500,000.00). EBITDA means net income, less income or plus loss from discontinued
operations and extraordinary items, plus income taxes, plus interest expense, plus depreciation,
depletion, and amortization. This covenant will be calculated at the end of each reporting period
for which FCW requires financial statements, using the results of the twelve-month period ending
with that reporting period.
SECTION 18. Events of Default. Each of the following shall constitute an Event of
Default under this Agreement:
(A) Payment Default. The Company should fail to make any payment when due.
(B) Representations and Warranties. Any representation or warranty made or deemed made by the
Company herein or in the Note, application, agreement, certificate, or other document related to or
furnished in connection with this Agreement or the Note, shall prove to have been false or
misleading in any material respect on or as of the date made or deemed made.
(C) Certain Affirmative Covenants. The Company or, to the extent required hereunder, any
Subsidiary should fail to perform or comply with Sections 15(A) through l5(G)(2), and l5(G)(6) and
such failure continues for 15 days after written notice thereof shall have been delivered by FCW to
the Company.
(D) Other Covenants and Agreements. The Company or, to the extent required hereunder, any
Subsidiary should fail to perform or comply with any other covenant or agreement contained herein
or in any other Loan Document or shall use the proceeds of any loan for an unauthorized purpose.
(E) Cross-Default. The Company should, after any applicable grace period, breach or be in default
under the terms of any other agreement between the Company and FCW.
(F) Other Indebtedness. The Company or any Subsidiary should fail to pay when due any indebtedness
to any other person or entity for borrowed money or any long-term obligation for the deferred
purchase price of property (including any capitalized lease), or any other event occurs which,
under any agreement or instrument relating to such indebtedness or obligation, has the effect of
accelerating or permitting the acceleration of such indebtedness or obligation, whether or not such
indebtedness or obligation is actually accelerated or the right to accelerate is conditioned on the
giving of notice, the passage of time, or otherwise.
(G) Judgments. A judgment, decree, or order for the payment of money shall be rendered against the
Company or any Subsidiary and either: (i) enforcement proceedings shall have been commenced; (ii) a
Lien prohibited under Section 10(B) hereof shall have been obtained; or (iii) such judgment,
decree, or order shall continue unsatisfied and in effect for a
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period of 20 consecutive days without being vacated, discharged, satisfied, or stayed pending
appeal.
(H) Insolvency. The Company or any Subsidiary shall: (i) become insolvent or shall generally not,
or shall be unable to, or shall admit in writing its inability to, pay its debts as they come due;
or (ii) suspend its business operations or a material part thereof or make an assignment for the
benefit of creditors; or (iii) apply for, consent to, or acquiesce in the appointment of a trustee,
receiver, or other custodian for it or any of its property or, in the absence of such application,
consent, or acquiescence, a trustee, receiver, or other custodian is so appointed; or (iv) commence
or have commenced against it any
proceeding under any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, readjustment of debt, dissolution, or
liquidation Law of any jurisdiction.
(I) Material Adverse Change. Any material adverse change occurs, as reasonably determined by FCW,
in the Companys financial condition, results of operation, or ability to perform its obligations
hereunder or under any instrument or document contemplated hereby. Material Adverse Change means
any event, occurrence or circumstance that has a material negative effect on (i) the business,
operations, property, financial condition or prospects of the Company, or (ii) the validity or
enforcement of any of the Loan Documents or the rights or remedies of the Lenders hereunder, or
(iii) the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under any of the Loan Documents.
SECTION 19. Remedies. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default or any
Potential Default, FCW shall have no obligation to continue to extend credit to the Company and may
discontinue doing so at any time without prior notice. For all purposes hereof, the term Potential
Default means the occurrence of any event which, with the passage of time or the giving of notice
or both would become an Event of Default. In addition, upon the occurrence and during the
continuance of any Event of Default, FCW may, upon notice to the Company, terminate any commitment
and declare the entire unpaid principal balance of the loans, all accrued interest thereon, and all
other amounts payable under this Agreement, all Supplements, and the other Loan Documents to be
immediately due and payable. Upon such a declaration, the unpaid principal balance of the loans and
all such other amounts shall become immediately due and payable, without protest, presentment,
demand, or further notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Company. In
addition, upon such an acceleration:
(A) Enforcement. FCW may proceed to protect, exercise, and enforce such rights and
remedies as may be provided by this Agreement, any other Loan Document or under Law. Each
and every one of such rights and remedies shall be cumulative and may be exercised from
time to time, and no failure on the part of FCW to exercise, and no delay in exercising,
any right or remedy shall operate as a waiver thereof, and no single or partial exercise
of any right or remedy shall preclude any other or future exercise thereof, or the
exercise of any other right. Without limiting the foregoing, FCW may hold and/or set off
and apply against the Companys obligations to FCW any cash collateral held by FCW, or any
balances held by FCW for the Companys account (whether or not such balances are then
due).
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(B) Application of Funds. CoBank may apply all payments received by it to the Companys obligations
to FCW in such order and manner as FCW may elect in its sole discretion.
In addition to the rights and remedies set forth above: (i) if the Company fails to make any
payment when due, then at FCWs option in each instance, such payment shall bear interest from the
date due to the date paid at 2% per annum in excess of the rate(s) of interest that would otherwise
be in effect on that loan; and (ii) after the maturity of any
loan (whether as a result of acceleration or otherwise), the unpaid principal balance of such loan
(including without limitation, principal, interest, fees and expenses) shall automatically bear
interest at 2% per annum in excess of the rate(s) of interest that would otherwise be in effect on
that loan. All interest provided for herein shall be payable on demand and shall be calculated on
the basis of a year consisting of 365 days.
SECTION 20. Broken Funding Surcharge. Notwithstanding any provision contained in the Note giving
the Company the right to repay any loan prior to the date it would otherwise be due and payable,
the Company agrees to provide three Business Days prior written notice for any prepayment of a
fixed rate balance and that in the event it repays any fixed rate balance prior to its scheduled
due date or prior to the last day of the fixed rate period applicable thereto (whether such payment
is made voluntarily, as a result of an acceleration, or otherwise), the Company will pay to CoBank
a surcharge in an amount equal to the greater of: (i) an amount which would result in FCW being
made whole (on a present value basis) for the actual or imputed funding losses incurred by FCW as a
result thereof; or (ii) $300.00. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event any fixed rate balance
is repaid as a result of the Company refinancing the loan with another lender or by other means,
then in lieu of the foregoing, the Company shall pay to CoBank a surcharge in an amount sufficient
(on a present value basis) to enable FCW to maintain the yield it would have earned during the
fixed rate period on the amount repaid. Such surcharges will be calculated in accordance with
methodology established by FCW (a copy of which will be made available to the Company upon request).
SECTION 21. Complete Agreement, Amendments. This Agreement the Note, and all other instruments and
documents contemplated hereby and thereby, are intended by the parties to be a complete and final
expression of their agreement. No amendment, modification, or waiver of any provision hereof or
thereof, and no consent to any departure by the Company herefrom or therefrom, shall be effective
unless approved by FCW and contained in a writing signed by or on behalf of FCW, and then such
waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for
which given. Additionally, any headings used in this Agreement are inserted only as a matter of
convenience and for reference, and in no way define, limit or describe the scope or intent of any
term or provision. As used herein, the word including means including without limitation and/or
including but not limited to.
SECTION 22. Applicable Law. Except to the extent governed by applicable federal law, this Agreement
and the Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
California, without reference to choice of law doctrine.
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SECTION 23. Notices. All notices hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to be duly given
upon delivery if personally delivered or sent by telegram or facsimile transmission, or 3 days
after mailing if sent by express, certified or registered mail, to the parties at the following
addresses (or such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):
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If to FCW, as follows:
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If to the Company, as follows: |
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Farm Credit West, PCA
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Calavo Growers, Inc. |
2929 W. Main Street, Suite A
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Attn: Vice President-Finance |
Visalia, CA 93291-5700
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1141-A Cummings Road |
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Santa Paula, CA 93060 |
Attention: James K. Neeley
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Fax No: (805) 921-3232 |
Fax No.: 559-627-4728 |
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SECTION 24. Taxes and Expenses. To the extent allowed by law, the Company agrees to pay all
reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including the fees and expenses of counsel retained by
FCW) incurred by FCW in connection with the administration, collection, and enforcement of this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including, without limitation, all costs and expenses
incurred in perfecting, maintaining, determining the priority of, and releasing any security for
the Companys obligations to FCW, and any stamp, intangible, transfer, or like tax payable in
connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
SECTION 25. Effectiveness and Severability. This Agreement shall continue in effect until: (i) all
indebtedness and obligations of the Company under this Agreement, the Note, and all other Loan
Documents shall have been paid or satisfied; and (ii) FCW has no commitment to extend credit to or
for the account of the Company hereunder. Any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan
Document which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction,
be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the
remaining provisions hereof or thereof,
SECTION 26. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement, the Note, and the other Loan Documents shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and FCW and their respective successors and
assigns, except that the Company may not assign or transfer its rights or obligations under this
Agreement, the Note or any other Loan Document without the prior written consent of FCW.
SECTION 27. Participations. From time to time, FCW may sell to one or more banks, financial
institutions or other lenders a participation in all or a portion of the Commitment or other
extensions of credit made pursuant to this Agreement. However, no such participation shall relieve
FCW of any commitment made to the Company hereunder, or any obligation FCW may have to pay
patronage due the Company from FCW under the provisions of the bylaws of FCW and its practices and
procedures related to patronage distribution. In connection with the foregoing, FCW may disclose
information concerning the Company and its Subsidiaries to any
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participant or prospective participant, provided that such participant or prospective participant
agrees to keep such information confidential. Accordingly, all interests in the Commitment that is
included in a sale of participation interests shall not be entitled to patronage distributions. A
sale of participation interest may include certain voting rights of the participants regarding the
Commitment hereunder (including without limitation the administration, servicing and enforcement
thereof). FCW agrees to give written notification to the Company of any sale of participation
interests.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized
officers as of the date shown above.
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FARM CREDIT WEST, PCA |
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CALAVO GROWERS, INC. a California
Corporation |
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By:
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/s/ James K. Neeley
James K. Neeley
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By:
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/s/ Arthur J. Bruno
Arthur J. Bruno,
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Title: Sr. Vice President
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Title: Chief Operating Officer, Chief
Financial Officer & Corporate
Secretary |
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By:
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/s/ Scott H. Runge
Scott H. Runge,
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Title Treasurer |
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EXHIBIT A
PROMISSORY NOTE
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$30,000,000.00
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April 9, 2008 |
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, on the Maturity Date as set forth in that certain Term Revolving Credit
Agreement dated April 9, 2008, or in any amendments thereto (the Agreement), the undersigned
promises to pay to the order of Farm Credit West, PCA (the Payee), or order, at the place and in
the manner set forth in the Agreement, the principal amount of THIRTY MILLION DOLLARS
($30,000,000.00). The undersigned promises to pay interest on the principal amount hereof remaining
unpaid from time to time from the date hereon until the date of payment in full, payable as
provided below under Repayment Terms.
This note is given for advances to be made by Payee to the undersigned from time to time in
accordance with the terms and conditions of the Agreement, all the terms and conditions of which
are incorporated herein by reference. Advances, accrued interest, and payments shall be posted by
the Payee upon an appropriate accounting record, shall be prima facie evidence as to all such
amounts and shall be binding on the undersigned absent manifest error, The total of such advances
may not exceed the face amount of this note. This note is executed, delivered and accepted not in
payment of but for the purpose of amending, restating and replacing the following described
obligations; and renewing any unpaid balance(s) evidenced thereby: note dated June 7, 2007, in the
principal amount of $20,000,000.00. Furthermore, this note also evidences an additional loan
advance(s) to the extent the note exceeds the renewed unpaid balance(s) last referred to above.
Repayment Terms: The undersigned shall pay to Payee, for Account 101, Forty-five (45) monthly
interest only payments, in the amount billed, beginning on May 01, 2008; and One (1) installment of
interest in the amount billed plus principal of any amount necessary to pay the Account 101 in full
on February 1, 2012; and for Account 102, Two (2) monthly interest only payments, in the amount
billed, beginning on May 01, 2008; and One (1) installment of interest in the amount billed plus
principal of any amount necessary to pay Account 102 in full on July 1, 2008; and for Account 103,
Fourteen (14) monthly interest only payments in the amount billed, beginning on May 1, 2008; and
One (1) installment of interest in the amount billed plus principal of any amount necessary to pay
the Account 103 in full on July 1, 2009; and for Account 104, Twenty-six (26) monthly interest only
payments in the amount billed, beginning on May 1, 2008; and One (1) installment of interest in the
amount billed plus principal of any amount necessary to pay the Account 104 in full on July 1,
2010; and for Account 105, Thirty-eight monthly (38) interest only payments, in the amount billed,
beginning on May 1, 2008; and One (1) installment of interest in the amount billed plus principal
of any amount necessary to pay the Account 105 in full on July 1, 2011. Payments, other than those
required as specified in this Section or in the Agreement, may be made at any time and in any amount
during the term of this note, unless limited or prohibited herein or unless otherwise required by
FCW in writing. This note is due and payable in full on February 1, 2012 (Maturity Date), at
which time the undersigned shall pay the unpaid principal balance and all accrued interest in full.
Any amount of principal hereof which is not paid when due, whether at stated maturity, by
acceleration or otherwise, shall bear interest from the date
when due until said principal is paid in full, payable on demand, at a rate per annum set forth in
the Agreement.
The makers or endorsers hereof hereby waive presentment for payment, demand, protest, and notice of
dishonor and nonpayment of this note, and all defenses on the ground of delay or of any extension
of time for the payment hereof which may be hereafter given by the holder or holders hereof to them
or either of them or to anyone who has assumed the payment of this note, and it is specifically
agreed that the obligations of said makers or endorsers shall not be in anyway affected or
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Calavo Growers, Inc.
Loan No. 3789055
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Promissory Note dated February 7, 2007
Page 2 |
altered to the prejudice of the holder or holders hereof by reason of the assumption of payment of
the same by any other person or entity.
The undersigned hereby promises to pay all costs and expenses of any rightful holder hereof
incurred in collecting the undersigneds obligations hereunder or in enforcing or attempting to
enforce any of such holders rights hereunder, including reasonable attorneys fees and
disbursements, whether or not an action is filed in connection therewith.
THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE
OF CALIFORNIA. REPRESENTATIVES OF FCW ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO MAKE ANY ORAL AGREEMENTS OR ASSURANCES.
DO NOT SIGN THIS NOTE IF YOU BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE ANY AGREEMENTS OR
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN YOU AND FCW THAT ARE NOT SET FORTH IN WRITING IN
THIS NOTE, THE AGREEMENT OR OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS EVIDENCING THE
COMMITMENT.
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CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
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By: |
/s/ Arthur J. Bruno
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Arthur J. Bruno, |
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Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial
Officer & Corporate Secretary |
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By: |
/s/ Scott. H. Runge
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Scott. H. Runge, Treasurer |
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INDORSEMENT The within Note is hereby indorsed by the payee named in the body of said Note as
if the name of the payee were actually executed under the indorsement.
PAY TO THE ORDER OF U.S. AgBANK, FCB, Wichita, Kansas
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Calavo Growers,Inc.
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Agreement No. 3789055-101 |
EXHIBIT B
SERVICING AGREEMENT
April 9,2008
Pursuant to Section 9 of the Term Revolving Credit Agreement dated April 9, 2008 (Agreement)
between Farm Credit West, PCA and CALAVO GROWERS, Inc., a California
Corporation, the undersigns acknowledges and confirms the agreement to have CoBank, ACB perform the
services as described below:
Manner and Time of Payment. CoBank shall maintain a record of all loans, the interest accrued
thereon, and all payments made with respect thereto, and such record shall, absent proof of
manifest error, be conclusive evidence of
the outstanding principal and interest on the loans. All
payments shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds, by check, or by automated
clearing house or other similar cash handling processes as specified by separate agreement between
the Calavo Growers (Company) and CoBank, Wire transfers shall be made to ABA No: 307088754 for
advice to and credit of CoBank (or to such other account as CoBank may direct by notice): The
Company shall give CoBank telephonic notice no later than 12:00 Noon Companys local time of its
intent to pay by wire and funds received after 3:00 p.m. Companys local time shall be credited on
the next business day. Checks shall be mailed to CoBank Department 167, Denver, Colorado
80291-0167 (or to such other place as CoBank may direct by notice). Credit for payment by check
will not be given until the later of: (a) the day on which CoBank receives immediately available
funds; or (b) the next business day after receipt of the check.
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Farm Credit West, PCA |
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CALAVO GROWERS, INC. |
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By:
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/s/ James K. Neeley
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By:
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/s/ Arthur J. Bruno
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James K. Neeley, Sr.Vice President |
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Arthur J. Bruno, |
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Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial
Officer & Corporate Secretary |
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By:
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/s/ Scott H. Runge
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Scott. H. Runge, Treasurer |
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CoBank, ACB |
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By:
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/s/ Ed Nishio |
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Ed Nishio
CoBank, ACB |
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exv10w3
Exhibit 10.3
Text marked by [ * * *] has been omitted pursuant to a Request for Confidential Treatment and
was filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
EXECUTION VERSION
AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
OF
CALAVO SALSA LISA, LLC
Dated as of
February 8, 2010
This LLC
agreement (and the Promissory note and Security agreement)
AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
FOR
CALAVO SALSA LISA, LLC
This AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT is entered into and shall be
effective as of February 8, 2010, among Calavo Salsa Lisa, LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company (the Company); Calavo Growers, Inc., a California corporation (Calavo);
Lisas Salsa Company, a Minnesota corporation (LSC) and Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric
Nicholson (jointly, the LSC Owners). Calavo and LSC are executing and delivering this
Agreement as Members pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware LLC Act (as hereinafter defined),
on the terms and conditions set forth herein. As of the date of this Agreement, neither Elizabeth
Nicholson nor Eric Nicholson is a Member, but they are signing as the holders of all of the equity
interests of LSC.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Company has been formed as a limited liability company by filing its Certificate
of Formation with the Delaware Secretary of State pursuant to the Delaware LLC Act, and is governed
by that certain letter agreement, dated as of January 8, 2010 (the Original Operating
Agreement), between the Company and Calavo;
WHEREAS, in connection with, and as a condition to, the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by that certain Asset Purchase and Contribution Agreement, dated the same date
herewith, by and among the Company, Calavo, LSC and the LSC Owners (the Asset Purchase
Agreement), the Company and the Members desire to amend and restate the Original Operating
Agreement in its entirety and replace it with this Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Members wish to continue the Company as a limited liability company pursuant to
the provisions of the Delaware LLC Act and to set forth the ownership interests and capitalization
described herein and the terms and provisions under which the Company will operate by the adoption
of this Agreement.
AGREEMENT
In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, and other good and
valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending
to be legally bound, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
1.1 Definitions. As used in this Agreement and the Schedules and Exhibits attached to
this Agreement, the definitions set forth below and in Annex A shall apply. For all
purposes of this Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise
requires,
(a) the terms defined in this Section 1.1 and in Annex A have the meanings assigned to
them in this Section 1.1 and Annex A and include the plural as well as the singular,
(b) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned under GAAP in
the United States,
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(c) all dollar amounts shall be in United States currency,
(d) unless expressly provided otherwise, all references in this Agreement to designated
Articles, Sections and other subdivisions are to the designated Articles, Sections and other
subdivisions of the body of this Agreement,
(e) pronouns of either gender or neuter shall include, as appropriate, the other pronoun
forms, and
(f) the words herein, hereof and hereunder and other words of similar import refer to
this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision.
ARTICLE II
ORGANIZATION OF THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
2.1 Formation and Related Agreements. The Members (a) acknowledge, approve and ratify
the formation of the Company as a limited liability company under the provisions of the Delaware
LLC Act by virtue of the filing of the Certificate of Formation (the Certificate) with
the Delaware Secretary of State on January 8, 2010, (b) confirm and agree to their status as
Members of the Company, (c) execute this Agreement for the purpose of amending and restating in its
entirety the Original Operating Agreement with this Agreement, continuing the existence of the
Company and further establishing the rights, duties and relationship of the Members, (d) agree that
if the laws of any jurisdiction in which the Company transacts business so require, the Executive
Committee also shall take or cause to be taken all such actions required for the Company to qualify
to transact business under such laws (including the filing of any necessary documents with the
appropriate office in that jurisdiction), and (e) agree and obligate themselves to execute,
acknowledge and cause to be filed for record, as required by law, any amendments to the Certificate
that may be required by applicable law to reflect changes in the information included therein
and/or for the continuation, preservation and operation of the Company as a limited liability
company under the Delaware LLC Act. Upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
Company and the Members, the Original Operating Agreement shall be superseded hereby and cease to
have any force or effect whatsoever.
2.2 Name. The name of the Company is Calavo Salsa Lisa, LLC and all business of the
Company shall be conducted under such name or, in the sole discretion of the Executive Committee,
under any other name.
2.3 Registered Office; Registered Agent. The location of the registered office of the
Company in the State of Delaware is 40 East Division Street, No. A, Dover, Delaware 19901, County
of Kent, or at such other place as the Executive Committee from time to time may select. The name
and address for service of process on the Company in the State of Delaware are Paracorp
Incorporated, or such other qualified Person as the Executive Committee may designate from time to
time and its business address.
2.4 Principal Place of Business. The principal place of business of the Company shall
be located in such place as is determined by the Executive Committee from time to time; provided
however that the principal place of business as determined by the Executive Committee shall in no
way affect the principal location in which Elizabeth Nicholson shall be required to perform her
duties and responsibilities in accordance with any employment agreement between Ms. Nicholson and
the Company.
2.5 Purpose; Powers. The purpose of the Company shall be to conduct any business
activities permitted from time to time under the Delaware LLC Act as such business activities may
be
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determined by the Executive Committee. The Company has the power to do any and all acts
necessary, appropriate, proper, advisable, incidental or convenient to or in furtherance of the
purposes of the Company set forth in this Section 2.5.
2.6 Term. The term of the Company commenced on the date of filing of the Certificate
with the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with the Delaware
LLC Act and shall continue indefinitely, unless and until the Company is dissolved and its affairs
wound up only in accordance with Article XI (Dissolution and Termination) hereof.
2.7 Intent. It is the intent of the Members that the Company be classified as a
partnership for federal and state income tax purposes. It is also the intent of the Members that
the Company not be operated or treated as a partnership for purposes of Section 303 of the
Federal Bankruptcy Code. Neither the Company nor any Member shall take any action inconsistent
with the express intent of the Members as set forth in this Section 2.7.
2.8 Independent Activities; Transactions with Affiliates. The Executive Committee
shall be required to devote such time to the affairs of the Company as may be necessary to manage
and operate the Company. Each member of the Executive Committee shall be free to serve any other
Person or enterprise in any capacity that each such member of the Executive Committee may deem
appropriate in his or her discretion, subject to the terms of any agreement such member of the
Executive Committee may have with the Company or any Member.
ARTICLE III
OWNERSHIP AND CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS;
CAPITAL ACCOUNTS; FINANCINGS
3.1 Capital Contributions.
(a) As of the date of this Agreement, Calavo and LSC have made the Capital Contributions set
forth on Schedule A. The Percentage Interests of the Members are as set forth in
Schedule A. Other than the Capital Contribution set forth on Schedule A, the
Members shall have no obligation to make any additional Capital Contributions to the Company,
except as set forth in Section 3.1(b). The payments made by LSC to the Company pursuant to Section
2.7 of the Asset Purchase Agreement shall not be considered Capital Contributions, and no
additional Percentage Interests shall be issued on account of any such payments.
(b) Pursuant to Section 2.4 of the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Company may be obligated to
make certain Earn Out Payments to LSC, and in such event, Calavo shall be required to contribute
funds to the Company for such purposes, as set forth in Section 5.4(a) (Earn Out Payments). Any
payments made by Calavo to the Company in connection with the Earn Out Payments as set forth in
Section 5.4(a) (Earn Out Payments) shall be considered Capital Contributions; provided however that
no additional Percentage Interests shall be issued on account of any such Capital Contributions and
the Capital Account of LSC shall be adjusted accordingly (based on a revaluation of the initial
goodwill that was contributed to the Company by LSC) in order to maintain the positive Capital
Accounts of Calavo and LSC in a ratio of 65% to 35%, respectively, in accordance with Section 3.4.
3.2 Issuance of Additional Membership Interests. Additional Membership Interests or
other equity securities of the Company may be authorized or issued only upon approval of the
Executive Committee and the consent of both Members in accordance with Section 6.1(i) (Certain
Matters Requiring Consent of the Members).
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3.3 General Provisions With Respect to Membership Interests.
(a) Evidence of Membership Interests. Membership Interests will not be evidenced by any
certificate or other instrument, but the ownership of the Membership Interests shall be recorded on
the books of the Company.
(b) Holders of Record. Membership Interests shall be transferable only on the books of the
Company upon surrender to the Executive Committee of such instruments and documentation as the
Executive Committee, in its sole discretion shall deem necessary and appropriate. Until so
transferred, the Company may treat the registered holder of the Membership Interest according to
the books of the Company as the owner of such Membership Interest for all purposes. Nothing
contained in this Section 3.3(b) shall be deemed to authorize or permit any Member to Transfer its
Membership Interest except as otherwise permitted pursuant to Article VII.
3.4 Establishment and Maintenance of Capital Accounts.
(a) Establishment of Capital Accounts. A separate Capital Account will be established and
maintained for each Member in accordance with this Section 3.4. Each Members Capital Account
shall equal such Members Capital Contribution, adjusted in accordance with the provisions of
Section 3.4(b) and Section 3.4(c); provided however that the parties hereby agree that the Capital
Accounts shall at all times be maintained in a ratio such that Calavos positive Capital Account
represents 65% of the aggregate positive Capital Accounts and LSCs positive Capital Account
represents 35% of the aggregate positive Capital Accounts, and to the extent necessary, any change
in Capital Accounts attributable to either Calavo or LSC shall be accompanied by an adjustment to
the positive Capital Account of the other party in order to maintain such ratios.
(b) Increases in Capital Accounts. Each Members Capital Account will from time to time be
increased by:
(i) the amount of money contributed by such Member to the Company (including the amount of any
Company liabilities which the Member assumes (within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section
1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(c));
(ii) the Fair Market Value of property contributed by such Member to the Company (net of any
liabilities secured by such property that the Company is considered to assume or take subject or
pursuant to Section 752 of the Code); and
(iii) allocations to such Member of Profits (or the amount of any item or items of income or
gain included therein).
(c) Decreases in Capital Accounts. Each Members Capital Account will from time to time be
reduced by:
(i) the amount of money distributed to such Member by the Company pursuant to Section 5.6
(Amount and Time of Distributions)(including the amount of such Members individual liabilities for
which the Company becomes directly and primarily liable);
(ii) the Fair Market Value of property distributed to such Member by the Company (net of any
liabilities secured by such property that such Member is considered to assume or take subject or
pursuant to Section 752 of the Code); and
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(iii) allocations to such Member of Losses and deduction (or items thereof).
(d) Regulatory Compliance. This Section 3.4 and other provisions of this Agreement relating
to the maintenance of Capital Accounts are intended to comply with Treasury Regulations Sections
1.704-1(b) and 1.704-2, and they shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with those
Treasury Regulations. If the Executive Committee determines that it is prudent to modify the
manner in which the Capital Accounts, or any debits or credits thereto (including, without
limitation, debits or credits relating to liabilities which are secured by contributed or
distributed property or which are assumed by the Company or a Member), are computed in order to
comply with those Treasury Regulations, the Executive Committee may make such modification;
provided, however, that the Executive Committee shall use its reasonable efforts to ensure that no
such modification materially and adversely affects the economic interests of any Member.
(e) Basis Adjustments. Section 754 of the Code permits the Company to elect to adjust the
basis of Company property on the transfer of an interest in the Company by sale or exchange, and on
the distribution of property by the Company to a Member. Unless the Executive Committee determines
that it is unreasonable to make a Section 754 election after considering the interests of the
Company and its Members, the Executive Committee shall make such an election upon the occurrence of
an event described in the preceding sentence.
3.5 Revaluation of Company Property.
(a) Revaluation Events. Upon the occurrence of a Revaluation Event, the Executive Committee
may revalue all Company property (whether tangible or intangible) for Capital Account purposes to
reflect the Adjusted Fair Market Value of Company property immediately prior to the Revaluation
Event. In the event that Company property is so revalued, the Capital Accounts of the Members will
be adjusted in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f).
(b) Revaluation Upon Distribution. Upon the distribution of Company property to a Member, if
Company property is not revalued pursuant to Section 3.5(a), the property to be distributed will be
revalued for Capital Account purposes to reflect the Adjusted Fair Market Value of such property
immediately prior to such distribution, and the Capital Accounts of all Members will be adjusted in
accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(e).
3.6 Restoration of Negative Balances. No Member with a deficit balance in its Capital
Account will have any obligation to the Company, to any other Member or to any third party to
restore or repay said deficit balance.
3.7 Transfer of Capital Accounts. A Person who is substituted as a Member pursuant to
this Agreement shall be deemed to have made the Capital Contributions attributable to the
Membership Interest it is acquiring and shall succeed to the Capital Account of its transferor to
the extent of the Membership Interest it is acquiring. The original Capital Account established for
each substituted Member shall be in the same amount as the Capital Account of the Member (or
portion thereof) to which such substituted Member succeeds, at the time such substituted Member is
admitted to the Company. The Capital Account of any Member whose interest in the Company shall be
increased or decreased by means of the transfer to it of all or part of the Membership Interest of
another Member shall be appropriately adjusted to reflect such transfer or repurchase. Any
reference in this Agreement to a Capital Contribution of or Distribution to a Member that has
succeeded any other Member shall include any Capital Contributions or Distributions previously made
by or to the former Member on account of the Membership Interest of such former Member transferred
to such Member.
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3.8 Loans By Members to the Company.
(a) General. Subject to the provisions of this Section 3.8 and Section 3.9 and the other
provisions of this Agreement, any Member (the Lending Member) may, with the approval of
the Executive Committee in its sole discretion, lend or advance money to the Company (each, a
Company Loan), and the Company in exchange for such Company Loan shall issue to the
Lending Member a promissory note substantially in the form of the Initial Note (defined below), or
in such other form, or in accordance with such other documentation, as the Executive Committee may
approve from time to time. Company Loans may be secured by all or any portion of the assets of the
Company. If any Member shall make any Company Loan, the amount of any such Company Loan shall not
be treated as a Capital Contribution but shall be a debt due from the Company, unless, subject to
Section 6.1(i)(Certain Matters Requiring Consent of the Members), otherwise agreed to by the
Executive Committee. No Member shall be obligated to make any Company Loan. The principal amount
of a promissory note that is contributed to the Company by the maker of the note (or a person
related to the maker of the note within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section
1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c)) shall be included in the Capital Account of any Member only to the extent
provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(d). No loans entered into pursuant to
this Section 3.8 shall have a term longer than the shorter of (i) five years, and (ii) the period
between the initial date of the loan and the Option Termination Date.
(b) Initial Note. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parties acknowledge that on the date
hereof, the Company has issued to Calavo a five year promissory note (Initial Note), in
the form of Exhibit A, in a principal amount of $300,000.00 and bearing interest at the
Interest Rate, payable quarterly. The Initial Note is to be secured by the assets of the Company in
accordance with a security agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B. Calavo
shall be entitled to make additional loans to the Company on similar terms, or such other terms as
the Executive Committee, after taking into account the Companys reasonable working capital needs
and overall financing condition, may approve in its sole discretion.
3.9 Third Party Debt Financing. Subject to the other terms and conditions of this
Agreement, the Company may obtain, on its own behalf, all additional money and funds necessary, at
any time, to undertake or engage in its business. No Member or Affiliate of a Member shall be
required to guaranty or make any other financial commitment with respect to any debt or other
obligation of the Company. If the Executive Committee approves any transaction to provide for debt
financing for the Company from an independent Person (excluding any Member or any Affiliate
thereof) (each, an Approved Financing), each Member agrees it (a) will consent to and
will not raise objections to the Approved Financing, (b) will take all necessary and desirable
actions in connection with the consummation of the Approved Financing, and (c) will cause the
Company to take all necessary and desirable actions in connection with the Approved Financing;
provided, however, that no Member shall be required to guaranty or pledge, directly or indirectly,
any of its assets or property, including, without limitation, its Membership Interest.
3.10 Other Matters.
(a) Right of Return. Except as otherwise set forth in, Section 5.5 (Tax Distributions),
Article VII (Transfer of Membership Interests and Ownership Interests in the Members) and
Article XI (Dissolution and Termination), no Member shall be entitled to receive a return
on or of its Capital Contributions from the Company without the consent of the Executive Committee.
Under circumstances requiring a return of any Capital Contributions from the Company, no Member
has the right to receive property other than cash except as specifically set forth in Section 5.5
(Tax Distributions) and Article XI (Dissolution and Termination).
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(b) Interest. No Member shall receive any interest, draw or reimbursement with respect to its
Capital Contributions or its Capital Account, except as may otherwise be authorized by the
Executive Committee. Members shall be entitled to receive interest on any Company Loans at the
rate agreed upon between the Executive Committee and the Lending Member, or as set forth in the
Initial Note.
(c) Liability for Debts. Except as any Member may otherwise agree in writing, no Member shall
be liable for the debts or any other obligations of the Company.
ARTICLE IV
ALLOCATIONS OF PROFITS AND LOSSES
4.1 Time of Allocations. The Executive Committee shall use its reasonable efforts to
determine and allocate all items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit pursuant to this
Article IV within ninety (90) days after the end of each Fiscal Year.
4.2 Profits and Losses.
(a) Profits. After giving effect to the special allocations set forth in Section 4.3 hereof,
Profits for any Fiscal Year shall be allocated to the Members in the following order of priority:
(i) first, to each Member in accordance with the aggregate of Losses, and to the extent
thereof, previously allocated to such Member pursuant to Section 4.2(b) of this Agreement for all
prior taxable years less the aggregate of Profits previously allocated to such Member pursuant to
this Section 4.2(a)(i) for all prior taxable years; and
(ii) thereafter, to the Members in proportion to their Percentage Interests.
(b) Losses. After giving effect to the special allocations set forth in Section 4.3 hereof,
Losses for any Fiscal Year shall be allocated to the Members:
(i) first, to the Members pro rata in proportion to their Adjusted Capital Account Balances
until their Adjusted Capital Account Balances are reduced to zero; and
(ii) thereafter, to the Members in proportion to their Percentage Interests.
(c) Limitation on Losses. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4.2(b), allocations of
Losses to a Member shall be made only to the extent that such allocations of Losses will not create
or increase an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit for that Member. Any Losses not allocated to a
Member because of the foregoing provision shall be allocated to the other Members (to the extent
the other Members are not limited in respect of the allocation of Losses under this Section
4.2(c)). Any Losses in excess of the Losses allocated under the preceding sentence shall be
allocated to the Members in proportion to their Percentage Interests.
4.3 Special Allocations.
(a) Partnership (Company) Minimum Gain or Partner (Member) Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article IV, if there is a net decrease in
Partnership (Company) Minimum Gain or Partner (Member) Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain (determined in
accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(d) and 1.704-2(i)) during
the Fiscal Year, each Member shall be specially allocated items of Company income and gain
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for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to its respective share
of such net decrease during such year, determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Sections
1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5). The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with
Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). This Section 4.3(a) is intended to comply with the
minimum gain chargeback requirement in such Treasury Regulations Section and shall be interpreted
consistently therewith, including that no chargeback shall be required to the extent of the
exceptions provided in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(f) and 1.704-2(i)(4).
(b) Unexpected Adjustments. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article IV
other than Section 4.3(a) above, in the event any Member unexpectedly receives any adjustments,
allocations, or distributions described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii) (d)(4),
(5) or (6), items of Company income and gain shall be specially allocated to such Member in an
amount and manner sufficient to eliminate, to the extent required by the Treasury Regulations, the
Adjusted Capital Account Deficit created by such adjustments, allocations or distributions as
promptly as possible; provided, however, that an allocation pursuant to this Section 4.3(b) shall
be made only if and to the extent that a Member would have an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit in
excess of such sum after all other allocations provided for in this Article IV have been
tentatively made as if this Article were not in this Agreement.
(c) In the event any Member has an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit at the end of any Fiscal
Year, each such Member shall be specially allocated items of Company income and gain in the amount
of such excess as quickly as possible; provided, however, that an allocation pursuant to this
Section 4.3(c) shall be made only if and to the extent that a Member would have an Adjusted Capital
Account Deficit in excess of such sum after all other allocations provided for in this Article
IV have been tentatively made.
(d) Partnership (Company) Nonrecourse Deductions shall be specially allocated to the Members
in proportion to their Percentage Interests.
(e) Any Partner (Member) Nonrecourse Deductions for any Fiscal Year or other period shall be
specially allocated to the Member who bears the economic risk of loss with respect to the Partner
(Member) Nonrecourse Debt to which such Partner (Member) Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in
accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2. For avoidance of any doubt, the Company Loan
made by Calavo pursuant to the Initial Note is Partner (Member) Nonrecourse Debt attributable to
Calavo.
4.4 Other Allocations. If during any taxable year of the Company there is a change in
any Members Percentage Interest (including a complete termination of such Members interest),
allocations of Profits and Losses for such taxable year will take into account the varying
Percentage Interests of the Members in any manner determined by the Executive Committee consistent
with the requirements of Section 706 of the Code; provided, however, that the Members hereby agree
that the Executive Committee may, in its sole discretion, use a pro rata method under Treasury
Regulation Section 1.706-1(c)(2) in making such allocations, and that the Executive Committee may
instead, in its sole discretion, apply a closing of the books method in making such allocations.
4.5 Reallocation. If the Executive Committee determines that the Code or any Treasury
Regulations require allocations of items of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit different from
those set forth in this Article IV, the Executive Committee is hereby authorized to make
new allocations in reliance on, but only to the extent required by, the Code and such Treasury
Regulations, and no such new allocation will give rise to any claim or cause of action by any
Member.
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4.6 Allocation of Tax Items. Except as otherwise provided in this Article IV,
all items of income, gain, loss and deduction will be allocated among the Members for federal
income tax purposes in the same manner as the corresponding allocation for Capital Account
purposes.
4.7 Section 704(c) Allocations. In the event that the fair market value of an item of
Company property differs from its Tax Basis, allocations of depreciation, depletion, amortization,
gain and loss with respect to such property will be made for federal income tax purposes in a
manner that takes account of the variation between the Tax Basis and fair market value of such
property in accordance with Section 704(c)(1)(A) of the Code and Treasury Regulations Section
1.704-1(b)(4)(i). Section 704(c) allocations shall be made in accordance with the traditional
method described in Treasury Reg. section 1.704-3(b).
4.8 Reporting. The Members acknowledge and are aware of the income tax consequences
of the allocations made by Article IV and hereby agree to be bound by the provisions of
Article IV in reporting their shares of Profits and Losses and other items of income, gain,
loss, deduction and credit for federal, state and local income tax purposes.
ARTICLE V
DISTRIBUTIONS
5.1 Legal Restrictions on Distributions; Withholding. Notwithstanding any provision
to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Company shall not make a distribution to any
Member on account of the Members Membership Interest if such distribution would violate the
Delaware LLC Act or other applicable law. The Company shall be authorized to withhold from
distributions hereunder any amounts required to be withheld by applicable law, and such
withholdings shall be treated for all purposes of the Agreement as if such amounts had been
distributed hereunder.
5.2 Current Reserves. The Executive Committee may set aside reasonable reserves for
near-term anticipated liabilities, obligations or commitments of the Company.
5.3 Growth Reserves. The Executive Committee may set aside reserves for anticipated
development of the Company.
5.4 Special Payments to the Members.
(a) Earn Out Payments. If the Company becomes obligated to pay LSC an Earn Out Payment,
Calavo shall contribute to the Company funds in an amount sufficient to pay the Earn Out Payment,
and the Company shall pay such Earn Out Payment to LSC in accordance with the Asset Purchase
Agreement. Such contribution by Calavo shall be treated as a Capital Contribution in accordance
with Section 3.1 (Capital Contributions). Any Earn Out Payments made to LSC shall not be deemed
Distributions on account of such Members Membership Interest for purposes of Article III
(Ownership and Capital Contributions; Capital Accounts; Financings) or Article IV
(Allocations of Profits and Losses), and shall not be considered an advance payment of
distributions for purposes of Section 5.6 (Amount and Time of Distributions) or Article
XI(Dissolution and Termination). Neither the Earn Out Payment to LSC nor the Calavo
contribution described above shall under any circumstances reduce the Capital Account of LSC. Any
Earn Out payment made to LSC shall be reported for tax purposes as a disguised sale under Section
707 of the Code.
(b) Note Payments and Service Payments. Provided any payments due under Section 5.4(a) (Earn
Out Payments) have been paid in full, and subject to Section 5.1(Legal Restrictions on
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Distributions; Withholding), payments of available cash (which available cash will be
determined after taking into account the Companys reasonable working capital needs and reserves
set aside pursuant to Section 5.2 (Current Reserves) ), but not the reserves set aside pursuant to
Section 5.3 (Growth Reserves)) shall be made pursuant to the Initial Note (and any subsequent notes
made in accordance with Section 3.8) on such dates and in such amounts as provided in the Initial
Note (or any subsequent notes made in accordance with Section 3.8, as applicable), and Service
Payments shall be made in accordance with Section 8.3. Such payments shall not be deemed
Distributions on account of such Members Membership Interest for purposes of Article III
(Ownership and Capital Contributions; Capital Accounts; Financings) or Article IV
(Allocations of Profits and Losses), and shall not be considered an advance payment of
distributions for purposes of Section 5.6 (Amount and Time of Distributions) or Article XI
(Dissolution and Termination). Any payment not paid when due and payable in accordance with
the terms of the Initial Note (and any subsequent notes, as applicable) or Section 8.3 shall accrue
to the benefit of the Member which is entitled to such payment, and any amounts accrued hereunder
shall be paid as soon as possible when, in the sole discretion of the Executive Committee,
sufficient available cash is available without being subject to the limitations set forth under
Section 5.1 (Legal Restrictions on Distributions; Withholding).
5.5 Tax Distributions. Provided any payments due pursuant to Section 5.4 (Special
Payments to Members) have been paid in full, and notwithstanding anything in this Article V
to the contrary (other than Section 5.1 (Legal Restrictions on Distributions; Withholding)), with
respect to any taxable year in which the Company does not liquidate or sell all or substantially
all of its assets, the Executive Committee shall distribute to each Member available cash (which
available cash will be determined after taking into account the Companys reasonable working
capital needs and reserves set aside pursuant to Section 5.2 (Current Reserves), but not the
reserves set aside pursuant to Section 5.3(Growth Reserves)) in an amount equal to the highest
combined federal and state marginal tax rate applicable to either Member or to the LSC Owners on
income that is ultimately allocated to them from LSC (as determined by the Executive Committee
after consultation with the Members) multiplied by the amount of net taxable income allocable to
such Member from the Company for such taxable year pursuant to Article IV(Allocations of Profits
and Losses), to enable the Members to pay the taxes owed by the Members with respect to the net
taxable income allocable to them from the Company. Distributions made pursuant to this Section 5.5
shall be taken into account as an advance payment of distributions for purposes of Section 5.6
(Amount and Time of Distributions) and Section 11.3(b)(v) (Dissolution Distributions). Any payment
not paid when due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Section 5.5 shall accrue to the
benefit of the Member which is entitled to such payment, and any amounts accrued hereunder shall be
paid as soon as possible when, subject to Section 5.1 (Legal Restrictions on Distributions;
Withholding), in the sole discretion of the Executive Committee, sufficient cash is available
(which available cash will be determined after taking into account the Companys reasonable working
capital needs and reserves set aside pursuant to Section 5.2 (Current Reserves), but not the
reserves set aside pursuant to Section 5.3 (Growth Reserves)).
5.6 Amount and Time of Distributions. Provided that all payments due pursuant to
Section 5.5 (Tax Distributions) and Section 5.4 (Special Payments to the Members) have been made,
the Executive Committee may, subject to Section 5.1 (Legal Restrictions on Distributions;
Withholding), Section 5.2 (Current Reserves) and Section 5.3 (Growth Reserves), make distributions
to the Members in proportion to their Percentage Interests from time to time as it determines in
its sole discretion; provided, however, that no less often than annually, the Executive Committee
shall distribute available cash (which available cash will be determined after taking into account
payments due under Section 5.4 (Special Payments to the Members) and 5.5 (Tax Distributions) and
after taking into account the Companys reasonable working capital needs and reserves set aside
pursuant to Section 5.2 (Current Reserves) and Section 5.3 (Growth Reserves)) from the immediately
preceding Fiscal Year to the Members in proportion to their Percentage Interests.
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5.7 Distributions to Record Holders of Membership Interests. Any distribution by the
Company pursuant to the terms of this Article V or Article XI (Dissolution and
Termination) to the Person shown on the Companys records as a Member or to its legal
representatives, or to the assignee of the right to receive such distributions as provided herein,
shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, discharge the Company and the Executive Committee of
all liability to any other Person who may be interested in such distribution by reason of any other
assignment or Transfer of such Members Membership Interest for any reason (including an assignment
or Transfer thereof by reason of death, incompetence, Bankruptcy or liquidation of such Member).
ARTICLE VI
MANAGEMENT
6.1 Members.
(a) Voting Membership Interests. Except as specifically provided in this Agreement or as
otherwise required under the Delaware LLC Act, the Members shall not be entitled to vote on,
consent to, or approve of, any matter affecting the Company.
(b) Meetings. Members need not hold annual or regular meetings. Special meetings of the
Members shall be held at the written request of either of the Members or at such time as may be
fixed by the Executive Committee for the transaction of such lawful business as may come before the
meeting. Meetings of the Members may be called upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days notice
to both Members, or if called by a Member, the other Member and the Executive Committee, in writing
or by telephone or email or facsimile transmission. Meetings of Members may be held by telephone
or any other communications equipment by means of which all participating Members can
simultaneously hear each other during the meeting.
(c) Quorum. No action may be taken at a meeting of Members unless a quorum consisting of
Members holding a majority of the Percentage Interests are present in person or by proxy.
(d) Action by Written Consent. Any action that may be taken by the Members under this
Agreement may be taken without a meeting if consents in writing setting forth the action so taken
are signed by all Members.
(e) Voting Rights; Required Vote. Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement
(including, without limitation, Section 6.1(i) (Certain Matters Requiring Consent of the Members)),
any action that is required or permitted to be taken by the Members must be approved by the
affirmative vote of Members holding a majority of the Percentage Interests or a unanimous written
consent.
(f) Waivers of Notice. Whenever the giving of any notice to Members is required by statute or
this Agreement, a waiver thereof, in writing and delivered to the Company signed by the Person or
Persons entitled to said notice, whether before or after the event as to which such notice is
required, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance of a Member at a meeting or execution
of a written consent to any action shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting or action.
(g) Various Capacities. The Members acknowledge and agree that the Members or their
Affiliates will from time to time act in various capacities including as a Member, as a member of
the Executive Committee, and as the Tax Matters Member.
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(h) Decisions Relating to the Business. Except as expressly set forth in Section 6.1(i)
(Certain Matters Requiring Consent of the Members) with respect to decisions to be made by the
Members, the Executive Committee is expressly permitted to make any and all decisions with respect
to the business and operation of the Company and its subsidiaries without the vote or consent of
the Members.
(i) Certain Matters Requiring Consent of the Members. Neither the Company nor the Executive
Committee shall, without first obtaining the consent of each of the Members: (i) issue any
additional Membership Interests or create or issue any new class of Membership Interests, (ii)
change the rights, preferences, or privileges of the Membership Interests, (ii) except for the
Capital Contributions set forth on Schedule A as set forth in Section 3.1(Capital
Contributions) or Capital Contributions made pursuant to Section 5.4(a)(Earn Out Payments), require
or permit any Member to make any Capital Contribution pursuant to Section 3.1(Capital
Contributions) or otherwise, (iii) admit a new Member, other than Permitted Transferees admitted in
accordance with Article VII, (vi) enter into any agreement in connection with a Sale of the
Company, (v) determine to treat a Company Loan as a Capital Contribution; (vi) permit a Member to
withdraw under Section 7.7 (Withdrawal), (vii) establish a subsidiary or otherwise acquire equity
interests in another Person, (viii) transfer the operations of the Company to another Person,
including an Affiliate of the Company or Calavo, (ix) pay salary or other compensation to the
officers of the Company, or (x) take any other action that expressly requires the approval of each
of the Members under Section 11.1(c) (Liquidating Events) or Section 12.1 (Amendment and Waiver).
(j) Fiduciary Duties as Members. Neither Member owes any duty to the Company or the other
Member (including fiduciary duties) other than the implied contractual covenant of good faith and
fair dealing; provided, however, this Agreement shall in no way limit such duties or diminish the
rights, remedies or obligations of either the Company or other Member as may be set forth in the
Asset Purchase Agreement or other agreements between such Member and the Company or the other
Member. A Member shall not be liable, responsible, or accountable, in damages or otherwise, to any
other Member, member of the Executive Committee, or the Company for any act or omission of the
Member with regard to the Company matters unless such act or omission constitutes a bad faith
violation of the implied contractual covenant of good faith and fair dealing or a violation of the
Asset Purchase Agreement.
6.2 Management of the Company by the Executive Committee.
(a) Except for matters expressly reserved to the Members under this Agreement, full
responsibility for management of the business and affairs of the Company shall be delegated to and
vested in an Executive Committee (the Executive Committee) pursuant to Section 18-402 of
the Delaware LLC Act, which shall have all of the authority of a manager under the Delaware LLC
Act.
(b) Power and Authority of Executive Committee. The Executive Committee (acting on behalf of
the Company) shall have the right, power, and authority, to manage, operate and control the
business and affairs of the Company and to do or cause to be done any and all acts, at the expense
of the Company, deemed by the Executive Committee to be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the
purposes of the Company. Except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 6.1(i)(Certain Matters
Requiring Consent of the Members), no Member shall have any authority, right or power, by virtue of
being a Member, to bind the Company, or to manage or control the business and affairs of the
Company. Except as may be approved by the Executive Committee, no member of the Executive
Committee, acting individually, shall have any authority, right, or power by virtue of being a
member of the Executive Committee to bind the Company.
(c) Number, Election and Removal of Executive Committee Members. The authorized number of
members of the Executive Committee is three. Subject to the terms of this
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Agreement, (x) Calavo shall have the right to designate two members of the Executive Committee
(Calavo Designees), who shall initially be J. Link Leavens and Lecil E. Cole, and (y) LSC
shall have the right to designate one member of the Executive Committee (the LSC
Designee), who shall initially be Lisa Nicholson.
(d) Successors. Subject to the terms of this Agreement: (x) no member of the Executive
Committee shall be removed as a member of the Executive Committee without the consent of the Member
entitled to elect such member of the Executive Committee; and (y) such persons successor shall
also be appointed by such Member.
(e) Meetings; Quorum. Meetings of the Executive Committee shall be held at such places and
times as may be fixed from time to time by any member of the Executive Committee. Meetings of the
Executive Committee may be called upon two days notice to all members of the Executive Committee
in writing or by telephone or email or facsimile transmission. Meetings of the Executive Committee
may be held by conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all
participating members of the Executive Committee can simultaneously hear and speak to each other
during the meeting. No action may be taken at a meeting of the Executive Committee unless a quorum
consisting of a majority of the total number of authorized members of the Executive Committee is
present in person or by proxy.
(f) Action by Written Consent. Any action that may be taken by the Executive Committee under
this Agreement may be taken without a meeting if written consents setting forth the action so taken
are signed by the number of the members of the Executive Committee that would be required to take
such action at a meeting where all members of the Executive Committee were present; provided
however that no such written consent shall be effective until 24 hours after notice is given to any
member of the Executive Committee that has not signed such written consent.
(g) Voting Rights; Required Executive Committee Vote. Each member of the Executive Committee
shall be entitled to cast one vote with respect to any matter coming before the Executive
Committee, except with respect to a determination to seek indemnification pursuant to Section 6.4
(Indemnification of Members, Officers and Executive Committee Members), in which event a member of
the Executive Committee seeking indemnification hereunder shall have no vote with respect to his or
her indemnification. Any action that is required or permitted to be taken by the Executive
Committee must be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Executive
Committee then in office; provided, however, that any determination to grant indemnification to a
member of the Executive Committee pursuant to Section 6.4(Indemnification of Members, Officers and
Executive Committee Members) shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of the other members
of the Executive Committee.
(h) Annual Budget. Prior to the expiration of each Fiscal Year of the Company, the Executive
Committee shall adopt an annual operating and capital expenditure plan and budget containing
detailed monthly and annual financial projections for the following Fiscal Year and shall forward
such approved budget to each of the Members.
(i) Compensation of Executive Committee Members. Members of the Executive Committee shall not
receive compensation for their services as members of the Executive Committee; provided, however,
that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to preclude any member of the Executive Committee
from serving the Company as an employee, officer or consultant, or in any other capacity, and
receiving compensation therefor.
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(j) Resignations. Any member of the Executive Committee may resign at any time by giving
written notice to the Executive Committee. Any such resignation shall take effect at the time
specified therein, or, if no time is specified, upon receipt thereof; and unless otherwise
specified therein, acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
(k) Committees. The Executive Committee may organize such committees or sub-committees as the
Executive Committee determines to be advisable; provided, however, that each such committee shall
be subject to the oversight and control of the Executive Committee.
(l) Officers. Subject to the oversight by the Executive Committee, the day-to-day affairs of
the Company shall be managed by the officers of the Company. Unless otherwise specified by the
Executive Committee, the duties and authority of the officers to act on behalf of the Company shall
include the same duties and authority to act on behalf of a Delaware corporation as an officer of a
Delaware corporation with the same title would have in the absence of a specific delegation of
authority; provided, however, that no officer of the Company may take action on behalf of any
subsidiary of the Company without the prior written consent of the Executive Committee. The
officers of the Company as of the date of this Agreement are (a) a Chief Executive Officer, (b) a
Chief Financial Officer and (c) a Corporate Controller. The Executive Committee may change the
officers of the Company at any time, including appointing one or more Executive Vice Presidents and
Vice Presidents. Any number of offices may be held by the same individual. The persons appointed
as officers as of the date of this Agreement are:
(1) Chief Executive Officer: Lecil E. Cole;
(2) Chief Financial Officer: Arthur Bruno; and
(3) Corporate Controller: James Snyder.
The Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Controller shall report to the
Executive Committee. The Executive Committee from time to time may appoint one or more other
persons to serve as officers of the Company and, subject to the terms of any employment agreements,
may remove any person serving as an officer, with or without cause, at any time. Subject to the
terms of any employment agreements, each officer shall hold his or her respective office for the
term specified by the Executive Committee unless earlier removed by the Executive Committee.
Subject to the terms of any employment agreements, any officer or agent of the Company may resign
at any time by giving written notice to the Executive Committee. Subject to the terms of any
employment agreements, any such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein or, if
no time is specified, upon receipt thereof; and unless otherwise specified therein, acceptance of
such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. The officers of the Company shall
not be entitled to any salary, commissions or other compensation from Company, unless otherwise
approved by the Members in accordance with Section 6.1(i)(Certain Matters Requiring Consent of the
Members).
(m) Third Party Reliance. Third parties dealing with the Company shall be entitled to rely
conclusively upon the power and authority of the Executive Committee and the officers of the
Company as set forth herein.
(n) Reimbursement. All expenses that are incurred with respect to the organization, operation
and management of the Company shall be borne by the Company, and the members of the Executive
Committee shall be entitled to reimbursement from the Company for direct expenses allocable to the
organization, operation, and management of the Company; provided, however, that legal and
accounting fees and expenses and other professional fees and expenses incurred by each Member in
14
connection with the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement and the Asset Purchase
Agreement and in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Asset
Purchase Agreement shall be borne by the Party that incurs such fees and expenses and not by the
Company.
(o) Exculpation. Without limiting the generality of the other applicable provisions in this
Agreement, the fiduciary duties of the members of the Executive Committee and officers of the
Company to the Company and its Members shall be the same as the fiduciary duties owed by the board
of directors, and officers of a Delaware corporation to the corporation and its stockholders;
provided, however, that, to the maximum extent permitted under the law applicable to
Delaware corporations (including, without limitation, under Section 102(b)(7) of the
Delaware General Corporation Law), no member of the Executive Committee or officer of the Company
shall be liable to the Company or its Members for monetary damages or otherwise for any acts
performed or for any failure to act, as a member of the Executive Committee or officer. However,
this provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a member of the Executive Committee or
officer for (x) acts or omissions which involve gross negligence, fraud, intentional misconduct or
a knowing violation of law as determined by a final judgment, order or decree of an arbitrator or a
court of competent jurisdiction (which is not appealable or with respect to which the time for
appeal therefrom has expired and no appeal has been perfected), (y) a breach of this Agreement, or
(z) any transaction from which the member of the Executive Committee or officer received an
improper personal benefit. Each member of the Executive Committee and officer shall be entitled to
rely upon the advice of legal counsel, independent public accountants and other experts, including
financial advisors, and any act of or failure to act by such Executive Committee and officer, in
good faith reliance on such advice, shall in no event subject such Executive Committee and officer
to liability to the Company or any Member. Whenever in this Agreement or any other agreement
contemplated herein the Executive Committee is permitted or required to take any action or to make
a decision or determination, the Executive Committee shall take such action or make such decision
or determination in its sole discretion, unless another standard is expressly set forth herein or
therein. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 6.2(o) whenever in this Agreement or
any other agreement contemplated herein the Executive Committee is permitted or required to take
any action or to make a decision or determination in its sole discretion or discretion, with
complete discretion or under a grant of similar authority or latitude, each member of the
Executive Committee shall be entitled to consider such interests and factors as such member desires
(including, without limitation, the interests of such Executive Committee Members Affiliates or
employers as Members). The Companys indemnification obligations hereunder shall survive the
dissolution of the Company.
6.3 Compensation Committee.
Unless the Executive Committee determines in its discretion to appoint a subcommittee of the
Executive Committee to serve as a compensation committee, the Executive Committee shall function as
the Companys compensation committee (the Compensation Committee). If the Executive
Committee serves as the Compensation Committee, it shall have authority to take all of the
following actions; and if a subcommittee is appointed to serve as the Compensation Committee, such
subcommittee shall only have authority to make non-binding recommendations to the Executive
Committee regarding the following:
(i) the establishment of cash, incentive and other compensation policies governing the
Companys employees; and
(ii) the review of the performance and development of the Companys employees in achieving the
business goals and personal objectives assigned to them and creating Member value.
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6.4 Indemnification of the Members, Officers and Executive Committee Members.
(a) Indemnification Obligations. In accordance with Section 18-108 of the Delaware LLC Act,
the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless any Member, member of the Executive Committee or
officer of the Company (individually, in each case, an Indemnitee) to the fullest extent
permitted by law from and against any and all losses, claims, demands, costs, damages, liabilities
(joint or several), expenses of any nature (including attorneys fees and disbursements),
judgments, fines, settlements, and other amounts arising from any and all claims, demands, actions,
suits, or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which the
Indemnitee may be involved, or threatened to be involved as a party or otherwise (other than any
such claim, demand, action, suit, or proceedings initiated by such Indemnitee against the Company
or against any other Indemnitee), arising out of the business or activities of the Company,
regardless of whether the Indemnitee continues to be a Member, member of the Executive Committee or
an officer of the Company, at the time any such liability or expense is paid or incurred; provided,
however, that no Indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification hereunder (i) for any breach of
the Indemnitees duties under Section 6.1(j) (Fiduciary Duties as Members), (ii) for any breach of
the Indemnitees fiduciary duties (as set forth in Section 6.2(o) (Exculpation)) to the Company or
its Members, to the extent such breach is of a kind that is not entitled to exculpation under the
law applicable to Delaware corporations, including without limitation Section 102(b)(7) of the
Delaware General Corporation Law, (iii) for acts or omissions which involve gross negligence,
fraud, intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iv) for any transaction from which
the Indemnitee received any improper personal benefit, or (v) for any breach of this Agreement or
the Asset Purchase Agreement.
(b) Advancement of Expenses. The reasonable, documented expenses incurred by an Indemnitee in
defending any claim, demand, action, suit, or proceeding subject to this Section 6.4 shall, from
time to time, upon request by the Indemnitee be advanced by the Company prior to the final
disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit, or proceeding upon receipt by the Company of an
undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnitee to repay such amount, if it shall be determined in a
judicial proceeding or a binding arbitration that such Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified
as authorized in this Section 6.4.
(c) Non-Exclusivity. The indemnification provided by this Section 6.4 shall be in addition to
any other rights to which an Indemnitee may be entitled under any agreement, vote of the Members,
as a matter of law or equity, or otherwise, both as to an action in the Indemnitees capacity as a
Member, an officer, or any Affiliate thereof, and as to an action in another capacity, and shall
continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to serve in such capacity and shall inure to the
benefit of the heirs, successors, assigns, and administrators of the Indemnitee.
(d) Insurance. The Company may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of the Executive
Committee and such other Persons as the Executive Committee shall determine against any liability
that may be asserted against or expense that may be incurred by such Persons in connection with the
offering of Membership Interests or the business or activities of the Company, regardless of
whether the Company would have the power to indemnify such Persons against such liability under the
provisions of this Agreement.
(e) Reliance. An Indemnitee shall not be denied indemnification in whole or in part under
this Section 6.4 or otherwise by reason of the fact that the Indemnitee had an interest in the
transaction with respect to which the indemnification applies if the transaction was otherwise
permitted or not expressly prohibited by the terms of this Agreement.
(f) An Indemnitee shall be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the records of the
Company and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Company by any
Person as to matters the Indemnitee reasonably believes are within such other Persons professional
16
or expert competence, including information, opinions, reports or statements as to the value
and amount of the assets, liabilities, Profits or Losses or any other facts pertinent to the
existence and amount of assets from which distributions to Members might properly be paid.
(g) The provisions of this Section 6.4 are for the benefit of the Indemnitees, their heirs,
successors, assigns and administrators and shall not be deemed to create any rights for the benefit
of any other Persons.
6.5 Confidentiality.
(a) Each Member and member of the Executive Committee agrees not to use Confidential
Information (as hereinafter defined) of the Company for its own use or for any purpose except in
connection with its interest in the Company. Each Member shall undertake to treat such
Confidential Information in a manner consistent with the treatment of its own information of such
proprietary nature and agrees that it shall protect the confidentiality of and use reasonable best
efforts to prevent disclosure of the Confidential Information to prevent it from falling into the
public domain or the possession of unauthorized persons. Each Person who receives Confidential
Information from any Member shall agree to be bound by such provisions. For purposes of this
Section, Confidential Information means [***] and any other business secret, trade
secret, financial information, proprietary software, internal procedure, business plan, marketing
plan, pricing strategy or policy, supplier list, or customer list, disclosed by the Company either
directly or indirectly in writing, which written material is treated by the Company as confidential
or proprietary or if disclosed orally, is understood at the time to be Confidential Information.
The provisions in this Section 6.5(a) shall terminate with respect to the Member who purchases the
Membership Interest of the other Member pursuant to Section 7.2 (Buy Out Option) or Section 7.3
(Buy Out Bidding Process), but shall continue indefinitely with respect to any Member selling their
Membership Interest.
(b) Confidential Information does not include information, technical data or know-how which
(i) before or after it has been disclosed to the Member or member of the Executive Committee, is
part of the public knowledge or literature, not as a result of any action or inaction of the Member
or member of the Executive Committee; (ii) is disclosed to a Member or member of the Executive
Committee on a non-confidential basis by a third party having a legal right to such information;
(iii) is independently developed by the Member or member of the Executive Committee, as properly
documented by the Member or member of the Executive Committee (except for any intellectual property
or other assets transferred to the Company pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement); or (iv) is
approved for release by written authorization of the Company. The provisions of this Section shall
not apply (A) to the disclosure of Confidential Information to any holder of an Ownership Interest
in a Member to the extent such holder agrees in writing to be bound by the provisions of this
Section 6.5 in connection with the receipt of such Confidential Information; (B) to the extent that
a Member or member of the Executive Committee is required to disclose Confidential Information
pursuant to any law, statute, rule or regulation or any order of any court of law; (C) to the
disclosure of Confidential Information to a Members employees, counsel, accountants or other
professional advisors who agree to keep such information confidential; or (D) to the disclosure of
Confidential Information to a prospective transferee of securities who agrees in writing to be
bound by the provisions of this Section in connection with the receipt of such Confidential
Information, if such transfer of securities is permitted under this Agreement.
(c) Each of LSC and each LSC Owner agrees not to use or disclose any Calavo Confidential
Information (as hereinafter defined) it receives for its own use or for any other purpose except in
connection with furthering the interests of the Company during such time as Calavo also holds an
ownership interest in the Company. LSC and the LSC Owners undertake to treat such Calavo
Confidential Information in a manner consistent with the treatment of their own information of such
17
proprietary nature and agree that they shall protect the confidentiality of and use reasonable
efforts to prevent disclosure of the Calavo Confidential Information to prevent it from falling
into the public domain or the possession of unauthorized persons. Each Person who receives Calavo
Confidential Information shall agree to be bound by such provisions. For purposes of this Section,
Calavo Confidential Information means any business secret, trade secret, financial
information, proprietary software, internal procedure, business plan, marketing plan, pricing
strategy or policy, supplier list, or customer list, disclosed by Calavo either directly or
indirectly in writing, which written material is treated by Calavo as confidential or proprietary
or if disclosed orally, is understood at the time to be confidential information. Calavo
Confidential Information does not include information, technical data or know-how which (i) before
or after it has been disclosed to LSC or the LSC Owners, is part of the public knowledge or
literature, not as a result of any action or inaction of LSC or the LSC Owners; (ii) is disclosed
to LSC or the LSC Owners on a non-confidential basis by a third party having a legal right to such
information; (iii) is independently developed by LSC or the LSC Owners, as properly documented by
LSC or the LSC Owners (except for any intellectual property or other assets transferred to the
Company pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement); or (iv) is approved for release by written
authorization of Calavo. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to the extent that LSC or
an LSC Owner is required to disclose Calavo Confidential Information pursuant to any law, statute,
rule or regulation or any order of any court of law. In the event that LSC purchases all of
Calavos Membership Interest in the Company, it shall be a condition to the closing of such
purchase that Calavo, on one hand, and the Company, LSC and the LSC Owners on the other, shall
execute and deliver such documentation or instruments as the Company and LSC reasonably request
such that the Company can continue to have the right to use for the benefit of the Company any
Calavo Confidential Information which the Company used in the operations of its business prior to
such transfer of Calavos Membership Interest.
6.6 Representations and Warranties.
Each Member and the LSC Owners hereby represents and warrants on behalf of itself and not on
behalf of any other Party as follows:
(a) Binding Obligation; Authorization. The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement by such Member or LSC Owner, as applicable, has been duly authorized. This Agreement has
been duly executed and delivered by such Member or LSC Owner, as applicable, and, assuming the
valid authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement by the other Parties hereto, is the
legal, valid and binding agreement of such Party, enforceable against such Party in accordance with
its terms, subject to Bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and similar laws of
general application relating to or affecting creditors rights and to general equity principles.
(b) No Conflict.
(i) The execution, delivery and performance by such Member or LSC Owner, as applicable, of
this Agreement, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and the compliance by
such Party with the provisions hereof, will not (A) violate or conflict with or constitute (with
notice or lapse of time or both) a default (or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation
or acceleration) under, or result in the creation of any encumbrance upon the Membership Interest,
if any, of such Party pursuant to the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, lease,
mortgage, indenture, license, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which such Party is a
party or by which such Party or such Partys properties or assets are bound, (B) violate such
Partys certificate of incorporation or certificate of formation, bylaws or similar document, if
applicable, or (C) violate any provision of law, statute, rule, regulation, order, judgment, award,
writ, injunction or decree applicable to such Party or any of such Partys properties or assets.
18
(ii) No permit, authorization, consent or approval of or by, or notification of or
filing with, any Person is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by
such Member or LSC Owner, as applicable, of this Agreement.
(c) No Voting Trust. Such Member or LSC Owner has not granted and is not a party to any
proxy, voting trust or other agreement which supplements, is inconsistent with or conflicts with
the provisions of this Agreement, and, without the prior consent of the Executive Committee, no
such Party shall grant any proxy or become party to any voting trust or other agreement which
supplements, is inconsistent with or conflicts with the provisions of this Agreement.
(d) Investment.
(i) Such Member is acquiring the Membership Interest for its own account, for investment and
not with a view to the distribution thereof or any interest therein in violation of the Securities
Act or applicable state securities laws.
(ii) Such Member or LSC Owner understands that (A) the Membership Interest has not been
registered under the Securities Act or applicable state securities laws by reason of its issuance
by the Company in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and
applicable state securities laws and (B) the Membership Interest must be held by such Member
indefinitely unless a subsequent disposition thereof is registered under the Securities Act and
applicable state securities laws or is exempt from such registration.
(iii) Such Member or LSC Owner further understands that the exemption from registration
afforded by Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act as may be amended or supplemented from
time to time (the provisions of which are known to such Member) promulgated under the Securities
Act depends on the satisfaction of various conditions, and that, if applicable, Rule 144 may afford
the basis for sales of the Membership Interest acquired hereunder in limited amounts.
(iv) Such Member or LSC Owner is (A) an accredited investor (as defined in Rule 501(a) of
Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act) and (B) has a preexisting personal or business
relationship with the Company or certain members of the Executive Committee or officers of the
Company which is of a nature and duration sufficient to make such Member and LSC Owner aware of the
character, business acumen and general business and financial circumstances of the Company and/or
such members of the Executive Committee or officers.
(v) The Company has made available to such Member, LSC Owner or its representatives all
agreements, documents, records and books that such Member or LSC Owner has requested relating to an
investment in the Membership Interest which may be acquired by the Member hereunder. Such Member
and LSC Owner has had an opportunity to ask questions of, and receive answers from a Person or
Persons acting on behalf of the Company concerning the terms and conditions of this investment, and
answers have been provided to all of such questions to the full satisfaction of such Member and LSC
Owner. Such Member or LSC Owner has such knowledge and experience in financial and business
matters that it is capable of evaluating the risks and merits of this investment and to suffer a
complete loss of its investment.
(vi) Such Member or LSC Owner has no need for liquidity in his, her or its investment in the
Membership Interest and is able to bear the economic risk of his, her or its investment in the
Membership Interest and the complete loss of all of such investment.
19
(vii) Such Member or LSC Owner understands that there is no public market for the Membership
Interest and that the transferability of the Membership Interest is restricted.
(viii) Such Member or LSC Owner is able to fend for itself in the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement, can bear the economic risk of investment in the Membership Interest and has such
knowledge and experience in financial or business matters to be capable of evaluating the merits
and risks of the investment in the Membership Interest. Such Member or LSC Owner is fully aware
of: (A) the speculative nature of the investment in the Membership Interest, (B) the financial
risk involved, (C) the lack of liquidity for the Membership Interest, and (D) the Transfer
restrictions and any repurchase rights applicable to the Membership Interest. Such Member or LSC
Owner has consulted with his, her or its professional, tax and legal advisors with respect to the
federal, state, local and foreign income tax consequences of the undersigneds participation as a
Member of the Company.
ARTICLE VII
TRANSFERS OF MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS AND OWNERSHIP INTERESTS IN MEMBERS
7.1 Restrictions on Transfers of Membership Interests or Interests in this Agreement.
(a) Prohibition on Transfer. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, (i)
except for Transfers to Permitted Transferees pursuant to subsection (b), no Membership Interests
shall be Transferred, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, except in accordance with the
terms and conditions set forth in Section 3.3 (General Provisions with Respect to Membership
Interests), this Article VII, or as otherwise approved by the Executive Committee and the
Members in accordance with Section 6.1(i) (Certain Matters Requiring Consent of the Members), and
(ii) except in connection with a Transfer permitted by the foregoing clause (i), no Member may
assign or otherwise Transfer any or all of its rights or obligations under this Agreement to
another Person. Any Transfer or purported Transfer of any Membership Interests in violation of
Section 3.3 (General Provisions with Respect to Membership Interests) or this Article VII,
as applicable, shall be void ab initio and shall confer no rights on the purported transferee. For
the avoidance of any doubt, until either Calavo has exercised the Buy Out Option pursuant to
Section 7.2 (Buy Out Option) or one Member has purchased the Membership Interest of the other
pursuant to Section 7.3 (Buy Out Bidding Process), no Member is permitted to Transfer its
Membership Interest, other than Transfers to Permitted Transferees or otherwise in accordance with
this Article VII, without the written consent of the Executive Committee and all of the
Members in accordance with Section 6.1(i) (Certain Matters Requiring Consent of the Members), which
consent may be granted or withheld in their sole discretion. Each LSC Owner has considered the
nature and extent of the restrictions upon Transfer set forth in this Section 7.1 and agrees that
they are reasonable in all respects.
(b) Permitted Transferees. Provided further that any such Transfer is in compliance with the
Securities Act and any other applicable securities laws, Calavo may transfer its Membership
Interest to any wholly owned subsidiary of Calavo, and LSC may transfer its Membership Interest to
(i) Elizabeth Nicholson, (ii) any Person wholly owned by Elizabeth Nicholson or owned jointly by
Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson or the parties identified in (iii) and (iv), (iii) any inter
vivo or testamentary trust for the benefit of either LSC Owners descendants or spouse, or to any
custodian or trustee for the account or benefit of the LSC Owners or either LSC Owners descendants
or spouse, so long as any such trust or account is under the sole control of Elizabeth Nicholson
(if then living) or the joint control of Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson (if then living);
(iv) to a revocable trust (but not an irrevocable trust) established by either LSC Owner for his or
her benefit, or for the benefit of his or her spouse or children, so long as any such trust or
account is still under the sole control of Elizabeth Nicholson (if then living) or the joint
control of Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson (if then living); or (v) in the event of the
death of an LSC Owner, to the surviving LSC Owner or the estate of such LSC Owner or to their
20
descendants, either in accordance with such LSC Owners will or intestacy (any of the
foregoing, Permitted Transferees). Any Permitted Transferee who acquires Membership
Interests shall become a substituted Member only upon its written agreement, in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the Company, to be bound by all the terms and conditions of the
Certificate and this Agreement as then in effect, and any references in this Agreement to the
Member that Transferred its Membership Interest shall thereafter apply to the Permitted Transferee.
Unless and until a Permitted Transferee is admitted as a substituted Member, the transferee shall
have no right to exercise any of the powers, rights or privileges of a Member hereunder. A Member
who has transferred its Membership Interest shall cease to be a Member upon Transfer of its
Membership Interest or all of its powers, rights and privileges hereunder and thereafter shall have
no further powers, rights or privileges as a Member hereunder.
7.2 Buy-Out Option
(a) Buy-Out Option. Calavo has the right (the Buy Out Option) to cause LSC to
Transfer to Calavo all of LSCs Membership Interest for an amount equal to $5,000,000 (the
Exercise Price) by delivering written notice (Buy Out Notice) to LSC at any
time from the date hereof until 5:00 p.m. PST on October 31, 2016 (the Option Termination
Date), stating that it has determined to exercise the Buy Out Option and the intended date of
closing of such Buy Out Option, which date shall be no less than thirty (30) and no more than sixty
(60) days after the date of the Buy Out Notice. For greater certainty, the Buy Out Option may be
exercised by Calavo whether or not a Third Party Offer is outstanding, and the Buy Out Option may
be exercised by Calavo with respect to any Permitted Transferee that acquires part or all of LSCs
Membership Interest (with reference to LSC in this Section 7.2 deemed to apply to such Permitted
Transferee).
(b) Conditions. The completion of the Transfer pursuant to the Buy Out Option is subject to
the following conditions to be fulfilled or performed, on or before the completion of the Transfer,
which conditions are for the exclusive benefit of Calavo and may be waived, in whole or in part, by
Calavo in its sole discretion:
(i) LSC and the LSC Owners must represent and warrant to Calavo that (i) on the date of the
closing of the Buy Out Option, LSCs Membership Interest is owned by LSC (or Permitted
Transferee(s)) as the registered and beneficial owner with good title, free and clear of all Liens
other than those restrictions on Transfer, if any, contained in the Certificate, and (ii) upon
completion of the Buy Out Option, Calavo will have good and valid title to LSCs (or Permitted
Transferees) Membership Interest, free and clear of all Liens other than those contained in the
Certificate and this Agreement;
(ii) All filings, notices and authorizations necessary to complete the Transfer pursuant to
the Buy Out Option must be made, given or obtained;
(iii) The completion of the Transfer pursuant to the Buy Out Option will not result in the
violation of any Law; and
(iv) LSC and the LSC Owners (or Permitted Transferees) must execute and deliver such
documentation or instruments evidencing the transfer to Calavo of LSCs (or Permitted Transferees)
Membership Interest as Calavo may reasonably request.
(c) Closing. The completion of the Transfer pursuant to the Buy Out Option will take place at
the offices of TroyGould PC, 1801 Century Park East, Suite 1600, Los Angeles, CA 90067, on the date
specified in the Buy Out Notice or at such other place, on such other date and at such other
21
time as Calavo and LSC may agree to in writing. Subject to satisfaction or waiver by Calavo
of the conditions of closing, at the closing of the Transfer pursuant to the Buy Out Option as set
forth above:
(i) LSC (or Permitted Transferee(s)) will assign and transfer title and deliver actual
possession of LSCs (or Permitted Transferees) Membership Interest to Calavo; and
(ii) Calavo will pay or satisfy the Exercise Price for LSCs (or Permitted Transferees)
Membership Interest by delivering to LSC a certified cheque, bank draft or wire transfer of
immediately available funds in the full amount of the Exercise Price.
(iii) The Buy Out Option described in this Section 7.2 (Buy Out Option) may be exercised by
Calavo or its Permitted Transferees, as applicable, with respect to any Permitted Transferee that
acquires part or all of LSCs Membership Interests (with reference to Calavo or LSC in this Section
7.2 deemed to apply to such Permitted Transferee).
7.3 Buy Out Bidding Process
(a) Buy Out Offer. If the Buy Out Option has not been exercised by the Option Termination
Date, Calavo, within thirty (30) days after the Option Termination Date, shall deliver to LSC a
binding offer (the Buy Out Offer) setting forth Calavos offer to purchase the Membership
Interest held by LSC for a price no less than an amount equal to (A) LSCs Percentage Interest
multiplied by (B) 8 (the EBTDA Multiple) multiplied by (C) the Companys EBTDA for the
Fiscal Year ending on the Option Termination Date. LSC may, by executing and delivering written
notice to Calavo within five (5) Business Days after receipt of the Buy Out Offer, elect to either:
(i) sell its Membership Interest on the terms and conditions set forth in the Buy Out Offer;
or
(ii) reject the Buy Out Offer and submit a counter offer (the Counter Offer) to
purchase the Membership Interest held by Calavo for a price no less than an amount equal to (A)
Calavos Percentage Interest, multiplied by (B) the EBTDA Multiple plus .5, multiplied by (C) the
Companys EBTDA for the Fiscal Year ending on the Option Termination Date. For the avoidance of
any doubt, LSC may not reject the Buy Out Offer without making a Counter Offer. The Counter Offer
shall be a legally binding commitment to purchase Calavos Membership Interest, irrevocable by LSC.
(b) Counter Offers. If LSC makes a Counter Offer, Calavo, as recipient of the Counter Offer,
or Calavo or LSC, as the recipient of a counter offer to such Counter Offer or any subsequent
counter offers (each, a Subsequent Counter Offer), may, by executing and delivering
written notice to the Party making the Counter Offer or Subsequent Counter Offer (the Offering
Member), within five (5) Business Days after receipt of the Counter Offer or Subsequent
Counter Offer, elect to either:
(i) sell its Membership Interest on the terms and conditions set forth in the Counter Offer or
Subsequent Counter Offer, as applicable; or
(ii) reject the Counter Offer or Subsequent Counter Offer, as applicable, and submit a
Subsequent Counter Offer to purchase the Membership Interest held by the Offering Member, for a
price no less than an amount equal to (A) the Offering Members Percentage Interest, multiplied by
(B) the EBTDA Multiple contained in the previous Counter Offer or Subsequent Counter Offer, as
applicable, plus .5, multiplied by (C) the Companys EBTDA for the Fiscal Year ending on the Option
Termination Date. For the avoidance of any doubt, no party may reject the Counter Offer or a
Subsequent
22
Counter Offer without submitting a Subsequent Counter Offer in response. Each Subsequent
Counter Offer shall be an legally binding commitment to purchase the Offering Members Membership
Interest, irrevocable by the Member submitting such Subsequent Counter Offer.
The process cited above shall continue until either LSC or Calavo accepts the Counter Offer or
Subsequent Counter Offer made to them. For example: Calavo makes an Offer pursuant to Section
7.3(a) to purchase LSCs Membership Interest for a purchase price equal to 35% of 8 multiplied by
EBTDA for the Fiscal Year ending on the Option Termination Date. LSC makes a Counter Offer pursuant
to Section 7.3(a)(ii) to purchase Calavos Membership Interest for a purchase price equal to 65% of
8.5 multiplied by EBTDA for the Fiscal Year ending on the Option Termination Date. Calavo makes a
Subsequent Counter Offer to purchase LSCs Membership Interest for a purchase price equal to 35% of
9 multiplied by EBTDA for the fiscal year ending on the Option Termination Date, which LSC accepts.
(c) Closing. Upon written notice of LSC or Calavo electing to sell all of its Membership
Interest to the other Member pursuant to Section 7.3(a) or 7.3(b) above, such written notice shall
bind both LSC and Calavo to consummate the transactions set forth in the Buy Out Offer, Counter
Offer or Subsequent Counter Offer, as accepted, no later than thirty (30) days following the date
of the written notice of acceptance.
(d) Failure To Respond. If the Member receiving the Buy Out Offer, Counter Offer or
Subsequent Counter Offer (the Receiving Member) fails to timely deliver a response to the
Buy Out Offer, Counter Offer or Subsequent Counter Offer, as applicable, the Receiving Member shall
be deemed to have agreed, pursuant to a binding agreement, to sell the Membership Interest held by
the Receiving Member to the Member making the Buy Out Offer, Counter Offer or Subsequent Counter
Offer, as applicable, pursuant to the terms of such unresponded to Buy Out Offer, Counter Offer or
Subsequent Counter Offer, and the transactions contemplated thereby shall be consummated no later
than thirty (30) days following the expiration of the five day period referred to in Section
7.3(b).
(e) The Buy Out Offer, Counter Offer and Subsequent Counter Offers described in this Section
7.3 (Buy Out Bidding Process) may be exercised by Calavo or LSC, as applicable with respect to any
Permitted Transferee that acquires part or all of Calavos or LSCs Membership Interests (with
reference to Calavo or LSC in this Section 7.3 deemed to apply to such Permitted Transferee).
(f) Conditions to Closing. The completion of a Transfer pursuant to this Section 7.3 is
subject to the same conditions to be fulfilled or performed, on or before the completion of the
Transfer, as the conditions to closing set forth in Section 7.2(c) (Buy Out Option), which
conditions are for the exclusive benefit of the purchaser pursuant to this Section 7.3(c) and may
be waived, in whole or in part, by such purchaser in its sole discretion.
(g) Name of Calavo. In the event that LSC purchases Calavos Membership Interest pursuant to
this Section 7.3, it shall be a condition to the closing of such purchase that Calavo, on one hand,
and the Company, LSC and the LSC Owners on the other, shall execute and deliver such documentation
or instruments as Calavo may reasonably request so that any rights to use the names, terms,
trademarks, service marks and/or trade names including the phrase Calavo or Calavo Growers,
Inc. and all other trademarks, service marks, trade names, corporate names, trade styles, brands,
private labels, domain names, logos, slogans, goodwill, copyrights, or copyrightable materials
related thereto, or any other intellectual property created or acquired by Calavo independent of
the Company, regardless of whether such intellectual property has been previously transferred or
licensed by Calavo to the Company, is retained by Calavo, or to the extent necessary, transferred
back to, Calavo prior to such transfer of Calavos Membership Interest. Promptly following the
closing of any Transfer of Calavos Membership Interest to LSC, the Company shall change its
corporate name so as not to include the name Calavo or
23
Calavo Growers, Inc. or any derivation thereof, and the Company, LSC and the LSC Owners and
their respective employees, agents, representatives and affiliates shall cease to use any such
intellectual property or any variation thereof for any purpose.
(h) Non-Use of the Company Property. In the event that LSC purchases Calavos Membership
Interest pursuant to this Section 7.3, Calavo shall immediately upon closing of such transaction
cease to produce, market or distribute (unless otherwise agreed with LSC) [***].
(i) Closing Procedure. The completion of the Transfer pursuant to this Section 7.3 will take
place at the offices of TroyGould PC, 1801 Century Park East, Suite 1600, Los Angeles, CA 90067, or
at such other place may agree to in writing. Subject to satisfaction or waiver of the conditions
of closing, at the closing of the Transfer as set forth above:
(i) The Member selling its Membership Interest will assign and transfer title and deliver
actual possession of its Membership Interest to the Member purchasing such Membership Interest and
endorse the certificates, if any, representing its Membership Interest for transfer to such
Purchaser; and
(ii) The Member purchasing the Membership Interest will pay or satisfy the price as set forth
in the accepted Buy Out Offer, Counter Offer or Subsequent Counter Offer, as applicable, for the
selling Members Membership Interest by delivering to such selling Member a certified cheque, bank
draft or wire transfer of immediately available funds in the full amount of the agreed upon
purchase price.
7.4 Transfer of Equity of a Member.
(a) Transfer Restriction. Until either Calavo has exercised the Buy Out Option pursuant to
Section 7.2 (Buy Out Option) or one Member has purchased the Membership Interest of the other
pursuant to Section 7.3 (Buy Out Bidding Process), no LSC Owner is permitted to Transfer any
ownership interest in LSC (Ownership Interest), other than Transfers to LSC Permitted
Transferees or otherwise in accordance with this Article VII, without the written consent
of the Executive Committee and Calavo, which consent may be granted or withheld in their sole
discretion. Any Transfer or purported Transfer of any Ownership Interests in violation of this
Section 7.4, shall be deemed a Transfer of Membership Interest in violation of this Article
VII and be void ab initio.
(b) Permitted Sale of an Ownership Interest to Original Member; Gifts and Other Permitted
Transfers. Provided that the transferee executes and delivers such documents as may be reasonably
requested by the Company in order for the transferee to be bound by this Agreement and the
Certificate, and provided further that any such Transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act
and any other applicable securities laws, either LSC Owner may Transfer all or any portion of such
LSC Owners Ownership Interest to (i) Elizabeth Nicholson or Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric
Nicholson, jointly, (ii) in the event of the death of such LSC Owner, to the surviving LSC Owner or
the estate of such LSC Owner or their descendants, either in accordance with such LSC Owners will
or intestacy, (iii) any inter vivo or testamentary trust for the benefit of the LSC Owners
ancestors, descendants or spouse, or to any custodian or trustee for the account or benefit of the
LSC Owners or their ancestors, descendants or spouse, provided that so long as any such trust or
account is under the sole control of Elizabeth Nicholson (if then living) or the joint control of
Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson (if then living), (iv) to a revocable trust (but not an
irrevocable trust) established by either LSC Owner for his or her benefit, or for the benefit of
his or her ancestors, spouse or children, so long as any such trust or account is under the sole
control of Elizabeth Nicholson (if then living) or the joint control of Elizabeth Nicholson and
Eric Nicholson (if then living) (collectively, the LSC Permitted Transferees). Each LSC
Owner has
24
considered the nature and extent of the restrictions upon Transfer set forth in this Section
7.4 and agrees that they are reasonable in all respects.
7.5 Purchase Upon the Occurrence of Certain Events.
(a) In the event of any involuntary Transfer of any portion of Ownership Interests such that
the Ownership Interests are no longer to be held by Elizabeth Nicholson, jointly held by Elizabeth
Nicholson and Eric Nicholson, or a LSC Permitted Transferee (the Involuntary Transfer),
Elizabeth Nicholson, shall have the right (the Nicholson Option) to purchase from the
transferee the Ownership Interest, or portion of it, that was so Transferred, and such Transferee
will sell the Ownership Interest or portion of it to Elizabeth Nicholson for a price equal to the
Fair Market Value, as determined in accordance with Section 7.6 (Fair Market Valuations), of such
Ownership Interests. Elizabeth Nicholson may exercise the Nicholson Option by delivering notice of
exercise (Nicholson Option Notification) to such transferee and the Company within thirty
(30) days of the Involuntary Transfer. The closing of a purchase by Elizabeth Nicholson pursuant to
the provisions of Section 7.5, shall be consummated on a date designated by Elizabeth Nicholson,
but such date shall be not less than thirty (30) calendar days nor later than sixty (60) calendar
days after the later of last day on which Elizabeth Nicholson could have delivered the Nicholson
Option Notification or the date of the final determination of the Fair Market Value under Section
7.6 (Fair Market Valuations), as the case may be.
(b) In the event of a Triggering Event, then the Company and Calavo shall have an option (the
Event Purchase Option) to purchase the Membership Interest of LSC (the Outgoing
Member) for a price equal to the Fair Market Value, as calculated in accordance with Section
7.6 (Fair Market Valuations) of such Membership Interest. A Triggering Event shall mean any
Involuntary Transfer of any portion of LSCs Membership Interest or the LSC Owners Ownership
Interests such that LSCs Membership Interest is no longer to be held by LSC or a Permitted
Transferee, or the Ownership Interests are no longer to be jointly held by Elizabeth Nicholson and
Eric Nicholson or a LSC Permitted Transferee, as a result of the following: (i) an Involuntary
Transfer to a transferee other than a Permitted Transferee where Elizabeth Nicholson does not
exercise the Nicholson Option, or (ii) an Involuntary Transfer to a transferee other than a
Permitted Transferee as a result of Bankruptcy (as hereinafter defined) by LSC or either or both
LSC Owners. The Event Purchase Option must be exercised within thirty (30) calendar days after the
Company and Calavo is notified of the occurrence of the event(s) giving rise to the Event Purchase
Option (the Event Option Exercise Period). The Company or Calavo may exercise the Event
Purchase Option pursuant by delivering notice of exercise (Event Notification) within the
Event Option Exercise Period to the Outgoing Member, trustee in bankruptcy, or other legal
representative of the Outgoing Member. The closing of a purchase by the Company or Calavo, as the
case may be, pursuant to the provisions of Sections 7.5, shall be consummated on a date designated
by the Outgoing Member (in the event of an Involuntary Transfer giving rise to the Event Purchase
Option), or his or her representative, but such date shall be not less than thirty (30) calendar
days nor later than sixty (60) calendar days after the last day of the Event Option Exercise Period
or the date of the final determination of the Fair Market Value under Section 7.6 (Fair Market
Valuations), as the case may be.
(c) In the event of an Involuntary Transfer of Calavos Membership Interest to a transferee
other than a Permitted Transferree as a result of Bankruptcy by Calavo, LSC shall have the option
(the Calavo Event Purchase Option) to purchase the Membership Interest of Calavo for a
price equal to the Fair Market Value, as calculated in accordance with Section 7.6 (Fair Market
Valuations) of such Membership Interest. For purposes of this Section 7.5 and Section 7.6, in the
event of a Calavo Event Purchase Option, Calavo shall be considered the Outgoing Member. This
right may be exercised by delivering notice of exercise to Calavo, the trustee in bankruptcy, or
other legal representative of Calavo within thirty (30) calendar days after the LSC and the LSC
Owners are notified of that such a Transfer has occurred. The closing of a purchase by LSC
pursuant to the provisions of this Section 7.5(c)
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shall be consummated on a date designated by Calavo, or its representative, but such date
shall not be less than thirty (30) calendar days nor later than sixty (60) calendar days after the
last day on which such purchase option is exercisable or the date of the final determination of
the Fair Market Value under Section 7.6 (Fair Market Valuations), as the case may be.
7.6 Fair Market Valuations. In the event that the Nicholson Option, the Event
Purchase Option or the Calavo Event Purchase Option is exercised pursuant to Section 7.5 (Purchase
Upon the Occurrence of Certain Events), the relevant Outgoing Member or LSC Owner, as applicable,
and the Person, as applicable, who elects to purchase all or any portion of the Membership Interest
or the Ownership Interests (the Purchaser) shall reasonably determine in good faith the
fair market value of the relevant Membership Interest or Ownership Interests (based on fair market
value of LSC or the Company as a whole, without minority interest or lack of marketability
discounts). If the relevant Outgoing Member or LSC Owner, as applicable, and the Purchaser are
unable to agree as to the fair market value within thirty (30) days after the relevant election to
purchase by such Purchaser, then, within ten (10) calendar days after such failure, the Outgoing
Member or LSC Owners, as applicable, and the Purchaser shall each select one independent,
nationally recognized valuation firm with experience in appraising companies similar to the
Company. The two independent firms shall then jointly select a third independent, nationally
recognized valuation firm with experience in appraising companies similar to the Company (each
independent firm, a Appraiser). The three Appraisers shall each then, independently,
determine the fair market value of the Company or LSC, as applicable, as a whole entity, without
any discount to such value on account of the Membership Interest being a minority interest or lack
of marketability of the Membership Interest, but discounted to account for any cash distributions
that may be made to the Outgoing Member or LSC in connection with the proposed Transfer. Each
Appraiser shall make its determination within thirty (30) calendar days of its engagement. When
all three Appraisers have submitted its determination, the fair market value (the Final Fair
Market Value) shall be established by the following process: (i) the two closest appraisals
shall be added together, (ii) divided by two, and then (iii) multiplied by the Outgoing Members
Percentage Interest or the LSC Owners percentage interest of LSC. The determination of the Final
Fair Market Value shall be deemed final and binding upon the parties. The relevant Outgoing Member
or LSC Owner, and the Purchaser, shall each pay for the Appraiser selected by them, and they shall
each pay one-half of the fees and expenses of the third Appraiser.
7.7 Withdrawal. No Member shall have the power or right to withdraw or otherwise
resign from the Company prior to the dissolution and winding up of the Company pursuant to
Article XI, without the prior written consent of the Executive Committee (which consent may be
withheld by the Executive Committee in its sole discretion) and both Members as required by Section
6.1(i) (Certain Matters Requiring Consent of the Members), except as otherwise expressly permitted
by this Agreement or any of the other agreements contemplated hereby. Notwithstanding that payment
on account of a withdrawal may be made after the effective time of such withdrawal, any completely
withdrawing Member will not be considered a Member for any purpose after the effective time of such
complete withdrawal, and, in the case of a partial withdrawal, such Members Capital Account (and
corresponding voting and other rights) shall be reduced for all other purposes hereunder upon the
effective time of such partial withdrawal.
7.8 Distribution Payments. Immediately prior to any Transfer of any Membership
Interest from one Member to the other pursuant to Section 7.2 (Buy Out Option) or Section 7.3 (Buy
Out Bidding Process), the Company shall distribute to the Member selling its Membership Interest an
amount equal to the selling Members Percentage Interest multiplied by the amount of available cash
of the Company (which available cash will be determined by the Executive Committee after taking
into account the Companys reasonable working capital needs, including payments on the Initial Note
and any other payments to members pursuant to Section 5.4 (Special Payments to Members), and
reserves set aside
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pursuant to Section 5.2 (Current Reserves), but not reserves set aside pursuant to Section 5.3
(Growth Reserves)). In no event will the selling Member be required to pay into the Company cash
in the event there is no available cash. The Member transferring their Membership Interest shall
also be entitled to Tax Distributions pursuant to Section 5.5 (Tax Distributions), pro rated as
appropriate, for the taxable year in which such Transfer is consummated and the immediate prior Tax
year if Tax distributions had not yet been made pursuant to Section 5.5 (Tax Distributions).
ARTICLE VIII
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS
8.1 Conflicts of Interest. Calavo and Calavos Affiliates may have business interests
and engage in business activities in addition to those relating to the Company, including business
activities in the food industry that may be similar to or competitive with the Company, provided
however that neither Calavo nor any Calavo Affiliate shall [***]. Provided that neither Calavo nor
its Affiliates use any of the Companys Confidential Information or the names, terms, trademarks,
service marks and/or trade names [***] in connection therewith neither the Company nor LSC nor any
LSC Owner shall have any rights by virtue of this Agreement in any business ventures of Calavo or
Calavos Affiliates by virtue of their Membership Interest and the involvement by Calavo or
Calavos Affiliates in such business ventures shall not constitute a conflict of interest by Calavo
with respect to the Company, LSC, or any LSC Owners. Any business opportunity generated by the
employees of the Company will remain the exclusive property of the Company until such time as the
Company chooses not to pursue such business opportunity. No amendment or repeal of this Section
8.1 or 8.2 (Interested Transactions) shall apply to or have any effect on the liability or alleged
liability of any officer, Executive Committee member, employee or Member of the Company for or with
respect to any opportunities of which such officer, Executive Committee member, employee, or Member
becomes aware prior to such amendment or repeal.
8.2 Interested Transactions. The Executive Committee may cause the Company to
enter into any contracts or transactions with Calavo, LSC and their respective Affiliates as the
Executive Committee may determine in its sole discretion and no member of the Executive Committee
shall be deemed to have breached any fiduciary duty, duty of loyalty or other duty to the Company,
the Members, the LSC Owners or any other Person with respect to any action or inaction in
connection with or relating to any such transaction; provided that the price and other terms of
such transactions are fair to the Company and that the price and other terms of such transactions
entered into by the Company are substantially comparable to those generally prevailing with respect
to comparable transactions between unrelated parties, as determined by the Executive Committee in
good faith.
8.3 Management Services.
(a) Services. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parties agree that Calavo shall, subject to
Section 8.3(b), provide to the Company such resources as provided by Calavo to itself without
incurring out-of-pocket costs to any third party service providers, including warehousing, sales,
management and accounting services, logistical support, human resources, information technology
services, and travel associated with such services (Internal Services). For avoidance
of any doubt, Internal Services do not include any salary, compensation, or commissions of
employees or independent contractors hired by the Company (other than officers as set forth in
Section 6.2(l)).
(b) Payment. In exchange for the Internal Services, Calavo shall receive a commission of
(Service Payments):
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(i) [***] of all Net Sales of the Company, other than Net Sales of the Company described in
Section 8.3(b)(ii).
(ii) [***] of all Net Sales of the Company generated through [***].
Payments pursuant to this Section may be deducted by Calavo from such Net Sales generated pursuant
to Section 8.3(b)(i), but all such Service Payments are to be treated for purposes of the Asset
Purchase Agreement as operating expenses of the Company that are not a reduction of Net Sales, as
defined in the Asset Purchase Agreement. The Parties acknowledge that such payments are
consideration for certain Internal Services to be provided by Calavo to the Company, and the
amounts set forth represent the Parties good faith estimate, as of the date of this Agreement, of
the amount of costs to Calavo for such Internal Services, and are intended by the Parties to
reimburse Calavo for such costs. The Parties agree that any payment terms pursuant to this Section
8.3 are not intended to generate profits for Calavo from the Company.
(c) Term of Services. The term of the agreement provided for in this Section 8.3 will be for
an initial period of (2) years after the date of this Agreement and shall be automatically renewed
for successive one (1) year periods thereafter, unless otherwise terminated as provided in this
Agreement. As soon as practicable after the end of the initial two year term, and thereafter on at
least an annual basis, the Executive Committee shall reevaluate the above percentages used in
determining the Service Payments, consistent with the Parties intentions as described above, to
reflect the percentage of Net Sales necessary to reimburse Calavo for the costs associated with the
Internal Services provided to the Company, and the above percentages may be increased or decreased
accordingly, as approved by the unanimous consent of the Executive Committee. Either the Company
or Calavo may terminate the terms and agreements set forth in this Section 8.3 at any time after
Calavo is no longer a Member of the Company, upon 30 days written notice. Upon termination of this
Section 8.3, Calavo shall be entitled to receive, and the Company shall be required to pay, subject
to Section 5.1 (Legal Restrictions on Distributions; Withholding), Section 5.2 (Current Reserves)
and Section 5.4(a) (Earn Out Payments) all amounts owed to Calavo accrued through the date of
termination pursuant to this Section 8.3.
8.4 Reimbursement.
(a) Expenses Prior to the Date of this Agreement. Within sixty (60) days of the date of this
Agreement, the Company shall reimburse Calavo for the direct, out-of-pocket costs and expenses
incurred by Calavo to Persons other than the Parties or their Affiliates for the benefit of the
Company as reflected on Schedule B.
(b) Expenses After the Date of this Agreement. The Company shall reimburse Calavo from time
to time for direct, out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by it to Persons other than the
Parties on behalf of the Company in connection with carrying on the Companys business and
operations and performing services for the Company hereunder.
8.5 Use of Name. The Company further agrees that Calavo, in its sole discretion, may
use Calavos names, trademarks (whether registered or unregistered), trade names, services marks
(whether registered or unregistered), trade styles, logos, and designs or any other intellectual
property of like nature attributable to Calavo in any media for any advertising, publicity,
distribution or any other purpose whatsoever connected to the Companys products or services at any
time.
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ARTICLE IX
DEFAULT
9.1 Default. In the event of a default by any Party in the performance of any of its
obligations under this Agreement (the Party causing such default being hereinafter referred to as
the Defaulting Party and each of the other Parties being referred to individually as a
Non-Defaulting Party and collectively as the Non-Defaulting Parties), the
Company and each of the Non-Defaulting Parties shall have the right to give the Defaulting Party a
notice of default specifically setting forth the nature of the default and stating that the
Defaulting Party shall have a period of thirty days to cure such default, if such default is
curable.
9.2 Rights Upon Default.
(a) Actions in Default. If the Defaulting Party does not cure any default specified in the
notice of default referred to in Section 9.1 (Default) within the cure period (if any) therein
referred to, the Company and any Non-Defaulting Parties shall have the right, in addition to any
other rights expressly provided in this Agreement, to:
(i) bring any Action in the nature of specific performance, injunction or other equitable
remedy, it being acknowledged by each of Parties that damages at law may be an inadequate remedy
for a default or breach of this Agreement; and/or
(ii) bring any Action at law or by or on behalf of the Company or any other Party or Person as
may be permitted in order to recover damages.
(b) Control. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained elsewhere in this Agreement,
the commencement, prosecution and settlement of any Action by the Company against a Defaulting
Party pursuant to Section 9.2(a) shall be controlled on behalf of the Company by the Executive
Committee, but excluding for this purpose, however, any member of the Executive Committee who has
been nominated or designated by the Defaulting Party. However, if either Member is the alleged
Defaulting Party and if the Members disagree about whether a default has occurred, then the Action
against the alleged Defaulting Party shall be brought by either Member rather than by the Company.
(c) No Action to Partition. No Member shall, either directly or indirectly, take any action
to require partition of any Company property, and notwithstanding any provisions of applicable law
to the contrary, each Member hereby irrevocably waives any and all rights it may have to maintain
any action for partition or to compel any sale with respect to its Membership Interest, or with
respect to any assets or properties of the Company, except as expressly provided in Article
VII (Transfers of Membership Interests and Ownership Interests in Members).
ARTICLE X
ACCOUNTING
10.1 Financial Reports.
(a) Annual Reports. The Company shall, at its expense, prepare and furnish or cause to be
prepared and furnished to each of the Members, such balance sheets, statements of income and
statement of source and application of funds for the Company, as determined by the Executive
Committee in its sole discretion.
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(b) Quarterly Reports. At the request of either Member, the Company shall, at its expense,
within thirty days after the close of each quarter of the Fiscal Year, prepare and furnish or cause
to be prepared and furnished to such Member unaudited quarterly reports of the state of the
business and affairs of the Company, which shall include a consolidated operating statement
comparing current profit, loss and operating expenses to the budget, a consolidated statement of
cash flows, a consolidated balance sheet and management commentary, and such other reports as
either Member may reasonably request.
(c) Inspection Rights. Each Member shall have the right at reasonable times during normal
business hours to examine the Companys premises as well as the books of account and other books
and records of the Company, and shall otherwise be afforded rights to access any information to
which such Member may be entitled under the Delaware LLC Act. Each Member shall also have the
right to inspect the books and records of the Company for purposes of reviewing the calculations of
EBTDA for purposes of Section 7.3 (Buy Out Bidding Process), provided that such Member shall
maintain the confidentiality of all confidential information about the Company that they acquire in
connection with their investigation in accordance with the confidentiality provisions set forth in
Section 6.5 (Confidentiality).
(d) Termination of Rights. Rights pursuant to this Section 10.1 shall terminate upon
a Sale of the Company and may be modified or amended only with the written consent of both Members,
which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
10.2 Tax Returns; Information. The officers of the Company (with the oversight of the
Executive Committee) shall arrange for the preparation and timely filing of all income and other
tax and informational returns of the Company. As soon as practicable after the end of each Fiscal
Year, the officers of the Company shall cause the Companys accountants to prepare and submit to
the Executive Committee for its review and approval the Companys tax and informational returns.
The Executive Committee shall furnish to each Member a copy of each approved return, together with
any schedules or other information which such Member may require in connection with such Members
own tax affairs.
10.3 Tax Matters Member. Calavo is specially authorized and appointed to act as the
Tax Matters Member under the Code and in any similar capacity under state or local law. The Tax
Matters Member agrees to promptly notify the other Members upon the receipt of any correspondence
from any federal, state or local tax authorities relating to any examination of the Companys
affairs. The Executive Committee shall manage all audits or other tax proceedings of the Company
and shall keep the Members informed with respect to such proceedings. The Tax Matters Member may
retain, at the Companys expense, such outside counsel, accountants and other professional
consultants as it may reasonably deem necessary in the course of fulfilling its obligations as Tax
Matters Member.
ARTICLE XI
DISSOLUTION AND TERMINATION
11.1 Liquidating Events. The Company shall dissolve and commence winding up and
liquidating upon the first to occur of the following (Liquidating Events):
(a) The sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries,
taken as a whole;
(b) The approval of a liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company by the Executive
Committee;
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(c) The unanimous written agreement of each of the Members to dissolve, wind up, and liquidate
the Company;
(d) To the extent necessary or reasonably desirable in connection with a Sale of the Company,
upon the consummation of such Sale of the Company or at such later time as is approved by the
members of the Executive Committee voting in favor of such Sale of the Company (provided, in any
such case, such Sale of the Company is approved pursuant to the terms of Section 6.1(i) (Certain
Matters Requiring Consent of the Members)); and
(e) The happening of any other event that makes it unlawful or impossible to carry on the
business of the Company.
The Members hereby agree that the Company shall not dissolve prior to the occurrence of a
Liquidating Event. If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that the Company has
dissolved under applicable law prior to the occurrence of a Liquidating Event, the Members hereby
agree to continue the business of the Company without a winding up or liquidation.
11.2 Bankruptcy. For purposes of this Agreement, the Bankruptcy of a Member
or LSC Owner shall mean the occurrence of any of the following: (a) any governmental authority, or
any court at the instance thereof, shall take possession of any substantial part of the property of
that Member or shall assume control over the affairs or operations thereof, or a receiver or
trustee shall be appointed, or a writ, order, attachment or garnishment shall be issued with
respect to any substantial part thereof, and such possession, assumption of control, appointment,
writ or order shall continue for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days; or (b) a Member shall
admit in writing its inability to pay its debts when due, or make an assignment for the benefit of
creditors; or apply for or consent to the appointment of any receiver, trustee or similar officer
or for all or any substantial part of its property; or shall institute (by petition, application,
answer, consent or otherwise) any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, readjustment
of debts, dissolution, liquidation, or similar proceeding under the laws of any jurisdiction; or
(c) a receiver, trustee or similar officer shall be appointed for such Member or with respect to
all or any substantial part of its property without the application or consent of that Member, and
such appointment shall continue undischarged or unstayed for a period of ninety consecutive days or
any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangements, readjustment of debt, dissolution,
liquidation or similar proceedings shall be instituted (by petition, application or otherwise)
against that Member and shall remain undismissed for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days.
11.3 Procedure.
(a) Winding Up. Upon the occurrence of a Liquidating Event, the Executive Committee shall
commence to wind up the affairs of the Company and to liquidate the Companys investments; provided
that the Executive Committee shall have the sole discretion to elect to appoint a Member (the
Winding-Up Member) to wind up the affairs of the Company on behalf of the Members and
such Winding-Up Member, in conjunction with the Executive Committee, shall have full right and
discretion to determine in good faith the time, manner and terms of any sale or sales of the
Companys property or assets pursuant to such liquidation, having due regard to the activity and
condition of the relevant market and general financial and economic conditions. The Members shall
continue to share Profits, Losses and distributions during the period of liquidation in the same
manner and proportion as though the Company had not dissolved. The Company shall engage in no
further business except as may be necessary, in the reasonable discretion of the Executive
Committee or the Winding-Up Member, as applicable, to preserve the value of the Companys assets
during the period of dissolution and liquidation.
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(b) Dissolution Distributions. Following the payment of all expenses of liquidation and the
allocation of all Profits and Losses as provided in Article IV, the proceeds of the
liquidation and any other funds of the Company shall be distributed in the following order of
priority:
(i) First, to the payment and discharge of all of the Companys debts and liabilities to
creditors (whether third parties or Members), including any debts and liabilities owed by Company
pursuant to the Initial Note and any subsequent promissory notes or documents evidencing Company
Loans, in the order of priority as provided by law, except any obligations to the Members in
respect of their Capital Accounts;
(ii) Second, to the payment of any accrued and unpaid Earn Out Payments;
(iii) Third, to the payment of any accrued and unpaid Service Payments;
(iv) Fourth, to set up such cash reserves which the Executive Committee reasonably deems
necessary for contingent or unforeseen liabilities or obligations of the Company (which reserves
when they become unnecessary shall be distributed in accordance with the provisions of clause (v),
below); and
(v) Thereafter, to the Members, in accordance with their Percentage Interests.
(c) Cash Distributions Only. No Member shall have any right to demand property other than
cash upon dissolution and termination of the Company.
(d) Certificate of Cancellation. Upon the completion of the liquidation of the Company and
the distribution of all Company funds, the Company shall terminate and the Members or the
Winding-Up Member, as the case may be, shall have the authority to execute and record a certificate
of cancellation of the Company, as well as any and all other documents required to effectuate the
dissolution and termination of the Company, other than payments pursuant to Section 3.8 (Company
Loans), Section 5.4 (Special Payments to Members) and Section 8.3 (Management Services).
11.4 Rights of Members. Each Member shall look solely to the assets of the Company
for the return of his, her or its Capital Contributions, and except as set forth above, no Member
shall have priority over any other Member as to the return of his, her or its Capital
Contributions, distributions, or allocations.
11.5 Notices of Dissolution. In the event a Liquidating Event occurs or an event
occurs that would, but for the provisions of Section 11.1, result in a dissolution of the Company,
the Company shall, within thirty (30) days thereafter, (a) provide written notice thereof to each
of the Members and (b) comply, in a timely manner, with all filing and notice requirements under
the Delaware LLC Act or any other applicable law.
11.6 Reasonable Time for Winding Up. A reasonable time shall be allowed for the
orderly winding up of the business and affairs of the Company and the liquidation of its assets in
order to minimize any losses that might otherwise result from such winding up.
11.7 No Deficit Restoration. No Member shall be personally liable for a deficit
Capital Account balance of that Member, it being expressly understood that the distribution of
liquidation proceeds shall be made solely from existing Company assets.
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11.8 Special Allocation on Sale of Equity. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
in this Agreement, if approved by the Executive Committee, the proceeds payable to the Members upon
a Sale of the Company that is structured as a sale of equity, rather than a sale of assets, shall
be allocated by the Executive Committee among the classes and/or series of Membership Interests
such that the Members shall receive the same amount of proceeds that would be payable to them if
such transaction were structured as a sale of all of the assets of the Company followed by the
dissolution, winding up and liquidation of the Company such that the Members would receive the same
consideration payable or allocable if such transaction were a Liquidating Event.
ARTICLE XII
GENERAL
12.1 Amendments; Waivers. This Agreement and any Annex, Exhibit, which may be
amended, supplemented or modified by the parties thereto, or Schedule attached to this Agreement
may be amended, supplemented, or modified only by the agreement in writing of the Company and all
Members. Any amendment, supplement, or modification that is effected in accordance with this
Section 12.1 shall be binding on the Company, the Executive Committee, the Members, and the LSC
Owners. No waiver of any provision or default under, nor consent to any exception to, the terms of
this Agreement or any agreement contemplated hereby shall be effective unless in writing and signed
by the Party to be bound and then only to the specific purpose, extent and instance so provided.
12.2 Further Assurances. Each Party agrees that it will from time to time, upon the
reasonable request of another Party, execute such documents and instruments and take such further
action as may be required to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement.
12.3 Successors and Assigns. All of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall
be binding upon the Parties and their respective successors and assigns, but shall inure to the
benefit of and be enforceable by the successors and assigns of any Party only to the extent that
they are permitted successors and assigns (including Permitted Transferees and LSC Permitted
Transferees) pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Except as expressly permitted by this
Agreement, no Party may assign any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement.
12.4 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with all Annexes, Exhibits and
Schedules to this Agreement and all other agreements referenced therein and herein, including the
Asset Purchase Agreement, constitute the entire agreement between the Parties pertaining to the
subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings,
negotiations and discussions, whether oral or written, of the Parties and there are no warranties,
representations or other agreements between the Parties in connection with the subject matter
hereof except as specifically set forth herein and therein.
12.5 Rights Independent. The rights available to the Parties under this Agreement and
at law shall be deemed to be several and not dependent on each other and each such right
accordingly shall be construed as complete in itself and not by reference to any other such right.
Any one or more and/or any combination of such rights may be exercised by a Party from time to time
and no such exercise shall exhaust the rights or preclude another Party from exercising any one or
more of such rights or combination thereof from time to time thereafter or simultaneously.
12.6 Governing Law. This Agreement, the legal relations between the Parties and any
Action, whether contractual or non-contractual, instituted by any Party with respect to matters
arising under or growing out of or in connection with or in respect of this Agreement shall be
governed by and construed
33
in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts made and
performed in such State and without regard to conflicts of law doctrines.
12.7 Headings. The descriptive headings of the Articles, Sections and subsections of
this Agreement are for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this Agreement.
12.8 Signatures. This Agreement and any amendment to this Agreement or any other
agreement (or document) delivered pursuant hereto may be executed by facsimile or pdf and in two or
more counterparts and by different Parties in separate counterparts. All signatures delivered by
facsimile or pdf shall have the same force and effect as manual signatures. All counterparts shall
constitute one and the same agreement (or other document) and shall become effective (unless
otherwise provided therein) when two or more counterparts have been signed by each Party and
delivered to the other Party.
12.9 Notices. Any notice or other communication to the Company, any Member, or
Nationwide hereunder must be given in writing and (a) delivered in person, (b) transmitted by
telex, facsimile, e-mail or telecommunications mechanism, provided that any notice so given is also
mailed as provided in clause (c), or (c) mailed by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid,
receipt requested as follows:
The Company:
c/o Calavo Growers, Inc.
1141A Cummings Road
Santa Paula, California 93060
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
Calavo:
c/o Calavo Growers, Inc.
1141A Cummings Road
Santa Paula, California 93060
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
LSC:
Lisas Salsa Company
2124 University Avenue W
St. Paul, Minnesota 55114
LSC Owners:
Lisa and Eric Nicholson
[***]
or to such other address or to such other Person as any Party shall have last designated by such
notice to the other Parties. Each such notice or other communication shall be effective (i) if
given by telecommunication, facsimile or email, when transmitted to the applicable number so
specified in (or pursuant to) this Section 12.9, if transmitted after 4:00 p.m. local time on a
Business Day in the jurisdiction to which such notice is sent or at any time on a day that is not a
Business Day in the jurisdiction to which such notice is sent, then on the immediately following
Business Day, (ii) if given by mail, on the first Business Day in the jurisdiction to which such
notice is sent following the date five days
34
after such communication is deposited in the mails with first class postage prepaid, addressed as
aforesaid, or (iii) if given by any other means, on the Business Day when actually received at such
address or, if not received on a Business Day, on the Business Day immediately following such
actual receipt.
12.10 Representation by Counsel; Interpretation. Each Party acknowledges that it has
been represented by counsel in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement. Accordingly, any rule of law or any legal decision that would require
interpretation of any claimed ambiguities in this Agreement against the Party that drafted it has
no application and is expressly waived.
12.11 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid,
illegal or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions of this
Agreement, to the extent permitted by law shall remain in full force and effect provided that the
essential terms and conditions of this Agreement for all Parties remain valid, binding and
enforceable.
12.12 Valuation of Other Assets and Company Securities. Except for purposes of
Article VII (Transfer of Membership Interests and Ownership Interests in Members), the
Fair Market Value of all non-cash assets or of any Membership Interests or other
securities issued by the Company shall mean the fair value for such assets or securities as between
a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arms-length transaction occurring on the date of
valuation as determined by the Executive Committee in its sole discretion, taking into account all
relevant factors determinative of value (and giving effect to any transfer taxes payable or
discounts in connection with such sale).
12.13 Power of Attorney. Each Member and LSC Owner hereby constitutes and appoints
the Executive Committee, with full power of substitution, as his, her or its true and lawful agent
and attorney-in-fact, with full power and authority in his, her or its name, place and stead, to
execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record in the appropriate public offices (a) all
certificates and other instruments and all amendments thereof in accordance with the terms hereof
which the Executive Committee deems appropriate or necessary to form, qualify, or continue the
qualification of, the Company as a limited liability company in the State of Delaware and in all
other jurisdictions in which the Company may conduct business or own property; (b) all instruments
which the Executive Committee deems appropriate or necessary to reflect any amendment, change,
modification or restatement of this Agreement in accordance with its terms; (c) all conveyances and
other instruments or documents which the Executive Committee and/or if applicable, the Winding-Up
Member deems appropriate or necessary to reflect the dissolution and liquidation of the Company
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including a certificate of cancellation; and (d) all
instruments relating to the admission, withdrawal or substitution of any Member pursuant to
Article VII (Transfer of Membership Interests and Ownership Interests in Members). The
foregoing power of attorney is irrevocable and coupled with an interest, and shall survive the
death, disability, incapacity, dissolution, bankruptcy, insolvency or termination of any Member, or
LSC Owner and the Transfer of all or any portion of his, her or its Membership Interest or
Ownership Interests and shall extend to such Members heirs, successors, assigns and personal
representatives.
12.14 Accountants, Legal Counsel. The Companys accountants and legal counsel may
also serve as accountants and legal counsel for either Member and any of his, her or its other
Affiliates, and each Member and the LSC Owners hereby acknowledge and waive any conflict of
interest which might arise as a result.
12.15 Jury Trial Waiver. Each party hereto agrees that all rights to a trial by a
jury of any claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement are forever and absolutely
waived.
[signature page follows]
35
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has caused this Amended and Restated Limited Liability
Company Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer as of the day and year first above
written.
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COMPANY:
Calavo Salsa Lisa, LLC
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By: |
/s/ Lecil E. Cole
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Name: |
Lecil E. Cole |
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Title: |
Chief Executive Officer |
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MEMBERS:
CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
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By: |
/s/ Lecil E. Cole
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Name: |
Lecil E. Cole |
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Title: |
Chief Executive Officer |
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LISAS SALSA COMPANY
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By: |
/s/ Elizabeth Nicholson
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Name: |
Elizabeth Nicholson |
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Title: |
President |
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LSC OWNERS:
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By: |
/s/ Elizabeth Nicholson
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Name: |
Elizabeth Nicholson |
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By: |
/s/ Eric Nicholson
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Name: |
Eric Nicholson |
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36
Annex A
Definitions
Action means any action, complaint, petition, investigation, suit or other
proceeding, whether civil or criminal, in law or in equity, or before any arbitrator or
Governmental Entity.
Adjusted Capital Account Balance means, with respect to any Member for any period,
the balance, if any, in such Members Capital Account as of the end of such period, after giving
effect to the following adjustments:
(a) Credit to such Capital Account any amounts that such Member is obligated to restore or is
deemed obligated to restore as described in the penultimate sentence of Treasury Regulations
Section 1.704-2(g)(1) and in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(5); and
(b) Debit to such Capital Account the items described in Treasury Regulations Sections
1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) and (6).
Adjusted Capital Account Deficit means, with respect to any Member for any Fiscal
Year, the deficit balance, if any, in such Members Capital Account as of the end of such Fiscal
Year, after giving effect to the following adjustments:
(a) Credit to such Capital Account any amounts that such Member is obligated to restore or is
deemed obligated to restore as described in the penultimate sentence of Treasury Regulations
Section 1.704-2(g)(1) and in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(5); and
(b) Debit to such Capital Account the items described in Treasury Regulations Sections
1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) and (6).
Adjusted Fair Market Value of an item of Company property means the greater of (i)
the Fair Market Value of such property as determined by the Executive Committee or (ii) the amount
of any nonrecourse indebtedness to which such property is subject within the meaning of Section
7701(g) of the Code.
Affiliate means a Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more
intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, a specified Person.
For purposes of this definition, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with
shall mean the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the
management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by
contract or otherwise.
Agreement means this Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement,
including all Annexes, Exhibits and Schedules attached to this Agreement, as it may be amended,
supplemented and/or restated from time to time.
Appraiser has the meaning set forth in Section 7.7.
Approved Financing has the meaning set forth in Section 3.9.
Asset Purchase Agreement has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
1
Auditors means such firm of independent accountants selected in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement to independently audit and report on the financial statements of the
Company.
Bank of America Rate means the rate of interest charged from time to time to Calavo
by Bank of America, N.A. under the then-existing loan agreement between Calavo and Bank of America,
N.A., as such agreement may be amended or superseded from time to time, and as such rate may vary
from time to time. In the event Calavo no longer borrows funds from the Bank of America, N.A.
pursuant to any agreement, Calavo may substitute another rate of interest which rate of interest
shall be based upon any agreement with another lender pursuant which Calavo borrows a material
amount of its aggregate borrowed funds.
Bankruptcy has the meaning set forth in Section 11.2.
Book Basis means, with respect to any asset of the Company, the adjusted basis of
such asset for federal income tax purposes; provided, however: (i) if any asset is contributed to
the Company, the initial Book Basis of such asset shall equal its fair market value on the date of
contribution, and (ii) if the Capital Accounts of the Members are adjusted pursuant to Treasury
Regulations Section 1.704-1(b) to reflect the fair market value of any asset of the Company, the
Book Basis of such asset shall be adjusted to equal its respective fair market value as of the time
of such adjustment in accordance with such Treasury Regulations. The Book Basis of all assets of
the Company shall be adjusted thereafter by depreciation as provided in Treasury Regulations
Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(g) and any other adjustment to the basis of such assets other than
depreciation or amortization.
Business Day means in a jurisdiction, any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other
day on which commercial banks in such jurisdiction are authorized by law to be closed.
Buy Out Notice has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2.
Buy Out Offer has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3.
Buy Out Option has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2.
Calavo has the meaning set forth in the Introduction.
Calavo Designees has the meaning set forth in Section 6.2.
Calavo Event Purchase Option has the meaning set fort in Section 7.5.
Capital Account means, with respect to any Member, the capital account maintained
for such Member in accordance with Section 3.4 of this Agreement.
Capital Contribution means a contribution to the capital of the Company in cash or
property by all Members or any class of Members or any one Member (or in either case by the
predecessor holders of the Membership Interest of such Members or Member).
Certificate has the meaning as set forth in Section 2.1.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time (or any
corresponding provisions of succeeding law.)
Company means Calavo Salsa Lisa, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
2
Company Loan has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8.
Compensation Committee has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.
Confidential Information has the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(a).
Contract means any agreement, bond, purchase order, enforceable commitment,
franchise, indenture, instrument, lease or license, whether or not in writing.
Counter Offer has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3.
Defaulting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1.
Delaware LLC Act means the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. §
18-101, et seq., as amended from time to time (or any corresponding provisions of succeeding law).
Earn Out Payment has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4 of the Asset Purchase
Agreement.
EBTDA means earnings before taxes, depreciation and amortization, determined by the
Company (in consultation with Calavo) in accordance with the accounting principles used by Calavo
in its audited financial statements for the applicable fiscal year and, consistent with the manner
in which Calavo calculates EBTDA. For avoidance of any doubt, EBTDA is to be calculated after
deducting interest expense, and is not intended to be EBITDA.
EBTDA Multiple has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3.
Event Notification has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
Event Purchase Option has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
Event Option Exercise Period has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
Executive Committee has the meaning set forth in Section 6.2.
Exercise Price has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2.
Fair Market Value has the meaning set forth in Section 12.12.
Final Fair Market Value has the meaning set forth in Section 7.7.
Fiscal Year means (i) the period commencing on the effective date of this Agreement
and ending on October 31, 2010, (ii) any subsequent twelve (12) month period commencing on November
1st and ending on the next October 31st, or (iii) any portion of the period described in
clause (ii) for which the Company is required to allocate Profits, Losses and other items of
Company income, gain, loss or deduction pursuant to Article IV hereof. The Company promptly shall
notify the Members if the Company changes its Fiscal Year at any time after the date of this
Agreement, and any provisions of this Agreement which, by their terms, are determined according to,
or dependent upon, the Fiscal Year shall be appropriately adjusted.
GAAP means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, as in
effect from time to time.
3
Governmental Entity means any government or any agency, bureau, board, commission,
court, department, official, political subdivision, tribunal or other instrumentality of any
government, whether federal, state or local, domestic or foreign.
Indemnitee has the meaning set forth in Section 6.4(a).
Initial Note has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8.
Interest Rate shall mean the Bank of America Rate plus 2% (200 basis points).
Effect shall be given to any change in the Interest Rate as a result of any change in the Bank of
America Rate on the date of each such change. The Interest Rate shall in no event exceed the
maximum interest rate provided by law with respect to borrowed funds.
Internal Services has the meaning set forth in Section 8.3.
Involuntary Transfer has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
Laws means all foreign, federal, state and local statutes, laws, ordinances,
regulations, rules, resolutions, orders, determinations, writs, injunctions, awards, judgments and
decrees applicable to the specified persons or entities.
Lending Member has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8.
Liquidating Events has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1.
Losses has the meaning set forth under the definition of Profit and Loss.
LSC has the meaning set forth in the Introduction.
LSC Designee has the meaning set forth in Section 6.2.
LSC Owners has the meaning set forth in the Introduction.
LSC Permitted Transferees has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4.
Member means any Person that executes this Agreement as a Member, and any other
Person admitted to the Company as an additional or substituted Member in accordance with the terms
and conditions of this Agreement, provided such Person has not Transferred all of its Membership
Interest in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
Membership Interest means a Members allocable share of the Companys Profits, Loss,
and similar items and the Members rights to receive distributions from the Company, together with
all obligations of such Member to comply with the provisions of this Agreement.
Net Sales means net sales as determined by the Company (in consultation with Calavo)
in accordance with the accounting principles used by Calavo in determining its Net Sales reported
in its audited financial statements for the applicable fiscal year.
Nicholson Option has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
Nicholson Option Notification has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
4
Non-Defaulting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1.
Nonrecourse Deduction means a nonrecourse deduction determined pursuant to Treasury
Regulations Section 1.704-2(c).
Offering Member has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3.
Option Termination Date has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2.
Original Operating Agreement has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
Outgoing Member has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
Ownership Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(a).
Partner (Member) Nonrecourse Debt means any liability of the Company to the extent
that (i) the liability is nonrecourse for purposes of Treasury Regulations Section 1.1001-2 and
(ii) a Member or a Related Person bears the economic risk of loss under Treasury Regulations
Section 1.752-2.
Partner (Member) Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain means minimum gain attributable to
Partner (Member) Nonrecourse Debt pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(2).
Partner (Member) Nonrecourse Deduction means any item of book loss or deduction that
is attributable to a Partner (Member) Nonrecourse Debt pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section
1.704-2(i).
Partnership (Company) Minimum Gain means partnership minimum gain determined
pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(d).
Party means any party to this Agreement.
Percentage Interest with respect to a Member means the percentage set forth opposite
such Members name on Schedule A.
Permitted Transferee has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).
Person shall be construed broadly and shall include an individual, a partnership, a
corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a limited liability company, a trust, a joint
venture, an unincorporated organization, a Governmental Entity or any department, agency or
political subdivision thereof, and any other entity or organization.
Profit and Loss means for each taxable year or other period, an amount
equal to the Companys taxable income or tax loss for the year or other period, determined in
accordance with Section 703(a) of the Code (including all items of income, gain, loss or deduction
required to be stated separately under Section 703(a)(1) of the Code), with the following
adjustments:
(a) any income of the Company that is exempt from federal income tax and not otherwise taken
into account in computing Profit or Loss will be added to taxable income or tax loss;
(b) any expenditures of the Company described in Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code or treated
as Section 705(a)(2)(B) expenditures under Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(i),
5
and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profit or Loss, will be subtracted from
taxable income or tax loss;
(c) gain or loss resulting from any disposition of Company assets with respect to which gain
or loss is recognized for federal income tax purposes will be computed by reference to the Book
Basis of the property, notwithstanding that the adjusted tax basis of the property differs from its
Book Basis;
(d) in lieu of depreciation, amortization and other cost recovery deductions taken into
account in computing taxable income or tax loss, there will be taken into account depreciation for
the taxable year or other period as determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section
1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(g);
(e) any items specially allocated pursuant to Section 4.3 shall not be considered in
determining Profit or Loss; and
(f) any increase or decrease to Capital Accounts as a result of any adjustment to the book
value of Company assets pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f) or (g) shall
constitute an item of Profit or Loss as appropriate.
Purchaser has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
Receiving Member has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3.
Related Person means, with respect to a Member, a person that is related to such
Member pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.752-4(b).
Revaluation Event means, subject to Section 3.5(a), (i) a liquidation (within the
meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g)) of the Company; or (ii) a
contribution of more than a de minimis amount of money or other property to the Company by a new or
existing Member or a distribution of more than a de minimis amount of money or other property to a
retiring or continuing Member.
Sale of the Company means (i) any sale of Membership Interests of the Company
following which the holders of Membership Interests immediately prior to such sale own, directly or
indirectly, less than fifty percent (50%) of all Percentage Interests, (ii) any sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company, or (iii) any plan of reorganization,
recapitalization, merger or consolidation involving the Company except for a reorganization,
recapitalization, merger or consolidation where the holders of the combined Percentage Interests
represented by the Membership Interests of the Company immediately prior to such reorganization,
recapitalization, merger or consolidation own, directly or indirectly, at least fifty percent (50%)
of the Percentage Interests or other voting securities of the company or other entity resulting
from such reorganization, recapitalization, merger or consolidation.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor
Federal statute, and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect from time to time.
Service Payments has the meaning set forth in Section 8.3.
Subsequent Counter Offer has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3.
6
Tax Basis means, with respect to any item of Company property, the adjusted basis of
such property as determined in accordance with the Code.
Tax Matters Member means the tax matters partner as defined in Code Section
6231(a)(7) and as appointed in Section 10.3.
Third Party Offer means any offer to enter into a Sale of the Company transaction
with a person other than a Member or an Affiliate of a Member.
Transfer means, as a noun, any voluntary or involuntary sale, assignment, gift,
pledge, hypothecation, mortgage, exchange, or other disposition, or other disposition (including as
a result of a merger, reorganization or other similar event) and, as a verb, voluntarily or
involuntarily to sell, assign, gift, pledge, hypothecate, mortgage, exchange or otherwise dispose
of.
Treasury Regulations means pronouncements, as amended from time to time, or their
successor pronouncements, which clarify, interpret and apply the provisions of the Code, and which
are designated as Treasury Regulations by the United States Department of the Treasury.
Triggering Event has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
Winding-Up Member has the meaning set forth in Section 11.3(a).
7
SCHEDULE A
Capital Contributions
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Member |
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Capital Contribution |
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Percentage Interest |
Calavo Growers, Inc. |
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$ |
100,000.00 |
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65 |
% |
Lisas Salsa Company* |
|
$ |
53,846.15 |
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35 |
% |
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* |
|
Lisas Salsa Companys Capital Contribution was made in the form of goodwill, not cash, pursuant
to the Asset Purchase Agreement. |
SCHEDULE B
The Company is to reimburse Calavo for the following Expenses:
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Description of Expenses |
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Date |
|
Amount |
MC Squared: Label Design |
|
|
12/9/2009 |
|
|
$ |
1,706.50 |
|
Fedex: Container Search |
|
|
1/15/2010 |
|
|
$ |
427.07 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL: |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,133.57 |
|
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF PROMISSORY NOTE
CALAVO SALSA LISA, LLC
SECURED PROMISSORY NOTE
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$300,000.00
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February 8, 2010
Los Angeles, California |
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, CALAVO SALSA LISA, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the
Company), promises to pay to the order of Calavo Growers, Inc., a California corporation (the
Holder), at the address of Holder specified in Section 7 below, the principal sum of $300,000.00,
plus interest thereon at the Interest Rate. All unpaid principal, together with any accrued but
unpaid interest and other amounts payable hereunder, shall be due and payable on the Maturity Date,
or as otherwise provided in this Note. This Note is being made in connection with a loan made from
a member of the Company (Member) to the Company in accordance with Section 3.8 of that certain
Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (LLC Agreement), dated February 8, 2010,
by and among the Company, Calavo Growers, Inc. (Calavo) and Lisas Salsa Company (LSC), as
Members, and Elizabeth and Eric Nicholson as the sole owners of Lisas Salsa Company. Capitalized
terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the LLC Agreement. The
Company agrees that it shall not attempt to subordinate the payment of this Note to the payment of
any other indebtedness without the written consent of Holder (it being understood that the entering
into of purchase money and capital lease financing shall not be prohibited).
The payment of the unpaid principal balance and accrued interest under this Note is secured
pursuant to the terms of that certain security agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and
between the Holder and the Company (the Security Agreement)
The following is a statement of the rights of the Holder and the terms under which this Note
is subject, and to which the Holder, by the acceptance of this Note, agrees:
1. Definitions. As used in this Note, the following capitalized
terms have the following meanings:
(a) Affiliate means a Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more
intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, a specified Person.
For purposes of this definition, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with
shall mean the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the
management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by
contract or otherwise.
(b) Bank of America Rate means the rate of interest charged from time to time to
Calavo by Bank of America, N.A. under the then-existing loan agreement between Calavo and Bank of
America, N.A., as such agreement may be amended or superceded from time to time, and as such rate
may vary from time to time. In the event Calavo no longer
borrows funds from the Bank of America, N.A. pursuant to any agreement, Calavo may substitute
another rate of interest which rate of interest shall be based upon any agreement with another
lender pursuant which Calavo borrows a material amounts of its aggregate borrowed funds.
(c) Business Day means in a jurisdiction, any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or
other day on which commercial banks in such jurisdiction are authorized by law to be closed.
(d) Executive Committee has the meaning set forth in the LLC Agreement.
(e) Interest Rate shall mean the Bank of America Rate plus 2% (200 basis points).
Effect shall be given to any change in the Interest Rate as a result of any change in the Bank of
America Rate on the date of each such change.
(f) Event of Default has the meaning given in Section 2 hereof.
(g) Holder shall mean the Person specified in the introductory paragraph of this
Note or any Person to whom this Note is endorsed or assigned; provided, that any assignment or
transfer of this Note or any rights hereunder shall be subject to the prior written consent of the
Company and any assignment or transfer without such consent shall be null and void.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Note may be assigned to (i) any Person that is the sole record
owner of all ownership interests in the transferor, (ii) an entity wholly-owned by the transferor
or wholly-owned by the Person or Persons that owns the transferor. Any person that becomes a
Holder hereunder shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound by the terms of this Note as if a party
thereto to the same extent the original Holder was bound.
(h) Maturity Date shall mean the earlier of (i) January 31, 2015, or (ii) the date
of a Sale of the Company or an initial public offering of the equity interests of the Company,
which offering results in net proceeds to Company of at least $20,000,000.
(i) Member has the meaning set forth in the LLC Agreement.
(j) Membership Interest has the meaning set forth in the LLC Agreement.
(k) Percentage Interest has the meaning set forth in the LLC Agreement.
(l) Person shall be construed broadly and shall include an individual, a
partnership, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a limited liability company, a
trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, a governmental entity or any department,
agency or political subdivision thereof, and any other entity or organization.
(m) Sale of the Company means (i) any sale of Membership Interests of the Company
following which the holders of Membership Interests immediately prior to such sale own, directly or
indirectly, less than fifty percent (50%) of all Percentage Interests, (ii) any sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company, or (iii) any plan of reorganization,
recapitalization, merger or consolidation involving the Company except for a reorganization,
recapitalization, merger or consolidation where the holders of the combined Percentage Interests
-2-
represented by the Membership Interests of the Company immediately prior to such
reorganization, recapitalization, merger or consolidation own, directly or indirectly, at least
fifty percent (50%) of the combined Percentage Interests or other voting securities of the company
or other entity resulting from such reorganization, recapitalization, merger or consolidation.
2. Payment.
(a) Principal. Payments of principal shall be amortized quarterly on a
straight line basis until the Maturity Date, and shall be due and payable on the last Business Day
of each fiscal quarter (any such date a Payment Date), starting with April 30, 2010. Any
remaining unpaid and accrued principal, together with any then unpaid and accrued interest and
other amounts payable hereunder, as of the Maturity Date shall be due and payable on the Maturity
Date. In the event payment is not made on the Payment Date, the amount of any principal due with
respect to such Payment Date shall continue to accrue interest at the Interest Rate until paid, and
any amounts past due shall be made on the next Payment Date on which CSL has sufficient available
cash to make such payment in accordance with Section 5.4(b) of the Amended and Restated Limited
Liability Company Agreement of CSL, dated the same date herewith, among CSL, Holder, and the other
signatories thereto.
(b) Interest. Interest shall accrue on any unpaid principal from the date
hereof at the Interest Rate. All accrued interest shall be due and payable in arrears on each
Payment Date as provided in Section 2(a). Interest shall be calculated up to and including the
Payment Date. Interest shall be computed based on the basis of a 365-day year for the actual
number of days elapsed. All accrued interest shall be payable only in cash when due.
(c) Voluntary Prepayment. Company may prepay this Note in whole or in part
at any time upon five (5) days prior notice without premium or penalty.
(d) Priority of Payments. All payments made by Company hereunder
(including, without limitation, any prepayments) shall be applied first to the payment of Holders
expenses due under this Note, if any, second to interest accrued on this Note and third, to the
payment of principal of this Note.
(e) Events of Default. The following shall constitute an event of default
(Event of Default): (i) the Companys failure to pay any amounts of principal or accrued
interest by January 31, 2017, provided however that if one Member of the Company has not completed
the purchase of the Membership Interest of the other Member pursuant to Section 7.2 (Buy Out
Option) or 7.3 (Buy Out Bidding Process) of the LLC Agreement by January 31, 2017, such date shall
be extended until one Business Day after the closing of the purchase by one Member of the
Membership Interest of the other Member pursuant to the LLC Agreement; (ii) the dissolution,
liquidation or termination of the legal existence of the Company without the consent of Holder
(except in connection with a Sale of the Company, provided (X) Holder consents thereto and (Y) such
purchasing party agrees to assume all of the Companys obligations under this Note); (iii) the
appointment of a receiver, trustee or similar judicial officer or agent to take charge of or to
liquidate any property or assets of the Company; (iv) action by any court to take jurisdiction of
all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; (v) the commencement of any proceeding under
any provision of the Bankruptcy Code of the United
-3-
States, as now in existence or hereafter amended, or of any other proceeding under any federal
or state law, now existing or hereafter in effect, relating to bankruptcy, reorganization,
insolvency, liquidation or otherwise, for the relief of debtors or readjustment of indebtedness, by
or against the Company; (vi) the occurrence of a Sale of the Company, unless either (X) Holder
consents thereto or (Y) all amounts due hereunder are repaid in full concurrently therewith, (vii)
the failure by Company in any material respect to observe or perform any covenant, obligation,
condition or agreement contained in this Note or the Security Agreement, except as may be approved
by the Executive Committee or the Holder, or (vii) any breach by the Members of the Company (other
than Holder) of the LLC Agreement that is not cured in accordance with Section 9.1 of the LLC
Agreement.
3. Rights of the Holder upon Default.
(a) Acceleration/Forbearance. If any Event of Default shall occur, at the
option of Holder, upon written notice to the Company, the outstanding principal amount of, and any
unpaid accrued interest on, this Note shall become immediately due and payable, except that in the
case of an Event of Default of the type described in Section 2(e)(iii), (iv), and (v) above, such
acceleration shall be automatic and not optional on the part of Holder.
(b) Remedies on Default. In case any one or more Events of Default shall
occur and be continuing, the Holder may proceed to protect and enforce its rights by an action at
law, suit in equity or other appropriate proceeding, whether for the specific performance of any
agreement contained herein, in the Security Agreement, or in the LLC Agreement or for an injunction
against a violation of any of the terms hereof or thereof, or in aid of the exercise of any power
granted hereby or thereby or by law or otherwise. No course of dealing and no delay on the part of
the Holder in exercising any right, power or remedy shall operate as a waiver thereof or otherwise
prejudice the Holders rights, powers or remedies. No right, power or remedy conferred by this
Note, the Security Agreement, or the LLC Agreement upon the Holder shall be exclusive of any other
right, power or remedy referred to herein or therein or now or hereafter available at law, in
equity, by statute or otherwise.
4. Right to Offset. The Company shall have no right under this Note,
or otherwise, to withhold or set-off any amount due or to become due under this Note, and
the Company hereby relinquishes and waives any and all such rights as may otherwise exist.
5. Waiver of Presentment. The Company (a) waives presentment, demand
for payment, protest, notice of demand, dishonor, protest and nonpayment, diligence in
taking any action to collect any sums owing under this Note or in proceeding against any of
the rights or interests in or to properties securing payment of this Note, and all other
notices and demands in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default under,
and enforcement of this Note; (b) waives the right to assert any statute of limitations as a
defense to the enforcement of this Note to the fullest extent permitted by law; and (c)
consents to any forbearance by the Holder and to the release, addition, and substitution of
any party liable for payment of this Note and of any or all of the security for this Note
without notice to and without in any way affecting the liability of any party for payment of
this Note.
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6. Waiver and Amendment. This Note may not be amended, supplemented,
modified or waived except in a writing executed by the Company and the Holder. A waiver with
reference to one event shall not be construed as continuing or as a bar to or waiver of any
right or remedy as to a subsequent event. No delay or omission of the Holder to exercise
any right, whether before or after a default hereunder, shall impair any such right or shall
be construed to be a waiver of any right or default, and the acceptance at any time by the
Holder of any past-due amount shall not be deemed to be a waiver of the right to require
prompt payment when due of any other amounts then or thereafter due and payable.
7. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications
provided for hereunder shall be in writing and mailed (by first class registered or
certified mail, postage prepaid), sent by express overnight courier service or electronic
facsimile or pdf transmission with a copy by mail, or delivered to the applicable party to
such addresses as set forth in the LLC Agreement or, as to each of the foregoing, at such
other address as shall be designated by such person in a written notice to the other party
complying as to delivery with the terms of this Section. All such notices, requests,
demands and other communications shall, when mailed or sent, respectively, be effective (i)
three days after being deposited in the mails or (ii) one Business Day after being deposited
with the express overnight courier service or sent by electronic facsimile transmission
(with receipt confirmed), respectively, addressed as aforesaid.
8. Usury. In the event any interest is paid on this Note which is
deemed to be in excess of the then legal maximum rate, then that portion of the interest
payment representing an amount in excess of the then legal maximum rate shall be deemed a
payment of principal and applied against the principal of this Note.
9. Governing Law. This Note and all actions arising out of or in
connection with this Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of
the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflicts of law provisions of the State of
Delaware, or of any other state.
10. Jury Trial Waiver. Each party hereto agrees that all rights
to a trial by a jury of any claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement are forever
and absolutely waived.
11. Payment on Non-Business Days. Whenever any payment to be made on
this Note shall be stated to be due on a day which is not a Business Day such payment may be
made on the next succeeding Business Day.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Company has caused this Note to be issued and delivered to Holder as of
the date first written above.
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COMPANY:
CALAVO SALSA LISA, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
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By: |
/s/
Lecil E. Cole |
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Name: |
Lecil E. Cole |
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Title: |
Chief Executive Officer |
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EXHIBIT B
SECURITY AGREEMENT
This Security Agreement (this Agreement) is executed and delivered as of February 8, 2010 to
Calavo Growers, Inc. (Calavo), a California corporation whose mailing address is 1141A Cummings
Road, Santa Paula, California 93060, by Calavo Salsa Lisa, LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company (CSL) having its place of business located at 2124 University Avenue W, St. Paul,
Minnesota 55114.
Recitals
A. On the same date herewith, Calavo has made a loan to CSL in the principal amount of
$300,000.00 which loan is evidenced by that certain Secured Promissory Note of even date herewith
between Calavo and CSL (the Note).
B. This Agreement is made and given pursuant to that Note.
Agreement
Now, therefore, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is
hereby acknowledged, Calavo and CSL (singly sometimes herein each a Party, and collectively
sometimes herein collectively the Parties) hereby agree as follows:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise defined herein, initially capitalized terms herein shall have the meanings
described to them in the Note. Where applicable, all terms used herein shall have the same meaning
as set forth in the Uniform Commercial Code of the State of Delaware (the UCC).
SECTION 2. GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST
As an inducement for Calavo to extend the loan as evidenced by the Note and to secure the
complete and timely payment, performance and discharge in full, as the case may be, of all of the
Obligations (defined below), CSL hereby unconditionally and irrevocably grants to the Calavo a
continuing security interest in and to, a lien upon and a right of set-off against all of its
respective right, title and interest of whatsoever kind and nature in and to, all of the following
property whether now existing or hereafter acquired, together with all accessions, additions,
substitutions, replacements or improvements thereto, and all proceeds, products, rents, profits and
products thereof (collectively, the Collateral):
(a) All goods, including, without limitations, (A) all machinery, equipment, computers, motor
vehicles, trucks, appliances, furniture, special and general tools, fixtures, test and quality
control devices and other equipment of every kind and nature and wherever situated, together with
all documents of title and documents representing the same, all additions and accessions thereto,
replacements therefor, all parts therefor, and all substitutes for any of the foregoing and all
other items used and useful in connection with CSLs business and all improvements thereto; and (B)
all inventory;
(b) All contract rights and other general intangibles, including, without limitation, (A) all
contract rights pursuant to any lease agreement, distribution agreement, supply agreement, or
customer agreement, and any renewals, amendments, restatements, extensions or successors of such
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agreements, (B) all partnership or joint venture interests, membership interests, stock or
other securities, licenses, distribution and other agreements, (C) computer software (whether
off-the-shelf, licensed from any third party or developed by CSL or its predecessor), and
computer software development rights, (D) franchises, customer lists, quality control procedures,
grants and rights, goodwill, (E) trademarks, service marks, trade styles and trade names, (F)
patents, patent applications, copyrights, (G) income tax refunds, and (H) any other intellectual
property of CSL, including but not limited to [***];
(c) All accounts, together with all instruments, all documents of title representing any of
the foregoing, all rights in any merchandising, goods, equipment, motor vehicles and trucks which
any of the same may represent, and all right, title, security and guaranties with respect to each
account, including any right of stoppage in transit;
(d) All rights to payment for goods sold or leased or services rendered, whether or not earned
by performance and all rights in respect of the person obligated to make such payment, including
without limitation, all such rights in which CSL has any right, title or interest by reason of the
purchase thereof by CSL, and including without limitation all such rights constituting or evidenced
by any account, chattel paper, instrument, general intangible, note, contract, invoice, purchase
order, draft, acceptance, book debt, intercompany account, security agreement, or other evidence of
indebtedness or security, together with (a) any collateral assigned, hypothecated or held to secure
any of the foregoing and the rights under any security agreement granting a security interest in
such collateral, (b) all goods, the sale of which gave rise to any of the foregoing, including,
without limitation, all rights in any returned or repossessed goods and unpaid sellers rights, (c)
all guarantees, endorsements and indemnifications on, or of, any of the foregoing, and (d) all
powers of attorney for the execution of any evidence of indebtedness or security or other writing
in connection therewith;
(e) All documents, letter-of-credit rights, instruments and chattel paper;
(f) All commercial tort claims;
(g) All investment property;
(h) All supporting obligations; and
(i) All files, records, books of account, business papers, and computer programs.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Collateral shall not include any lease, license, contract,
property rights or agreement to which CSL is a party or any of its rights or interests thereunder,
or any assets governed thereby, if and for so long as the grant of such security interest shall
constitute or result in (A) the abandonment, invalidation or unenforceability of any right, title
or interest of CSL or (B) in a breach or termination pursuant to the terms of, or a default under,
any such lease, license, contract, property rights or agreement (other than to the extent that any
such term would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the
UCC (or any successor provision or provisions) of any relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable
law (including the U.S. bankruptcy code) or principles of equity), provided however that the
Collateral shall include and such security interest shall attach immediately at such time as the
condition causing such abandonment, invalidation or unenforceability shall be remedied and to the
extent severable, shall attach immediately to any portion of such lease, license, contract,
property rights or agreement that does not result in any of the consequences specified in (A) or
(B) above.
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SECTION 3. THE OBLIGATIONS
The security interest granted hereunder shall secure the payment of all indebtedness and the
performance of all obligations, and the accuracy of all representations and warranties, of CSL to
Calavo of every type and description, whether now existing or hereafter arising, fixed or
contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, under or with respect to this Agreement and/or the Note
(collectively, the Loan Documents) regardless of how they arise, including without limitation,
any modifications, renewals or extensions thereof, any future advances thereunder, and all other
extensions of credit and all covenants, agreements, and provisions contained therein (collectively,
the Obligations).
SECTION 4. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS
CSL represents, warrants and covenants as follows:
(a) Title to Collateral. Except for the security interest in favor of
Calavo granted herein and Permitted Liens, CSL has clear title to all Collateral free of all
adverse claims, interests, liens, or encumbrances, and title to (or valid leasehold interests in)
the Collateral free and clear of any adverse interests that might materially and adversely affect
Calavos first-priority security interest in the Collateral contemplated hereby or Calavos
enforcement thereof. Without the prior written consent of Calavo, which consent Calavo may
withhold in its sole discretion, CSL shall not create or permit the existence of any such adverse
claims, interests, liens, or other encumbrances against any of the Collateral. CSL shall provide
prompt written notice to Calavo of any future adverse claims, interests, liens, or encumbrances,
and shall defend diligently (at CSLs expense) CSLs and Calavos interests in all Collateral.
Permitted Liens shall mean any of the following (1) liens for taxes, fees, assessments or other
governmental charges which are not yet due and payable or which are being contested in good faith
with a reserve or other appropriate provision having been made therefor; (2) statutory liens of
landlords, carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen and other similar liens imposed by law
which are incurred in the ordinary course of business; (3) liens incurred or deposits made in the
ordinary course of business in connection with workers compensation, unemployment insurance and
other types of social security; (4) liens upon or in any equipment acquired or held by CSL to
secure the purchase price of such equipment or indebtedness incurred solely for the purpose of
financing the acquisition of such equipment and (5) liens arising from judgments, decrees or
attachments.
12.16 Validity of Security Agreement; Legal Authority. Each of the Loan Documents is
the legal, valid and binding obligation of CSL, enforceable in accordance with its terms. CSL has
the legal power to execute, deliver and carry out the terms and provisions of each such Loan
Document and all related documents to which it is a party, and has taken all necessary legal action
to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of each such Loan Document and all related
documents. Such execution, delivery and performance do not and will not (i) require any consent or
approval of any mortgagee, lessor or other person or entity, except such consents as shall have
been obtained; (ii) contravene CSLs limited liability company agreement (the LLC Agreement),
charter or bylaws or other organizational documents; (iii) (to the best of CSLs knowledge) violate
any provision of any law, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree,
determination, or award presently in effect having applicability to CSL; (iv) (to the best of CSLs
knowledge) result in a breach of or constitute a default under any indenture or loan or credit
agreement or any other material agreement, lease, or instrument to which CSL is a party or by which
it or its properties may be bound or affected; (v) (to the best of CSLs knowledge) result in, or
require, the creation or imposition of any lien or encumbrance (except in favor of Calavo), upon or
with respect to any of the properties now owned or hereafter acquired by CSL; or (vi) (to the best
of CSLs knowledge) cause CSL to be in default under any such law, rule, regulation, order, writ,
judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award or any such material indenture, agreement,
lease or instrument.
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12.17 Location of Formation. CSL is duly organized and existing as a Delaware limited
liability company.
12.18 Location of CSL. CSLs place of business is located at the address shown above.
12.19 Location of Collateral. All the Collateral is now at CSLs place of business,
except for such portions thereof (if any) that may be in Calavos possession.
12.20 Change in Name, Location of Collateral, Etc. Without giving at least thirty
(30) days prior written notice to Calavo, CSL shall not change its name, identity, or corporate or
legal structure, its jurisdiction of its organization, the location of its place of business (or
chief executive office if more than one place of business), or the location of the Collateral.
12.21 Further Assurances. Upon the request of Calavo, CSL shall do all acts and
things as Calavo may from time to time deem necessary or advisable to enable Calavo to perfect,
maintain, and continue the perfection and first-priority of the security interest of Calavo in the
Collateral, or to facilitate the exercise by Calavo of any rights or remedies granted to Calavo
hereunder or provided by law. Without limiting the foregoing, CSL shall execute, in form and
substance satisfactory to Calavo, such financing statements, amendments thereto, supplemental
agreements, assignments, notices of assignments, and other instruments and documents as Calavo may
from time to time request, and hereby authorizes Calavo to file such financing statements and/or
other documents as Calavo may deem necessary or appropriate to perfect and or maintain or continue
its first-priority security interest in the Collateral. In addition, in the event the Collateral
or any part thereof consists of instruments, documents, chattel paper, or money (whether or not
proceeds of the Collateral), CSL shall, upon the request of Calavo, deliver possession thereof to
Calavo (or to an agent of Calavo retained for that purpose), together with any appropriate
endorsements and/or assignments. Calavo shall use reasonable care in the custody and preservation
of such Collateral in its possession, but shall not be required to take any steps necessary to
preserve rights against prior parties. All costs and expenses incurred by Calavo to establish,
perfect, maintain, determine the priority of, or release the security interest granted hereunder
(including the cost of all filings, recordings, and taxes thereon and the fees and expenses of any
agent retained by Calavo) shall become part of the Obligations secured hereby and be paid by CSL on
demand. To the extent that any material portion of the Collateral is in the possession of any third
party, CSL shall join with Calavo in notifying such third party of Calavos security interest in
such Collateral and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain an acknowledgement and
agreement from such third party with respect to the Collateral, in form and substance satisfactory
to Calavo.
12.22 Intellectual Property. CSL shall execute and deliver a separate security
agreement (Intellectual Property Security Agreement) with respect to CSLs intellectual
property in which Calavo has been granted a security interest hereunder, including but not limited
to the trademark registration for [***] substantially in a form acceptable to Calavo, which
Intellectual Property Security Agreement, other than as stated therein, shall be subject to all of
the terms and conditions hereof.
12.23 Insurance. CSL shall maintain such property and casualty insurance with such
insurance companies, in such amounts, and covering such risks, as are at all times reasonably
satisfactory to Calavo. All such policies shall provide for loss payable clauses or endorsements
in form and consent acceptable to Calavo. Upon the request of Calavo, all policies (or such other
proof of compliance with this Section as may be satisfactory to Calavo) shall be delivered to
Calavo. CSL shall pay all insurance premiums when due. In the event of loss, damage, or injury to
any insured Collateral, Calavo shall have full power to collect any and all insurance proceeds due
under any of such policies, and may, at its option, apply such proceeds to the payment of any of
the Obligation secured hereby, or may apply such proceeds to the repair or replacement of such
Collateral.
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12.24 Taxes, Levies, Etc. CSL has paid, and shall continue to pay, prior to
delinquency all taxes, levies, assessments, or other charges that may become an enforceable lien
against the Collateral.
12.25 Disposition and Use of Collateral by CSL. CSL shall not at any time sell,
transfer, lease, abandon, or otherwise dispose of any Collateral in violation of any Loan Document.
CSL shall not use any of the Collateral in any manner, which violates any statute, regulation,
ordinance, rule, decree, order, or insurance policy. CSL shall not make any material change in the
nature or manner of its business activities or not liquidate or dissolve except into a wholly-owned
subsidiary of CSL.
12.26 Organization. CSL (i) is a duly organized limited liability company, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of Delaware; (ii) has the power and authority to own
its assets and to transact the business in which it is now engaged or proposed to be engaged in;
and (iii) is duly qualified and in good standing under the laws of each other jurisdiction in which
such qualification is required. CSL shall not amend its organizational documents in any manner
that may conflict with any terms or condition of this Agreement.
12.27 Maintenance of Collateral. CSL shall at all times hereafter, at its own
expense, keep in force each title, leasehold or other possessory interest in the Collateral. CSL
shall keep and preserve its equipment, inventory and other tangible Collateral in good condition,
repair and order in all material respects and shall not operate or locate any material portion of
the Collateral (or cause to be operated or located) in any area excluded from insurance coverage.
12.28 Right of Inspection. At all reasonable times upon the reasonable prior written
request of Calavo, CSL shall allow Calavo or its representatives to visit any of CSLs properties
or locations so that Calavo or its representatives may confirm, inspect and appraise any of the
Collateral. CSL will keep and maintain at its own cost and expense reasonably satisfactory and
complete records of the Collateral.
12.29 Litigation. To the best of CSLs knowledge, there is no pending or threatened
action or proceeding against or affecting the Collateral before any court, governmental agency, or
arbitrator which may, in any one case or in the aggregate, materially adversely affect the
Collateral or the financial condition, operations, properties or business of CSL, or its ability to
perform it obligations under any Loan Document that it may have now executed or may hereafter
execute. CSL shall promptly notify Calavo upon becoming aware of any attachment, garnishment,
execution or other legal process levied against any Collateral and of any other information
received by CSL that may materially affect the value of the Collateral, or the rights and remedies
of Calavo hereunder.
12.30 Operation of Business and Collateral. To the best of CSLs knowledge, CSL is
conducting its business and operations and holding and utilizing the Collateral in compliance with
all applicable laws and directives of governmental authorities having the force of law, and CSL
possesses all rights and authorizations, licenses, permits, franchises, patents, copyrights,
trademarks, and trade names, or rights thereto, to conduct its business and to hold and utilize the
Collateral substantially as now conducted, held or utilized and as presently proposed to be
conducted, held or utilized, and is not in violation of any such rights or authorizations or any
valid rights of any other person or entity with respect to any of the foregoing.
12.31 Environmental Conditions. To the best of CSLs knowledge, there are no
conditions presently or potentially posing a significant hazard to human health or the environment,
whether or not in compliance with law, existing on or in any of the Collateral and, there has been
no production, use, presence, treatment, storage, transportation, disposal, release or threatened
release of any hazardous substance of hazardous waste (as hereinafter defined) at, on or in the
Collateral. Hazardous waste and hazardous substance shall have the meanings set forth in the
Comprehensive Environmental Response,
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Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq. (CERCLA) and
the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq., and the regulations
adopted pursuant thereto, except that the term hazardous substance, as used herein, shall, in
addition to its definition under CERCLA, also include petroleum, petroleum products and any
substance classified as hazardous or toxic under any applicable state law or regulation.
12.32 Responsibility for Collateral. CSL assumes all liabilities and responsibility
in connection with all Collateral, and the Obligations shall in no way be affected or diminished by
reason of the loss, destruction, damage or theft of any of the Collateral or its unavailability for
any reason. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (a) Calavo (i) has no duty (either
before or after an Event of Default) to collect any amounts in respect of the Collateral, except as
expressly provided herein, or to preserve any rights relating to the Collateral, or (ii) has no
obligation to clean-up or otherwise prepare the Collateral for sale, and (b) CSL shall remain
obligated and liable under each contract or agreement included in the Collateral to be observed or
performed by CSL thereunder. Calavo shall not have any obligation or liability under any such
contract or agreement by reason of or arising out of this Agreement or the receipt by Calavo of any
payment relating to any of the Collateral, nor shall Calavo be obligated in any manner to perform
any of the obligations of CSL under or pursuant to any such contract or agreement, to make inquiry
as to the nature or sufficiency of any payment received by Calavo in respect of the Collateral or
as to the sufficiency of any performance by any party under any such contract or agreement, to
present or file any claim, to take any action to enforce any performance or to collect the payment
of any amounts which Calavo may be entitled at any time or times.
12.33 Other Security. To the extent that the Obligations are now or hereafter secured
by property other than the Collateral or by the guarantee, endorsement or property of any other
person, firm, corporation or other entity, then Calavo shall have the right, in its sole
discretion, to pursue, relinquish, subordinate, modify or take any other action with respect
thereto, without in any way modifying or affecting any of the Calavos rights and remedies
hereunder.
SECTION 5. DEFAULT
The breach of any of the Obligations, including, without limitation, breach of any
representation, warranty, covenant, or agreement contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan
Document, other than a breach directly resulting from actions taken by CSL with the approval of
CSLs Executive Committee (as defined in the LLC Agreement) or Calavo, shall constitute a default
hereunder (Event of Default).
SECTION 6. RIGHTS AND REMEDIES
Upon any default of the Obligations and at any time thereafter, Calavo may declare all
Obligations to be immediately due and payable (or in the event of an Event of Default of the type
described in Section 2(e)(iii), (iv), and (v) of the Note, such acceleration shall be automatic)
and Calavo may exercise any and all rights and remedies of Calavo in the enforcement of this
security interest under the UCC, this Security Agreement, or any other applicable law. Without
limiting the foregoing, upon any such default and at any time thereafter:
A. Disposition of Collateral. Calavo may sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of all or
any part of the Collateral, in its then present condition or following any commercially reasonable
preparation or processing thereof, whether by public or private sale or at any brokers board, in
lots or in bulk, for cash, on credit or otherwise, with or without representations or warranties,
and upon such other terms as may be reasonably acceptable to Calavo, and Calavo may purchase at any
public sale. At any time when advance notice of sale is required, CSL agrees that thirty (30)
days prior written notice shall be reasonable. In connection with the foregoing, Calavo may:
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(a) Require CSL to assemble the Collateral and all records pertaining thereto and make such
Collateral and records available to Calavo at a place to be designated by Calavo which is
reasonably convenient to both Parties;
(b) Enter the premises of CSL or premises under CSLs control or possession, and take
possession of the Collateral;
(c) Without charge, use or occupy the premises of CSL or premises under CSLs control,
including without limitation, any warehouse and other storage facilities;
(d) Without charge, use any patent, trademark, tradename, or other intellectual property or
technical process used by CSL in connection with any of the Collateral;
(e) Notify any account debtors and any obligors under instruments or accounts to make payments
directly to Calavo and to enforce CSLs rights against such account debtors and obligors;
(f) If exercising its foreclosure rights generally, transfer any or all intellectual property
registered in the name of CSL at the United States Patent and Trademark Office and/or Copyright
Office into the name of Calavo or any designee or any purchaser of such intellectual property.
(g) Take any measures that Calavo may consider reasonably necessary for the care, growth,
protection, preservation, harvesting and marketing of the Collateral; and
(h) Rely conclusively upon the advice or instructions of any one or more brokers or other
experts reasonably selected by Calavo to determine the method or manner of disposition of any of
the Collateral and, in such event, any disposition of the Collateral by Calavo in accordance with
such advice or instructions shall be deemed to be commercially reasonable.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, CSL waives all claims, damages and demands against
Calavo arising out of the repossession, removal, retention or sale of the Collateral, unless due
solely to the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Calavo as determined by a final judgment
(not subject to further appeal) of a court of competent jurisdiction. All of the rights and
remedies of Calavo with respect to the Collateral, whether established hereby or by the Note or by
any other agreements, instruments or documents or by law shall be cumulative and may be exercised
singly or concurrently.
B. Proceeds. Calavo may collect and apply all proceeds of the Collateral, and may
endorse the name of CSL in favor of Calavo on any and all checks, drafts, money orders, notes,
acceptances, or other instruments of the same or a different nature, constituting, evidencing, or
relating to the Collateral. Calavo may receive and open all mail addressed to CSL and remove
therefrom any cash or non-cash items of payment constituting proceeds of the Collateral.
C. Insurance Adjustments. Calavo may adjust, settle, any and all insurance covering
any Collateral, endorse the name of CSL on any and all checks or drafts drawn by the insurer,
whether representing payment for a loss or a return of unearned premium, and execute any and all
proofs of claim and other documents or instruments of every kind required by any insurer in
connection with any payment by such insurer.
D. Application of Proceeds. Calavo may apply the net proceeds of any disposition of
the Collateral, after deducting its reasonable expenses incurred in such disposition, to the
payment in whole or in part of the Obligations in such order as Calavo may elect. The enumeration
of the foregoing rights
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and remedies is not intended to be exhaustive, and the exercise of any right and/or remedy
shall not preclude the exercise of any other rights or remedies, all of which are cumulative and
non-exclusive.
E. Security Interest Absolute. All rights of Calavo and all obligations of CSL
hereunder, shall be absolute and unconditional, irrespective of: (a) any lack of validity or
enforceability of this Agreement, the Note or any agreement entered into in connection with the
foregoing, or any portion hereof or thereof; (b) any change in the time, manner or place of payment
or performance of, or in any other term of, all or any of the Obligations, or any other amendment
or waiver of or any consent to any departure from the Note or any other agreement entered into in
connection with the foregoing; (c) any exchange, release or non-perfection of any of the
Collateral, or any release or amendment or waiver of or consent to departure from any other
collateral for all or any of the Obligations; (d) any action by Calavo to obtain, adjust, settle
and cancel in its sole discretion any insurance claims or matters made or arising in connection
with the Collateral; or (e) any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute any legal or
equitable defense available to CSL, or a discharge of all or any part of the security interest
granted hereby. Until the Obligations shall have been paid and performed in full (other than
contingent indemnification obligations), the rights of Calavo shall continue even if the
Obligations are barred for any reason, including, without limitation, the running of the statute of
limitations or bankruptcy. CSL expressly waives presentment, protest, notice of protest, demand,
notice of nonpayment and demand for performance. In the event that at any time any transfer of any
Collateral or any payment received by Calavo hereunder shall be deemed by final order of a court of
competent jurisdiction to have been a voidable preference or fraudulent conveyance under the
bankruptcy or insolvency laws of the United States, or shall be deemed to be otherwise due to any
party other than Calavo, then, in any such event, CSLs obligations hereunder shall survive
cancellation of this Agreement, and shall not be discharged or satisfied by any prior payment
thereof and/or cancellation of this Agreement, but shall remain a valid and binding obligation
enforceable in accordance with the terms and provisions hereof. CSL waives all right to require
Calavo to proceed against any other person or entity or to apply any Collateral which Calavo may
hold at any time, or to marshal assets, or to pursue any other remedy. CSL waives any defense
arising by reason of the application of the statute of limitations to any obligation secured
hereby.
F. Recourse. CSL shall remain liable for any deficiency if the proceeds of any sale
or other disposition of the Collateral are insufficient to satisfy the Obligations. CSL shall also
be liable for all expenses of Calavo reasonably incurred in connection with collecting such
deficiency, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of one firm of
attorneys employed by CSL to collect such deficiency.
SECTION 7. OTHER PROVISIONS
A. Waiver and Amendment. This Security Agreement may not be amended, supplemented,
modified or waived except in a writing executed by Calavo and CSL. A waiver with reference to one
event shall not be construed as continuing or as a bar to or waiver of any right or remedy as to a
subsequent event. No delay or omission of Calavo to exercise any right, whether before or after a
default hereunder, shall impair any such right or shall be construed to be a waiver of any right or
default, and the acceptance at any time by Calavo of any past-due amount shall not be deemed to be
a waiver of the right to require prompt payment when due of any other amounts then or thereafter
due and payable.
B. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications provided for
hereunder shall be in writing and mailed (by first class registered or certified mail, postage
prepaid), sent by express overnight courier service or electronic facsimile or pdf transmission
with a copy by mail, or delivered to the applicable party to such addresses as set forth in the LLC
Agreement or, as to each of the foregoing, at such other address as shall be designated by such
person in a written notice to the other party complying as to delivery with the terms of this
Section. All such notices, requests, demands and other
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communications shall, when mailed or sent, respectively, be effective (i) three days after
being deposited in the mails or (ii) one business day after being deposited with the express
overnight courier service or sent by electronic facsimile transmission (with receipt confirmed),
respectively, addressed as aforesaid.
C. Jury Trial Waiver. Each party hereto agrees that all rights to a trial by a
jury of any claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement are forever and absolutely
waived.
D. Governing Law. This Agreement and all actions arising out of or in connection with
this Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware,
without regard to the conflicts of law provisions of the State of Delaware, or of any other state.
E. Severability. In the event any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid,
prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction for any reason, unless such provision is narrowed
by judicial construction, this Agreement shall, as to such jurisdiction, be construed as if such
invalid, prohibited or unenforceable provision had been more narrowly drawn so as not to be
invalid, prohibited or unenforceable. If, notwithstanding the foregoing, any provision of this
Agreement is held to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such provision,
as to such jurisdiction, shall be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, prohibition or
unenforceability without invalidating the remaining portion of such provision or the other
provisions of this Agreement and without affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision
or the other provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction.
G. Termination; Release. When the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid and
performed in full this Agreement shall terminate, and Calavo, at the request and sole expense of
CSL, will execute and deliver to CSL the proper instruments (including UCC termination statements)
acknowledging the termination of this Agreement, and will duly assign, transfer and deliver to CSL,
without recourse, representation or warranty of any kind whatsoever, such of the Collateral as may
be in the possession of Calavo and has not theretofore been disposed of, applied or released.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Agreement as of the
day and year first above written.
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CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
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By: |
/s/
Lecil E. Cole |
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Name: |
Lecil E. Cole |
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Title: |
Chief Executive Officer |
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CALAVO SALSA LISA, LLC
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By: |
/s/
Lecil E. Cole |
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Name: |
Lecil E. Cole |
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Title: |
Chief Executive Officer |
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exv31w1
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
15 U.S.C. § 7241
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Lecil E. Cole, certify that:
1. |
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I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Calavo Growers, Inc.; |
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2. |
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Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact
or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the
circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period
covered by this report; |
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3. |
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Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in
this report, fairly present, in all material respects, the financial condition, results of
operations, and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
report; |
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4. |
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The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and
maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and
15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
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(a) |
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Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure
controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material
information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is
made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in
which this report is being prepared; |
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(b) |
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Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such
internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of the financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles; |
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(c) |
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Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and
procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the
disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report
based on such evaluation; and |
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(d) |
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Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over
financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter
that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the
registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. |
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The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent
evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the
audit committee of the registrants Board of Directors: |
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(a) |
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All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation
of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely
affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial
information; and |
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(b) |
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Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees
who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial
reporting. |
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Date: March 11, 2010 |
/s/ Lecil E. Cole
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Lecil E. Cole |
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Chairman of the Board of Directors,
President and Chief Executive Officer |
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exv31w2
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
15 U.S.C. § 7241
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Arthur J. Bruno, certify that:
1. |
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I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Calavo Growers, Inc.; |
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2. |
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Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact
or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the
circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period
covered by this report; |
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3. |
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Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in
this report, fairly present, in all material respects, the financial condition, results of
operations, and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
report; |
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4. |
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The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and
maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and
15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
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(a) |
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Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure
controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material
information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is
made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in
which this report is being prepared; |
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(b) |
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Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such
internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of the financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles; |
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(c) |
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Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and
procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the
disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report
based on such evaluation; and |
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(d) |
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Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over
financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter
that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the
registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. |
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The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent
evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the
audit committee of the registrants Board of Directors: |
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(a) |
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All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation
of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely
affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial
information; and |
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(b) |
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Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees
who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial
reporting. |
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Date: March 11, 2010 |
/s/ Arthur J. Bruno
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Arthur J. Bruno |
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Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and
Corporate Secretary (Principal Financial Officer) |
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exv32w1
Exhibit 32.1
WRITTEN STATEMENT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Each of the undersigned, the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Corporate Secretary of Calavo Growers, Inc. (the
Company), hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to his knowledge, the Companys Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2010, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on the date hereof (the Report), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15 (d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in the Report fairly presents,
in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Dated: March 11, 2010
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/s/ Lecil E. Cole
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Lecil E. Cole |
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Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer |
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/s/ Arthur J. Bruno
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Arthur J. Bruno |
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Chief Operating Officer,
Chief Financial Officer and
Corporate Secretary |
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