Filed
pursuant to 424(b)(3)
Registration
No. 333-141853
PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT NO. 6
TO
PROSPECTUS DATED JULY 31, 2007
(as
supplemented by Prospectus Supplement No. 1 dated August 21, 2007 and
Prospectus
Supplement No. 2 dated September 17, 2007, and
Prospectus
Supplement No. 3 dated September 24, 2007,
Prospectus
Supplement No. 4 dated October 3, 2007, and
Prospectus
Supplement No. 5 dated October 22, 2007)
SMART
ONLINE, INC.
8,707,051
SHARES
OF COMMON STOCK
This
prospectus supplement supplements our prospectus dated July 31, 2007 as
previously supplemented, which we generally refer to as the prospectus, relating
to the resale of up to 8,707,051 shares of our common stock by the selling
security holders named in this prospectus and the person(s) to whom such
security holders may transfer their shares. These shares consist
of:
|
·
|
7,051,136
currently outstanding shares; and
|
|
·
|
1,655,915
shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants held by the
selling
security holders.
|
The
selling security holders named in this prospectus are offering all of the shares
of common stock offered through this prospectus. No shares are being offered
by
us.
This
prospectus supplement should be read in conjunction with, and may not be
delivered or utilized without, the prospectus. This prospectus supplement is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the prospectus, except to the extent
that the information in this prospectus supplement supersedes the information
contained in the prospectus.
This
prospectus supplement includes the attached Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the third quarter of 2007, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
or
the SEC, on November 14, 2007.
NEITHER
THE SEC NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE
SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
The
date
of this prospectus supplement is November 14, 2007.
UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-Q
(Mark
One)
x Quarterly
report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934
For
the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007
OR
o Transition
report pursuant to Section 13 of 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934
Commission
File Number: 001-32634
SMART
ONLINE, INC.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
|
|
95-4439334
|
(State
or other jurisdiction of
|
|
(I.R.S.
Employer
|
incorporation
or organization)
|
|
Identification
No.)
|
2530
Meridian Parkway, 2nd Floor
Durham,
North Carolina
|
|
27713
|
(Address
of principal executive offices)
|
|
(Zip
Code)
|
(919)
765-5000
(Registrant's
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: Yesx
Noo
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated
filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check
one):
Large
Accelerated Filer
o
|
Accelerated
Filer
o
|
Non-accelerated
Filer
x
|
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
o
No
x
As
of
November 12, 2007, there were approximately 18,010,000 shares of the
registrant's common stock outstanding.
Smart
Online, Inc.
|
|
Page
No.
|
PART
I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
|
Item
1.
|
Financial
Statements:
|
|
|
Consolidated
Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2007 (unaudited) and December
31,
2006
|
3
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the three and nine months
ended
September 30, 2007 and 2006
|
4
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the nine months ended
September
30, 2007 and 2006
|
5
|
|
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
|
6
|
Item
2.
|
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
|
16
|
Item
3.
|
Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
|
29
|
Item
4.
|
Controls
and Procedures
|
30
|
Item
4T.
|
Controls
and Procedures
|
30
|
|
|
|
PART
II. OTHER INFORMATION
|
Item
1.
|
Legal
Proceedings
|
30
|
Item
1A.
|
Risk
Factors
|
31
|
|
|
|
Item
5.
|
Other
Information
|
42
|
Item
6.
|
Exhibits
|
44
|
|
Signatures
|
46
|
1.
Financial Statements
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
September 30,
2007
(unaudited)
|
|
December 31,
2006
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT
ASSETS:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
|
|
$
|
2,228,027
|
|
$
|
326,905
|
|
Restricted
Cash (See Note 5)
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
Accounts
Receivable, Net
|
|
|
964,264
|
|
|
247,618
|
|
Current
Portion of Note Receivable
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
-
|
|
Prepaid
Expenses
|
|
|
119,109
|
|
|
100,967
|
|
Deferred
Financing Costs (See Note 5)
|
|
|
414,220
|
|
|
-
|
|
Total
Current Assets
|
|
$
|
4,025,620
|
|
$
|
925,490
|
|
PROPERTY
AND EQUIPMENT, Net
|
|
$
|
187,195
|
|
$
|
180,360
|
|
LONG
TERM PORTION OF NOTE RECEIVABLE
|
|
|
230,000
|
|
|
-
|
|
INTANGIBLE
ASSETS, Net
|
|
|
3,036,419
|
|
|
3,617,477
|
|
GOODWILL
|
|
|
2,696,642
|
|
|
2,696,642
|
|
OTHER
ASSETS
|
|
|
75,311
|
|
|
13,040
|
|
TOTAL
ASSETS
|
|
$
|
10,251,187
|
|
$
|
7,433,009
|
|
Liabilities
and Stockholders' Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT
LIABILITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
Payable
|
|
$
|
720,845
|
|
$
|
850,730
|
|
Accrued
Registration Rights Penalty
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
465,358
|
|
Current
Portion of Notes Payable (See Note 6)
|
|
|
3,187,346
|
|
|
2,839,631
|
|
Deferred
Revenue (See Note 5)
|
|
|
475,099
|
|
|
313,774
|
|
Accrued
Liabilities (See Note 5)
|
|
|
629,997
|
|
|
301,266
|
|
Total
Current Liabilities
|
|
$
|
5,013,287
|
|
$
|
4,770,759
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LONG-TERM
LIABILITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term
Portion of Notes Payable (See Note 6)
|
|
$
|
165,863
|
|
$
|
825,000
|
|
Deferred
Revenue
|
|
|
259,534
|
|
|
11,252
|
|
Total
Long-Term Liabilities
|
|
|
425,397
|
|
|
836,252
|
|
Total
Liabilities
|
|
$
|
5,438,684
|
|
$
|
5,607,011
|
|
COMMITMENTS
AND CONTINGENCIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
STOCKHOLDERS'
EQUITY:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
Stock, $.001 Par Value, 45,000,000 Shares Authorized, Shares Issued
and
Outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September
30, 2007 - 18,009,564; December 31, 2006 - 15,379,030
|
|
|
18,009
|
|
|
15,379
|
|
Additional
Paid-in Capital
|
|
|
66,231,024
|
|
|
59,159,919
|
|
Accumulated
Deficit
|
|
|
(61,436,530
|
)
|
|
(57,349,300
|
)
|
Total
Stockholders' Equity
|
|
|
4,812,503
|
|
|
1,825,998
|
|
TOTAL
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
|
$
|
10,251,187
|
|
$
|
7,433,009
|
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|
|
|
September
|
|
September
|
|
September
|
|
September
|
|
|
|
30, 2007
|
|
30, 2006
|
|
30, 2007
|
|
30, 2006
|
|
REVENUES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Integration
Fees
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
6,250
|
|
$
|
5,000
|
|
$
|
182,660
|
|
Syndication
Fees
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
57,352
|
|
|
45,000
|
|
|
183,619
|
|
Subscription
Fees (See Note 3)
|
|
|
830,660
|
|
|
429,426
|
|
|
2,040,243
|
|
|
1,476,194
|
|
Professional
Services Fees
|
|
|
378,068
|
|
|
242,177
|
|
|
984,548
|
|
|
601,200
|
|
License
Fees
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
480,000
|
|
|
450,000
|
|
Other
Revenues
|
|
|
5,467
|
|
|
14,001
|
|
|
20,720
|
|
|
54,312
|
|
Total
Revenues
|
|
$
|
1,429,195
|
|
$
|
749,206
|
|
$
|
3,575,511
|
|
$
|
2,947,985
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COST
OF REVENUES
|
|
$
|
168,035
|
|
$
|
31,311
|
|
$
|
355,942
|
|
$
|
212,515
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GROSS
PROFIT
|
|
$
|
1,261,160
|
|
$
|
717,895
|
|
$
|
3,219,569
|
|
$
|
2,735,470
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
EXPENSES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General
and Administrative
|
|
|
1,398,170
|
|
|
1,208,044
|
|
|
3,567,385
|
|
|
4,844,464
|
|
Sales
and Marketing
|
|
|
635,201
|
|
|
135,027
|
|
|
1,563,653
|
|
|
666,940
|
|
Research
and Development
|
|
|
636,780
|
|
|
455,997
|
|
|
1,908,644
|
|
|
1,279,198
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Operating Expenses
|
|
$
|
2,670,151
|
|
$
|
1,799,068
|
|
$
|
7,039,682
|
|
$
|
6,790,602
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LOSS
FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
|
|
|
(1,408,991
|
)
|
|
(1,081,173
|
)
|
|
(3,820,113
|
)
|
|
(4,055,132
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSE):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
Expense, Net
|
|
|
(139,124
|
)
|
|
(51,746
|
)
|
|
(400,910
|
)
|
|
(190,802
|
)
|
Takeback
of Investor Relations Shares
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
1,562,500
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
3,125,000
|
|
Legal
Reserve and Debt Forgiveness, Net
|
|
|
(39,477
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
(34,877
|
)
|
|
144,351
|
|
Writeoff
of Investment
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(25,000
|
)
|
Other
Income
|
|
|
24,866
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
168,672
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Other Income (Expense)
|
|
$
|
(153,735
|
)
|
$
|
1,510,754
|
|
|
(267,115
|
)
|
|
3,053,549
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
|
|
|
(1,562,726
|
)
|
|
429,581
|
|
|
(4,087,228
|
)
|
|
(1,001,583
|
)
|
DISCONTINUED
OPERATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss
of Operations of Smart CRM, net of tax
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(2,329,429
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
(2,525,563
|
)
|
NET
LOSS attributed to common stockholders
|
|
$
|
(1,562,726
|
)
|
|
(1,899,848
|
)
|
$
|
(4,087,228
|
)
|
$
|
(3,527,146
|
)
|
NET
LOSS PER SHARE:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing
Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
and Fully Diluted
|
|
$
|
(0.09
|
)
|
$
|
0.03
|
|
$
|
(0.24
|
)
|
$
|
(0.07
|
)
|
Discontinued
Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
and Fully Diluted
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
(0.15
|
)
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
(0.17
|
)
|
Net
Loss Attributed to Common Stockholders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$
|
(0.09
|
)
|
|
(0.13
|
)
|
|
(0.24
|
)
|
|
(0.23
|
)
|
Fully
Diluted
|
|
|
(0.09
|
)
|
|
(0.12
|
)
|
|
(0.24
|
)
|
|
(0.23
|
)
|
SHARES
USED IN COMPUTING NET LOSS PER SHARE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
17,292,639
|
|
|
15,127,510
|
|
|
17,002,827
|
|
|
15,077,583
|
|
Fully
Diluted
|
|
|
17,292,639
|
|
|
15,387,110
|
|
|
17,002,827
|
|
|
15,077,583
|
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
|
|
Nine Months
Ended
September 30, 2007
|
|
Nine Months
Ended
September 30, 2006
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Loss
|
|
$
|
(4,087,228
|
)
|
$
|
(1,001,583
|
)
|
Adjustments
to reconcile Net Loss to Net Cash used
in Operating Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
and Amortization
|
|
|
631,267
|
|
|
530,969
|
|
Amortization
of Deferred Financing Costs
|
|
|
320,083
|
|
|
-
|
|
Takeback
of Investor Relation Shares
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(3,125,000
|
)
|
Stock
Option Related Compensation Expense
|
|
|
574,343
|
|
|
622,442
|
|
Writeoff
of Investment
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
Registration
Rights Penalty
|
|
|
(320,632
|
)
|
|
345,870
|
|
Gain
on Debt Forgiveness
|
|
|
(215,123
|
)
|
|
(144,351
|
)
|
Changes
in Assets and Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
Receivable
|
|
|
(716,154
|
)
|
|
215,569
|
|
Prepaid
Expenses
|
|
|
(18,634
|
)
|
|
97,074
|
|
Other
Assets
|
|
|
(32,271
|
)
|
|
129
|
|
Deferred
Revenue
|
|
|
410,179
|
|
|
(309,460
|
)
|
Accounts
Payable
|
|
|
85,290
|
|
|
379,431
|
|
Accrued
and Other Expenses
|
|
|
329,643
|
|
|
102,402
|
|
Net
cash from operations of discontinued operations
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
212,199
|
|
Net
Cash used in Operating Activities
|
|
$
|
(3,039,237
|
)
|
$
|
(2,049,309
|
)
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases
of Furniture and Equipment
|
|
|
(86,549
|
)
|
|
(7,362
|
)
|
Purchase
of Tradename
|
|
|
(2,033
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
Net
cash from investing activities of discontinued operations
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
431,076
|
|
Net
Cash provided by (used in) Investing Activities
|
|
$
|
(88,582
|
)
|
$
|
423,714
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repayments
on Notes Payable
|
|
|
(1,784,272
|
)
|
|
(1,460,333
|
)
|
Debt
Borrowings
|
|
|
1,472,850
|
|
|
-
|
|
Notes
Receivable
|
|
|
(280,000
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
Advances
to Smart CRM
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(744,918
|
)
|
Advances
from Smart CRM
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
1,308,340
|
|
Restricted
Cash
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(102,409
|
)
|
Issuance
of Common Stock
|
|
|
5,748,607
|
|
|
2,522,100
|
|
Expenses
Related to Form S-1 Filing
|
|
|
(128,244
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
Net
cash from financing activities of discontinued operations
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(651,364
|
)
|
Net
Cash provided by Financing Activities
|
|
$
|
5,028,941
|
|
$
|
871,416
|
|
NET
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND
CASH EQUIVALENTS
|
|
$
|
1,901,122
|
|
$
|
(754,179
|
)
|
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING
OF PERIOD
|
|
$
|
326,905
|
|
$
|
1,427,489
|
|
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, BEGINNING OF
PERIOD
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
7,477
|
|
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END
OF PERIOD
|
|
$
|
2,228,027
|
|
$
|
680,787
|
|
Supplemental
Disclosures:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
Paid During the Period for Interest:
|
|
$
|
247,400
|
|
$
|
`
154,288
|
|
Cash
Payment for Interest by Discontinued Operations
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
41,875
|
|
Cash
Paid for Taxes
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
Shares
Issued in Settlement of Registration Rights Penalties
|
|
|
144,351
|
|
|
-
|
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
Consolidated
Financial Statements - Unaudited
1.
Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies
Description
of Business -
Smart
Online, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated in the State of Delaware in 1993.
The Company develops and markets Internet-delivered Software-as-a-Service
(“SaaS”) software applications and data resources to help start and run small
businesses. Subscribers access the Company’s products through the websites of
its private label syndication partners, and its portal at www.onebiz.com.
Corporate information on the Company can be found at
www.smartonline.com.
Basis
of Presentation-
The
accompanying balance sheet as of September 30, 2007 and the statements of
operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and
2006 and the statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30,
2007 and 2006 are unaudited. The balance sheet as of December 31, 2006 is
obtained from the audited financial statements as of that date. The accompanying
statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements
and related notes, together with management's discussion and analysis of
financial position and results of operations, contained in the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 30, 2007 (the “2006
Annual Report”).
The
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). In the opinion of the
Company's management, the unaudited statements in this Quarterly Report on
Form
10-Q include all normal and recurring adjustments necessary for the fair
presentation of the Company's statement of financial position as of September
30, 2007, and its results of operations for the three months and nine months
ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006 and the statements of cash
flows
for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006. The results for the
three
months and nine months ended September 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative
of the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31,
2007.
The
Company continues to incur development expenses to enhance and expand its
products by focusing on establishing its Internet-delivered SaaS applications
and data resources. All allocable expenses to establish the technical
feasibility of the software have been recorded as research and development
expense. The ability of the Company to successfully develop and market its
products is dependent upon certain factors, including the timing and success
of
any new services and products, the progress of research and development efforts,
results of operations, the status of competitive services and products, and
the
timing and success of potential strategic alliances or potential opportunities
to acquire technologies or assets.
Significant
Accounting Policies -
In the
opinion of the Company's management, the significant accounting policies used
for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2007 are consistent
with those used for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004.
Accordingly, please refer to the 2006 Annual Report for our significant
accounting policies.
Reclassifications
- Certain
prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year
presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported
net
income or shareholders’ equity.
Revenue
Recognition -
The
Company derives revenue from the license of software platforms along with the
sale of associated maintenance, consulting, and application development
services. The arrangement may include delivery in multiple-element arrangements
if the customer purchases a combination of products and/or services. The Company
uses the residual method pursuant to American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants (“AICPA”) Statement of Position 97-2, Software
Revenue Recognition
(“SOP
97-2”), as amended. This method allows the Company to recognize revenue for a
delivered element when such element has vendor specific objective evidence
(“VSOE”) of the fair value of the delivered element. If VSOE cannot be
determined or maintained for an element, it could impact revenues as all or
a
portion of the revenue from the multiple-element arrangement may need to be
deferred.
If
multiple-element arrangements involve significant development, modification
or
customization or if it is determined that certain elements are essential to
the
functionality of other elements within the arrangement, revenue is deferred
until all elements necessary to the functionality are provided by the Company
to
a customer. The determination of whether the arrangement involves significant
development, modification or customization could be complex and require the
use
of judgment by management.
The
amount of revenue to be recognized from development and consulting services
is
typically based on the amount of work performed within a given period. Revenue
recognition is typically based on estimates involving total costs to complete
and the stage of completion. The assumptions and estimates made to determine
the
total costs and stage of completion may affect the timing of revenue
recognition. Changes in estimates of progress to completion and costs to
complete are accounted for as cumulative catch-up adjustments.
Under
SOP
97-2, provided the arrangement does not require significant development,
modification or customization, revenue is recognized when all of the following
criteria have been met:
|
1.
|
persuasive
evidence of an arrangement exists
|
|
3.
|
the
fee is fixed or determinable
|
|
4.
|
collectability
is probable
|
If
at the
inception of an arrangement, the fee is not fixed or determinable, revenue
is
deferred until the arrangement fee becomes due and payable. If collectability
is
deemed not probable, revenue is deferred until payment is received or collection
becomes probable, whichever is earlier. The determination of whether fees are
collectible requires judgment of management, and the amount and timing of
revenue recognition may change if different assessments are made.
Fiscal
Year -
The
Company's fiscal year ends December 31. References to fiscal 2006, for example,
refer to the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006.
Use
of Estimates -
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires
management to make estimates and assumptions in the Company's financial
statements and notes thereto. Significant estimates and assumptions made by
management include the determination of the provision for income taxes, the
fair
market value of stock awards issued and the period over which revenue is
generated. Actual results could differ materially from those
estimates.
Software
Development Costs
- The
Company has not capitalized any direct or allocated overhead associated with
the
development of software products prior to general release. Statement of
Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 86,
Accounting for the Costs of Software to Be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise
Marketed,
requires capitalization of certain software development costs subsequent to
the
establishment of technological feasibility. Based on the Company's product
development process, technological feasibility is established upon completion
of
a working model. Costs related to software development incurred between
completion of the working model and the point at which the product is ready
for
general release historically have been insignificant.
Impairment
of Long-Lived Assets
-
Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles are reviewed for
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets
to
be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset
to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets
are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured
by
the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value
of
the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying
amount or fair value less costs to sell.
Advertising
Costs -
The
Company expenses all advertising costs as they are incurred. The amounts charged
to sales and marketing expense during the third quarter of 2007 and 2006 were
$11,133 and $104, respectively. The amounts charged to sales and marketing
expense during the first nine months of 2007 and 2006 were $26,802 and $42,419,
respectively. There were no barter advertising expenses for the three months
ending September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, respectively, and $0 and
$37,915 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006,
respectively.
Net
Loss per Share -
Basic
loss per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares
outstanding during the relevant periods. Diluted loss per share is computed
using the weighted-average number of common and dilutive common equivalent
shares outstanding during the relevant periods.
Common equivalent shares consist of redeemable preferred stock, stock options
and warrants that are computed using the treasury stock method.
Stock-Based
Compensation -
In
December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS
No. 123 (revised 2004),
Share-Based Payment
(“SFAS
No. 123R”), which replaces SFAS No. 123,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
(“SFAS
No. 123”), and supersedes Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No.
25,
Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees
(“APB
No. 25”). SFAS No. 123R requires all share-based payments, including grants of
employee stock options and restricted stock, to be recognized in the financial
statements based on their fair values. Under SFAS No. 123R, public companies
are
required to measure the costs of services received in exchange for stock
options, restricted stock and similar awards based on the grant date fair value
of the awards and recognize this cost in the income statement over the period
during which an award recipient is permitted to provide service in exchange
for
the award. The pro forma disclosures previously permitted under SFAS No. 123
are
no longer an alternative to financial statement recognition.
The
Company maintains stock-based compensation arrangements under which employees,
consultants and directors may be awarded grants of unrestricted and restricted
stock. Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123R using
the Modified Prospective Approach. Under the Modified Prospective Approach,
the
amount of compensation cost recognized includes: (i) compensation cost for
all share-based payments granted prior to, but not yet vested as of,
January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance
with the provisions of SFAS No. 123 and (ii) compensation cost for all
share-based payments that will be granted subsequent to January 1, 2006,
based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions
of SFAS No. 123R. Upon adoption, the Company recognizes the stock-based
compensation of previously granted share-based awards and new share-based awards
under the straight-line method over the requisite service period. Total
stock-based compensation expense recognized under SFAS No. 123R was
approximately $194,325 and $574,344 for the three months and nine months ended
September 30, 2007, respectively. Total stock-based compensation expense
recognized under SFAS No. 123R was approximately $173,428 and $622,442 for
the
three months and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively.
No stock-based compensation was capitalized in the consolidated financial
statements.
The
fair
value of option grants under the Company's 2004 Equity Compensation Plan (the
“2004 Plan”) and other stock options outstanding during the three months and
nine months ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006 was estimated using
the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions:
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|
|
|
September 30,
2007
|
|
September 30,
2006
|
|
September 30,
2007
|
|
September 30,
2006
|
|
Dividend
yield
|
|
|
0.0
|
%
|
|
0.
00
|
%
|
|
0.0
|
%
|
|
0.
00
|
%
|
Expected
volatility
|
|
|
150
|
%
|
|
48.6
|
%
|
|
150
|
%
|
|
150
|
%
|
Risk
free interest rate
|
|
|
4.59
|
%
|
|
4.64
|
%
|
|
4.59
|
%
|
|
4.64
|
%
|
Expected
lives (years)
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
5
|
|
The
expected lives of the options represents the estimated period of time until
exercise or forfeiture and is based on historical experience of similar awards.
Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s
common stock over a period of time. The risk free interest rate is based on
the
published yield available on U.S. treasury issues with an equivalent term
remaining equal to the expected life of the option.
Compensation
expense is recognized only for option grants expected to vest. The Company
estimates forfeitures at the date of grant based on historical experience and
future expectation.
The
following is a summary of the stock option activity for the nine months ended
September 30, 2007:
|
|
Shares
|
|
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE,
December 31, 2006
|
|
|
2,360,100
|
|
$
|
5.33
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
$
|
2.80
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
160,800
|
|
$
|
4.49
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
$
|
1.30
|
|
BALANCE,
September 30, 2007
|
|
|
2,199,300
|
|
$
|
5.40
|
|
Recently
Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In
September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157,
Fair
Value Measurements
(“SFAS
No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for
measuring fair value in U.S. GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value
measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that
require or permit fair value measurements, the FASB having previously concluded
in those accounting pronouncements that fair value is a relevant measurement
attribute. Accordingly, SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value
measurements. However, for some entities, the application of SFAS No. 157 will
change current practices. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements
for
fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Earlier application is permitted
provided that the reporting entity has not yet issued financial statements
for
that fiscal year. Management does not believe that the adoption of SFAS No.
157
will have a material impact on the Company's results of operations or financial
condition once adopted.
In
February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159,
The
Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Including
an
amendment of FASB Statement No. 115
(“SFAS
No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 provides companies with an option to measure, at
specified election dates, many financial instruments and certain other items
at
fair value that are not currently measured at fair value. A company that adopts
SFAS No. 159 will report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the
fair
value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date.
SFAS No. 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed
to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement
attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 159 is
effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Management does
not believe that the adoption of SFAS No. 159 will have a material impact on
the
Company's results of operations or financial condition once
adopted.
2.
PRESENTATION OF SUBSIDIARIES
As
more
fully detailed in the 2006 Annual Report, the Company completed two acquisitions
in October 2005. On October 4, 2005, the Company purchased substantially all
of
the assets of Computility, Inc. (“Computility”). In consideration for the
purchased assets, the Company issued the seller 484,213 shares of the Company's
common stock and assumed certain liabilities of Computility totaling
approximately $1.9 million. The shares were valued at $7.30 per share,
which was the median trading price on the acquisition date. The total purchase
price, including liabilities assumed, was approximately $5.8 million including
approximately $228,000 of acquisition fees. The
Company operated this business under the name Smart CRM, Inc. (d/b/a
Computility) (“Smart CRM”).
On
October 18, 2005, the Company completed its purchase of all of the capital
stock
of iMart Incorporated (“iMart”), a Michigan based company providing
multi-channel electronic commerce systems. The Company issued 205,767 shares
of
its common stock to iMart's stockholders and agreed to pay iMart's stockholders
approximately $3,462,000 in cash installments. This cash amount was payable
in
four equal payments of $432,866 on the first business day of each of January
2006, April 2006, July 2006 and October 2006. The final installment payment
of
approximately $1.7 million was payable in January 2007. As of January 2007,
the
entire purchase price was paid in full. The shares were valued at $8.825 per
share, which was the median trading price on the acquisition date. The total
purchase price for all of the outstanding iMart shares was approximately $5.3
million including approximately $339,000 of acquisition fees. The
Company operates this subsidiary as Smart
Commerce, Inc. (d/b/a iMart) (“Smart Commerce”).
Upon
the
Company's successful integration of the sales force automation and customer
relationship management (“SFA/CRM”) application into its OneBizSM
platform, management deemed the remaining operations of Smart CRM, specifically
consulting and network management, to be non-strategic to ongoing operations.
On
September 29, 2006, the Company, Smart CRM and Alliance Technologies, Inc.
("Alliance") executed and delivered an Asset Purchase Agreement pursuant to
which Alliance acquired substantially all of the assets of Smart CRM. In
accordance with SFAS No. 144,
Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,
the
Company has reported the operating results for Smart CRM as discontinued
operations. For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2006,
the
revenues associated with the discontinued operations were $462,468 and
$1,497,002, respectively. For the three months and nine months ended September
30, 2006, the net losses associated with the discontinued operations were
$(2,329,429) and $(2,525,563), respectively. Because the sale had been completed
in 2006, the 2007 periods contain no results of discontinued
operations.
3.
SUBSCRIPTION REVENUE
Effective
January 1, 2007, a major customer executed a letter of clarification which
more
clearly defined the roles and responsibilities of each party. Individual
Business Owners (“IBOs”) associated with this customer are provided e-commerce,
domain name and email services. In exchange for marketing these services to
its
IBOs, the customer is paid a marketing fee. At the inception of the business
relationship, it was agreed that the customer would collect the gross service
fee from the IBOs, and the customer would retain its marketing fee and remit
the
net remaining cash to the Company. Because the roles and responsibilities of
each party were vaguely defined in the past, revenue was recorded only on the
net cash received. Following the execution of the letter of clarification and
in
accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 99-19, Reporting
Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent, this
revenue is now recorded as the gross amount paid by the IBO and a sales and
marketing expense is recorded for the marketing services rendered by the
customer. Ultimately, the effect on net income is nil; however, subscription
revenue and sales and marketing expense are effectively and appropriately
grossed up. Because the new accounting method was triggered by a clarification
to the existing agreement and not by a change from one accepted accounting
method to another, the 2006 subscription revenue was not retroactively adjusted
as would be required by SFAS No. 154,
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections - a replacement of APB Opinion No.
20
and FASB Statement No. 3.
For the
three months and nine months ended September 30, 2007, this accounting method
resulted in approximately $203,000 and $691,000, respectively, of additional
subscription revenue and a corresponding charge to sales and marketing
expense.
4.
INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION
SFAS
No.
131,
Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information
(“SFAS
No. 131”), establishes standards for the way in which public companies disclose
certain information about operating segments in their financial reports.
Consistent with SFAS No. 131, the Company has defined two reportable segments,
described below, based on factors such as geography, how the Company manages
its
operations and how its chief operating decision maker views results.
Smart
Commerce revenue is generally composed of subscription fees, professional
services fees and licensing fees related to domain name subscriptions,
e-commerce or networking consulting or networking maintenance
agreements.
The
Smart
Online segment generates revenue from the development and distribution of
internet-delivered SaaS small business applications through a variety of
subscription, licensing, integration and syndication channels.
The
Company includes costs such as corporate general and administrative expenses
and
share-based compensation expenses that are not allocated to specific segments
in
the Smart Online segment, which includes the parent or corporate
segment.
The
following table shows the Company's financial results by reportable segment
for
the three months ended September 30, 2007:
|
|
Smart
Online,
Inc.
|
|
Smart
Commerce,
Inc.
|
|
Consolidated
|
|
REVENUES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Syndication
Fees
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
Subscription
Fees
|
|
|
13,892
|
|
|
816,768
|
|
|
830,660
|
|
Professional
Services Fees
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
378,068
|
|
|
378,068
|
|
License
Fees
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
Other
Revenues
|
|
|
1,117
|
|
|
4,350
|
|
|
5,467
|
|
Total
Revenues
|
|
$
|
30,009
|
|
$
|
1,399,186
|
|
$
|
1,429,195
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COST
OF REVENUES
|
|
$
|
60,748
|
|
$
|
107,287
|
|
$
|
168,035
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
EXPENSES
|
|
$
|
1,756,889
|
|
$
|
913,262
|
|
$
|
2,670,151
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
INCOME (LOSS)
|
|
$
|
(1,787,628
|
)
|
$
|
378,637
|
|
$
|
(1,408,991
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSE)
|
|
$
|
(126,424
|
)
|
$
|
(27,311
|
)
|
$
|
(153,735
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET
INCOME/(LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
|
|
$
|
(1,914,052
|
)
|
$
|
351,326
|
|
$
|
(1,562,726
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
ASSETS
|
|
$
|
6,564,696
|
|
$
|
3,686,492
|
|
$
|
10,251,187
|
|
The
following table shows the Company's financial results by reportable segment
for
the nine months ended September 30, 2007:
|
|
Smart
Online,
Inc.
|
|
Smart
Commerce,
Inc.
|
|
Consolidated
|
|
REVENUES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Integration
Fees
|
|
$
|
5,000
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
5,000
|
|
Syndication
Fees
|
|
|
45,000
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
45,000
|
|
Subscription
Fees
|
|
|
41,426
|
|
|
1,998,817
|
|
|
2,040,243
|
|
Professional
Services Fees
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
984,548
|
|
|
984,548
|
|
License
Fees
|
|
|
280,000
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
480,000
|
|
Other
Revenues
|
|
|
6,802
|
|
|
13,918
|
|
|
20,720
|
|
Total
Revenues
|
|
$
|
378,228
|
|
$
|
3,197,283
|
|
$
|
3,575,511
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COST
OF REVENUES
|
|
$
|
109,522
|
|
$
|
246,420
|
|
$
|
355,942
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
EXPENSES
|
|
$
|
4,743,036
|
|
$
|
2,296,646
|
|
$
|
7,039,682
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
INCOME (LOSS)
|
|
$
|
(4,474,330
|
)
|
$
|
654,217
|
|
$
|
(3,820,113
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSE)
|
|
$
|
(168,106
|
)
|
$
|
(99,009
|
)
|
$
|
(267,115
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET
INCOME/(LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
|
|
$
|
(4,642,436
|
)
|
$
|
555,208
|
|
$
|
(4,087,228
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
ASSETS
|
|
$
|
6,564,696
|
|
$
|
3,686,492
|
|
$
|
10,251,187
|
|
5.
ASSETS & LIABILITIES
Accounts
Receivable, Net
The
Company evaluates the need for an allowance for doubtful accounts based on
specifically identified amounts that management believes to be uncollectible.
Management also records an additional allowance based on management's assessment
of the general financial conditions affecting its customer base. If actual
collections experience changes, revisions to the allowance may be required.
Based on these criteria, management has recorded an allowance for doubtful
accounts of approximately $65,000 and $65,000 as of September 30, 2007 and
December 31, 2006, respectively.
Restricted
Cash
Under
the
terms of a promissory note between Smart Commerce and Fifth Third Bank, $250,000
on deposit at Fifth Third Bank serves as loan collateral and is restricted.
Such
restricted cash is scheduled to be released from the restrictions in three
equal
installments of approximately $83,000, on June 30, 2007, December 31, 2007
and
June 30, 2008, if the Company meets certain debt covenants regarding operating
metrics for Smart Commerce. Those
operating metrics relate to Smart Commerce’s actual results of operations as
compared to certain projections provided to Fifth Third Bank at the inception
of
the loan. The metrics for the June 30, 2007 release were not met, and therefore,
no cash has yet been released.
Deferred
Financing Costs
In
order
to secure a modification to a line of credit with Wachovia Bank, NA (“Wachovia”)
(see Note 6 - Notes Payable), Atlas Capital, S.A. (“Atlas”) provided the Company
with a modified letter of credit. In exchange for the modified letter of credit,
the Company issued Atlas a warrant to purchase 444,444 shares of common stock
at
$2.70 per share (see Note 7 - Stockholders' Equity). The fair value of that
warrant was $734,303 as measured using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model
at
the time the warrant was issued. Such amount was recorded as deferred financing
costs and is being amortized to interest expense in the amount of $37,657 per
month over the remaining period of the modified line of credit, which is
scheduled to expire in August 2008. As of September 30, 2007, the deferred
financing costs that will be amortized to interest expense over the next twelve
months, or $414,220, were classified as current assets.
Accrued
Liabilities
At
December 31, 2006, the Company had accrued liabilities totaling $301,266. This
amount consisted primarily of $107,333 of liability accrued related to the
development of the Company’s custom accounting application, $56,997 related to
its internal investigation conducted during 2006 and $25,000 accrued liability
related to a lawsuit against the Company for legal fees incurred by an
independent director in connection with the suspension of trading of the
Company’s securities. At September 30, 2007, total accrued liabilities increased
to $629,997. This amount reflects the addition of $300,000 of additional accrued
liability as a reserve for the current litigation involving the
Company.
Deferred
Revenue
At
December 31, 2006, deferred revenue consisted of the short-term and long-term
portion of cash received related to one or two year subscriptions for domain
names and/or email accounts. At September 30, 2007, deferred revenue consisted
of the same domain name and e-mail types of deferred revenue in the amount
of
$254,633. In addition, at September 30, 2007, the Company had deferred $480,000
of perpetual licensing revenue related to two customers that did not meet all
the criteria of SOP 97-2. Such deferred revenue will be recognized as cash
is
received or collectability becomes probable.
6.
NOTES PAYABLE
As
of
September 30, 2007, the Company had notes payable totaling $3,353,209. The
detail of these notes is as follows:
Note Description
|
|
Short-Term
Portion
|
|
Long-Term
Portion
|
|
TOTAL
|
|
Maturity
|
|
Rate
|
|
Wachovia
Credit Line
|
|
$
|
2,052,000
|
|
|
-
|
|
$
|
2,052,000
|
|
|
Aug
`08
|
|
|
Libor
+ 0.9%
|
|
Fifth
Third Loan
|
|
$
|
900,000
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
1,050,000
|
|
|
Nov
`08
|
|
|
Prime
+ 1.5%
|
|
Ailco
Financial
|
|
|
6,987
|
|
|
15,863
|
|
|
22,850
|
|
|
June
‘10
|
|
|
18%
|
|
Acquisition
Fee (iMart)
|
|
|
209,177
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
209,177
|
|
|
Oct
‘07
|
|
|
8%
|
|
Acquisition
Fee (Computility)
|
|
|
19,182
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
19,182
|
|
|
Mar
‘07
|
|
|
8%
|
|
TOTAL
|
|
$
|
3,187,346
|
|
$
|
165,863
|
|
$
|
3,353,209
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On
January 24, 2007, the Company entered into an amendment to its line of credit
with Wachovia. The amendment resulted in an increase in the line of credit
from
$1.3 million to $2.5 million. The pay-off date for the line of credit was also
extended from August 1, 2007 to August 1, 2008. Interest accrues on the unpaid
principal balance at the LIBOR Market Index Rate plus 0.9%. The line of credit
is secured by the Company's deposit account at Wachovia and an irrevocable
standby letter of credit in the amount of $2,500,000 issued by HSBC Private
Bank
(Suisse) S.A. with Atlas as account party. As of September 30, 2007, the Company
has drawn down approximately $2.1 million on the line of credit.
7.
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common
Stock and Warrants
During
the nine months ended September 30, 2007, a total of 159,500 shares of
restricted stock were issued. A total of 55,000 shares of restricted stock
were
issued to the Company’s independent directors in accordance with the Company’s
board compensation policy. The restrictions on such shares lapse with respect
to
the number of shares equal to 25% of the total securities issued over the
subsequent four quarters provided that the director remains on the Board of
Directors at the time each quarter commences. A total of 25,000 shares of
restricted stock were issued to the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer,
with the restrictions on such shares lapsing with respect to the number of
shares equal to 12.5% of the total securities issued over the subsequent eight
quarters, provided that at the time each quarter commences, the officer is
still
employed as an officer of Company. Finally, a total of 79,500 shares of
restricted stock were issued to various employees, one of whom is an officer.
Restrictions lapse as to one-third of these shares upon grant, with restrictions
lapsing on the remaining shares over the next two years provided the respective
employee remains employed by the Company.
In
a
transaction that closed on February 21, 2007, the Company sold an aggregate
of
2,352,941 shares of its common stock to two new investors (the “Investors”). The
private placement shares were sold at $2.55 per share pursuant to a Securities
Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”) between the Company and each of the Investors.
The aggregate gross proceeds to the Company were $6 million, and the Company
has
incurred issuance costs of approximately $637,000 as of September 30, 2007.
Under the SPA, the Company issued the Investors warrants for the purchase of
an
aggregate of 1,176,471 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.00
per
share. These warrants contain a provision for cashless exercise and must be
exercised, if at all, by February 21, 2010.
The
Company and each of the Investors also entered into a Registration Rights
Agreement (the “Investor RRA”) whereby the Company had an obligation to register
the shares for resale by the Investors by filing a registration statement within
30 days of the closing of the private placement, and to have the registration
statement declared effective 60 days after actual filing, or 90 days after
actual filing if the SEC reviewed the registration statement. If a registration
statement was not timely filed or declared effective by the date set forth
in
the Investor RRA, the Company would have been obligated to pay a cash penalty
of
1% of the purchase price on the day after the filing or declaration of
effectiveness was due, and 0.5% of the purchase price per every 30-day period
thereafter, to be prorated for partial periods, until the Company fulfilled
these obligations. Under no circumstances could the aggregate penalty for late
registration or effectiveness exceed 10% of the aggregate purchase price. Under
the terms of the Investor RRA, the Company could not offer for sale or sell
any
securities until May 22, 2007, subject to certain limited exceptions, unless,
in
the opinion of the Company's counsel, such offer or sale did not jeopardize
the
availability of exemptions from the registration and qualification requirements
under applicable securities laws with respect to this placement. On March 28,
2007, the Company entered into an amendment to the Investor RRA with each
Investor to extend the registration filing obligation date by an additional
eleven calendar days. On April 3, 2007, the Company filed the registration
statement within the extended filing obligation period, thereby avoiding the
first potential penalty. Effective July 2, 2007, the Company entered into
another amendment to the Investor RRA to extend the registration effectiveness
obligation date to July 31, 2007. On July 31, 2007, the SEC declared the
registration statement effective. Accordingly, the Company met all of its
requirements under the amended Investor RRA and no penalties were
incurred.
As
part
of the commission paid to Canaccord Adams Inc. (“CA”), the Company's placement
agent in the transaction described above, CA was issued a warrant to purchase
35,000 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $2.55 per
share. This warrant contains a provision for cashless exercise and must be
exercised by February 21, 2012. CA and the Company also entered into a
Registration Rights Agreement (the “CA RRA”). Under the CA RRA, the shares
issuable upon exercise of the warrant were required to be included on the same
registration statement the Company was obligated to file under the Investor
RRA
described above, but CA was not entitled to any penalties for late registration
or effectiveness.
As
incentive to modify a letter of credit relating to the Wachovia line of
credit (see Note 6 - Notes Payable), the Company entered into a Stock
Purchase Warrant and Agreement (the “Warrant Agreement”) with Atlas on January
15, 2007. Under the terms of the Warrant Agreement, Atlas received a warrant
to
purchase up to 444,444 shares of the Company's common stock at $2.70 per share
at the termination of the line of credit or if the Company is in default under
the terms of the line of credit with Wachovia. If the warrant is exercised
in
full, it will result in gross proceeds to the Company of approximately
$1,200,000.
On
March
29, 2007, the Company issued 55,666 shares of its common stock to certain
investors as registration penalties for its failure to timely file a
registration statement covering shares owned by those investors as required
pursuant to amendments to registration rights agreements between such investors
and the Company. On
July
20, 2007, the Company issued 27,427 additional shares as registration penalties
to certain investors who did not enter into amendments to certain registration
rights agreements.
On
July
30, 2007, certain of the Company’s affiliates entered into lock-up agreements
covering a portion of their shares (the “Lock-Up Agreements”). These agreements
restrict the sale of 1,296,623 shares of the Company’s common stock. Under the
terms of these Lock-Up Agreements, these affiliates cannot sell, pledge,
grant
or otherwise transfer the shares subject to the agreement for one year following
July 31, 2007. After one year, 2.5% of these shares per quarter are released
from these restrictions on a pro rata basis among these affiliates. All
remaining shares will be released from the Lock-Up Agreements on July 31,
2009.
These Lock-Up Agreements will otherwise terminate at the following times:
(A) if
the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Company and declared
effective on July 31, 2007 (the “Registration Statement”) is terminated, the
earlier of (i) the date of termination if no shares were sold, or (ii) the
date
any proceeds received from public investors are placed in the mail for return;
(B) the date the Company’s common stock is listed on a national securities
exchange, or (C) 30 days following the date the persons signing these Lock-Up
Agreements are no longer affiliates.
Equity
Compensation Plans
On
April
11, 2007, the Company entered into a stock option agreement for the purchase
of
up to 20,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $2.80
per share with an independent director. Under the terms of the option agreement,
this option vests in equal quarterly increments on February 16, 2007, May
16,
2007, August 16, 2007, and November 16, 2007 if this director is serving
as a
member of the Company’s Board of Directors on such dates. These dates were
selected so that all shares will have vested by the first anniversary of
this
director’s appointment to the Board. In the event of a change of control or
reorganization of the Company (both as defined in the option agreement),
the
option vests as to all shares on the date of such event.
In
June
2007, the Company limited the issuance of shares of its common stock reserved
under the 2004 Plan to awards of restricted or unrestricted stock. Also in
June
2007, the non-interested members of the Company’s Board of Directors approved an
offer for certain holders of outstanding options with an exercise price of
$2.50
per share or greater, including such options held by the Company’s named
executive officers and directors, to exchange the outstanding options for
a
certain number of shares of restricted stock. In this offer, the Company
intends
to divide the outstanding options into classes based on the exercise price
and
the remaining expected life of the option and to use the Black-Scholes
option-pricing model in its determination of the exchange ratios for the
several
classes of eligible options. The Company targets using exchange ratios such
that
the eligible options surrendered for cancellation would exceed the number
of
shares of restricted stock that would be received in exchange for such options.
The exchange offer has not commenced and will not commence until certain
actions
are taken by the Company, including the filing of a tender offer statement
and
offer to exchange on Schedule TO with the SEC.
The
following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at
September 30, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Currently
Exercisable
|
|
Exercise
Price
|
|
Number of
Shares
Outstanding
|
|
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(Years)
|
|
Weighted
Average Exercise
Price
|
|
Number of
Shares
|
|
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
|
|
From
$1.30 to $1.43
|
|
|
575,000
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
$
|
1.41
|
|
|
575,000
|
|
$
|
1.41
|
|
From
$2.50 to $3.50
|
|
|
432,500
|
|
|
7.0
|
|
$
|
3.34
|
|
|
284,708
|
|
$
|
3.44
|
|
$5.00
|
|
|
211,600
|
|
|
8
|
|
$
|
5.00
|
|
|
196,600
|
|
$
|
5.00
|
|
$7.00
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
8.3
|
|
$
|
7.00
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
$
|
7.00
|
|
From
$8.61 to $9.00
|
|
|
570,000
|
|
|
7.9
|
|
$
|
8.71
|
|
|
200,700
|
|
$
|
8.68
|
|
From
$9.60 to $9.82
|
|
|
260,200
|
|
|
0.7
|
|
$
|
9.82
|
|
|
210,080
|
|
$
|
9.82
|
|
Dividends
The
Company has not paid any cash dividends through September 30, 2007.
8.
MAJOR CUSTOMERS AND CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
The
Company derives a significant portion of its revenues from certain customer
relationships. The following is a summary of customers that represent greater
than ten percent of total revenues for their respective time
periods:
|
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended
September
30, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
% of Total Revenues
|
|
Customer
A
|
|
|
License
Fees
|
|
$
|
218,330
|
|
|
15
|
%
|
Customer
B
|
|
|
Subscriptions
|
|
$
|
425,778
|
|
|
30
|
%
|
Customer
C
|
|
|
Professional Service
Fees
|
|
$
|
327,937
|
|
|
23
|
%
|
Others
|
|
|
Various
|
|
$
|
457,150
|
|
|
32
|
%
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,429,19529
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended
September
30, 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
% of Total Revenues
|
|
Customer
C
|
|
|
Professional Service
Fees
|
|
$
|
185,935
|
|
|
25
|
%
|
Customer
B
|
|
|
Subscription
|
|
$
|
352,553
|
|
|
47
|
%
|
Others
|
|
|
Various
|
|
$
|
210,718
|
|
|
28
|
%
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
749,206
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Nine
Months Ended
September
30, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
%
of Total Revenues
|
|
Customer
C
|
|
|
Professional Service
Fees
|
|
$
|
754,493
|
|
|
21
|
%
|
Customer
B
|
|
|
Subscription
|
|
$
|
1,562,319
|
|
|
44
|
%
|
Others
|
|
|
Various
|
|
$
|
1,258,699
|
|
|
35
|
%
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
3,575,511
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Nine
Months Ended
September
30, 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
%
of Total Revenues
|
|
Customer
B
|
|
|
Professional
Services
|
|
$
|
848,217
|
|
|
29
|
%
|
Customer
C
|
|
|
Subscription
|
|
$
|
1,365,826
|
|
|
46
|
%
|
Others
|
|
|
Various
|
|
$
|
733,942
|
|
|
25
|
%
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,947,985
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
As
of
September 30, 2007, the Company had three customers that accounted for 18%,
19%
and 34% of net receivables, respectively. As of September 30, 2006, the Company
had three customers that accounted for 11%, 29% and 50% of net receivables,
respectively.
9.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Please
refer to Part I, Item 3 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 for a description of material legal
proceedings, including the proceedings discussed below.
Securities
and Exchange Commission Litigation.
As
previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2006, the SEC temporarily suspended the trading of
the
Company’s securities on January 17, 2006 and advised the Company that it
was conducting
a non-public investigation. On September 11, 2007, the Company was informed
that
Dennis Michael Nouri, its then serving President, Chief Executive Officer,
and a
director, had been charged in a criminal complaint that alleges federal
securities fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud. The Company is not named
in the
criminal complaint. The U.S. government filed the complaint under seal on
August
1, 2007 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Also
named as defendants in the criminal complaint are Reeza Eric Nouri, a former
manager of the Company, and Ruben Serrano, Anthony Martin, James Doolan,
and
Alain Lustig, brokers alleged to have participated with the Nouris in the
alleged fraud. The criminal complaint alleges that the defendants, directly
and
indirectly, used manipulative and deceptive devices in violation of Sections
2
and 371 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code, Sections 10(b) and 32 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“the Exchange Act”), and Rule 10b-5
promulgated under the Exchange Act (“Rule 10b-5”). On November 8, 2007, as part
of this on-going action, the U.S. government filed a grand jury indictment
against Dennis Michael Nouri, Reeza Nouri, Reuben Serrano and Alain Lustig
in
the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The grand
jury
indictment charges these defendants with conspiracy to commit securities
fraud
in violation of Sections 78j(b) and 78 ff of Title 17 of the U.S. Code and
Rule
10b-5, wire fraud in violation of Sections 1343 and 1346 of Title 18 of the
U.S.
Code and commercial bribery in violation of Section 1952(a)(3) of Title 18
of
the U.S. Code and Sections 180.00 and 180.03 of the New York State Penal
Law.
Under the grand jury indictment, the U.S. government is seeking forfeiture
from
these defendants of all property, real and personal, that constitutes or
is
derived from proceeds traceable to the commission of the alleged securities
fraud offenses.
On
September 11, 2007, the SEC filed a civil action against the Company and
the
defendants named in the criminal complaint in the U.S. District Court for
the
Southern District of New York. The SEC complaint alleged that the defendants
in
this civil action, either directly or indirectly, engaged in transactions,
acts,
practices, and courses of business which constitute violations of Section
17(a)
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“the Securities Act”), Section 10(b)
of the Exchange Act, and Rule 10b-5. The SEC complaint sought to permanently
enjoin each of the civil defendants from committing future violations of
the
foregoing federal securities laws. The SEC complaint also requested that
each of
the defendants, excluding the Company, be required to disgorge his ill-gotten
gains and pay civil penalties. The SEC complaint further sought an order
permanently barring Michael Nouri from serving as an officer or director
of a
public company. The SEC complaint did not seek any fines or other monetary
penalties against the Company. On September 28, 2007, the Company agreed,
without admission of any liability, to the entry of a consent judgment against
it which permanently enjoins it from further violations of the antifraud
provisions of the federal securities laws, specifically Section 17(a) of
the
Securities Act, Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act, and Rule 10b-5. No fines
or
other monetary sanctions were levied against the Company. The consent judgment
settles the SEC complaint against the Company and was entered by the court
on
October 2, 2007. The litigation is continuing against the other
defendants.
Gooden
v. Smart Online, Inc.
On
October 18, 2007, Robyn L. Gooden filed a purported class action lawsuit
in the
United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina naming
the Company, certain of its current and former officers and directors, Maxim
Group, LLC, and Jesup & Lamont Securities Corp. as defendants. The lawsuit
was filed on behalf of all persons other than the defendants who purchased
the
Company’s securities from May 2, 2005 through September 28, 2007 and were
damaged. The complaint asserts violations of federal securities laws, including
violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5. The
complaint is based on the matters alleged in the SEC complaint described
above
and asserts that the defendants participated in a fraudulent scheme to
manipulate trading in the Company’s stock, allegedly causing plaintiffs to
purchase the stock at an inflated price. The complaint requests certification
of
the plaintiff as class representative and seeks, among other relief, unspecified
compensatory damages, including interest, plus reasonable costs and expenses,
including counsel fees and expert fees.
Nouri
v. Smart Online, Inc.
On
October 17, 2007, Henry Nouri, the Company’s former Executive Vice President,
filed a civil action against the Company in the General Court of Justice,
Superior Court Division, in Orange County, North Carolina. The complaint
alleges
that the Company had no “cause” to terminate Mr. Nouri’s employment and that it
breached Mr. Nouri’s employment agreement by notifying him that his employment
was terminated for cause, by failing to itemize the cause for the termination,
and by failing to pay him benefits to which he would have been entitled had
his
employment been terminated without “cause.” The complaint seeks unspecified
compensatory damages, including interest, a declaratory judgment that no
cause
existed for the termination of Mr. Nouri’s employment and that Mr. Nouri is
entitled to the benefits provided under his employment agreement for a
termination without “cause,” and costs and expenses.
At
this
time, the Company is not able to determine the likely outcome of the legal
matters described above, nor can it estimate its potential financial exposure.
The Company’s management has made an initial estimate based upon its knowledge,
experience and input from legal counsel, and the Company has accrued
approximately $300,000 of additional legal reserves. Such reserves will be
adjusted in future periods as more information becomes available.
10.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On
November 14, 2007, in an initial closing, the Company sold $3.3 million
aggregate principal amount of secured subordinated convertible notes due
November 14, 2010. In addition, the noteholders have committed to purchase
on a
pro rata basis up to $5.2 million aggregate principal of secured subordinated
notes upon approval and call by the Company’s Board of Directors in future
closings. The Company is obligated to pay interest on the notes at an annualized
rate of 8% payable in quarterly installments commencing on February 14, 2008.
The Company does not have the ability to prepay the notes without approval
of at
least a majority of the principal amount of the notes then outstanding.
On
the
earlier of the maturity date of November 14, 2010 or a merger, acquisition,
sale
of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or capital stock or similar
transaction, each noteholder in its sole discretion shall have the option
to:
|
·
|
convert
the principal then outstanding on its note into shares of the Company’s
common stock, or
|
|
·
|
demand
immediate repayment in cash of the note, including any accrued
and unpaid
interest.
|
If
a
noteholder elects to convert its note under these circumstances, the conversion
price for notes:
|
·
|
issued
in the initial closing on November 14, 2007 shall be a 20% premium
above
the average of the closing bid and asked prices of shares of the
Company’s
common stock quoted in the Over-The-Counter Market Summary averaged
over
five trading days prior to November 14, 2007;
and
|
|
·
|
issued
in any additional closings shall be the lesser of a 20% premium
above the
average of the closing bid and asked prices of shares of the Company’s
common stock quoted in the Over-The-Counter Market Summary (or,
if the
Company’s shares are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market
or another exchange, the closing price of shares of the Company’s common
stock quoted on such exchange) averaged over five trading days
prior to
the respective additional closing
date.
|
Payment
of the notes will be automatically accelerated if the Company enters voluntary
or involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings.
The
notes
and the common stock into which they may be converted have not been registered
under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction.
As a
result, offers and sales of the notes were made pursuant to Regulation D
of the
Securities Act and only made to accredited investors that were the Company’s
existing stockholders. The investors include, among others, (i) The Blueline
Fund, who originally recommended Philippe Pouponnot, one of the Company’s
directors, for appointment to the Company’s Board of Directors, (ii) Atlas
Capital, S.A., who originally recommended Shlomo Elia, another one of the
Company’s directors, for appointment to the Board of Directors, and (iii)
William Furr, who is the father of Thomas Furr, one of the Company’s directors
and executive officers.
In
addition, if the Company proposes to file a registration statement to register
any of its
common stock
under
the Securities Act in connection with the public offering of such securities
solely for cash, subject to certain limitations, the Company shall give each
noteholder who has converted its notes into common stock the opportunity
to
include such shares of converted common stock in the registration. The Company
has agreed to bear the expenses for any of these registrations, exclusive
of any
stock transfer taxes, underwriting discounts and commissions.
On
November 6, 2007, Canaccord Adams Inc. agreed to waive any rights it held
under
its January 2007 engagement letter with the Company that it may have with
respect to the convertible note offering, including the right to receive
any
fees in connection with the offering.
2. MANAGEMENT'S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Information
set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains various forward-looking
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933,
or
the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
or
the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements consist of, among other things,
trend analyses, statements regarding future events, future financial
performance, our plan to build our business and the related expenses, our
anticipated growth, trends in our business, the effect of foreign currency
exchange rate and interest rate fluctuations on our business, the potential
impact of current litigation or any future litigation, the potential
availability of tax assets in the future and related matters, and the
sufficiency of our capital resources, all of which are based on current
expectations, estimates, and forecasts, and the beliefs and assumptions of
our
management. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,”
“estimate,” variations of such words, and similar expressions also are intended
to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements
are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to
predict. Therefore, actual results may differ materially and adversely from
those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Readers are directed to
risks
and uncertainties identified below, under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this
report, for factors that may cause actual results to be different than those
expressed in these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law,
we
undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking
statements for any reason.
Overview
We
develop and market Internet-delivered Software-as-a-Service, or SaaS, software
applications and data resources for small businesses. We reach small businesses
through (1) syndication arrangements with other companies that private label
our
software applications through their corporate web sites and (2) our own website
at www.onebiz.com. Our syndication relationships provide a cost and time
effective way to market our products and services to the small business sector.
We also provide solutions to companies developing customized IT applications
through the licensing of one of our platforms.
We
currently operate our company in two segments. Those segments are our core
operations, or the Smart Online segment, and the operations of our wholly-owned
subsidiary Smart Commerce, Inc., or the Smart Commerce segment. The Smart
Online
segment generates revenues from the development and distribution of
Internet-delivered SaaS small business applications through a variety of
subscription, licensing, integration and syndication channels. The Smart
Commerce segment generally generates revenue from subscription fees,
professional services fees, and licensing fees related to domain name
subscriptions, e-commerce or networking consulting or networking maintenance
agreements. We include costs such as corporate general and administrative
expenses and share-based compensation expenses that are not allocated to
specific segments in the Smart Online segment.
Sources
of Revenue
We
derive
revenues from the following sources:
|
·
|
Subscription
fees - monthly fees charged to end-users for access to our SaaS
applications.
|
|
·
|
License
fees –
fees charged for licensing of platforms or applications. Licenses
may be
perpetual or for a specific term.
|
|
·
|
Integration
fees - fees charged to partners to integrate their products into
our
syndication platform.
|
|
o
|
fees
charged to syndication partners to create a customized private-label
site.
|
|
o
|
barter
revenue derived from syndication agreements with media
companies.
|
|
·
|
Professional
services fees - fees related to consulting services which complement
our
other products and applications.
|
|
·
|
Other
revenues - revenues generated from non-core activities such as
sales of
shrink-wrapped products, original equipment manufacturer, or OEM,
contracts and miscellaneous other
revenues.
|
Our
current primary focus is to target established companies that have both a
substantial base of small business customers as well as a recognizable and
trusted brand name. We are also seeking to establish partnerships with smaller
companies with a specific vertical expertise catering to the small business
customer base that we view as more ready to adopt new technologies. Our goal
is
to enter into partnerships with these companies whereby they private label
our
products and offer them to their base of small business customers. We believe
the combination of the magnitude of their customer bases and their trusted
brand
names and recognition will help drive our subscription volume. In addition,
we
are targeting larger or developing enterprises that are developing a customized
application delivery system or IT solution that might utilize our platforms
as a
solution. Such enterprises might wish to use our platform(s) as the framework
into which they will integrate their own or other third-party applications,
or
they might wish to use all or some of our existing applications. Such solutions
generally would generate licensing revenue and potentially subscription revenue
for us if the customer desires that our applications be made a part of their
solution.
Subscription
revenues consist of sales of subscriptions directly to end-users, or to others
for distribution to end-users, hosting and maintenance fees, and e-commerce
website design fees. Subscription sales are made either on a subscription
or on
a “for fee” basis. Subscriptions, which include access to most of our offerings,
are payable in advance on a monthly basis and are typically paid via credit
card
of the individual end-user or the aggregating entity. We offer new subscribers
a
limited free use period and notify such free users that we will terminate
access
it they fail to become paid subscribers within a certain period of time.
We
expect lower net subscription fees from subscribers at the private label
syndication websites of our partners than from our main portal since our
syndication agreements require us to share revenue generated from syndication
sites with each respective partner. In the first nine months of 2007, 98%
of our
subscription revenue was generated by our Smart Commerce segment, and the
remaining 2% by our Smart Online segment. As of September 30, 2007, we had
an
aggregate of approximately 13,500 subscribers: approximately 13,100 through
our
Smart Commerce segment and 400 through our Smart Online segment.
Licensing
revenue consists of perpetual or term license agreements for the use of the
Smart Online platform, the Smart Commerce platform or any of our applications.
Perpetual license revenue is typically recorded in the period the license
is
sold and meets the requirements of American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants Statement of Position 97-2, Software
Revenue Recognition,
or SOP
97-2; specifically, that there is evidence of an arrangement, the product
has
been delivered, the fee is fixed and determinable, and collection is reasonably
assured. The revenue associated with term licenses is typically recorded
over
the period of the license. In the first nine months of 2007, 58% of our
licensing revenue was generated by our Smart Online segment and 42% by our
Smart
Commerce segment.
When
appropriate, we charge our partners a fee for private-labeling our website
in
their own customized interface (i.e., in the “look and feel” of our partners'
sites). This fee is based on the extent of the modifications required as
well as
the revenue sharing ratio that has been negotiated between us and our partner.
If a fee is charged for the production of the website and the modifications, it
is recorded as syndication revenue.
In
certain instances, we have integrated products offered by other companies
into
our products or websites. This integration approach is a means for the
integration partner to generate additional traffic to its own website or
revenue
for its own product while expanding the range of our products and services.
Such
revenue is recorded as integration revenue. Our integration contracts also
provide for us to receive a percentage of revenue generated by our partner.
Such
revenues have been immaterial during the nine months ended September 30,
2007.
Both
syndication and integration fees are recognized on a monthly basis over the
life
of the contract, although a significant portion of integration fees is received
upfront. Our contracts and support contracts are generally non-cancelable,
though customers typically have the right to terminate their contracts for
cause
if we fail to perform. We generally invoice our paying syndication or
integration partners in annual or monthly installments, and typical payment
terms provide that they pay us within 30 days of invoice. Invoiced amounts
are
recorded as accounts receivable and in deferred revenue or revenue
depending on whether the appropriate revenue recognition criteria have been
met.
In general, we collect our billings in advance of the service period. As
we
shift our focus to increasing subscription revenue, which we deem to have
the
greatest potential for future revenue growth, we have seen a decrease in
syndication and integration revenue through the first nine months of 2007,
and
we expect this decrease to continue through the remainder of the fiscal year.
In
the first nine months of 2007, 100% of our syndication and integration revenue
was generated by our Smart Online segment.
Professional
services fees are fees generated from consulting services. For example, a
partner may request that we re-design its website to better accommodate our
products or to improve its own website traffic. Such fees are typically billed
on a time and material basis and are recognized as revenue when these services
are performed and the customer is invoiced. In the nine months of 2007, 100%
of
our professional services revenue was generated by our Smart Commerce
segment.
Other
revenues consist primarily of non-core revenue sources such as traditional
shrink-wrap software sales and miscellaneous web services. It also includes
OEM
revenue generated through sales of our applications bundled with products
offered by manufacturers such as Dell, Gateway and CompUSA. Revenues from
OEM
arrangements are reported and paid to us on a quarterly basis. In the first
nine
months of 2007, 33% of our other revenues were generated by our Smart Online
segment and the remaining 67% were generated by our Smart Commerce
segment.
Cost
of Revenues
Cost
of
revenues is primarily composed of salaries associated with maintaining and
supporting integration and syndication partners and the cost of external
hosting
facilities associated with maintaining and supporting integration and
syndication partners. Historically, we have not capitalized any costs associated
with the development of our products and platforms. Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 86, Accounting
for the Costs of Computer Software to Be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise
Marketed,
or SFAS
No. 86, requires capitalization of certain software development costs subsequent
to the establishment of technological feasibility. Based on our product
development process, technological feasibility is established upon completion
of
a working model. Costs related to software development incurred between
completion of the working model and the point at which the product is ready
for
general release have been insignificant.
Operating
Expenses
In
previous years, our efforts primarily focused on basic product development
and
integration. In the fourth quarter of 2006, we shifted our focus to increasing
subscription revenue while concentrating our development efforts on enhancements
and customization of our proprietary platforms and applications. In the early
part of 2007, we also began to focus on licensing our platform products and
applications. As of September 30, 2007, we had 56 employees. Most employees
perform multiple functions.
Research
and Development.
Historically, we have not capitalized any costs associated with the development
of our products and platforms. SFAS No. 86 requires capitalization of certain
software development costs subsequent to the establishment of technological
feasibility. Because any such costs that would be capitalized following the
establishment of technological feasibility would immediately be written off
due
to uncertain realizability, all such costs have been recorded as research
and
development costs and expensed as incurred. Because of our proprietary, scalable
and secure multi-user architecture, we are able to provide all customers
with a
service based on a single version of our application. As a result, we do
not
have to maintain multiple versions, which enables us to have relatively low
research and development expenses as compared to traditional enterprise software
business models. We expect that in the future, research and development expenses
will increase substantially in absolute dollars, but decrease as a percentage
of
total revenue, as we hire additional personnel in both segments to enhance
and
customize our platforms and applications.
Sales
and Marketing.
Historically, we spent limited funds on marketing, advertising, and public
relations. Our business model of partnering with established companies with
extensive small business customer bases allows us to leverage the marketing
dollars spent by our partners rather than requiring us to incur such costs.
We
do not conduct any significant direct marketing or advertising programs.
Our
sales and marketing costs have increased significantly in 2007 due to the
addition of several sales personnel. As we begin to grow the number of
subscribers to our products, we expect sales and marketing expense to increase
due to the percentages of revenue we may be required to pay to partners as
marketing fees.
General
and Administrative.
General
and administrative expenses consist of salaries and related expenses for
executive, finance and accounting, legal, human resources, and information
technology personnel, professional fees, and other corporate expenses, including
facilities costs. We anticipate general and administrative expenses will
increase as we add personnel and incur additional professional fees and
insurance costs related to the growth of our business and to our operations
as a
public company. Non-recurring general and administrative expenses increased
significantly in 2006 as a result of the suspension of trading of our securities
by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, the related SEC
investigation, and the internal investigation of matters relating to that
suspension. Our expenses related to these matters decreased to an immaterial
amount in the fourth quarter of 2006 and first half of 2007. Due to legal
matters in which we are involved, as more fully described in Part II, Item
1,
“Legal Proceedings” of this report, legal fees increased significantly in the
third quarter of 2007, and we expect those increased costs to continue through
the first half of 2008. We also expect to incur additional material costs
in
2007 and 2008 as we take the necessary steps to comply with Section 404 of
the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Stock-Based
Expenses.
Our
operating expenses include stock-based expenses related to stock awards,
options
and warrants issued to employees and non-employees. These charges have been
significant and are reflected in our historical financial results. Effective
January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004),
Share-Based Payment,
or SFAS
No. 123R, which resulted and will continue to result in material costs on
a
prospective basis as long as a significant number of options are outstanding.
In
addition, in June 2007, we limited the issuance of awards under our 2004
Equity
Compensation Plan, or the 2004 Plan, to awards of restricted or unrestricted
stock and do not anticipate any further stock option awards to be granted
under
the 2004 Plan.
Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our
discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations
is
based upon our consolidated financial statements, which we prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates
and
judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues
and
expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities.
“Critical accounting policies and estimates” are defined as those most important
to the financial statement presentation and that require the most difficult,
subjective, or complex judgments. We base our estimates on historical experience
and on various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the
circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about
the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent
from
other sources. Under different assumptions and/or conditions, actual results
of
operations may materially differ. We periodically re-evaluate our critical
accounting policies and estimates, including those related to revenue
recognition, provision for doubtful accounts and sales returns, expected
lives
of customer relationships, useful lives of intangible assets and property
and
equipment, provision for income taxes, valuation of deferred tax assets and
liabilities, and contingencies and litigation reserves. Management has
consistently applied the same critical accounting policies and estimates
which
are fully described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2006.
Effective
January 1, 2007, a major customer executed a letter of clarification which
more
clearly defined the roles and responsibilities of each party. Individual
Business Owners, or IBOs, associated with this customer are provided e-commerce,
domain name and email services. In exchange for marketing these services
to its
IBOs, the customer is paid a marketing fee. At the inception of the business
relationship, it was agreed that the customer would collect the gross service
fee from the IBOs, and the customer would retain its marketing fee and remit
the
net remaining cash to us. Because the roles and responsibilities of each
party
were vaguely defined in the past, revenue was recorded only on the net cash
received. Following the execution of the letter of clarification and in
accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force, or EITF, 99-19, Reporting
Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent,
this
revenue is now recorded as the gross amount paid by the IBO and a sales and
marketing expense for the marketing services rendered by the customer.
Ultimately, the effect on net income is nil; however, subscription revenue
and
sales and marketing expense are effectively and appropriately recognized
on a
gross basis. Because the new accounting method was triggered by a clarification
to the existing agreement and not by a change from one accepted accounting
method to another, the 2006 subscription revenue was not retroactively adjusted
as would be required by SFAS No. 154,
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections - a replacement of APB Opinion No.
20
and FASB Statement No. 3,
or SFAS
No. 154. For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2007, this
accounting method resulted in approximately $203,000 and $691,000, respectively,
of additional subscription revenue and a corresponding charge to sales and
marketing expense.
We
derive
revenue from the licensing of software platforms along with the sale of
associated maintenance, consulting, and application development services.
The
arrangement may include delivery in multiple-element arrangements if the
customer purchases a combination of products and/or services. We use the
residual method pursuant to SOP 97-2. This method allows us to recognize
revenue
for a delivered element when such element has vendor specific objective
evidence, or VSOE, of the fair value of the delivered element. If VSOE cannot
be
determined or maintained for an element, it could impact revenues as all
or a
portion of the revenue from the multiple-element arrangement may need to
be
deferred.
If
multiple-element arrangements involve significant development, modification
or
customization or if it is determined that certain elements are essential
to the
functionality of other elements within the arrangement, revenue is deferred
until all elements necessary to the functionality are provided by us to a
customer. The determination of whether the arrangement involves significant
development, modification or customization could be complex and require the
use
of judgment by management.
The
amount of revenue to be recognized from development and consulting services
is
typically based on estimates involving total costs to complete, the stage
of
completion and the amount of work performed in a given period. The assumptions
and estimates made to determine total costs and stage of completion may affect
the timing of revenue recognition. Changes in estimates of progress to
completion and costs to complete are accounted for as cumulative catch-up
adjustments.
Under
SOP
97-2, provided the arrangement does not require significant development,
modification or customization, revenue is recognized when all of the following
criteria have been met:
|
1.
|
persuasive
evidence of an arrangement exists
|
|
3.
|
the
fee is fixed or determinable
|
|
4.
|
collectability
is probable
|
If
at the
inception of an arrangement, the fee is not fixed or determinable, revenue
is
deferred until the arrangement fee becomes due and payable. If collectability
is
deemed not probable, revenue is deferred until payment is received or collection
becomes probable, whichever is earlier. The determination of whether fees
are
collectible requires judgment of management, and the amount and timing of
revenue recognition could change if different assessments are made.
We
are
currently facing legal actions from stockholders as well as a former employee,
some of which relate to the charges filed against our former Chief Executive
Officer described in Part II, Item 1, “Legal Proceedings” in this report. At
this time, we are not able to determine the likely outcome of these legal
matters, nor can we estimate our potential financial exposure. Management
has
made an initial estimate based upon its knowledge, experience and input from
legal counsel, and we have accrued approximately $300,000 of additional legal
reserves. Such reserves will be adjusted in future periods as more information
becomes available.
Overview
of Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 and
September 30, 2006
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30, 2007
|
|
Three
Months Ended September 30, 2006
|
|
REVENUES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Integration
Fees
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
6,250
|
|
Syndication
Fees
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
57,352
|
|
Subscription
Fees
|
|
|
830,660
|
|
|
429,426
|
|
Professional
Services Fees
|
|
|
378,068
|
|
|
242,177
|
|
License
Fees
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
-
|
|
Other
Revenues
|
|
|
5,467
|
|
|
14,001
|
|
Total
Revenues
|
|
|
1,429,195
|
|
|
749,206
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COST
OF REVENUES
|
|
|
168,035
|
|
|
31,311
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GROSS
PROFIT
|
|
|
1,261,160
|
|
|
717,895
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
EXPENSES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General
and Administrative
|
|
|
1,398,170
|
|
|
1,208,044
|
|
Sales
and Marketing
|
|
|
635,201
|
|
|
135,027
|
|
Research
and Development
|
|
|
636,780
|
|
|
455,997
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
2,670,151
|
|
|
1,799,068
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LOSS
FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
|
|
|
(1,408,991
|
)
|
|
(1,081,173
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSE):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
Expense, Net
|
|
|
(139,124
|
)
|
|
(51,746
|
)
|
Takeback
of Investor Relations Shares
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
1,562,500
|
|
Legal
Reserve and Debt Forgiveness, Net
|
|
|
(39,477
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
Other
Income
|
|
|
24,866
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Other Income (Expense)
|
|
|
(153,735
|
)
|
|
1,510,754
|
|
NET
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
|
|
|
(1,562,726
|
)
|
|
429,581
|
|
DISCONTINUED
OPERATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss
of Operations of Smart CRM, net of tax
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(2,329,429
|
)
|
NET
LOSS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss attributed to common stockholders
|
|
$
|
(1,562,726
|
)
|
$
|
(1,899,848
|
)
|
NET
LOSS PER SHARE:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing
Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
and Fully Diluted
|
|
$
|
(0.09
|
)
|
|
0.03
|
|
Discontinued
Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
and Fully Diluted
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
(0.15
|
)
|
Net
Loss Attributed to Common Stockholders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$
|
(0.09
|
)
|
|
(0.13
|
)
|
Fully
Diluted
|
|
|
(0.09
|
) |
|
(0.12
|
)
|
SHARES
USED IN COMPUTING NET LOSS PER SHARE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
17,292,639
|
|
|
15,127,510
|
|
Fully
Diluted
|
|
|
17,292,639
|
|
|
15,387,110
|
|
The
following table shows our consolidated statements of operations data expressed
as a percentage of revenue for the periods indicated:
|
|
Three
Months Ended September 30, 2007
|
|
Three
Months Ended September 30,
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REVENUES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Integration
Fees
|
|
|
0
|
%
|
|
1
|
%
|
Syndication
Fees
|
|
|
1
|
%
|
|
8
|
%
|
Subscription
Fees
|
|
|
58
|
%
|
|
57
|
%
|
Professional
Services Fees
|
|
|
26
|
%
|
|
32
|
%
|
License
Fees
|
|
|
14
|
%
|
|
0
|
%
|
Other
Revenues
|
|
|
1
|
%
|
|
2
|
%
|
Total
revenues
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COST
OF REVENUES
|
|
|
12
|
%
|
|
4
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GROSS
PROFIT
|
|
|
88
|
%
|
|
96
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
EXPENSES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General
and Administrative
|
|
|
98
|
%
|
|
161
|
%
|
Sales
and Marketing
|
|
|
44
|
%
|
|
18
|
%
|
Research
and Development
|
|
|
45
|
%
|
|
61
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
187
|
%
|
|
240
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LOSS
FROM OPERATIONS
|
|
|
(99
|
)%
|
|
(144
|
)%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSE):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
Income (Expense), net
|
|
|
(10
|
)%
|
|
(7
|
)%
|
Other
Income
|
|
|
2
|
%
|
|
0
|
%
|
Takeback
of Investor Relations Shares
|
|
|
0
|
%
|
|
209
|
%
|
Legal
Reserve and Debt Forgiveness, Net
|
|
|
(3
|
)%
|
|
0
|
%
|
DISCONTINUED
OPERATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss
of Operations of Smart CRM, net of tax
|
|
|
0
|
%
|
|
(311
|
)%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET
INCOME(LOSS)
|
|
|
(109
|
)%
|
|
(254
|
)% |
Overview
of Results of Operations of the Three Months Ended September 30,
2007
Total
revenues were $1,429,000 for the third quarter of 2007 compared to $749,000
for
the third quarter of 2006, representing an increase of $680,000, or 91%.
Gross
profit increased $543,000, or 76%, to $1,261,000 from $718,000. Operating
expenses increased $871,000, or 48%, to $2,670,000 from $1,799,000. Loss
from
continuing operations grew to $1,409,000 from $1,081,000, an increase of
$328,000, or 30%, while net loss from continuing operations grew to $1,563,000
from a gain of $430,000, an increase in loss of $1,993,000. Net loss attributed
to common stockholders for the three months ended September 30, 2007 decreased
$337,000, or 18%, to $1,563,000 from $1,900,000. The net loss for the third
quarter of 2006 included other non-cash income of $1,562,500 related to the
takeback of certain investor relations shares. Net loss attributed to common
stockholders for the third quarter of 2007 decreased $337,000, or 18%, to
$1,563,000 from $1,900,000.
Comparison
of the Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2007
and
September 30, 2006
Revenues
Total
revenues were $1,429,000 for the third quarter of 2007 compared to $749,000
for
the third quarter of 2006 representing an increase of $680,000, or 91%. This
increase is primarily attributable to increases in revenue from license fees
of
$200,000, subscription fees of $402,000 and professional services fees of
$136,000, which were offset by decreases in integration revenue of $6,000,
syndication fees of $42,000 and other revenues of $9,000.
Revenues
from license fees increased to $200,000 for the third quarter of 2007 from
$0
for the third quarter of 2006 and represented 14% of our consolidated revenue
for the third quarter of 2007. This increase is attributable to a $400,000
platform license sale in our Smart Commerce segment in the second quarter
of
2007. Such revenue was deferred based on collectability issues. In the third
quarter of 2007, we received a payment of $200,000 related to that platform
license and the cash received was recognized as revenue in the third quarter
of
2007 in accordance with SOP 97-2.
Subscription
revenues increased $402,000, or 94%, to $831,000 for the third quarter of
2007
from $429,000 for the third quarter of 2006. This increase was due to
approximately $203,000 of additional revenue recorded in the third quarter
of
2007 due to our adoption of gross revenue reporting. As discussed above,
certain
subscription revenues that were recorded net for the third quarter of 2006
were
recorded as gross for the third quarter of 2007. Because the new accounting
method was triggered by a clarification to an existing agreement and not
by a
change from one accepted accounting method to another, the 2006 subscription
revenues were not retroactively adjusted as would be required by SFAS No.
154.
Therefore, subscription revenues for the third quarter of 2007 are not recorded
in the same manner as subscription revenues for the third quarter of
2006.
If
revenue from this customer had been recognized on a net basis (making it
comparable to the third quarter of 2006), subscription revenues for the third
quarter of 2007 would have been approximately $628,000, as compared to
approximately $429,000 in the same period of 2006, an increase of approximately
$199,000, or 46%. The remaining increase was the result of two new customers
in
our Smart Commerce segment, one of which launched in June 2007 and the other
in
July 2007.
Revenues
from professional services fees, all of which are derived from our Smart
Commerce segment, increased $136,000, or 56%, to $378,000 for the third quarter
of 2007 from $242,000 for the third quarter of 2006. This increase was
attributable to the addition of one new customer as well as additional services
being provided to one existing customer.
Integration
revenues decreased $6,250, or 100%, to $0 for the third quarter of 2007 as
compared to $6,250 for the same period in 2006. The third quarters of 2007
and
2006 also included $0 and $5,000, respectively, of revenue derived from barter
transactions. Almost all integration contract revenue was recognized by the
end
of 2006 and we have entered into no new integration agreements. As we shift
our
focus to growing subscription and license revenue, we have not sought any
new or
additional integration partners.
Syndication
revenues decreased $42,000, or 74%, to $15,000 for the third quarter of 2007
from $57,000 for the third quarter of 2006. This decrease primarily is due
to a
change in our strategy regarding syndication fees. In the past, we sought
and
received syndication fees as part of our contracts with partners to set up
private label websites. Currently, as part of our efforts to increase the
number
of subscribers to our services through these partnerships, we are no longer
seeking contracts which include such syndication fees and are focusing on
increasing subscription revenues from end subscribers. The $15,000 of recognized
syndication revenues in the third quarter of 2007 relates to a monthly hosting
fee in the amount of $5,000 from one syndication partner.
Other
revenues decreased $9,000, or 64%, to $5,000 for the third quarter of 2007
as
compared to $14,000 for the same period in 2006. This revenue is generated
from
non-core activities such as sales of shrink-wrapped products, OEM contracts
and
miscellaneous other revenues.
Cost
of Revenues
Cost
of
revenues increased $137,000, or 442%, to $168,000 in the third quarter of
2007
from $31,000 in the third quarter of 2006, primarily as a result of increased
hosting costs at our Smart Commerce segment related to hosting for additional
customers, which resulted in an increase in cost of revenues of approximately
$70,000. There was approximately $65,000 of additional expense incurred in
the
third quarter of 2007 at the Smart Online segment as compared to the third
quarter of 2006 related to the addition of several employees in our call
center
providing customer service which are categorized as cost of
revenues.
Operating
Expenses
Operating
expenses increased $871,000, or 48%, to $2,670,000 for the third quarter
of 2007
from $1,799,000 during the third quarter of 2006. This increase is primarily
due
to an increase in general and administrative expenses of approximately $190,000,
an increase in research and development expenses of approximately $181,000,
and
an increase in sales and marketing expense of approximately $500,000.
General
and Administrative
-
General and administrative expenses increased by $190,000, or 16%,
to $1,398,000 for the third quarter of 2007 from $1,208,000 for the third
quarter of 2006. This increase was primarily due to certain increases in
expenses at the Smart Online segment. There was an increase in wages and
associated taxes of approximately $73,000 related to the hiring of a new
Chief
Operating Officer as well as the appointment of an interim Chief Executive
Officer. Compensation expense required by SFAS No. 123R increased by $21,000
from the prior period as there have been several grants of restricted stock
which had portions vest in the third quarter of 2007. Legal and professional
fees increased by approximately $150,000 over the corresponding period in
2006
due to the legal fees incurred in connection with the legal proceedings brought
during the third quarter of 2007 against us, our former executive officer
and a
former employee. Rent for the period increased approximately $16,000 over
the
preceding period as a result of a rent increase at the North Carolina corporate
office and the addition of a sales office in Iowa, which was subsequently
closed
in September 2007. Board compensation increased by approximately $14,000
due to
the addition of independent directors between September 30, 2006 and 2007.
Investor relations expense increased approximately $15,000 as we retained
consultants to assist with our analysis of returning to a national market
and
address blue sky issues related to the registration statement we filed in
April
2007. These additions were offset by a reduction of approximately $116,000
of
registration rights penalties as we successfully filed a registration statement
in 2007 terminating such penalties. In the third quarter of 2006, we paid
a
commission of $55,000 to a related party in connection with the sale of our
Smart CRM segment. There was no corresponding charge in 2007. At the Smart
Commerce segment, credit card transaction fees increased by approximately
$23,000 in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the third quarter of 2006
as we
launched several new customer websites which generated revenue along with
associated credit card processing fees.
We
are
currently disputing our insurance carrier's refusal to cover certain legal
expenses related to our securities litigation matters. We contend that these
legal expenses should be reimbursed by our insurance carrier. Because the
outcome of this dispute is unclear, we have expensed all legal costs incurred
with respect to the SEC matters and our internal investigation, and we will
account for any insurance reimbursement, should there be any, in the period
such
amounts are reimbursed.
Sales
and Marketing
- Sales
and marketing expense increased to $635,000 in the third quarter of 2007
from
$135,000 in the third quarter of 2006, an increase of $500,000, or
370%. As
detailed in the Revenues section above, in the Smart Commerce segment, there
was
approximately $203,000 of additional revenue recorded in the third quarter
of
2007 due to our adoption of gross revenue reporting. A corresponding increase
in
sales and marketing expense of $203,000 was recorded in association with
the new
gross accounting method. In addition, the two new customers created revenue
share expense in the amount of approximately $215,000 for the third quarter
of
2007, for which there was no corresponding expense in the third quarter of
2006.
At the Smart Online segment, there was an increase in sales and marketing
wages
of approximately $38,000 as we had expanded our sales force in both our North
Carolina and Iowa offices earlier in 2007. The Iowa office was subsequently
closed in September of 2007 as part of our internal restructuring. During
the
second quarter of 2007, a former employee became a sales consultant, which
generated consulting expense of approximately $23,000 in the third quarter
of
2007 for which there was no corresponding expense in the third quarter of
2006.
That consulting contract was terminated in November of 2007.
Research
and Development
-
Research and development expense increased to $637,000 in the third quarter
of
2007 from $456,000 in the third quarter of 2006, an increase of approximately
$181,000, or 40%. This increase is due primarily to increased wages, payroll
taxes and commission expenses from the Smart Online segment of approximately
$178,000 as we added research and development personnel. We expect research
and
development expenses to increase during the last quarter of 2007 as a result
of
anticipated hiring of additional research and development personnel for both
the
Smart Online and Smart Commerce segments to enhance and customize our platforms
and applications and launch additional private label sites.
Other
Income (Expense)
We
incurred net interest expense of $139,000 during the third quarter of 2007
compared to $52,000 during the third quarter of 2006, an increase of
approximately $87,000, or 169%. Interest expense increased as a direct result
of
the notes payable to Fifth Third Bank related to the refinance of the debt
to
the sellers of iMart Incorporated, or iMart. The Fifth Third Bank note was
originated in the fourth quarter of 2006, so there was no corresponding interest
expense in the third quarter of 2006. The monthly interest on that note has
been
approximately $11,000 per month but decreases each month as our outstanding
principal balance is reduced. Additionally, interest expense of approximately
$33,000 was incurred during the third quarter of 2007 on our revolving line
of
credit with Wachovia Bank, NA, or Wachovia. We earned interest income of
$35,000
during the third quarter of 2007 on money market account deposits compared
to
$3,000 earned for the same period in 2006. The third quarter 2007 interest
income increase was attributable to the interest earned on the cash proceeds
of
the February 2007 private placement described in Note 7, “Stockholders’ Equity,”
to the consolidated financial statements in this report.
We
realized a gain of $211,000 during the third quarter of 2007 from negotiated
and
contractual releases of outstanding liabilities compared to $0 gain from
debt
forgiveness in the third quarter of 2006. During the third quarter of 2007,
we
recorded reserves of approximately $300,000 for legal expenses and losses
we
might incur as a result of the litigation we are facing.
Overview
of Results of Operation for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and
2006
|
|
Nine
Months Ended September 30, 2007
|
|
Nine
Months
Ended September 30, 2006
|
|
REVENUES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Integration
Fees
|
|
$
|
5,000
|
|
$
|
182,660
|
|
Syndication
Fees
|
|
|
45,000
|
|
|
183,619
|
|
Subscription
Fees
|
|
|
2,040,243
|
|
|
1,476,194
|
|
Professional
Services Fees
|
|
|
984,548
|
|
|
601,200
|
|
License
Fees
|
|
|
480,000
|
|
|
450,000
|
|
Other
Revenues
|
|
|
20,720
|
|
|
54,312
|
|
Total
Revenues
|
|
|
3,575,511
|
|
|
2,947,985
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COST
OF REVENUES
|
|
|
355,942
|
|
|
212,515
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GROSS
PROFIT
|
|
|
3,219,569
|
|
|
2,735,470
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
EXPENSES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General
and Administrative
|
|
|
3,567,385
|
|
|
4,844,464
|
|
Sales
and Marketing
|
|
|
1,563,653
|
|
|
666,940
|
|
Research
and Development
|
|
|
1,908,644
|
|
|
1,279,198
|
|
Total
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
7,039,682
|
|
|
6,790,602
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LOSS
FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
|
|
|
(3,820,113
|
)
|
|
(4,055,132
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSE):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
Expense, Net
|
|
|
(400,910
|
)
|
|
(190,802
|
)
|
Gain
on Debt Forgiveness
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
144,351
|
|
Takeback
of Investor Relations Shares
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
3,125,000
|
|
Gain
(Loss) from Legal Settlements
|
|
|
(34,877
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
Writeoff
of Investment
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(25,000
|
)
|
Other
Income
|
|
|
168,672
|
|
|
-
|
|
Total
Other Income (Expense)
|
|
|
(267,115
|
)
|
|
3,053,549
|
|
NET
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
|
|
|
(4,087,228
|
)
|
|
(1,001,583
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DISCONTINUED
OPERATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss
of Operations of Smart CRM, net of tax
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(2,525,563
|
)
|
NET
LOSS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss attributed to common stockholders
|
|
$
|
(4,087,228
|
)
|
$
|
(3,527,146
|
)
|
NET
LOSS PER SHARE:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing
Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
and Fully Diluted
|
|
$
|
(0.24
|
)
|
|
(0.07
|
)
|
Discontinued
Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
and Fully Diluted
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
(0.17
|
)
|
Net
Loss Attributed to Common Stockholders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$
|
(0.24
|
)
|
|
(0.23
|
)
|
Fully
Diluted
|
|
|
(0.24
|
)
|
|
(0.23
|
)
|
SHARES
USED IN COMPUTING NET LOSS PER SHARE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
and Fully Diluted
|
|
|
17,002,827
|
|
|
15,077,583
|
|
The
following table shows our consolidated statements of operations data expressed
as a percentage of revenue for the periods indicated:
|
|
Nine
Months Ended September 30, 2007
|
|
Nine
Months Ended September 30, 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REVENUES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Integration
fees
|
|
|
0
|
%
|
|
6
|
%
|
Syndication
fees
|
|
|
1
|
%
|
|
6
|
%
|
Subscription
fees
|
|
|
57
|
%
|
|
50
|
%
|
Professional
services fees
|
|
|
28
|
%
|
|
21
|
%
|
License
fees
|
|
|
1
|
%
|
|
15
|
%
|
Other
revenues
|
|
|
13
|
%
|
|
2
|
%
|
Total
revenues
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COST
OF REVENUES
|
|
|
10
|
%
|
|
7
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GROSS
PROFIT
|
|
|
90
|
%
|
|
93
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
EXPENSES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General
and administrative
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
164
|
%
|
Sales
and marketing
|
|
|
44
|
%
|
|
23
|
%
|
Research
and development
|
|
|
53
|
%
|
|
43
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
operating expenses
|
|
|
197
|
%
|
|
230
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LOSS
FROM OPERATIONS
|
|
|
(107
|
)%
|
|
(137
|
)%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSE):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
expense, net
|
|
|
(11
|
)%
|
|
(7
|
)%
|
Other
income
|
|
|
5
|
%
|
|
0
|
%
|
Writeoff
of investment
|
|
|
0
|
%
|
|
(1
|
)%
|
Takeback
of investor relations shares
|
|
|
0
|
%
|
|
106
|
%
|
Loss
on legal settlements
|
|
|
(1
|
)%
|
|
0
|
%
|
Gain
on debt forgiveness
|
|
|
0
|
%
|
|
5
|
%
|
Total
Other Income (Expense)
|
|
|
(7
|
)%
|
|
103
|
%
|
DISCONTINUED
OPERATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss
of Operations of Smart CRM, net of tax
|
|
|
0
|
%
|
|
(86
|
)%
|
NET
INCOME (LOSS)
|
|
|
(114
|
)%
|
|
(120
|
)%
|
Overview
of Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2007
Total
revenues were $3,576,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared
to $2,948,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, representing
an
increase of $628,000, or 21%. Gross profit increased $485,000, or 18%, to
$3,220,000 from $2,735,000. Operating expenses increased $249,000, or 4%,
to
$7,040,000 from $6,791,000. Loss from continuing operations decreased by
$235,000, or 6%, to $3,820,000 from $4,055,000, while net loss from continuing
operations grew by $3,085,000, or 303%, to $4,087,000 from $1,002,000. The
net
loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 included other non-cash
income
of $3,125,000 related to the takeback of certain investor relations shares.
Net
loss attributable to common stockholders for the nine months ended September
30,
2007 increased $560,000, or 16%, to $4,087,000 from $3,527,000.
Comparison
of the Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007
and
September 30, 2006
Revenues.
Total
revenues were $3,576,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared
to $2,948,000 for the same period of 2006, representing an increase of $628,000,
or 21%. This increase is primarily attributable to increases in subscription
fees of $564,000, professional services fees of $384,000 and license fees
of
approximately $30,000, offset by decreases in integration and syndication
fees
of approximately $316,000 and other revenues of approximately
$34,000.
Revenues
from license fees increased by $30,000, or 7%, to $480,000 for the nine months
ended September 30, 2007 from $450,000 for the same period of 2006, representing
13% of our consolidated revenue for the first three quarters of 2007. This
increase is attributable to there being one $280,000 platform license sale
from
the Smart Online segment in the first nine months of 2007 and one $200,000
sale
in the Smart Commerce segment, as compared to one $450,000 license sale in
the
Smart Commerce segment for the same period in 2006.
Subscription
revenues increased approximately $564,000, or 16%, to $2,040,000 for the
nine
months ended September 30, 2007 from $1,476,000 for the nine months ended
September 30, 2006. This increase was due to approximately $691,000 of
additional revenue recorded in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 due
to
our adoption of gross revenue reporting. As discussed above, certain
subscription revenues recorded on a net basis for the nine months ended
September 30, 2006 were recorded on a gross basis for the nine months ended
September 30, 2007. Because the new accounting method was triggered by a
clarification to an existing agreement and not by a change from one accepted
accounting method to another, the 2006 subscription revenues were not
retroactively adjusted as would be required by SFAS No. 154.
Therefore, subscription revenues for the nine months ended September 30,
2007
are not recorded in the same manner as subscription revenues for the nine
months
ended September 30, 2006. If revenue from this customer had been recognized
on a
net basis (making it comparable to the nine months ended September 30, 2006),
subscription revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 would
have
been approximately $1,350,000 as compared to approximately $1,476,000 in
the
same period of 2006. This net decrease of approximately $126,000 primarily
resulted from a decrease in the number of subscribers resulting from the
2006
restructuring of a major customer of the Smart Commerce segment, which lowered
gross revenue by approximately $493,000. This decrease was partially offset
by
the addition of two new customers in the Smart Commerce segment that generated
an additional $367,000 of gross revenue.
Revenues
from professional services fees, all of which are derived from our Smart
Commerce segment, increased to $985,000 for the nine months ended September
30,
2007 from $601,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This increase
of $384,000, or 64%, was attributable to the addition of one new customer
as
well as additional services being provided to one existing
customer.
Integration
revenues decreased $178,000, or 97%, to $5,000 for the nine months ended
September 30, 2007 as compared to $183,000 for the same period in 2006. The
2007
and 2006 periods also included $0 and $5,000 of revenue derived from barter
transactions, respectively. Almost all integration contract revenue was
recognized by the end of 2006 and we have entered into no new integration
agreements. As we shift our focus to growing subscription revenue, we have
not
sought any new or additional integration partners.
Syndication
revenues decreased $139,000, or 76%, to $45,000 for the nine months ended
September 30, 2007 as compared to $184,000 for the same period in 2006. This
decrease primarily is due to a change in our strategy regarding syndication
fees. In the past, we sought and received syndication fees as part of our
contracts with partners to set up private label websites. Currently, as part
of
our efforts to increase the number of subscribers to our services through
these
partnerships, we are no longer seeking contracts which include such revenues
and
are focusing on increasing subscription revenues. The $45,000 of recognized
syndication revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 relates
to a
monthly hosting fee in the amount of $5,000 from one syndication
partner.
Other
revenues totaled approximately $21,000 for the nine months ended September
30,
2007 as compared to $54,000 for the comparable period in 2006. Other revenues
relate primarily to smaller OEM contracts and other miscellaneous revenues.
These are non-core and non-recurring sources of revenue. The decrease is
primarily related to decreased sales of remnant shrink wrap
products.
Cost
of Revenues
Cost
of
revenues increased $143,000, or 67%, to $356,000 in the nine months ended
September 30, 2007, from $213,000 in the comparable period in 2006, primarily
as
a result of increased hosting costs at our Smart Commerce segment related
to
hosting for additional customers, which resulted in an increase in cost of
revenues of approximately $75,000. There was approximately $66,000 of additional
expense incurred in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 at the Smart
Online
segment as compared to the same period of 2006 related to the addition of
several employees in our call center providing customer service which are
categorized as cost of revenues.
Operating
Expenses
Operating
expenses increased $249,000, or 4%, to $7,040,000 for the nine months ended
September 30, 2007 from $6,791,000 for the nine months ended September 30,
2006.
This increase is primarily due to an increase in sales and marketing expenses
of
approximately $897,000 and an increase in research and development expenses
of
approximately $630,000, offset by a decrease in general and administrative
expenses of approximately $1,277,000.
General
and Administrative
-
General and administrative expenses decreased by $1,277,000, or 26%,
to $3,567,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $4,844,000
in the same period of 2006. This decrease is primarily due to a reduction
of
$719,000 in legal fees as the nine months ended September 30, 2006 included
legal expense related to the SEC’s suspension of trading of our securities and
our own internal investigation. Those 2006 legal fees of approximately $900,000
were partially offset by an increase in legal fees of approximately $200,000
incurred in the third quarter of 2007 related to legal actions against us
and a
former executive officer and a former employee. Compensation expense required
by
SFAS No. 123R decreased $48,000 from the prior period. This decrease was
primarily due to minimal option grants from the nine months ended September
30,
2006 through the end of the nine months ended September 30, 2007, and because
the number of expirations exceeded the grants. This decrease was offset by
an
increase in such expense as a result of the lapse of a portion of the
restrictions for several grants of restricted shares in 2007. Registration
rights penalties decreased $323,000 as certain stockholders settled claims
for
registration penalties in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, and no
additional penalties were accrued for those individuals. In addition, our
filing
of a resale registration statement enabled us to avoid similar registration
rights penalties in 2007 as compared to those incurred during prior years.
Accounting expense was reduced by approximately $151,000 in the first nine
months of 2007 as compared to the same period in 2006 primarily through the
hiring of a full-time Chief Financial Officer and the elimination of using
outside firms to provide those services. In addition, the 2006 period contains
additional audit fees incurred as we engaged new independent accountants
following the resignation of our previous independent accountants.
We
are
currently disputing our insurance carrier's refusal to cover certain legal
expenses related to our securities litigation matters. We contend that these
legal expenses should be reimbursed by our insurance carrier. Because the
outcome of this dispute is unclear, we have expensed all legal costs incurred
with respect to the SEC matters and our own internal investigation, and we
will
account for any insurance reimbursement, should there be any, in the period
such
amounts are reimbursed.
Sales
and Marketing
- Sales
and marketing expense was $1,564,000 for the nine months ended September
30,
2007, up from $667,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2006, an increase
of $897,000, or 134%.
As
detailed in the Revenues section above, due to our adoption of gross revenue
reporting for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we recorded
approximately $691,000 of additional revenue and an equivalent increase in
sales
and marketing expense. In addition, two new customers at the Smart Commerce
segment resulted in revenue share expense of approximately $227,000, for
which
there was no corresponding charge for the nine months ended September 2006.
The
expansion of the Smart Online segment’s sales and marketing offices in North
Carolina and Iowa resulted in additional wages for the nine months ended
September 30, 2007 of approximately $89,000 as compared to the corresponding
period of 2006. Our Iowa office was closed in September 2007 as part of our
internal restructuring. These increases were offset by several decreases
in
sales and marketing expense in the Smart Online segment, including a $38,000
reduction in barter advertising expense and a $75,000 decrease in revenue
share
expense, as we paid our partners a fee in the nine months ended September
30,
2006 for a syndication contract and had no similar expense in the nine months
ended September 30, 2007.
Generally,
we expect we will need to increase sales and marketing expenses before we
can
substantially increase our revenue from sales of subscriptions. We increased
investment in sales and marketing by increasing the number of direct sales
personnel and increasing penetration within our existing customer base,
expanding our domestic selling and marketing activities, attempting to build
brand awareness and participating in additional marketing programs, and we
are
planning to continue to increase these investments.
Research
and Development
-
Research and development expense increased to $1,909,000 in the nine months
ended September 30, 2007 from $1,279,000 in the nine months ended September
30,
2006, an increase of approximately $630,000, or 49%. This increase is due
to
several factors in the Smart Online segment, including increases of $227,000
in
consulting expense for our accounting application and an increase of $275,000
for wages for additional staffing. In addition, at our Smart Commerce segment,
our research and development wages increased by approximately $80,000 and
our
consulting expense increased by approximately $47,000 related to additional
staff and support required to accommodate our new customers.
Other
Income (Expense)
We
incurred net interest expense of $401,000 during the nine months ended September
30, 2007 compared to $191,000 during the nine months ended September 30,
2006.
Interest expense increased as a direct result of approximately $320,000 of
interest expense related to the amortization of deferred financing costs
of the
warrants issued to Atlas Capital, S.A., or Atlas. Additionally, interest
expense
of approximately $92,000 was incurred on our revolving line of credit with
Wachovia and $150,000 of interest expense was incurred related to the Smart
Commerce loan with Fifth Third Bank during the nine months ended September
30,
2007. Interest income for our Smart Online segment totaling $115,000 was
earned
on money market account deposits compared to $5,000 earned for the same period
in 2006. The first nine months of 2007 interest income increase was attributable
to the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the February 2007 private
placement described in Note 7, “Stockholders’ Equity,” to the consolidated
financial statements in this report.
We
realized a gain of $215,000 during
the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from negotiated and contractual
releases of outstanding liabilities as compared to $144,000 in the nine months
ended September 30, 2006. During 2007, we recorded reserves of approximately
$300,000 for legal expenses and losses we might incur as a result of litigation
we are facing.
One
of
the assets purchased as part of our acquisition of iMart was a $25,000
investment in a privately held company that was a customer of iMart's.
Management determined that it is likely that such investment is currently
worthless, so the entire $25,000 investment along with approximately $65,000
of
the accounts receivable due from that customer was written off in the nine
months ended September 30, 2006. We did not have similar expenses in the
nine
months ended September 30, 2007. This accounts for $90,000 decrease in other
expenses.
Provision
for Income Taxes
We
have
not recorded a provision for income tax expense because we have been generating
net losses. Furthermore, we have not recorded an income tax benefit for the
third quarter of 2007 primarily due to continued substantial uncertainty
regarding our ability to realize our deferred tax assets. Based upon available
objective evidence, there has been sufficient uncertainty regarding the ability
to realize our deferred tax assets, which warrants a full valuation allowance
in
our financial statements. We have approximately $35,000,000 in net operating
loss carryforwards, which may be utilized to offset future taxable
income.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
At
September 30, 2007, our principal sources of liquidity were unrestricted
cash
and cash equivalents totaling $2,228,000 and accounts receivable of $964,000.
As
of November 12, 2007, our principal sources of liquidity were cash and cash
equivalents totaling approximately $1,300,000 and accounts receivable of
approximately $821,000.
However,
$250,000 of our cash is restricted under the loan agreement with Fifth Third
Bank as described below. As of September 30, 2007, we have drawn approximately
$2.1 million of our $2.5 million line of credit with Wachovia, leaving
approximately $400,000 available for our operations.
At
September 30, 2007, we had a working capital deficit of approximately $1.0
million, however the proceeds raised through the secured
subordinated convertible notes sold on November 14, 2007 results in
approximately $1.7 million of working capital as of November 12, 2007. In
addition, we may call up to approximately $5.2 million of additional funding
from our convertible noteholders as well as an additional $0.4 million under
our
Line of Credit with Wachovia.
Cash
Flow from Operations.
Cash
flows used in operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 totaled
$3,039,000, up from $2,049,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
This increase is primarily due to increased accounts receivable as well as
the
loss of cash flow from discontinued operations.
Cash
Flow from Financing Activity.
For the
nine months ended September 30, 2007, we generated a total of $5,029,000
net
cash from our financing activities, up from $871,000 for the nine months
ended
September 30, 2006. This net cash was generated through both equity and debt
financing, as described below.
Equity
Financing.
In a
transaction that closed on February 21, 2007, we sold an aggregate of 2,352,941
shares of our common stock to two new investors, or the Investors. The private
placement shares were sold at $2.55 per share pursuant to a Securities Purchase
Agreement, or the SPA, between us and each of the Investors. The aggregate
gross
proceeds to us were $6 million, and we incurred issuance costs of approximately
$637,000 as of September 30, 2007. These costs were higher than the $585,000
originally anticipated due to state securities law filing requirements along
with the associated legal fees. Under the SPA, the Investors were issued
warrants for the purchase of an aggregate of 1,176,471 shares of common stock
at
an exercise price of $3.00 per share. These warrants contain a provision
for
cashless exercise and must be exercised, if at all, by February 21,
2010.
Debt
Financing.
On
November 9, 2006, Smart Commerce entered into a loan agreement with Fifth
Third
Bank. Under the terms of this agreement, Smart Commerce borrowed $1.8 million
to
be repaid in 24 monthly installments of $75,000 plus interest beginning in
December 2006. The interest rate is prime plus 1.5% as periodically determined
by Fifth Third Bank. The loan is secured by all of the assets of Smart Commerce,
including a cash security account of $250,000 and all of Smart Commerce's
intellectual property. Such restricted cash is scheduled to be released from
the
restrictions in three equal installments of approximately $83,000, on June
30,
2007, December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008, if certain debt covenants regarding
operating metrics for Smart Commerce are met. Those operating metrics relate
to
Smart Commerce’s actual results of operations as compared to certain projections
provided to Fifth Third Bank at the inception of the loan. Failure to meet
these
metrics could, after receipt of notice of an event of default from Fifth
Third
Bank and the expiration of a ten-day cure period, result in an acceleration
of
the debt. The
metrics for the June 30, 2007 release were not met, and therefore, no cash
has
yet been released. Fifth
Third Bank has not notified us that any default exists. As of November 12,
2007,
our outstanding principal balance on this debt was approximately
$900,000.
On
November 14, 2006, we entered into a revolving credit arrangement with Wachovia,
or the Line of Credit, for $1.3 million which can be used for general working
capital. Any advances made on the Line of Credit were to be paid off no later
than August 1, 2007, with monthly payments of accrued interest on any
outstanding balance commencing on December 1, 2006. Interest accrues on the
unpaid principal balance at the LIBOR Market Index Rate plus 0.9%. On January
24, 2007, we entered into an amendment to the Line of Credit. The amendment
resulted in an increase in the line of credit from $1.3 million to $2.5 million.
The pay-off date was also extended from August 1, 2007 to August 1, 2008.
The
Line of Credit is secured by our deposit account at Wachovia and an irrevocable
standby letter of credit in the amount of $2,500,000 issued by HSBC Private
Bank
(Suisse) S.A. with Atlas as account party. We have separately agreed with
Atlas
that in the event of a default by us in the repayment of the Line of Credit
that
results in the letter of credit being drawn, we shall reimburse Atlas any
sums
that Atlas is required to pay. At our sole discretion, these payments may
be
made in cash or by issuing shares of our common stock at a set per share
price
of $2.50. As of November 12, 2007, we have drawn down approximately $2.1
million
on the Line of Credit.
We
have
not yet achieved positive cash flows from operations, and our main sources
of
funds for our operations are the sale of securities in private placements,
the
sale of additional convertible notes and the Wachovia Line of Credit. We
must
continue to rely on these sources until we are able to generate sufficient
revenue to fund our operations. We believe that anticipated cash flows from
operations, funds available from our existing Line of Credit and additional
issuances of notes (as described below), together with cash on hand, will
provide sufficient funds to finance our operations at least for the next
22 to
28 months, depending on the annual operating budget approved by the Board
of
Directors. Changes in our operating plans, lower than anticipated sales,
increased expenses, or other events may cause us to seek additional equity
or
debt financing in future periods. There can be no guarantee that financing
will
be available on acceptable terms or at all. Additional equity financing could
be
dilutive to the holders of our common stock, and additional debt financing,
if
available, could impose greater cash payment obligations and more covenants
and
operating restrictions.
Recent
Developments
As
more
fully described elsewhere in this report, a stockholder class action lawsuit
was
filed against us and other defendants on October 18, 2007. This lawsuit may
require the re-allocation of significant financial resources from working
capital to the payment of legal fees and expenses related to the lawsuit.
In
addition, certain of the other named defendants may be entitled to
indemnification and advancement of legal fees and expenses under our Bylaws.
We
have referred the complaint to our insurance carrier. Although our carrier
has
accepted our tender of coverage, it has reserved its right to seek reimbursement
of the amounts it pays, and may not pay us all of the expenses we incur,
either
of which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations
and
financial condition.
As
more
fully described elsewhere in this report, on November 14, 2007 in an initial
closing, we sold $3.3 million aggregate principal amount of secured subordinated
convertible notes due November 14, 2010. In addition, the noteholders have
committed to purchase on a pro rata basis up to $5.2 million aggregate principal
of secured subordinated notes upon approval and call by our Board of Directors
in future closings. We are obligated to pay interest on the notes at an
annualized rate of 8% payable in quarterly installments commencing on February
14, 2008. We do not have the ability to prepay the notes without approval
of at
least a majority of the principal amount of the notes then outstanding.
DISCLOSURES
ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest
rate sensitivity
We
had
unrestricted cash and cash equivalents totaling $327,000, $1,435,000, and
$173,000 at December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively. At September
30, 2007, our unrestricted cash was $2,228,000. These amounts were invested
primarily in demand deposit accounts and money market funds. The cash and
cash
equivalents are held for working capital purposes. We do not enter into
investments for trading or speculative purposes. Due to the short-term nature
of
these investments, we believe that we do not have any material exposure to
changes in the fair value of our investment portfolio as a result of changes
in
interest rates. Declines in interest rates, however, will reduce future
investment income.
Two
debt
instruments have variable interest rates: one is prime + 1.5% and the other
is
LIBOR + .9% (See Note 6, “Notes Payable,” to the consolidated financial
statements). As of September 30, 2007, the outstanding principal balance
on
these loans was $1,050,000 and $2,052,000, respectively. Due to the relatively
short term of these debt instruments combined with the relative stability
of
interest rates, we do not expect interest rate or market volatility will
have a
material effect on our cash flows.
4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Not
applicable.
4T. CONTROLS
AND PROCEDURES
As
required by paragraph (b) of Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, an evaluation
was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our
management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer,
of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in
Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the
period
covered by this Quarterly Report. As defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)
under the Exchange Act, the term disclosure controls and procedures means
controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that
information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it
files
or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and
reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms.
Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls
and
procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by
an
issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is
accumulated and communicated to the issuer's management, including its principal
executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar
functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required
disclosure.
Based
on
their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report,
our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective because we have
not
completed the testing of certain changes in our internal control over financial
reporting that were implemented in July 2006. Management first reported on
these
changes to our internal controls under Item 9A of Part II of our Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, or the 2005 Annual
Report, and most recently provided an update regarding the implementation
of the
internal controls in our Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2007.
See
“Changes to Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” below for a more detailed
description of the status of these internal control changes.
Changes
to Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There
have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that
occurred during the third quarter of fiscal 2007 that have materially affected,
or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over
financial reporting.
As
described in our 2005 Annual Report, and as updated in our Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2007, we
have
continued to test certain internal controls added in response to the final
findings of our Audit Committee’s investigation related to the SEC’s suspension
of trading of our common stock in January 2006. The internal controls that
are
still being tested for effectiveness as of the end of the period covered
by this
Quarterly Report include the following:
|
1.
|
Our
outside counsel has provided periodic educational training for
management
and directors by outside legal counsel and other appropriate professional
advisors.
|
|
2.
|
We
have adopted a revised Securities Trading
Policy.
|
|
3.
|
We
have instituted a program requiring written confirmation of compliance
with our Code of Ethics and Conflicts of Interest Policy on a quarterly
basis from all members of management and the Board of
Directors.
|
We
cannot
assure you that we will not in the future identify deficiencies in our controls.
However, we plan to continue to review and make any necessary changes to
the
overall design of our control environment in order to enhance our corporate
governance and reporting practices.
II.
OTHER INFORMATION
1. LEGAL
PROCEEDINGS
Please
refer to Part I, Item 3 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2006 for a description of material legal proceedings,
including the proceedings discussed below.
Securities
and Exchange Commission Litigation.
As
previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended
December 31, 2006, the SEC temporarily suspended the trading of our securities
on January 17, 2006 and advised us that it was conducting
a non-public investigation. On September 11, 2007, we were informed that
Dennis
Michael Nouri, our then serving President, Chief Executive Officer, and a
director, had been charged in a criminal complaint that alleges federal
securities fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud. We are not named in the
criminal complaint. The U.S. government filed the complaint under seal on
August
1, 2007 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Also
named as defendants in the criminal complaint are Reeza Eric Nouri, a former
manager of our company, and Ruben Serrano, Anthony Martin, James Doolan,
and
Alain Lustig, brokers alleged to have participated with the Nouris in the
alleged fraud. The criminal complaint alleges that the defendants, directly
and
indirectly, used manipulative and deceptive devices in violation of Sections
2
and 371 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code, Sections 10(b) and 32 of the Exchange
Act,
and Rule 10b-5 promulgated under the Exchange Act, or Rule 10b-5. On November
8,
2007, as part of this on-going action, the U.S. government filed a grand
jury
indictment against Dennis Michael Nouri, Reeza Nouri, Reuben Serrano and
Alain
Lustig in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
The
grand jury indictment charges these defendants with conspiracy to commit
securities fraud in violation of Sections 78j(b) and 78 ff of Title 17 of
the
U.S. Code and Rule 10b-5, wire fraud in violation of Sections 1343 and 1346
of
Title 18 of the U.S. Code and commercial bribery in violation of Section
1952(a)(3) of Title 18 of the U.S. Code and Sections 180.00 and 180.03 of
the
New York State Penal Law. Under the grand jury indictment, the U.S. government
is seeking forfeiture from these defendants of all property, real and personal,
that constitutes or is derived from proceeds traceable to the commission
of the
alleged securities fraud offenses.
On
September 11, 2007, the SEC filed a civil action against us and the defendants
named in the criminal complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern
District of New York. The SEC complaint alleged that the defendants in this
civil action, either directly or indirectly, have engaged in transactions,
acts,
practices, and courses of business which constitute violations of Section
17(a)
of the Securities Act, Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act, and Rule 10b-5.
The
SEC complaint sought to permanently enjoin each of the civil defendants from
committing future violations of the foregoing federal securities laws. The
SEC
complaint also requested that each of the defendants, excluding us, be required
to disgorge his ill-gotten gains and pay civil penalties. The SEC complaint
further sought an order permanently barring Michael Nouri from serving as
an
officer or director of a public company. The SEC complaint did not seek any
fines or other monetary penalties against us. On September 28, 2007, we agreed,
without admission of any liability, to the entry of a consent judgment against
us which permanently enjoins us from further violations of the antifraud
provisions of the federal securities laws, specifically Section 17(a) of
the
Securities Act, Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act, and Rule 10b-5. No fines
or
other monetary sanctions were levied against us. The consent judgment settles
the SEC complaint against us and was entered by the court on October 2, 2007.
The litigation is continuing against the other defendants.
Gooden
v. Smart Online, Inc.
On
October 18, 2007, Robyn L. Gooden filed a purported class action lawsuit
in the
United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina naming
us, certain of our current and former officers and directors, Maxim Group,
LLC,
and Jesup & Lamont Securities Corp. as defendants. The lawsuit was filed on
behalf of all persons other than the defendants who purchased our securities
from May 2, 2005 through September 28, 2007 and were damaged. The complaint
asserts violations of federal securities laws, including violations of
Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5. The complaint is based on
the matters alleged in the SEC complaint described above and asserts that
the
defendants participated in a fraudulent scheme to manipulate trading in our
stock, allegedly causing plaintiffs to purchase the stock at an inflated
price.
The complaint requests certification of the plaintiff as class representative
and seeks, among other relief, unspecified compensatory damages, including
interest, plus reasonable costs and expenses, including counsel fees and
expert
fees.
Nouri
v. Smart Online, Inc.
On
October 17, 2007, Henry Nouri, our former Executive Vice President, filed
a
civil action against us in the General Court of Justice, Superior Court
Division, in Orange County, North Carolina. The complaint alleges that we
had no
“cause” to terminate Mr. Nouri’s employment and that we breached Mr. Nouri’s
employment agreement by notifying him that his employment was terminated
for
cause, by failing to itemize the cause for the termination, and by failing
to
pay him benefits to which he would have been entitled had his employment
been
terminated without “cause.” The complaint seeks unspecified compensatory
damages, including interest, a declaratory judgment that no cause existed
for
the termination of Mr. Nouri’s employment and that Mr. Nouri is entitled to the
benefits provided under his employment agreement for a termination without
“cause,” and costs and expenses.
At
this
time, we are not able to determine the likely outcome of the legal matters
described above, nor can we estimate our potential financial exposure. Our
management has made an initial estimate based upon its knowledge, experience
and
input from legal counsel, and we have accrued approximately $300,000 of
additional legal reserves. Such reserves will be adjusted in future periods
as
more information becomes available. If an unfavorable resolution of any of
these
matters occurs, our business, results of operations and financial condition
could be materially adversely affected.
1A.
RISK FACTORS
The
following is a description of what we consider our key challenges and
risks.
We
operate in a dynamic and rapidly changing business environment that involves
substantial risk and uncertainty and these risks may change over time. The
following discussion addresses some of the risks and uncertainties that could
cause, or contribute to causing, actual results to differ materially from
expectations. In evaluating our business, you should pay particular attention
to
the descriptions of risks and uncertainties described below and in other
sections of this document and our other filings. These risks and uncertainties
are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently
known to us, which we currently deem immaterial, or that are similar to those
faced by other companies in our industry or business in general may also
affect
our business. If any of the risks described below actually occurs, our business,
financial condition, or results of operations could be materially and adversely
affected.
We
have
organized these factors into the following categories below:
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·
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Our
Financial Condition
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·
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Our
Products and Operations
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Our
Market, Customers and Partners
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Our
Officers, Directors, Employees and
Stockholders
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Regulatory
and Litigation Risks
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Market
for Our Securities
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Risks
Associated with Our Financial Condition
(1) We
have had recurring losses from operations since inception and continue to
have
negative cash flows. If we do not rectify these deficiencies through additional
financing or growth, we may have to cease operations and liquidate our
business.
Through
September 30, 2007, we have lost an aggregate of approximately $61.4 million
since inception on August 10, 1993. During the quarters ended September 30,
2007
and 2006, we incurred a net loss of approximately $1,600,000 and $1,900,000,
respectively. At September 30, 2007, we had a working capital deficit of
approximately $1.0 million. Due to the secured
subordinated convertible note
financing that closed on November 14, 2007, we now have approximately $1.7
million of working capital not including additional amounts available to
us from
future capital calls on the convertible noteholders. Our working capital,
including our line of credit, February 2007 financing transaction and
convertible note financing, should fund our operations for the next 22-28
months, depending on the annual operating budget approved by our Board of
Directors. Factors such as the commercial success of our existing services
and
products, the timing and success of any new services and products, the progress
of our research and development efforts, our results of operations, the status
of competitive services and products, the timing and success of potential
strategic alliances or potential opportunities to acquire technologies or
assets, the charges filed against a former officer and a former employee
filed
by the SEC and the United States Attorney General and the resulting drop
in
share price, the shareholder class action lawsuit, trading volume and liquidity,
may require us to seek additional funding sooner than we expect. If we fail
to
raise sufficient financing, we will not be able to implement our business
plan;
we may have to liquidate our business.
(2) Any
issuance of shares of our common stock in the future could have a dilutive
effect on your investment.
We
may
issue shares of our common stock in the future for a variety of reasons.
For
example, under the terms of the stock purchase warrant and agreement we entered
into with Atlas in January 2007, it may elect to purchase up to 444,444 shares
of our common stock at $2.70 per share upon termination of, or if we are
in
breach under the terms of, our line of credit with Wachovia. In connection
with
our private financing in February 2007, we issued warrants to the investors
to
purchase an additional 1,176,471 shares of our common stock at $3.00 per
share
and a warrant to our placement agent in that transaction to purchase 35,000
shares of our common stock at $2.55 per share. Upon maturity of their
convertible notes, our noteholders may elect to convert all, a part or none
of
their notes into shares of our common stock at variable conversion prices.
In
addition, we may raise funds in the future by issuing additional shares of
common stock or other securities.
If
we
raise additional funds through the issuance of equity securities or debt
convertible into equity securities, the percentage of stock ownership by
our
existing stockholders would be reduced. In addition, such securities could
have
rights, preferences, and privileges senior to those of our current stockholders,
which could substantially decrease the value of our securities owned by them.
Depending on the share price we are able to obtain, we may have to sell a
significant number of shares in order to raise the necessary amount of capital.
You may experience dilution in the value of your shares as a
result.
(3) In
the future, we may enter into certain debt financing transactions with third
parties that could adversely affect our financial health.
We
currently have a secured loan arrangement from Fifth Third Bank. Under the
terms
of this agreement, Smart Commerce borrowed $1.8 million to be repaid in 24
monthly installments of $75,000 plus interest beginning in December 2006.
The
interest rate is prime plus 1.5% as periodically determined by Fifth Third
Bank.
The loan is secured by all of the assets of Smart Commerce and all of Smart
Commerce's intellectual property. The loan is guaranteed by us and such guaranty
is secured by all the common stock of Smart Commerce.
We
also
have a revolving line of credit from Wachovia. This line of credit is $2.5
million, and as of November 12, 2007, we have drawn down approximately $2.1
million. Any advances made on the line of credit must be repaid no later
than
August 1, 2008, with monthly payments of accrued interest only commencing
on
December 1, 2006 on any outstanding balance. The interest shall accrue on
the
unpaid principal balance at the LIBOR Market Index Rate plus 0.9%. The line
of
credit is secured by our deposit account at Wachovia and an irrevocable standby
letter of credit in the amount of $2.5 million issued by HSBC Private Bank
(Suisse) S.A. with Atlas as account party.
On
November 14, 2007, in an initial closing, we sold $3.3 million aggregate
principal amount of secured subordinated convertible notes due November 14,
2010. In addition, the noteholders have committed to purchase on a pro rata
basis up to $5.2 million aggregate principal of secured subordinated notes
upon
approval and call by our Board of Directors in future closings. We are obligated
to pay interest on the notes at an annualized rate of 8% payable in quarterly
installments commencing on February 14, 2008.
In
the
future, we may need to evaluate additional equity and debt financing options
and
may incur indebtedness that could adversely affect our financial health.
For
example, indebtedness could:
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increase
our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry
conditions;
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require
us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations
to
payments on our debt, thereby reducing the availability of our
cash flow
to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general
corporate
purposes;
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limit
our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our
business
and the industry in which we
operate;
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result
in the loss of a significant amount of our assets or the assets
of our
subsidiary if we are unable to meet the obligations of these
arrangements;
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place
us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that
have
less indebtedness or better access to capital by, for example,
limiting
our ability to enter into new markets;
and
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limit
our ability to borrow additional funds in the
future.
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(4)
Failure to comply with the provisions of our debt financing arrangements
could
have a material adverse effect on us.
Our
loan
from Fifth Third Bank is secured by all of the assets of Smart Commerce,
including a security account of $250,000 and all of Smart Commerce's
intellectual property. The loan is guaranteed by us, and such guaranty is
secured by all the common stock of Smart Commerce. Our revolving line of
credit
from Wachovia is secured by our deposit account at Wachovia and an irrevocable
standby line of credit issued by HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) S.A. with Atlas
as
account party. Our secured subordinated convertible notes are
secured by a first-priority lien on all of our unencumbered assets, and a
primary subordinated security interest in our encumbered assets, as permitted
by
our agreements with Wachovia and Fifth Third Bank.
If
an
event of default occurs under any of these debt financing arrangements and
remains uncured, then the lenders could foreclose on the assets securing
the
debt. If that were to occur, it would have a substantial adverse effect on
our
business. In addition, making the principal and interest payments on these
debt
arrangements may drain our financial resources or cause other material harm
to
our business if any of the lenders foreclose on the secured assets.
Risks
Associated with Our Products and Operations
(5) Our
business is dependent upon the development and market acceptance of our
applications, including the acceptance of using some of our applications
to
conduct business. Our business models and operating plans have changed as
a
result of forces beyond our control. Consequently, we have not yet demonstrated
that we have a successful business model or operating
plan.
We
continually revise our business models and operating plans as a result of
changes in our market, the expectations of customers and the behavior of
competitors. Today, we anticipate that our future financial performance and
revenue growth will depend, in large part, upon our Internet-based SaaS business
model and the results of our sales efforts to reach agreements with syndication
partners with small business customer bases, but this business model may
become
ineffective due to forces beyond our control that we do not currently
anticipate. In 2007, we have entered into agreements with ten new partners
and
customers. However, we have not yet demonstrated that we have a successful
business model or operating plan. Our evolving business model makes our business
operations and prospects difficult to evaluate. There can be no assurance
that
our revised business model will allow us to capture significant future market
potential. Investors in our securities should consider all the risks and
uncertainties that are commonly encountered by companies in this stage of
operations under our current business model, particularly companies, such
as
ours, that are in emerging and rapidly evolving markets.
Our
future financial performance and revenue growth will depend, in part, upon
the
successful development, integration, introduction, and customer acceptance
of
our software applications. Thereafter, other new products, either developed
or
acquired, and enhanced versions of our existing applications will be critically
important to our business. Our business could be harmed if we fail to deliver
timely enhancements to our current and future solutions that our customers
desire. We also must continually modify and enhance our services and products
to
keep pace with market demands regarding hardware and software platforms,
database technology, information security, and electronic commerce technical
standards. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully
develop new services or products, or to introduce in a timely manner and
gain
acceptance of our new services or products in the marketplace.
Our
business could be harmed if we fail to achieve the improved performance that
customers want with respect to our current and future product offerings.
There
can be no assurance that our products will achieve widespread market penetration
or that we will derive significant revenues from the sale or licensing of
our
platforms or applications.
Certain
of our services involve the storage and transmission of customers' personal
and
proprietary information (such as credit card, employee, purchasing, supplier,
and other financial and accounting data). If customers determine that our
services do not provide adequate security for the dissemination of information
over the Internet or corporate extranets, or are otherwise inadequate for
Internet or extranet use, or if, for any other reason, customers fail to
accept
our products for use, our business will be harmed. Our failure to prevent
security breaches, or well-publicized security breaches affecting the Internet
in general, could significantly harm our business, operating results, and
financial condition.
(6) We
may consider strategic divestiture, acquisition or investment opportunities
in
the future. We face risks associated with any such
opportunity.
From
time
to time we evaluate strategic opportunities available to us for product,
technology or business acquisitions, investments and divestitures. In the
future, we may divest ourselves of products or technologies that are not
within
our continually evolving business strategy or acquire other products or
technologies. We may not realize the anticipated benefits of any such current
or
future opportunity to the extent that we anticipate, or at all. We may have
to
issue debt or equity securities to pay for future acquisitions or investments,
the issuance of which could be dilutive to our existing stockholders. If
any
opportunity is not perceived as improving our earnings per share, our stock
price may decline. In addition, we may incur non-cash amortization charges
from
acquisitions, which could harm our operating results. Any completed acquisitions
or divestitures would also require significant integration or separation
efforts, diverting our attention from our business operations and strategy.
We
have limited acquisition experience, and therefore our ability as an
organization to integrate any acquired companies into our business is unproven.
Acquisitions and investments involve numerous risks, including:
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difficulties
in integrating operations, technologies, services and
personnel
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diversion
of financial and managerial resources from existing
operations
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reduction
of available cash
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risk
of entering new markets
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potential
write-offs of acquired assets
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potential
loss of key employees
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inability
to generate sufficient revenue to offset acquisition or investment
costs
|
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delays
in customer purchases due to
uncertainty
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If
we
fail to properly evaluate and execute acquisitions, divestitures or investments,
our business and prospects may be seriously harmed.
(7) We
rely on third-party software that may be difficult to repair should errors
or
failures occur. Such an error or failure, or the process undertaken by us
to
correct such an error or failure, could disrupt our services and harm our
business.
We
rely
on software licensed from third parties in order to offer our services. We
use
key systems software from commercial vendors. The software we use may not
continue to be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, or
upgrades may not be available when we need them. We currently do not have
support contracts or upgrade subscriptions with some of our key vendors.
We are
not currently aware of any immediate issues, but any loss of the right to
use
any of this software could result in delays in providing our services until
equivalent technology is either developed by us, or, if available, is
identified, obtained and integrated, which could harm our business. Any errors
or defects in, or unavailability of, third-party software could result in
errors
or a failure of our services, which could harm our business.
We
also
use key systems software from leading open source communities that are free
and
available in the public domain. Our products will use additional public domain
software, if needed for successful implementation and deployment. We currently
do not have support contracts for the open source software that we use. We
rely
on our own research and development personnel and the open source community
to
discover and fix any errors and bugs that may exist in the software we use.
As a
result, if there are errors in such software of which we are unaware or are
unable to repair in a timely manner, there could be a disruption in our services
if certain critical defects are discovered in the software at a future
date.
Risks
Associated with Our Markets, Customers and Partners
(8) The
structure of our subscription model makes it difficult to predict the rate
of
customer subscription renewals or the impact non-renewals will have on our
revenue or operating results.
Our
small
business customers do not sign long-term contracts. Our customers have no
obligation to renew their subscriptions for our services after the expiration
of
their initial subscription period and, in fact, customers have often elected
not
to do so. In addition, our customers may renew for a lower-priced edition
of our
services or for fewer users. Many of our customers utilize our services without
charge. These factors make it difficult to accurately predict customer renewal
rates. Our customers' renewal rates may decline or fluctuate as a result
of a
number of factors, including when we begin charging for our services, their
dissatisfaction with our services and their capability to continue their
operations and spending levels. Most of our subscribers are in our Smart
Commerce segment. Since the first quarter of 2006, the number of subscribers
to
our software products in our Smart Online segment has declined. We are not
certain what caused this decline. Some customers indicated that they had
difficulty accessing our software applications on our website. Consequently,
we
redesigned our website and product bundling to address this problem. As of
November 2007, the decline in the number of subscribers has continued, but
has
been offset by an increase in the number of subscribers to our Smart Commerce
segment. However, if our customers do not renew their subscriptions for our
services or we are not able to increase the number of subscribers, our revenue
may decline and our business will suffer.
(9) We
depend on corporate partners to market our products through their web sites
under relatively short-term agreements in order to increase subscription
fees
and grow revenue. Failure of our partners' marketing efforts or termination
of
these agreements could harm our business.
Subscription
fees represented approximately 58% of total revenues in the third quarter
of
2007 compared to 57% of total revenues in the third quarter of 2006. With
the
launch of our new applications and the acquisition of iMart, subscription
fees
represent a significant percentage of our total revenues and our future
financial performance and revenue growth depends, in large part, upon the
growth
in customer demand for our outsourced services delivery models. We depend
on our
syndication partners and referral relationships to offer our products and
services to a larger customer base than we can reach through direct sales
or
other marketing efforts. Although we entered into agreements with ten new
partners and customers during 2007, and a marketing referral agreement, our
success depends in part on the ultimate success of our syndication partners
and
referral partners and their ability to market our products and services
successfully. Our partners are not obligated to provide potential customers
to
us. In addition, some of these third parties have entered, and may continue
to
enter, into strategic relationships with our competitors. Further, many of
our
strategic partners have multiple strategic relationships, and they may not
regard us as significant for their businesses. Our strategic partners may
terminate their respective relationships with us, pursue other partnerships
or
relationships, or attempt to develop or acquire products or services that
compete with our products or services. Our strategic partners also may interfere
with our ability to enter into other desirable strategic relationships. If
we
are unable to maintain our existing strategic relationships or enter into
additional strategic relationships, we will have to devote substantially
more
resources to the distribution, sales, and marketing of our products and
services.
(10) Our
future growth is substantially dependent on customer demand for our subscription
services delivery models. Failure to increase this revenue could harm our
business.
We
have
invested significantly in infrastructure, operations, and strategic
relationships to support our SaaS delivery model, which represents a significant
departure from the delivery strategies that other software vendors and we
have
traditionally employed. To maintain positive margins for our small business
services, our revenues will need to continue to grow more rapidly than the
cost
of such revenues. There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain
positive gross margins in our subscription services delivery models in future
periods. If our subscription services business does not grow sufficiently,
we
could fail to meet expectations for our results of operations, which could
harm
our business.
Any
delays in implementation may prevent us from recognizing revenue for periods
of
time, even when we have already incurred costs relating to the implementation
of
our subscription services. Additionally, subscribers can cancel their
subscriptions to our services at any time and, as a result, we may recognize
substantially less revenue than we expect. If large numbers of customers
cancel
or otherwise seek to terminate subscription agreements more quickly than
we
expect, our operating results could be substantially harmed. To become
successful, we must cause subscribers who do not pay fees to begin paying
fees,
increase the length of time subscribers pay subscription fees and continue
to
increase the number of subscribers.
(11) There
are risks associated with international operations, which may become a bigger
part of our business in the future.
We
currently do not generate revenue from international operations. Although
we
signed an agreement with a company in January 2007 to market our products
and
services in a foreign country, this agreement has not yet generated any revenue
for us. We are currently evaluating whether and how to expand into additional
international markets. If we continue to develop our international operations,
these operations will be subject to risks associated with selling abroad.
These
international operations are subject to a number of difficulties and special
costs, including:
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costs
of customization and localization of products for foreign
countries
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laws
and business practices favoring local
competitors
|
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uncertain
regulation of electronic commerce
|
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compliance
with multiple, conflicting, and changing governmental laws and
regulations
|
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longer
sales cycles; greater difficulty in collecting accounts
receivable
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import
and export restrictions and tariffs
|
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potentially
weaker protection for our intellectual property than in the United
States,
and practical difficulties in enforcing such rights
abroad
|
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difficulties
staffing and managing foreign
operations
|
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political
and economic instability
|
Our
international operations may also face foreign currency-related risks. To
date,
all of our revenues have been denominated in United States Dollars, but an
increasing portion of our revenues may be denominated in foreign currencies.
We
do not engage in foreign exchange hedging activities, and therefore our
international revenues and expenses may be subject to the risks of foreign
currency fluctuations.
We
must
also customize our services and products for international markets. This
process
is much more complex than merely translating languages. For example, our
ability
to expand into international markets will depend on our ability to develop
and
support services and products that incorporate the tax laws, accounting
practices, and currencies of particular countries. Since a large part of
our
value proposition to customers is tied to developing products with the peculiar
needs of small businesses in mind, any variation in business practice from
one
country to another may substantially decrease the value of our products in
that
country unless we identify the important differences and customize our product
to address the differences.
Our
international operations may also increase our exposure to international
laws
and regulations. If we cannot comply with domestic or foreign laws and
regulations, which are often complex and subject to variation and unexpected
changes, we could incur unexpected costs and potential litigation. For example,
the governments of foreign countries might attempt to regulate our services
and
products or levy sales or other taxes relating to our activities. In addition,
foreign countries may impose tariffs, duties, price controls or other
restrictions on foreign currencies or trade barriers, any of which could
make it
more difficult for us to conduct our business in international
markets.
Risks
Associated with Our Officers, Directors, Employees and
Stockholders
(12) Our
executive management team is critical to the execution of our business plan
and
the loss of their services could severely impact negatively on our
business.
Our
executive management team recently has undergone significant changes. On
August
15, 2007, we hired a new chief operating officer. On September 11, 2007,
our
President and Chief Executive Officer resigned from those positions and also
resigned as a member of our Board of Directors. We terminated the employment
of
our Executive Vice President in September 2007, and we did not renew the
employment contract of the chief
operating officer and vice president of our Smart Commerce segment, which
expired on October 17, 2007. We
were
able to appoint a person serving on our Board of Directors as an independent
director to serve as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer and are
currently in the process of determining who will serve as a permanent
replacement. Although we have resolved the SEC charges filed against us,
we may
not be able to attract highly qualified candidates to serve as our President
and
Chief Executive Officer. If we cannot attract and retain a qualified replacement
and to integrate new members of our executive management team effectively
into
our business, then our business and financial results may suffer.
Our
success depends significantly on the continued services of our remaining
executive management personnel. Losing any of our remaining officers could
seriously harm our business. Competition for executives is intense. If we had
to
replace any of our other officers, we would not be able to replace the
significant amount of knowledge that they may have about our operations. All
of
our executive team work at the same location, which could make us vulnerable
to
loss of our entire management team in the event of a natural or other disaster.
We do not maintain key man insurance policies on any of our
employees.
(13) Officers,
directors and principal stockholders control us. This might lead them to make
decisions that do not benefit the interests of minority
stockholders.
Our
officers, directors and principal stockholders beneficially own or control
approximately 50% of our outstanding common stock. Certain of these principal
stockholders hold warrants and convertible notes, which may be exercised or
converted into additional shares of our common stock under certain conditions.
The
convertible noteholders have designated a bond representative to act as their
agent. We have agreed that the bond representative shall be granted access
to
our facilities and personal during normal business hours, shall have the right
to attend all meetings of our Board of Directors and its committees and to
receive all materials provided to our Board of Directors or any committee of
our
Board. In addition, so long as the notes are outstanding, we have agreed that
we
will not take certain material corporate actions without approval of the bond
representative.
As
a
result, these persons, acting together, would have the ability to control
substantially all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval (including
the election and removal of directors and any merger, consolidation or sale
of
all or substantially all of our assets) and to control our management and
affairs. Accordingly, this concentration of ownership may have the effect of
delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us, impeding a merger,
consolidation, takeover or other business combination involving us or
discouraging a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise
attempting to obtain control of us, which in turn could materially and adversely
affect the market price of our common stock.
Regulatory
and Litigation Risks
(14) Compliance
with regulations governing public company corporate governance and reporting
is
uncertain and expensive.
As
a
public company, we have incurred and will incur significant legal, accounting
and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. We will incur
costs associated with our public company reporting requirements. We also
anticipate that we will incur costs associated with corporate governance and
disclosure requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of
2002, or Sarbanes-Oxley, as well as new rules implemented by the SEC and the
NASD. We expect these rules and regulations to increase our legal and financial
compliance costs and to make some activities more time consuming and costly.
Any
unanticipated difficulties in preparing for and implementing these reforms
could
result in material delays in complying with these laws and regulations or
significantly increase our costs. Our ability to fully comply with these laws
and regulations is also uncertain. Our failure to prepare timely for and
implement the reforms required by these laws and regulations could significantly
harm our business, operating results, and financial condition. We also expect
that these rules and regulations may make it more difficult and more expensive
for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be
required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially
higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage.
(15) Remediation
of deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting is uncertain
and may be expensive.
By
the
end of fiscal 2007, we are required to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley requirements
involving management's assessment of our internal control over financial
reporting, and our independent accountant's audit of our internal control over
financial reporting is required for fiscal 2008. In March 2006, we retained
a
new Chief Financial Officer, whose review of our internal control over financial
reporting to date and the final findings of our 2006 Audit Committee
investigation have identified several deficiencies in our internal control
over
financial reporting. In July 2006, the Audit Committee concluded that: (i)
our
then Chief Executive Officer should have disclosed and sought approval from
the
Board of Directors before entering into certain transactions and arrangements,
including personal loans; (ii) there was inadequate diligence by management
and
the Board of Directors regarding third parties with which we contracted,
including outside investor relations vendors, some of which were registered
brokers; (iii) management and our directors lacked sufficient knowledge
regarding rules and regulations with respect to dealings between registered
brokers and public companies, (iv) we lack clear policies regarding the limits
on the Chief Executive Officer's authority to enter into business transactions
and agreements without Board approval; (v) there has been inadequate legal
and
accounting review of material contracts; (vi) there has been inadequate training
and understanding of SEC disclosure requirements; (vii) there was an
unintentional violation of our Securities Trading Policy by one of our directors
as previously reported in our public filings; (viii) we have inadequate
processes for determination of independence of Board members; and (ix) there
has
been a failure to communicate and stress the importance of controls and
procedures throughout our organization. The Audit Committee investigation
concluded that these deficiencies primarily resulted from our transition from
a
private company to a publicly reporting company and insufficient preparation
for, focus on, and experience with compliance requirements for a publicly
reporting company. We reported the changes to our internal controls related
to
the Audit Committee's findings in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the SEC on July 11, 2006, as updated
in
our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006,
filed with the SEC on March 30, 2007.
While
we
have made some progress on this remediation effort, we continue to work on
addressing all the issues raised in these findings. We have identified some
deficiencies and may identify others that we may not be able to remediate and
test by the end of fiscal 2007.
If
we
cannot assess our internal controls over financial reporting as effective,
it
may affect our management's assessment of our internal control environment
as it
will be disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2007 and our
stock price could decline.
(16) The
SEC action against us, the SEC and criminal actions brought against certain
former employees, and related stockholder and other lawsuits have damaged our
business, and they could damage our business in the
future.
The
lawsuit filed against us by the SEC, the SEC and criminal actions filed against
a former officer and a former employee, the class action lawsuit filed against
us and certain current and former officers, directors and employees and the
lawsuit filed by a former executive officer against us has harmed our business
in many ways, and may cause further harm in the future. Since the initiation
of
these actions, our ability to raise financing from new investors on favorable
terms has suffered due to the lack of liquidity of our stock, the questions
raised by these actions, and the resulting drop in the price of our common
stock. As a result, we may have to rely solely on existing investors for such
financing, and may not raise sufficient financing, if necessary, in the
future.
Legal
and
other fees related to these actions have also reduced our cash flow. We
completed a private placement financing for $6 million in February 2007 and
a
convertible note financing for an initial $3.3 million in November 2007;
however, we make no assurance that we will not continue to experience additional
harm as a result of these matters. The time spent by our management team and
directors dealing with issues related to these actions detracts from the time
they spend on our operations, including strategy development and implementation.
These actions also have harmed our reputation in the business community and
jeopardized our relationships with vendors and customers, especially given
the
media coverage of these events. An important part of our business plan is to
enter into private label syndication agreements with large companies. These
actions and related matters have caused us to be a less attractive partner
for
large companies and to lose important opportunities. These actions and related
matters may cause other problems in our operations.
(17)
We face uncertainty regarding amounts that we may have to pay as indemnification
to certain current and former officers, directors and employees under our Bylaws
and Delaware law. We may not recover all of these amounts from our directors
and
officers liability insurance policy carrier. These expenses may substantially
harm our business and operations.
Our
Bylaws and Delaware law generally require us to indemnify, and in certain
circumstances advance legal expenses to, current and former officers, directors,
employees and agents against claims arising out of such person’s status or
activities as our officer, director, employee or agent, unless such person
(i)
did not act in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to
be
in or not opposed to our best interests or (ii) had reasonable cause to believe
his conduct was unlawful. As of November 12, 2007, there are SEC and criminal
actions pending against a former executive officer and a former employee who
have requested that we indemnify them and advance expenses incurred by them
in
the defense of those actions. Also, a stockholder class action lawsuit has
been
filed against us and certain of our current and former officers, directors
and
employees. The SEC, criminal, and stockholder actions are more fully described
in Part II, Item 1, “Legal Proceedings” in this report.
Generally,
we are required to advance defense expenses prior to any final adjudication
of
an individual’s culpability. The expense of indemnifying our current and former
directors, officers and employees for their defense or related expenses in
connection with the current actions may be significant. Our Bylaws require
that
any director, officer, employee or agent requesting advancement of expenses
enter into an undertaking with us to repay any amounts advanced unless it is
ultimately determined that such person is entitled to be indemnified for the
expenses incurred. This provides us with an opportunity, depending upon the
final outcome of the matters and the Board’s subsequent determination of such
person’s right to indemnity, to seek to recover amounts advanced by us. However,
we may not be able to recover any amounts advanced if the person to whom the
advancement was made lacks the financial resources to repay the amounts that
have been advanced. If we are unable to recover the amounts advanced, or can
do
so only at great expense, our operations may be substantially harmed as a result
of loss of capital.
Although
we have purchased insurance that may cover these obligations, we can offer
no
assurances that all of the amounts that may be expended by us will be recovered
under our insurance policy. It is possible that we may have an obligation to
indemnify our current and former officers, directors and employees under the
terms of our Bylaws and Delaware law, but that there may be insufficient
coverage for these payments under the terms of our insurance policy. The
available coverage under our directors and officers liability insurance policy
for the SEC, criminal and stockholder actions is limited to $3 million.
Approximately $1 million of this coverage, including a $150,000 retention,
already has been paid in connection with the SEC investigation that commenced
in
January 2006, leaving approximately $2 million in available coverage for the
current actions. Therefore, we face the risk of making substantial payments
related to the defense of these actions, which could significantly reduce
amounts available to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other
general corporate objectives.
In
addition, our insurance policy provides that, under certain conditions, our
insurer may have the right to seek recovery of any amounts it paid to the
individual insureds or us. As of November 12, 2007, we do not know and can
offer
no assurances about whether these conditions will apply or whether the insurance
carrier will change its position regarding coverage related to the current
actions. Therefore, we can offer no assurances that our insurer will not
seek to recover any amounts paid under its policy from the individual insureds
or us. If such recovery is sought, then we may have to expend considerable
financial resources in defending and potentially settling or otherwise resolving
such a claim, which could substantially reduce the amount of capital available
to fund our operations.
Finally,
if our directors and officers liability insurance premiums increase as a result
of the current actions, our financial results may be materially harmed in future
periods. If we are unable to obtain coverage due to prohibitively expensive
premiums, we would have more difficulty in retaining and attracting officers
and
directors and would be required to self-fund any potential future liabilities
ordinarily mitigated by directors and officers liability insurance.
Risks
Associated with the Market for Our Securities
(18) If
securities analysts do not publish research or reports about our business or
if
they downgrade our stock, the price of our stock could
decline.
The
trading market for our common stock relies in part on the research and reports
that industry or financial analysts publish about us or our business. Because
our stock is currently quoted on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board rather
than
traded on a national exchange, analysts may not be interested in conducting
research or publishing reports on us. If we do not succeed in attracting
analysts to report about our company, most investors will not know about us
even
if we are successful in implementing our business plan. We do not control these
analysts. There are many large, well established publicly traded companies
active in our industry and market, which may mean it will be less likely that
we
receive widespread analyst coverage. Furthermore, if one or more of the analysts
who do cover us downgrade our stock, our stock price would likely decline
rapidly. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company, we
could lose visibility in the market, which in turn could cause our stock price
to decline.
(19) Our
revenues and operating results may fluctuate in future periods and we may fail
to meet expectations of investors and public market analysts, which could cause
the price of our common stock to decline.
Our
revenues and operating results may fluctuate significantly from quarter to
quarter. If quarterly revenues or operating results fall below the expectations
of investors or public market analysts, the price of our common stock could
decline substantially. Factors that might cause quarterly fluctuations in our
operating results include:
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·
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the
evolving demand for our services and
software
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spending
decisions by our customers and prospective
customers
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our
ability to manage expenses
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the
timing of product releases
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changes
in our pricing policies or those of our
competitors
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the
timing of execution of contracts
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|
changes
in the mix of our services and software
offerings
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the
mix of sales channels through which our services and software are
sold
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·
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costs
of developing product enhancements
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global
economic and political conditions
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our
ability to retain and increase sales to existing customers, attract
new
customers and satisfy our customers'
requirements
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subscription
renewal rates for our service
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the
rate of expansion and effectiveness of our sales
force
|
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·
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the
length of the sales cycle for our
service
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new
product and service introductions by our
competitors
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technical
difficulties or interruptions in our
service
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regulatory
compliance costs
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integration
of acquisitions
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extraordinary
expenses such as litigation or other dispute-related settlement
payments
|
In
addition, due to a slowdown in the general economy and general uncertainty
of
the current geopolitical environment, an existing or potential customer may
reassess or reduce its planned technology and Internet-related investments
and
defer purchasing decisions. Further delays or reductions in business spending
for technology could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and
operating results.
(20) Our
stock price is likely to be highly volatile and may
decline.
The
trading prices of the securities of technology companies have been highly
volatile. Accordingly, the trading price of our common stock has been and is
likely to continue to be subject to wide fluctuations. Further, our common
stock
has a limited trading history. Factors affecting the trading price of our common
stock include:
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variations
in our actual and anticipated operating
results
|
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·
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the
volatility inherent in stock prices within the emerging sector in
which we
conduct business
|
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announcements
of technological innovations, new services or service enhancements,
strategic alliances or significant agreements by us or by our
competitors
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recruitment
or departure of key personnel
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·
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changes
in the estimates of our operating results or changes in recommendations
by
any securities analysts that elect to follow our common
stock
|
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·
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market
conditions in our industry, the industries of our customers and the
economy as a whole
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the
volume of trading in our common stock, including sales of substantial
amounts of common stock issued upon the exercise of outstanding options
and warrants
|
In
addition, the stock market from time to time has experienced extreme price
and
volume fluctuations that have affected the trading prices of many emerging
growth companies. Such fluctuations have often been unrelated or
disproportionate to the operating performance of these companies. These broad
trading fluctuations could adversely affect the trading price of our common
stock.
Further,
securities class action litigation has often been brought against companies
that
experience periods of volatility in the market prices of their securities.
Such
an action was filed against us in October 2007 as more fully described elsewhere
in this report. This securities class action litigation could result in
substantial costs and a diversion of our management's attention and resources.
We may determine, like many defendants in such lawsuits, that it is in our
best
interests to settle the lawsuit, even if we believe that the plaintiffs' claims
have no merit, to avoid the cost and distraction of continued litigation. Any
liability we incur in connection with this or any other potential lawsuit could
materially harm our business and financial position and, even if we defend
ourselves successfully, there is a risk that management's distraction in dealing
with this type of lawsuit could harm our results.
(21) Shares
eligible for public sale could adversely affect our stock
price.
Certain
holders of shares of our common stock signed agreements that prohibit resales
of
our common stock. If substantial numbers of shares are resold as lock-up periods
expire, the market price of our common stock is likely to decrease
substantially.
At
November 12, 2007, 18,009,564 shares of our common stock were issued and
outstanding and 3,855,215 shares may be issued pursuant to the exercise of
warrants and options. In addition, on November 14, 2007, we sold $3.3 million
aggregate principal amount of secured subordinate convertible notes due November
14, 2010, which principal amount may be converted into the number of shares
of
our common stock calculated by using a conversion price equal to a 20% premium
above the average of the closing bid and asked prices of shares of our common
stock quoted in the Over-the-Counter Market Summary averaged over five trading
days prior to November 14, 2007. During May 2005, we registered on Form S-8
5,000,000 shares of our common stock for issuance to our officers, directors
and
consultants under the 2004 Plan, of which at November 12, 2007, 156,000
unrestricted shares were outstanding, 174,500 restricted shares were outstanding
and 1,373,700 shares are subject to outstanding stock options of the 5,000,000
shares reserved for issuance under the 2004 Plan. In June 2007, we limited
the
issuance of shares of our common stock reserved under the 2004 Plan to awards
of
shares of restricted and unrestricted common stock. Also in June 2007, our
Board
of Directors approved an offer for certain holders of outstanding options with
an exercise price of $2.50 per share or greater to exchange the outstanding
options for a certain number of shares of restricted stock. We target that
the
restriction on these shares of stock would lapse in four equal, quarterly
increments over the year following the acceptance of the exchange offer. The
exchange offer has not commenced and will not commence until certain actions
are
taken by us, including a filing of a tender offer statement and offer to
exchange on Scheduled TO with the SEC. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is
not
an offer or solicitation of an offer to sell or exchange any outstanding
options.
We
entered into agreements that limit the number of shares that may be sold during
specific time periods, or Dribble Out Agreements, with all of the investors
who
purchased shares of our stock from us in private placements during 2005 and
2006, a total of approximately 2,497,000 shares. Under these Dribble Out
Agreements, sales of shares are limited to 25% during a rolling 30-day period.
Such limitations terminate six months after the effective date of the
registration statement registering these shares. Almost all of these shares
are
registered on our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No.
333-141853), or the Registration Statement, which was declared effective by
the
SEC as of July 31, 2007.
Certain
of our affiliates have also entered into other Lock-Up Agreements covering
a
portion of their shares. These agreements restrict the sale of 1,296,623 shares
of our common stock. Under the terms of these Lock-Up Agreements, these
affiliates cannot sell, pledge, grant or otherwise transfer the shares subject
to the agreement for one year following July 31, 2007. After one year, 2.5%
of
these shares per quarter are released from these restrictions on a pro rata
basis among these affiliates. All remaining shares will be released from the
Lock-Up Agreements on July 31, 2009. These Lock-Up Agreements will otherwise
terminate at the following times: (A) if the Registration Statement is
terminated, the earlier of (i) the date of termination if no shares were sold,
or (ii) the date any proceeds received from public investors are placed in
the
mail for return; (B) the date our common stock is listed on a national
securities exchange, or (C) 30 days following the date the persons signing
these
Lock-Up Agreements are no longer affiliates.
Our
stock
is very thinly traded. The average daily trading volume for our common stock
between January 2007 and November 2007 was approximately 16,200 shares per
day.
The number of shares that could be sold during this period was restrained by
Dribble Out Agreements, Lock-Up Agreements, and other contractual limitations
imposed on some of our shares, while there was no similar contractual restraint
on the number of buyers of our common stock. This means that market supply
may
increase more than market demand for our shares when lock-up and dribble-out
periods expire. Many companies experience a decrease in the market price of
their shares when such events occur.
We
cannot
predict if future sales of our common stock, or the availability of our common
stock held for sale, will materially and adversely affect the market price
for
our common stock or our ability to raise capital by offering equity or other
securities. Our stock price may decline if the resale of shares under Rule
144,
in addition to the resale of registered shares, at any time in the future
exceeds the market demand for our stock.
Future
sales of substantial amounts of our shares in the public market could adversely
affect market prices prevailing from time to time and could impair our ability
to raise capital through the sale of our securities.
(22) Our
securities may be subject to “penny stock” rules, which could adversely affect
our stock price and make it more difficult for our stockholders to resell their
stock.
The
SEC
has adopted rules that regulate broker-dealer practices in connection with
transactions in penny stocks. Penny stocks are generally equity securities
with
a price of less than $5.00 per share (other than securities registered on
certain national securities exchanges or quotation systems, provided that
reports with respect to transactions in such securities are provided by the
exchange or quotation system pursuant to an effective transaction reporting
plan
approved by the SEC).
The
penny
stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock
not
otherwise exempt from those rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure
document prescribed by the SEC, which:
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contains
a description of the nature and level of risk in the market for penny
stocks in both public offerings and secondary
trading
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contains
a description of the broker's or dealer's duties to the customer
and of
the rights and remedies available to the customer with respect to
a
violation of such duties or other
requirements
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contains
a brief, clear, narrative description of a dealer market, including
“bid”
and “ask” prices for penny stocks and the significance of the spread
between the bid and ask price
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contains
a toll-free telephone number for inquiries on disciplinary
actions
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defines
significant terms in the disclosure document or in the conduct of
trading
penny stocks
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contains
such other information and is in such form (including language, type,
size, and format) as the SEC
requires
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The
broker-dealer also must provide the customer, prior to effecting any transaction
in a penny stock, with:
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bid
and ask quotations for the penny
stock
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the
compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the
transaction
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the
number of shares to which such bid and ask prices apply, or other
comparable information relating to the depth and liquidity of the
market
for such stock
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monthly
account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held
in
the customer's account
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In
addition, the penny stock rules require that, prior to a transaction in a penny
stock not otherwise exempt from those rules, the broker-dealer must make a
special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment
for
the purchaser and receive the purchaser's written acknowledgment of the receipt
of a risk disclosure statement, a written agreement related to transactions
involving penny stocks, and a signed and dated copy of a written suitability
statement. These disclosure requirements could have the effect of reducing
the
trading activity in the secondary market for our stock because it will be
subject to these penny stock rules. Therefore, stockholders may have difficulty
selling those securities.
5.
OTHER INFORMATION
Effective
October 16, 2007, we amended our Third Amended and Restated Bylaws. The
amendment permits us to issue shares of our stock in book entry form in addition
to preparing stock certificates.
Effective
October 17, 2007, the employment contract between Smart Commerce and Gary Mahieu
expired according to the terms of that agreement, and as of that date Mr. Mahieu
no longer serves as an employee of ours or Smart Commerce. Mr. Mahieu had served
as the Chief Operating Officer and Vice President at Smart
Commerce.
On
November 14, 2007, in an initial closing, we sold $3.3 million aggregate
principal amount of secured subordinated convertible notes due November 14,
2010. In addition, the noteholders have committed to purchase on a pro rata
basis up to $5.2 million aggregate principal of secured subordinated notes
upon
approval and call by our Board of Directors in future closings. We are obligated
to pay interest on the notes at an annualized rate of 8% payable in quarterly
installments commencing on February 14, 2008. We do not have the ability to
prepay the notes without approval of at least a majority of the principal amount
of the notes then outstanding.
On
the
earlier of the maturity date of November 14, 2010 or a merger, acquisition,
sale
of all or substantially all of our assets or capital stock or similar
transaction, each noteholder in its sole discretion shall have the option
to:
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convert
the principal then outstanding on its note into shares of our common
stock, or
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demand
immediate repayment in cash of the note, including any accrued and
unpaid
interest.
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If
a
noteholder elects to convert its note under these circumstances, the conversion
price for notes:
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issued
in the initial closing on November 14, 2007 shall be a 20% premium
above
the average of the closing bid and asked prices of shares of our
common
stock quoted in the Over-The-Counter Market Summary averaged over
five
trading days prior to November 14, 2007;
and
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issued
in any additional closings shall be the lesser of a 20% premium above
the
average of the closing bid and asked prices of shares of our common
stock
quoted in the Over-The-Counter Market Summary (or, if our shares
are
traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market or another exchange, the closing
price
of shares of our common stock quoted on such exchange) averaged over
five
trading days prior to :
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o
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the
respective additional closing date.
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Upon
the
following events of default and at any time during the continuance of such
an
event of default, the noteholders have the right, with the consent of the agent
appointed for such noteholders, to accelerate payment on their
notes:
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failure
to pay any amounts when due;
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non-performance
of any material covenant that remains uncured for 15
days;
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any
of our representations and warranties prove to have been false or
misleading in any material respect when
made;
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one
or more judgments, decrees, or orders (excluding settlement orders)
for
the payment of money in the aggregate of $1,000,000 or more is entered
against us or a subsidiary and is not discharged or stayed for a
period of
60 days; or
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default
by us or a subsidiary under any agreement related to indebtedness
resulting in the acceleration of more than $500,000 of
indebtedness.
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In
addition, payment of the notes will be automatically accelerated if we enter
voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings.
The
notes
are secured by a first-priority lien on all our unencumbered assets, and a
primary subordinated security interest in our encumbered assets, as permitted
by
our agreements with Wachovia and Fifth Third Bank.
The
notes
and the common stock into which they may be converted have not been registered
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, or the
securities laws of any other jurisdiction. As a result, offers and sales of
the
notes were made pursuant to Regulation D of the Securities Act and only made
to
accredited investors that were our existing stockholders. The investors include,
among others, (i) The Blueline Fund, who originally recommended Philippe
Pouponnot, one of the Company’s directors, for appointment to the Company’s
Board of Directors, (ii) Atlas Capital, S.A., who originally recommended Shlomo
Elia, another one of the Company’s directors, for appointment to the Board of
Directors, and (iii) William Furr, who is the father of Thomas Furr, one of
the
Company’s directors and executive officers. Unless and until they are
registered, the notes and the common stock into which they may be converted
may
not be offered or sold except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction
not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act or
applicable securities laws of other jurisdictions.
If
notes
are converted into our common stock and a demand for registration of the shares
of common stock is made by a holder of a majority of the converted common stock,
we have agreed, subject to certain limitations, to use our best efforts to
file
a registration statement with the SEC:
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within
180 days of such demand if:
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we
are eligible to use Form S-1,
and
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o
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the
demand is made with respect to at least 40% of the converted common
stock
then outstanding (or a lesser percentage if the anticipated aggregate
offering price, net of selling expenses, would exceed $5
million);
and
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within
90 days of such demand if:
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we
are eligible to use Form S-3, and
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o
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the
demand is made with respect to at least 30% of the converted common
stock
then outstanding (or a lesser percentage if the anticipated aggregate
offering price, net of selling expenses, would exceed $2
million).
|
In
addition, if we propose to file a registration statement to register any of
our
common stock under the Securities Act in connection with the public offering
of
such securities solely for cash, subject to certain limitations, we shall give
each noteholder who has converted its notes into common stock the opportunity
to
include such shares of converted common stock in the registration. We have
agreed to bear the expenses for any of these registrations, exclusive of any
stock transfer taxes, underwriting discounts and commissions.
The
noteholders have designated a bond representative to act as their agent. We
have
agreed that the bond representative shall be granted access to our facilities
and personal during normal business hours, shall have the right to attend all
meetings of our Board of Directors and its committees and to receive all
materials provided to our Board of Directors or any committee of our Board.
We
have agreed to pay all reasonable travel and lodging expenses of the bond
representative related to his access to our facilities. In addition, so long
as
the notes are outstanding, we have agreed that we will not take any of the
following actions without approval of the bond representative:
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make
any loan or advance to, or own any stock or other securities of,
any
subsidiary or other corporation, partnership, or other entity unless
it is
wholly owned by us except that we may own securities of 1-800-Pharmacy,
Inc. pursuant to an agreement we have with them without obtaining
the bond
representative’s consent;
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make
any loan or advance to any person, except advances and similar
expenditures in the ordinary course of business or under the terms
of an
employee stock or option plan approved by our Board of Directors;
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guarantee
any indebtedness except for our trade accounts or those of a subsidiary
arising in the ordinary course of business;
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make
any investment other than investments in prime commercial paper,
money
market funds, certificates of deposit in any United States bank having
a
net worth in excess of $100,000,000 or obligations issued or guaranteed
by
the United States of America, in each case having a maturity not
in excess
of two years;
|
|
·
|
incur
any aggregate indebtedness in excess of $25,000, other than trade
credit
incurred in the ordinary course of business;
|
|
·
|
increase
or approve the compensation of our named executive officers, including
benefits, bonuses and issuances of equity compensation;
|
|
·
|
change
our principal business, enter new lines of business, or exit the
current
line of business;
|
|
·
|
sell,
transfer, exclusively license, pledge or encumber technology or
intellectual property;
|
|
·
|
create
or authorize the creation of or issue any other security convertible
into
or exercisable for any equity security, other than issuances to employees
pursuant to equity compensation plans approved by our Board of Directors;
|
|
·
|
purchase
or redeem or pay any dividend on any capital stock, other than stock
repurchased from former employees or consultants in connection with
the
cessation of their employment/services, at the lower of fair market
value
or cost; or
|
|
·
|
increase
the number of shares authorized for issuance to officers, directors,
employees, consultants and advisors pursuant to equity incentive
plans or
arrangements.
|
On
November 6, 2007, Canaccord Adams Inc. agreed to waive any rights it held under
its January 2007 engagement letter with the Company that it may have with
respect to the convertible note offering, including the right to receive any
fees in connection with the offering.
Proceeds
from the sale of notes in the initial closing will be used to meet ongoing
working capital and capital spending requirements.
The
following exhibits have been or are being filed herewith and are numbered in
accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K:
Exhibit
No.
|
|
Description
|
3.1
|
|
Fourth
Amended and Restated Bylaws
|
4.1
|
|
Convertible
Secured Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement, dated November 14,
2007, by
and among Smart Online, Inc. and certain investors
|
4.2
|
|
Form
of Convertible Secured Subordinated Promissory Note
|
10.1
|
|
Form
of Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement, dated July 3, 2007,
by and
between Smart Online, Inc. and each of Magnetar Capital Master Fund,
Ltd.
and Herald Investment Management Limited on behalf of Herald Investment
Trust PLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.55 to Amendment
No. 3 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No.
333-141853), as filed with the SEC on July 31, 2007)
|
10.2
|
|
Form
of Lock-In Agreement, dated July 30, 2007, by and between Smart Online,
Inc. and certain of its affiliates (incorporated herein by reference
to
Exhibit 10.56 to Amendment No. 3 to our Registration Statement on
Form S-1
(Registration No. 333-141853), as filed with the SEC on July 31,
2007)
|
10.3
|
|
Form
of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (for employees) under Smart Online,
Inc.’s 2004 Equity Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference
to
Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the
SEC on
August 21, 2007)
|
10.4
|
|
Employment
Agreement, dated August 15, 2007, with Joseph
Francis Trepanier III
|
10.5
|
|
Amendment,
dated August 15, 2007, to Employment Agreement, dated April 1, 2004,
with
Thomas P. Furr
|
10.6
|
|
Registration
Rights Agreement, dated November 14, 2007, by and among Smart Online,
Inc.
and certain investors
|
10.7
|
|
Security
Agreement, dated November 14, 2007, among Smart Online, Inc. and
Doron
Roethler, as agent for certain investors
|
10.8
|
|
Promissory
Note, Modification Number One to Loan Agreement, and Security Agreement,
dated January 24, 2007, by and between Smart Online, Inc. and Wachovia
Bank, NA
|
31.1
|
|
Certification
of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) as Adopted
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002
|
31.2
|
|
Certification
of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) as Adopted
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002
|
32.1
|
|
Certification
of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as
Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
This
exhibit is being furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by that
Act, be
deemed to be incorporated by reference into any document or filed
herewith
for the purposes of liability under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934,
as amended, or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as the case
may
be.
|
32.2
|
|
Certification
of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as
Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
This
exhibit is being furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by that
Act, be
deemed to be incorporated by reference into any document or filed
herewith
for the purposes of liability under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934,
as amended, or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as the case
may
be.
|
SIGNATURES
Dated:
November 14, 2007
|
Smart
Online, Inc.
|
|
|
|
/s/ David E. Colburn
|
|
David E. Colburn
|
|
Principal Executive Officer
|
|
|
|
Smart
Online, Inc.
|
|
|
|
/s/ Nicholas Sinigaglia
|
|
Nicholas Sinigaglia
|
|
Principal Financial Officer and
|
|
Principal Accounting
Officer
|
EXHIBIT
INDEX
Exhibit
No.
|
|
Description
|
3.1
|
|
Fourth
Amended and Restated Bylaws
|
4.1
|
|
Convertible
Secured Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement, dated November 14,
2007, by
and among Smart Online, Inc. and certain investors
|
4.2
|
|
Form
of Convertible Secured Subordinated Promissory Note
|
10.1
|
|
Form
of Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement, dated July 3, 2007,
by and
between Smart Online, Inc. and each of Magnetar Capital Master Fund,
Ltd.
and Herald Investment Management Limited on behalf of Herald Investment
Trust PLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.55 to Amendment
No. 3 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No.
333-141853), as filed with the SEC on July 31, 2007)
|
10.2
|
|
Form
of Lock-In Agreement, dated July 30, 2007, by and between Smart Online,
Inc. and certain of its affiliates (incorporated herein by reference
to
Exhibit 10.56 to Amendment No. 3 to our Registration Statement on
Form S-1
(Registration No. 333-141853), as filed with the SEC on July 31,
2007)
|
10.3
|
|
Form
of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (for employees) under Smart Online,
Inc.’s 2004 Equity Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference
to
Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the
SEC on
August 21, 2007)
|
10.4
|
|
Employment
Agreement, dated August 15, 2007, with Joseph
Francis Trepanier III
|
10.5
|
|
Amendment,
dated August 15, 2007, to Employment Agreement, dated April 1, 2004,
with
Thomas P. Furr
|
10.6
|
|
Registration
Rights Agreement, dated November 14, 2007, by and among Smart Online,
Inc.
and certain investors
|
10.7
|
|
Security
Agreement, dated November 14, 2007, among Smart Online, Inc. and
Doron
Roethler, as agent for certain investors
|
10.8
|
|
Promissory
Note, Modification Number One to Loan Agreement, and Security Agreement,
dated January 24, 2007, by and between Smart Online, Inc. and Wachovia
Bank, NA
|
31.1
|
|
Certification
of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) as Adopted
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002
|
31.2
|
|
Certification
of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) as Adopted
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002
|
32.1
|
|
Certification
of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as
Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
This
exhibit is being furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by that
Act, be
deemed to be incorporated by reference into any document or filed
herewith
for the purposes of liability under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934,
as amended, or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as the case
may
be.
|
32.2
|
|
Certification
of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as
Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
This
exhibit is being furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by that
Act, be
deemed to be incorporated by reference into any document or filed
herewith
for the purposes of liability under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934,
as amended, or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as the case
may
be.
|
Exhibit
3.1
FOURTH
AMENDED AND RESTATED
BYLAWS
OF
SMART
ONLINE, INC.
ARTICLE
I
OFFICES
SECTION
1. REGISTERED
OFFICE.
The
registered office of the Corporation shall be located at 1209 Orange Street,
Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801, or at such other place as the
Board of Directors shall determine from time to time.
SECTION
2. PRINCIPAL
OFFICE AND OTHER OFFICES.
The
principal office of the Corporation shall be located at such place as the Board
of Directors may specify from time to time. The Corporation may have such other
offices at such other places, either within or without the State of Delaware,
as
the Board of Directors may from time to time determine, or as the affairs of
the
Corporation may require.
ARTICLE
II
MEETINGS
OF STOCKHOLDERS
SECTION
1. PLACE
OF MEETING.
Meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation shall be held at the such place,
either within or without the State of Delaware, as may be designated from time
to time by the Board of Directors, or, if not so designated, then at the
principal office of the Corporation required to be maintained pursuant to
Article I, Section 2 hereof. The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion
and subject to such guidelines and procedures as the Board of Directors may
adopt for such meeting, permit stockholders and proxy holders not present at
such meeting to: (i) participate in such meeting of stockholders; and (ii)
be
deemed present in person and vote at such meeting of stockholders, provided
that: (A) the Corporation shall implement reasonable measures to verify that
each person deemed present and permitted to vote at the meeting by means of
remote communication is a stockholder or proxy holder; (B) the Corporation
shall
implement reasonable measures to provide stockholders and proxy holders a
reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters
submitted to the stockholders; and (C) if any stockholder or proxy holder votes
or takes other action at the meeting by means of remote communication, the
Corporation shall maintain a record of such vote or other action.
SECTION
2. ANNUAL
MEETINGS.
The
annual meeting of the stockholders shall be held during the month of June of
each year at such time and place as the Board of Directors shall determine,
at
which time the stockholders shall elect a Board of Directors and transact such
other business as may be properly brought before the meeting. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Board of Directors may cause the annual meeting of
stockholders to be held on such other date in any year as they shall determine
to be in the best interest of the Corporation, and any business transacted
at
said meeting shall have the same validity as if transacted on the date
designated herein.
SECTION
3. SPECIAL
MEETINGS.
Special
meetings of the stockholders, for any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise
prescribed by statute or the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation,
may be called by the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer or
President. The President or Secretary shall call a special meeting when: (i)
requested in writing by any two or more of the directors, or one director if
only one director is then in office; or (ii) requested in writing by
stockholders
owning a majority of the shares entitled to vote. Such written request shall
state the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting.
SECTION
4. NOTICE.
Except
as otherwise required by statute or the Certificate of Incorporation, written
notice of each meeting of the stockholders, whether annual or special, shall
be
served, either personally, by mail or private carrier, or by facsimile,
electronic mail or other electronic means, upon each stockholder of record
entitled to vote at such meeting, not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty
(60) days before the meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be
delivered when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the stockholder
at his address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage
thereon prepaid. Notice shall be sent by facsimile, electronic mail or other
electronic means only to stockholders who have agreed to receive notice by
electronic means and who have not revoked such agreement. Notice of any meeting
of stockholders shall state the place, date and hour of the meeting, and, in
the
case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is
called. The notice shall also state the means of remote communication, if any,
by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed present in person and
vote
at such meeting. Notice of any meeting of stockholders shall not be required
to
be given to any stockholder who, in person or by his authorized attorney, either
before or after such meeting, shall waive such notice in writing. Attendance
of
a stockholder at a meeting, either in person or by proxy, shall itself
constitute waiver of notice and waiver of any and all objections to the place
and time of the meeting and manner in which it has been called or convened,
except when a stockholder attends a meeting solely for the purpose of stating,
at the beginning of the meeting, any such objections to the transaction of
business. Notice of the time and place of any adjourned meeting need not be
given otherwise than by the announcement at the meeting at which adjournment
is
taken, unless the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days or after the
adjournment a new record date is set.
SECTION
5. PROXIES.
A
stockholder may attend, represent, and vote his shares at any meeting in person,
or be represented and have his shares voted for by a proxy which such
stockholder has (i) duly executed in writing or (ii) transmitted by electronic
means and which has been authenticated as required by law. No proxy shall be
valid after three (3) years from the date of its execution unless a longer
period is expressly provided in the proxy. Each proxy shall be revocable unless
otherwise expressly provided in the proxy or unless otherwise made irrevocable
by law.
SECTION
6. QUORUM.
The
holders of a majority of the stock issued, outstanding and entitled to vote,
present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all
meetings of the stockholders and shall be required for the transaction of
business, except as otherwise provided by law, by the Certificate of
Incorporation, or by these Bylaws. When a quorum is present at the original
meeting, any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting
may be transacted at an adjourned meeting, even when a quorum is not present
at
the adjourned meeting. The stockholders at a meeting at which a quorum is
initially present may continue to do business until adjournment, notwithstanding
the withdrawal of sufficient stockholders to leave less than a quorum. If,
however, such majority shall not be present or represented at any meeting of
the
stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting, present in
person or by proxy, shall have the power to adjourn the meeting from time to
time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting unless the
adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days or after the adjournment a new
record date is set, until the required amount of voting stock shall be present.
At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present in person or by
proxy, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the
meeting originally called.
SECTION
7. VOTING
OF SHARES.
Each
outstanding share of voting capital stock of the Corporation shall be entitled
to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of the stockholders,
except as otherwise provided in the Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation. The vote by the holders of a majority of the shares voted on
any
matter at a meeting of stockholders at which a quorum is present shall be the
act of the stockholders on that matter, unless the vote of a greater number
is
required by law, by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation,
or by
these Bylaws; provided, however, that directors shall be elected by a plurality
of the votes of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the
meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors. Voting on all matters
except the election of directors shall be by voice vote or show of hands unless
the holders of ten percent (10%) of the shares represented at the meeting shall,
prior to voting on any matter, demand a written ballot on that particular
matter. All elections of directors shall be by written ballot, unless otherwise
provided in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Shares of
its
own stock owned by the Corporation, directly or indirectly, through a subsidiary
or otherwise, shall not be voted and shall not be counted in determining the
number of shares entitled to vote; except that shares held in a fiduciary
capacity may be voted and shall be counted except to the extent provided by
law.
SECTION
8. ACTION
WITHOUT MEETING.
(a) Any
action required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of
the
stockholders, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without
a
vote, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken,
are signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum
number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at
a
meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and
voted.
(b) Every
written consent shall bear the date of signature of each stockholder who signs
the consent, and no consent shall be effective to take the corporate action
referred to in such consent unless, within sixty (60) days of the earliest
dated
consent delivered to the Corporation in the manner required in these Bylaws,
written consents signed by a sufficient number of stockholders to take action
are delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the
State of Delaware, its principal place of business or an officer or agent of
the
Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of
stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the Corporation's registered office
shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt
requested.
(c) A
telegram, electronic mail or other electronic transmission consenting to action
to be taken and transmitted by a stockholder or proxy holder, or by a person
or
persons authorized to act for a stockholder or proxy holder, shall be deemed
to
be written, signed and dated, as required by Section 228 of the General
Corporation Law of Delaware and by these Bylaws, provided that any such
telegram, electronic mail or other electronic transmission sets forth or is
delivered with information from which the Corporation can determine: (i) that
the telegram, electronic mail or other electronic transmission was transmitted
by the stockholder, proxy holder or person authorized to act for the stockholder
or proxy holder; and (ii) the date on which such stockholder, proxy holder
or
authorized person(s) transmitted such telegram, electronic mail or other
electronic transmission. The date on which such telegram, electronic mail or
other electronic transmission is transmitted shall be deemed to be the date
on
which such consent was signed. Unless otherwise provided by resolution of the
Board of Directors, no consent given by telegram, electronic mail or other
electronic transmission shall be deemed to have been delivered until such
consent is reproduced in paper form and until such paper form shall be delivered
to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office, its principal place
of
business or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book
in
which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to
the
Corporation's registered office shall be made by and or by certified or
registered mail, return receipt requested.
SECTION
9. LIST
OF STOCKHOLDERS.
The
Secretary shall prepare and make, at least ten (10) days before every meeting
of
stockholders, a complete alphabetical list of the stockholders entitled to
vote
at the meeting, showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares
registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the
examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during
ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the
meeting, either at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held,
which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if not
specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held. The list shall be
produced and kept at the time and place of meeting during the whole time
thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present.
SECTION
10. INSPECTORS
OF ELECTION.
(a) APPOINTMENT
OF INSPECTORS OF ELECTION.
In
advance of any meeting of stockholders, the Board of Directors may appoint
any
persons, other than nominees for office, as inspectors of election to act at
such meeting or any adjournment thereof. If inspectors of election are not
so
appointed, the chairman of any such meeting may appoint inspectors of election
at the meeting. The number of inspectors shall be either one (1) or three (3).
In case any person appointed as inspector fails to appear or fails or refuses
to
act, the vacancy may be filled by appointment by the Board of Directors in
advance of the meeting or at the meeting by the person acting as
chairman.
(b) DUTIES
OF INSPECTORS.
The
inspectors of elections shall determine the number of shares outstanding and
the
voting power of each, the shares represented at the meeting, the existence
of a
quorum, the authenticity, validity and effect of proxies, receive votes, ballots
or consents, hear and determine all challenges and questions in any way arising
in connection with the right to vote, count and tabulate all votes or consents,
determine the results and do such acts as may be proper to conduct the election
or vote with fairness to all stockholders. The inspectors of election shall
perform their duties impartially, in good faith, to the best of their ability
and as expeditiously as possible.
(c) VOTE
OF INSPECTORS.
If
there are three (3) inspectors of election the decision, act or certificate
of a
majority shall be effective in all respects as the decision, act or certificate
of all.
(d) REPORT
OF INSPECTORS.
On
request of the chairman of the meeting, the inspectors shall make a report
in
writing of any challenge or question or matter determined by them and shall
execute a certificate of any fact found by them. Any report or certificate
made
by them shall be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.
SECTION
13. NOTICE
OF STOCKHOLDER BUSINESS AND NOMINATIONS.
(a) Annual
Meetings of Stockholders.
(i) Nominations
of persons for election to the Board of Directors and the proposal of business
to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of
stockholders: (a) pursuant to the notice of meeting pursuant to Article II,
Section 4 of these Bylaws; (b) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors;
or (c) by any stockholder of the Corporation who was a stockholder of record
at
the time of giving of notice provided for in this Bylaw (Article II, Section
13), who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who complies with the notice
procedures set forth in this Bylaw.
(ii) For
nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting
by
a stockholder pursuant to clause (c) of paragraph (a)(i) of this Bylaw, the
stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary
of
the Corporation and such other business must otherwise be a proper matter for
stockholder action. To be timely, a stockholder's notice shall be delivered
to
the secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later
than the close of business on the 60th calendar day nor earlier than the close
of business on the 90th calendar day prior to the first anniversary of the
preceding year's annual meeting; provided,
however,
that in
the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than thirty (30) calendar
days before or more than sixty (60) calendar days after such anniversary date,
notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than
the
close of business on the 90th calendar day prior to such annual meeting and
not
later than the close of business on the later of the 60th calendar day prior
to
such annual meeting or the 10th calendar day following the calendar day on
which
public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by the
Corporation. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment of
an
annual meeting commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder's
notice as described above. Such stockholder's notice shall set forth: (a) as
to
each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection
as a director all information relating to such person that is required to be
disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors in an election
contest, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A
under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and Rule
14a-11 thereunder (including such person's written consent to being named in
the
proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected); (b)
as to
any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting,
a
brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting,
the
reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any material interest
in
such business of such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose
behalf the proposal is made; and (c) as to the stockholder giving the notice
and
the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is
made, the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the
Corporation's books, and of such beneficial owner and the class and number
of
shares of the Corporation which are owned beneficially and of record by such
stockholder and such beneficial owner.
(b) Special
Meetings of Stockholders.
(i) Only
such
business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have
been brought before the meeting pursuant to the notice of meeting under Article
II, Section 4 of these Bylaws. If directors are to be elected at a special
meeting of stockholders pursuant to the notice of meeting, nominations of
persons for election to the Board of Directors at such meeting may be made
(a)
by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, or (b) by any stockholder
of
the Corporation who is a stockholder of record at the time of giving of notice
provided for in this Bylaw, who shall be entitled to vote at the meeting and
who
complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Bylaw.
(ii) In
the
event a special meeting of stockholders is called for the purpose of electing
one or more directors to the Board of Directors, any stockholder may, pursuant
to clause (b)(i) above, nominate a person or persons (as the case may be) for
election to such position(s) as specified in the notice of meeting, if the
stockholder shall have delivered notice containing the information specified
in
paragraph (a)(ii) of this Bylaw to the secretary at the principal executive
offices of the Corporation not earlier than the close of business on the 90th
calendar day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of
business on the later of the 60th calendar day prior to such special meeting
or
the 10th calendar day following the day on which public announcement is first
made of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the
Board of Directors to be elected at such meeting. In no event shall the public
announcement of an adjournment of a special meeting commence a new time period
for the giving of a stockholder's notice as described above.
(c) General.
(i) Only
such
persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this
Bylaw shall be eligible to serve as directors and only such business shall
be
conducted at a meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the
meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Bylaw. Except as
otherwise provided by law, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
or these Bylaws, the chairman of the meeting shall have the power and duty
to
determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before
the
meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with the
procedures set forth in this Bylaw and, if any proposed nomination or business
is not in compliance with this Bylaw, to declare that such defective proposal
or
nomination shall be disregarded.
(ii) For
purposes of this Bylaw, "public announcement" shall mean disclosure in a press
release reported in a national news service or in a document publicly filed
by
the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section
13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
(iii) Notwithstanding
the foregoing provisions of this Bylaw, a stockholder shall also comply with
all
applicable requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(“Exchange Act”), and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the
matters set forth in this Bylaw. Nothing in this Bylaw shall be deemed to affect
any rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the
Corporation's proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange
Act.
SECTION
14. STOCKHOLDER
COMMUNICATIONS WITH DIRECTORS.
The
Board of Directors may from time to time establish or amend the procedures
for
stockholder communications to the Board of Directors. Such procedures shall
be
contained in the Corporation’s proxy statement for its annual shareholders
meeting or such other communication as the Board may deem appropriate in its
sole discretion. Any stockholder who desires to send a communication to members
of the Board shall be required to submit such communication in accordance with
such procedures. All communications properly submitted under the procedures
established by the Board of Directors, except those deemed inappropriate as
provided below, will be delivered to all members of the Board periodically,
generally in advance of each regularly scheduled Board meeting. The Secretary
shall not forward communications which (a) are not reasonably related to the
business of the Company, (b) concern individual grievances or other interests
that are personal to the stockholder submitting the communication and that
cannot reasonably be construed to present a matter of concern to stockholders
generally, or (c) under community standards, contain offensive, scurrilous
or
abusive content or that advocate engaging in illegal activities. If the
Secretary, in his or her judgment, deems a communication inappropriate under
the
foregoing criteria, it will be returned to the person who submitted it together
with a brief explanation of the reason why it has been deemed inappropriate
for
delivery.
ARTICLE
III
BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
SECTION
1. GENERAL
POWERS.
The
business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by the Board of
Directors, except as otherwise provided by law, by the Certificate of
Incorporation of the Corporation or by these Bylaws.
SECTION
3. ELECTION
AND CLASSIFICATION OF DIRECTORS; TERM.
The
directors shall be elected for annual terms at the annual meeting of
stockholders (or by written consent in lieu of such meeting) and such directors,
as provided in Section 7 of Article II, shall be elected by a plurality of
the
votes of the shares present or represented by proxy at the meeting (or executing
the written consent in lieu of such meeting) and entitled to vote in the
election of directors.
SECTION
4. REMOVAL.
At a
special meeting of the stockholders called for the purpose and in the manner
provided in these Bylaws, subject to any limitations imposed by law or the
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors,
or
any individual director, may be removed from office, but only for cause, and
a
new director or directors elected by a vote of stockholders holding a majority
of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at an election of
directors.
SECTION
5. RESIGNATION.
Any
director of the Corporation may resign at any time by giving written notice
to
the President or the Secretary of the Corporation. The resignation of any
director shall take effect upon receipt of such notice or at such later time
as
shall be specified in such notice. The acceptance of such resignation shall
not
be necessary to make it effective.
SECTION
7. COMPENSATION.
The
Board of Directors may cause the Corporation to compensate directors for their
services as directors and may provide for payment by the Corporation of all
expenses incurred by directors in attending regular and special meetings of
the
Board.
ARTICLE
IV
MEETINGS
OF DIRECTORS
SECTION
1. ANNUAL
AND REGULAR MEETINGS.
A
regular meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately after,
and
at the same place as, the annual meeting of stockholders. In addition, the
Board
of Directors may provide, by resolution, for the holding of additional regular
meetings.
SECTION
2. SPECIAL
MEETINGS.
Special
meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of the
Chairman of the Board, the President or any two or more directors, or one
director if only one director is then in office. Such meetings may be held
at
the time and place designated in the notice of the meeting.
SECTION
3. NOTICE
OF MEETINGS.
(a) Regular
meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice. Written notice
of
the time and place of all special meetings of the Board of Directors shall
be
given no later than 5:00 p.m. in the time zone of the principal office of the
Corporation on a date after which at least two business days intervene before
the date of the meeting; such notice need not specify the purpose for which
the
meeting is called. Notice of any meeting may be waived in writing at any time
before or after the meeting and will be waived by any director by attendance
at
such meeting, except when the director attends the meeting for the express
purposes of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction
of
any business because the meeting is not lawfully called of convened. Notice
of
an adjourned meeting need not be given if the time and place are fixed at the
meeting adjourning and if the period of adjournment does not exceed ten (10)
days in any one adjournment.
(b) The
transaction of all business at any meeting of the Board of Directors, however
called or noticed, or wherever held, shall be as valid as though had at a
meeting duly held after regular call and notice, if a quorum be present and
if,
either before or after the meeting, each of the directors not present shall
sign
a written waiver of notice, or a consent to holding such meeting, or an approval
of the minutes thereof. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the
purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors need be
specified in any written waiver of notice or consent unless so required by
the
Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws. All such waivers, consents or
approvals shall be filed with the corporate records or made a part of the
minutes of the meetings.
SECTION
5. MANNER
OF ACTING.
Except
as otherwise provided by law, these Bylaws or the Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation, the act of the majority of the directors present
at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of
Directors.
SECTION
6. ACTION
WITHOUT MEETING.
Unless
otherwise restricted by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
or
these Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of
the
Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board
of Directors consent in writing, and such writing or writings are filed with
the
minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors.
SECTION
7. TELEPHONIC
MEETINGS.
Members
of the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of such Board by means
of
conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which
all
persons participating in the meeting can hear each other and participation
in a
meeting pursuant to this Section shall constitute presence in person at such
meeting.
ARTICLE
V
COMMITTEES
OF THE BOARD
SECTION
1. CREATION.
The
Board of Directors may designate one (1) or more directors to constitute a
Executive Committee or other committees, each of which, to the extent authorized
by law and provided in the resolution shall have and may exercise all of the
authority delegated to the Executive Committee or other committee by the Board
of Directors in the management of the Corporation, except as set forth in
Section 7, below.
SECTION
2. VACANCY.
Any
permanent vacancy occurring on a committee shall be filled by the Board of
Directors.
SECTION
3. REMOVAL.
Any
member of a committee may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by
the
Board of Directors.
SECTION
4. PROCEDURES
AND MINUTES.
Any such
committee shall elect a presiding officer from among its members and may fix
its
own rules of procedure, which may not be inconsistent with these Bylaws. Each
committee shall keep regular minutes of its proceedings and report the same
to
the Board when required.
SECTION
5. MEETINGS;
QUORUM.
Regular
meetings of any such committee may be held without notice at such time and
place
as such committee may fix by resolution. Special meetings of any such committee
may be called by any member thereof upon not less than one (1) days' notice
stating the place and time of such meeting, which notice may be written or
oral,
and if mailed, shall be deemed delivered when deposited in the United States
mail addressed to any member of the committee at his business address. Any
member of the committee may waive notice of meeting and no notice of meeting
need be given to any member thereof who attends in person. The notice of a
meeting of a committee need not state the business proposed to be transacted
at
the meeting. A majority of the members of any such committee shall constitute
a
quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting thereof, and actions
of
such committee must be authorized by the affirmative vote of a majority of
the
members pursuant to a meeting at which a quorum is present. In the absence
or
disqualification of a member of the committee, the member or members present
and
not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute
a
quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to
act
at the meeting in the place of such absent or disqualified member.
SECTION
6. RESPONSIBILITY
OF DIRECTORS.
The
designation of an Executive Committee or other committee and the delegation
thereto of authority shall not alone operate to relieve the Board of Directors
or any member thereof, of any responsibility or liability imposed upon it or
him
by law.
SECTION
7. RESTRICTIONS
ON COMMITTEES.
Neither
the Executive Committee nor any other committee shall have the authority to:
(a)
approve or adopt or recommend to the stockholders, any action or matter
expressly required by the Delaware General Corporation Law to be submitted
to
the stockholders for approval; (b) adopt, amend or repeal Bylaws; (c) amend
the
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation; (d) authorize distributions;
(e) fill vacancies on the Board of Directors or on any of its committees, except
as provided in Section 5, above; (f) approve a plan of merger not requiring
stockholder approval; (g) authorize or approve reacquisition of shares, except
according to a formula or method prescribed by the Board of Directors; (h)
authorize or approve the issuance or sale or contract for sale of shares, or
determine the designation and relative rights, preferences, and limitations
of a
class or series of shares, except within limits specifically prescribed by
the
Board of Directors; (i) fix compensation of the directors for serving on the
Board or on any committee; or (j) amend or repeal any resolution of the Board
of
Directors which by its terms shall not be so amendable or
repealable.
ARTICLE
VI
OFFICERS
SECTION
1. OFFICERS.
The
Board of Directors shall elect a President and a Secretary or Assistant
Secretary, and may elect or appoint a chief executive officer, one or more
vice
presidents, one or more assistant secretaries, a treasurer or chief financial
officer, and other or additional officers as in its opinion are desirable for
conduct of the business of the Corporation. The Board of Directors may elect
from its own membership a Chairman of the Board. The Board of Directors may
by
resolution empower any officer or officers of the Corporation to appoint from
time to time such vice presidents and other or additional officers as in the
opinion of the officer(s) so empowered by the Board are desirable for the
conduct of the business of the Corporation. Any two or more offices may be
held
by the same person. In no event, however, may an officer act in more than one
capacity where action of two or more officers is required.
SECTION
2. ELECTION
AND TERM.
Each
officer of the Corporation shall hold office for the term for which he is
elected or appointed, and until his successor has been duly elected or appointed
and has qualified, or until his death, resignation or removal pursuant to these
Bylaws. Elections by the Board of Directors may be held at any regular or
special meeting of the Board.
SECTION
3. REMOVAL.
Any
officer elected by the Board may be removed, either with or without cause,
by a
vote of the Board of Directors. Any officer appointed by another officer or
officers may be removed, either with or without cause, by either a vote of
the
Board of Directors or by the officer or officers given the power to appoint
that
officer. The removal of any person from office shall be without prejudice to
the
contract rights, if any, of the person so removed.
SECTION
4. RESIGNATIONS.
Any
officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board of
Directors or to the President or Secretary of the Corporation. Any such
resignation shall take effect upon receipt of the notice.
SECTION
5. VACANCIES.
A
vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification,
or any other cause, shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term in
the
manner prescribed by these Bylaws for regular appointment or elections to such
offices.
SECTION
6. COMPENSATION.
The
compensation of all officers of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board
of
Directors, except that the Board may delegate to any officer who has been given
the power to appoint subordinate officers, the authority to fix the salaries
of
such appointed officers. No officer shall be prevented from receiving a salary
as an officer by reason of the fact that the officer is also a member of the
Board of Directors.
SECTION
7. CHAIRMAN
OF THE BOARD.
The
Chairman of the Board of Directors, if elected, shall preside at all meetings
of
the Board of Directors and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed
from time to time by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws.
SECTION
8. CHIEF
EXECUTIVE OFFICER.
The
Chief Executive Officer, if elected, shall be the principal executive officer
of
the Corporation and shall preside at meetings of the Board of Directors in
the
absence of the Chairman of the Board. The Chief Executive Officer shall be
subject to the control and direction of the Board of Directors, and shall
supervise and control the management of the Corporation.
SECTION
9. PRESIDENT.
If no
Chief Executive Officer is elected, the President shall be the principal
executive officer of the Corporation, and shall preside at meetings of the
Board
of Directors in the absence of the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive
Officer. The President shall be subject to the control and direction of the
Board of Directors, and in general, he shall perform all duties incident to
the
office of President and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board
of
Directors, the Chairman of the Board, or the Chief Executive Officer from time
to time.
SECTION
10. VICE
PRESIDENTS.
In the
absence or disability of the President or in the event of his death, inability
or refusal to act, the Vice Presidents, in the order of their length of service
as such, unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, shall perform
the duties and exercise the powers of the President. In addition, the Vice
President shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the
Board of Directors shall prescribe. Vice Presidents shall not be executive
officers of the Corporation except as designated by the Board of
Directors.
SECTION
11. SECRETARY
AND ASSISTANT SECRETARY.
The
Secretary shall attend all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board of
Directors, and shall record all acts and proceedings of such meetings in the
minute book of the Corporation. The Secretary shall give notice in conformity
with these Bylaws of all meetings of the stockholders and of all meetings of
the
Board of Directors requiring notice. The Secretary shall perform all other
duties given him in these Bylaws and other duties commonly incident to his
office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers
as
the Board of Directors shall designate from time to time. The President may
direct any Assistant Secretary to assume and perform the duties of the Secretary
in the absence or disability of the Secretary, and each Assistant Secretary
shall perform other duties commonly incident to his office and shall also
perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors
or the President shall designate from time to time.
SECTION
12. CHIEF
FINANCIAL OFFICER OR TREASURER AND ASSISTANT TREASURER.
The
Chief Financial Officer or Treasurer shall keep or cause to be kept the books
of
account of the Corporation in a thorough and proper manner, and shall render
statements of the financial affairs of the Corporation in such form and as
often
as required by the Board of Directors or the President. The Chief Financial
Officer or Treasurer, subject to the order of the Board of Directors, shall
have
the custody of all funds and securities of the Corporation. The Corporation
shall mail the annual financial statements, or a written notice of their
availability, to each stockholder within one hundred twenty (120) days of the
close of each fiscal year. The Chief Financial Officer or Treasurer shall
perform other duties commonly incident to this office and shall also perform
such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors or the
President shall designate from time to time. The President may direct any
Assistant Treasurer to assume and perform the duties of the Chief Financial
Officer or Treasurer in the absence or disability of the Chief Financial Officer
or Treasurer, and each Assistant Treasurer shall perform other duties commonly
incident to this office and shall also perform such other duties and have such
other powers as the Board of Directors or the President shall designate from
time to time.
SECTION
13. CONTROLLER
AND ASSISTANT CONTROLLER.
The
Controller, if one has been appointed, shall have charge of the accounting
affairs of the Corporation and shall have such other powers and perform such
other duties as the Board of Directors shall designate. Each Assistant
Controller shall have such powers and perform such duties as may be assigned
by
the Board of Directors and the Assistant Controllers shall exercise the powers
of the Controller during that officer's absence or inability to
act.
SECTION
14. DUTIES
OF OFFICERS MAY BE DELEGATED.
In case
of the absence of any officer of the Corporation or for any other reason that
the Board may deem sufficient, the Board may delegate the powers or duties
of
such officer to any other officer or to any director for the time being provided
a majority of the entire Board of Directors concurs in such
delegation.
SECTION
15. BONDS.
The
Board of Directors may, by resolution, require any or all officers, agents
and
employees of the Corporation to give bond to the Corporation, with sufficient
securities, conditioned on faithful performance of the duties of their
respective offices or positions, and to comply with such other conditions as
may
from time to time be required by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE
VII
CAPITAL
STOCK AND TRANSFER OF SAME
SECTION
1. CERTIFICATES
FOR SHARES.
The
shares of stock of the Corporation may be issued in book-entry form or evidenced
by certificates. However, every stockholder shall be entitled, upon request,
to
have a certificate or certificates in such form as the Board of Directors shall
determine, certifying the number and class of fully paid shares owned by him.
To
the extent that shares of stock are represented by certificates, the
certificates representing shares of such stock shall be numbered in the order
in
which they shall be issued and shall be signed in the name of the Corporation
by
the President or any Vice President or a person who has been designated as
the
chief executive officer of the Corporation and by the Secretary, Assistant
Secretary, Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer and sealed with the seal of the
Corporation or a facsimile thereof. The signatures of any such officers upon
a
certificate may be facsimiles or may be engraved or printed or omitted if the
certificate is countersigned by a transfer agent, or registered by a registrar,
other than the Corporation itself or an employee of the Corporation. In case
any
officer who has signed or whose facsimile or other signature has been placed
upon such certificate shall have ceased to be such officer before such
certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect
as if he were such officer at the date of its issue. The certificates shall
be
consecutively numbered or otherwise identified; and the name and address of
the
persons to whom they are issued, with the number of shares and date of issue,
shall be entered on the stock transfer books of the Corporation. A record shall
be kept of the respective names of the persons, firms or corporations owning
the
stock represented by such certificates or held in book-entry form, the number
and class of shares represented by such certificates or held in book-entry
form,
respectively, and the respective dates thereof, and in case of cancellation
the
respective dates of cancellation. Every certificate surrendered to the
Corporation for exchange or transfer shall be cancelled, and no new certificate
or certificates shall be issued.
SECTION 2. TRANSFER
OF SHARES.
Transfer
of shares shall be made on the stock transfer books of the Corporation only
upon
surrender of the certificates for the shares sought to be transferred by the
record holder thereof or by his duly authorized agent, transferee or legal
representative. All certificates surrendered for transfer shall be cancelled
before new certificates for the transferred shares shall be issued.
SECTION
3. TRANSFER
AGENT AND REGISTRAR.
The
Board of Directors may appoint one or more transfer agents and one or more
registrars of transfer and may require all stock certificates to be signed
or
countersigned by the transfer agent and registered by the registrar of
transfers.
SECTION
4. CLOSING
TRANSFER BOOKS AND FIXING RECORD DATE.
(a) For
the
purpose of determining the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at
any
meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors
may
fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which
the
resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and
which record date shall not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10)
days
before the date of such meeting. If no record date is fixed by the Board of
Directors, such record date shall be at the close of business on the day next
preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the
close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is
held. Such determination of stockholders of record shall apply to any
adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors
may
fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.
(b) For
the
purpose of determining the stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action
in writing without a meeting, the Board of Directors may fix a record date,
which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing
the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which date shall
not
be more than ten (10) days after the date upon which the resolution fixing
the
record date is adopted by the Board of Directors. If no record date has been
fixed by the Board of Directors, such record date, when no prior action by
the
Board of Directors is required by this chapter, shall be the first date on
which
a signed written consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken
is filed with the Secretary of the Corporation. If no record date has been
fixed
by the Board of Directors and prior action by the Board of Directors is required
by the Delaware Corporation Law, such record date shall be at the close of
business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution taking
such prior action.
(c) For
the
purpose of determining the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any
dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or the stockholders
entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange
of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors
may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which
the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall
be
not more than sixty (60) days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed,
the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be
at
the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the
resolution relating thereto.
SECTION
5. LOST
CERTIFICATES.
The
Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of a new share certificate in
place of a certificate claimed to have been lost or destroyed, upon receipt
of
an affidavit of such fact from the person claiming the loss or destruction.
When
authorizing such issuance of a new certificate, the Board may require the
claimant to give the Corporation a bond in such sum as it may direct to
indemnify the Corporation against loss from any claim with respect to the
certificate claimed to have been lost or destroyed; or the Board may, by
resolution reciting that the circumstances justify such action, authorize the
issuance of the new certificate without requiring such a bond.
SECTION
6. HOLDER
OF RECORD.
The
Corporation may treat as absolute owner of the shares the person in whose name
the shares stand of record on its books just as if that person had full
competency, capacity, and authority to exercise all rights of ownership
irrespective of any knowledge or notice to the contrary or any description
indicating a representative, pledge or other fiduciary relation or any reference
to any other instrument or to the rights of any other person appearing upon
its
record or upon the share certificate; except that any person furnishing to
the
Corporation proof of his appointment as a fiduciary shall be treated as if
he
were a holder of record of the Corporation's shares.
SECTION
7. TREASURY
SHARES.
Treasury
shares of the Corporation shall consist of such shares as have been issued
and
thereafter acquired but not cancelled by the Corporation. Treasury shares shall
not carry voting or dividend rights, except rights in share
dividends.
ARTICLE
VIII
GENERAL
PROVISIONS
SECTION
1. DISTRIBUTIONS
TO STOCKHOLDERS.
The
Board of Directors may from time to time authorize, and the Corporation may
make, distributions to its stockholders (including, without limitation,
dividends and distributions involving acquisition of the Corporation's shares)
in the manner and upon the terms and conditions provided by law, and subject
to
the provisions of its Certificate of Incorporation.
SECTION
2. SEAL.
The seal
of the Corporation shall be in such form as the Board of Directors may from
time
to time determine.
SECTION
3. DEPOSITORIES
AND CHECKS.
All
funds of the Corporation shall be deposited in the name of the Corporation
in
such bank, banks, or other financial institutions as the Board of Directors
may
from time to time designate and shall be drawn out on checks, drafts or other
orders signed on behalf of the Corporation by such person or persons as the
Board of Directors may from time to time designate.
SECTION
4. LOANS.
No loans
shall be contracted on behalf of the Corporation and no evidence of indebtedness
shall be issued in its name unless authorized by a resolution of the Board
of
Directors. Such authority may be general or defined to specific
instances.
SECTION
5. FISCAL
YEAR.
The
fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of
Directors.
SECTION
6. CONTRACTS.
The
Board of Directors may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents,
to
enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument on behalf of
the
Corporation, and such authority may be general or confined to specific
instances.
ARTICLE
IX
AMENDMENTS
The
Bylaws of the Corporation may be altered or amended and new Bylaws may be
adopted by the stockholders or, if authorized by the Certificate of
Incorporation, by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting
of
the Board of Directors; provided, however, that, if such action is to be taken
at a meeting of the stockholders, notice of the general nature of the proposed
change in the Bylaws shall have been given in the notice of a meeting. Action
by
the stockholders with respect to Bylaws shall be taken by an affirmative vote
of
a majority of the shares entitled to elect directors, and action by the
directors with respect to Bylaws shall be taken by an affirmative vote of a
majority of all directors then holding office.
ARTICLE
X
INDEMNIFICATION
AND REIMBURSEMENT OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
SECTION
1. INDEMNIFICATION
FOR EXPENSES AND LIABILITIES.
Any
person who at any time serves or has served (i) as a director, officer, employee
or agent of the Corporation, (ii) at the request of the Corporation as a
director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another foreign or
domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise,
or
(iii) at the request of the Corporation as a trustee or administrator under
an
employee benefit plan, or is called as a witness at a time when he or she has
not been made a named defendant or respondent to any Proceeding, shall have
a
right to be indemnified by the Corporation to the fullest extent from time
to
time permitted by law against Liability and Expenses in any Proceeding
(including without limitation a Proceeding brought by or on behalf of the
Corporation itself) arising out of his or her status as such or activities
in
any of the foregoing capacities. The Board of Directors of the Corporation
shall
take all such action as may be necessary and appropriate to authorize the
Corporation to pay the indemnification required by this provision, including
without limitation, to the extent needed, making a good faith evaluation of
the
manner in which the claimant for indemnity acted and of the reasonable amount
of
indemnity due him or her. Any person who at any time serves or has served in
any
of the aforesaid capacities for or on behalf of the Corporation shall be deemed
to be doing or to have done so in reliance upon, and as consideration for,
the
rights provided for herein. Any repeal or modification of these indemnification
provisions shall not affect any rights or obligations existing at the time
of
such repeal or modification. The rights provided for herein shall inure to
the
benefit of the legal representatives of any such person and shall not be
exclusive of any other rights to which such person may be entitled apart from
this provision. The rights granted herein shall not be limited by the provisions
contained in Section 145 of the Delaware Corporation Law or any successor to
such statute. The rights granted herein shall not be exclusive of any other
rights which an indemnified person may have or hereafter acquire under any
statute, provision of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation,
these bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or
otherwise.
SECTION
2. ADVANCE
PAYMENT OF EXPENSES.
The
Corporation shall (upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the
director, officer, employee or agent involved to repay the Expenses described
herein unless it shall ultimately be determined that he or she is entitled
to be
indemnified by the Corporation against such Expenses) pay Expenses incurred
by
such director, officer, employee or agent in defending a Proceeding or appearing
as a witness at a time when he or she has not been named as a defendant or
a
respondent with respect thereto in advance of the final disposition of such
Proceeding.
SECTION
3. INSURANCE.
The
Corporation shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance (on behalf
of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another domestic or foreign corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise or as a trustee or
administrator under an employee benefit plan) against any liability asserted
against him or her and incurred by him or her in any such capacity, or arising
out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have
the
power to indemnify him or her against such liability.
SECTION
4. OTHER
INDEMNIFICATION.
The
Corporation's obligation, if any, to indemnify any person who was or is serving
at its request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another foreign
or
domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other entity shall
be reduced by any amount such person may collect as indemnification from such
other entity.
SECTION
5. DEFINITIONS.
The
following terms as used in this Article shall have the following meanings.
"Proceeding" means any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, or
proceeding and any appeal therein (and any inquiry or investigation that could
lead to such action, suit, or proceeding), whether civil, criminal,
administrative, investigative or arbitrative and whether formal or informal.
"Expenses" means expenses of every kind, including counsel fees. "Liability"
means the obligation to pay a judgment, settlement, penalty, fine (including
an
excise tax assessed with respect to an employee benefit plan), reasonable
expenses incurred with respect to a Proceeding, and all reasonable expenses
incurred in enforcing the indemnification rights provided herein. "Director,"
"officer," "employee" and "agent" include the estate or personal representative
of a director, officer, employee or agent. "Corporation" shall include any
domestic or foreign predecessor of this Corporation in a merger or other
transaction in which the predecessor's existence ceased upon consummation of
the
transaction.
/s/
James W.
Gayton
Secretary
October
16, 2007
Exhibit
4.1
CONVERTIBLE
SECURED SUBORDINATED NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This
Convertible Secured Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of November
14, 2007, (this “Agreement”)
is
entered into by and among Smart Online, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
“Company”),
and
the persons and entities listed on the schedule of investors attached hereto
as
Schedule I
(each an
“Investor”
and,
collectively, the “Investors”).
RECITALS
A. On
the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, each Investor is willing
to purchase from the Company, and the Company is willing to sell to such
Investor, a secured subordinated convertible promissory note in the principal
amount set forth opposite such Investor’s name on Schedule I
hereto.
B. Capitalized
terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the
form
of Note (as defined below) attached hereto as Exhibit A.
AGREEMENT
NOW
THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and the representations,
warranties, and conditions set forth below, the parties hereto, intending to
be
legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
1. The
Notes.
(a) Issuance
of Notes.
At the
Initial Closing (as defined below), the Company agrees to issue and sell to
each
of the Investors, and, subject to all of the terms and conditions hereof, each
of the Investors severally agrees to purchase a convertible secured subordinated
promissory note in the form of Exhibit A
hereto
(each, a “Note”
and,
collectively, the “Notes”)
in the
principal amount set forth opposite the respective Investor’s name on
Schedule I
hereto,
(which amount shall not be less than $250,000.00). The obligations of the
Investors to purchase Notes are several and not joint.
(b) Initial
Closing; Delivery.
The
sale and purchase of the Notes shall take place at one or more closings with
the
initial closing (the “Initial
Closing”)
to be
held on the date hereof at such place as the Company and the Investors may
determine. At the Initial Closing, the Company will deliver to each of the
Investors the respective Note to be purchased by such Investor, against receipt
by the Company of the corresponding purchase price set forth on Schedule
I hereto
(the “Purchase
Price”).
Each
of the Notes will be registered in such Investor’s name in the Company’s
records. In addition, to secure the full payment of all obligations under the
Notes, the Company and Doron Roethler, as agent for the Investors (the
“Agent”),
shall
execute the Security Agreement (as defined below).
(c) Subsequent
Closing; Delivery.
Subject
to
compliance with federal and applicable state securities laws, at any time after
the date of this Agreement but on or prior to the third anniversary hereof,
the
Company may elect to sell and issue to the Investors, and, upon such election,
the Investors shall purchase from the Company in one or more subsequent closings
(each, a “Subsequent
Closing”),
additional Notes (the “Additional
Notes”);
provided that the aggregate principal amount of all Additional Notes issued
in
all Subsequent Closings pursuant to this Agreement does not exceed
$5,200,000.
Each
time the Company elects to sell Additional Notes in a Subsequent Closing, the
Company shall provide to each Investor written notice of such election (the
“Subsequent
Closing Notice”),
which
notice shall include the aggregate principal amount of the Additional Notes
the
Company proposes to sell in such Subsequent Closing (which amount shall not
be
less than $500,000) (the “Subsequent
Closing Amount”),
the
anticipated date upon which such Subsequent Closing will occur (which date
shall
not be more than fifteen (15) days after the Company provides such notice to
the
Investors) and the Investor’s pro rata share of the Subsequent Closing Amount
(which shall be calculated by dividing the principal amount of the Note
purchased by such Investor in the Initial Closing by the aggregate principal
amount of all Notes purchased in the Initial Closing). At each Subsequent
Closing, each Investor shall purchase an Additional Note equal to such
Investor’s pro rata share of the Subsequent Closing Amount. All such sales of
Additional Notes shall be made on the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement and the exhibits attached hereto. Any Additional Notes sold and issued
pursuant to this Section 1(d) shall be deemed to be “Notes”
for
all
purposes under this Agreement. Should any such sales be made, the Company shall
prepare a revised Schedule
I
to this
Agreement reflecting such sales. At each Subsequent Closing, the Company will
deliver to each of the Investors participating in such Subsequent Closing the
respective Note to be purchased by such Investor, against receipt by the Company
of the corresponding Purchase Price set forth on Schedule
I
hereto.
Each of the Notes will be registered in such Investor’s name in the Company’s
records. The Initial Closing and each Subsequent Closing, if any, shall each
be
considered a “Closing”
for
the
purposes of this Agreement and the date of each such Closing shall be a
“Closing
Date.”
(d) Use
of Proceeds.
The
proceeds of the sale and issuance of the Notes shall be used for ongoing working
capital and capital spending requirements.
2. Representations
and Warranties of the Company.
Except
as otherwise described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2006 (and any amendments thereto filed at least two (2)
Business Days prior to the Closing Date), the Company’s Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q for the quarters ended June 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007 (and any
amendments thereto filed at least two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing
Date), the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2007 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders, and any of the Company’s Current Reports on Form 8-K filed since
August 14, 2007 (and any amendments thereto filed at least two (2) Business
Days
prior to the Closing Date) (all collectively, the “SEC
Reports”),
the
Company hereby represents and warrants to, and covenants with, the Investor
as
of the date hereof and the applicable Closing Date, as follows:
(a) Organization.
The
Company is duly incorporated and validly existing in good standing under the
laws of the State of Delaware. The Company has full power and authority to
own,
operate and occupy its properties and to conduct its business as presently
conducted and is registered or qualified to do business and in good standing
in
each jurisdiction in which it owns property or transacts business and where
the
failure to be so qualified would have a material adverse effect upon the Company
and its subsidiaries as a whole or the business, financial condition,
properties, operations or assets of the Company and its subsidiaries as a whole
or the Company’s ability to perform its obligations under the this Agreement,
the Notes, the Security Agreement (as defined below), the Registration Rights
Agreement (as defined below) (collectively, the “Transaction
Agreements”)
in all
material respects (“Material
Adverse Effect”),
and
no proceeding has been instituted in any such jurisdiction revoking, limiting
or
curtailing, or seeking to revoke, limit or curtail, such power and authority
or
qualification.
(b) Due
Authorization. The
Company has all requisite power and authority to execute, deliver and perform
its obligations under the Transaction Agreements. The execution and delivery
of
the Transaction Agreements, and the consummation by the Company of the
transactions contemplated hereby, have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action and no further action on the part of the Company or its Board
of Directors or stockholders is required. The Transaction Agreements have been
validly executed and delivered by the Company and constitute legal, valid and
binding agreements of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance
with their terms, except to the extent (i) rights to indemnity and contribution
may be limited by state or federal securities laws or the public policy
underlying such laws, (ii) such enforceability may be limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting
creditors’ and contracting parties’ rights generally and (iii) such
enforceability may be subject to general principles of equity (regardless of
whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at
law).
(c) No
Conflict or Default. The
execution and delivery of the Transaction Agreements, the sale and issuance
of
the Notes to be sold by the Company pursuant to this Agreement, the issuance
of
the shares of the Company’s Common Stock (the “Common
Stock”)
issuable upon conversion of the Notes (the “Conversion
Shares”)
in
accordance with the terms of the Notes, the fulfillment of the terms of the
Transaction Agreements and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
thereby will not: (A) result in a conflict with or constitute a material
violation of, or material default (with the passage of time or otherwise) under,
(i) any bond, debenture, note, loan agreement or other evidence of
indebtedness, or any material lease,
or
contract to which the Company is a party or by which the Company or their
respective properties are bound, (ii) the Certificate of Incorporation,
by-laws or other organizational documents of the Company, as amended, or
(iii) any law, administrative regulation, or existing order of any court or
governmental agency, or other authority binding upon the Company or the
Company’s respective properties; or, (B) result in the creation or
imposition of any lien, encumbrance, claim, or security interest upon any of
the
material assets of the Company or an acceleration of indebtedness pursuant
to
any obligation, agreement or condition contained in any material bond,
debenture, note or any other evidence of indebtedness or any material indenture,
mortgage, deed of trust or any other agreement or instrument to which the
Company is a party or by which it is bound or to which any of the property
or
assets of the Company is subject, except as contemplated by the Transaction
Agreements. No consent, approval, authorization or other order of, or
registration, qualification or filing with, any regulatory body, administrative
agency, or other governmental body is required for the execution and delivery
of
the Transaction Agreements by the Company and the valid issuance or sale of
the
Securities by the Company pursuant to the Transaction Agreements, other than
such as have been made or obtained, and except for any filings required to
be
made under federal or state securities laws
(d) Capitalization.
The
outstanding capital stock of the Company is as described in the Company’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three month period ending June 30,
2007.
The
Company has not made any material issuances of capital stock since June 30,
2007, other than pursuant to the purchase
of shares under the Company’s employee stock equity plans and the exercise
of outstanding warrants or stock options, in each case as disclosed in the
SEC
Reports, as well as the issuance of restricted shares to certain of its
directors as part of its director compensation program and the issuance of
restricted shares to certain of its employees under our 2004 Equity Compensation
Plan. The Conversion Shares to be issued upon conversion of the Notes have
been
duly authorized, and when issued and paid for in accordance with the terms
of
the Transaction Agreements, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable, subject to no lien, claim or encumbrance (except
for any such lien, claim or encumbrance created,
directly or indirectly, by the Investor). The outstanding shares of capital
stock of the Company have been duly and validly issued and are fully paid and
nonassessable, have been issued in compliance with the registration requirements
of federal and state securities laws, and were not issued in violation of any
preemptive rights or similar rights to subscribe for or purchase securities.
The
Company owns one hundred percent of all of the outstanding capital stock of
each
of its subsidiaries, free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances except
as disclosed in the SEC Reports. There are not (i) any outstanding preemptive
rights, or (ii) any rights, warrants or options to acquire, or instruments
convertible into or exchangeable for, any unissued shares of capital stock
or
other equity interest in the Company not disclosed in the SEC Reports, or (iii)
any contract, commitment, agreement, understanding or arrangement of any kind
to
which the Company is a party that would provide for the issuance or sale of
any
capital stock of the Company, any such convertible or exchangeable securities
or
any such rights, warrants or options not disclosed in the SEC Reports. There
are
no shareholders agreements, voting agreements or other similar agreements with
respect to the Common Stock to which the Company is a party
(e) Legal
Proceedings. There
is
no material legal or governmental proceeding pending, or to the knowledge of
the
Company, threatened, to which the Company is a party or of which the business
or
property of the Company is subject that is required to be disclosed and that
is
not so disclosed in the SEC Reports or in the supplemental written disclosure
on
material legal proceedings provided to the Investors. Other than the information
disclosed in the SEC Reports, the Company is not subject to any injunction,
judgment, decree or order of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency
or other government body.
(f) No
Violations. To
the
knowledge of the Company, it is
not in
violation of its Certificate of Incorporation, bylaws or other organizational
documents, as amended. To the knowledge of the Company, it is not in violation
of any law, administrative regulation, ordinance or order of any court or
governmental agency, arbitration panel or authority applicable to the Company,
which violation, individually or in the aggregate, is reasonably likely to
have
a Material Adverse Effect. The Company is not in default (and there exists
no
condition which, with the passage of time or otherwise, would constitute a
default) in the performance of any bond, debenture, note or any other evidence
of indebtedness or any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or any other material
agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which the Company
is bound, which such default would have a Material Adverse Effect upon the
Company.
(g) Governmental
Permits, Etc. The
Company has all necessary franchises, licenses, certificates and other
authorizations from any foreign, federal, state or local government or
governmental agency, department or body that are currently necessary for the
operation of the business of the Company as currently conducted, except where
the failure to currently possess such franchises, licenses, certificates and
other authorizations is not reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse
Effect.
(h) Intellectual
Property.
(i) Except
for matters which are not reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect,
(i) each of the Company has ownership of, or a license or other legal right
to
use, all patents, copyrights, trade secrets, trademarks, customer lists,
designs, manufacturing or other processes, computer software, systems, data
compilation, research results or other proprietary rights used in the business
of the Company (collectively, “Intellectual
Property”)
and
(ii) all of the Intellectual Property owned by the Company consisting of
patents, registered trademarks and registered copyrights have been duly
registered in, filed in or issued by the United States Patent and Trademark
Office, the United States Register of Copyrights or the corresponding offices
of
other jurisdictions and have been maintained and renewed in accordance with
all
applicable provisions of law and administrative regulations in the United States
and/or such other jurisdictions.
(ii) Except
for matters which are not reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect,
all material licenses or other material agreements under which (i) the Company
employs rights in Intellectual Property, or (ii) the Company has granted rights
to others in Intellectual Property owned or licensed by the Company are in
full
force and effect, and there is no default by the Company with respect
thereto.
(iii) The
Company believes that it has taken all steps reasonably required in accordance
with sound business practice and business judgment to establish and preserve
the
ownership of the Company’s material Intellectual Property.
(iv) Except
for matters which are not reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect,
to the knowledge of the Company, (i) the present business, activities and
products of the Company do not infringe any intellectual property of any other
person; (ii) neither the Company is making unauthorized use of any confidential
information or trade secrets of any person; and (iii) the activities of any
of
the employees of the Company, acting on behalf of the Company, do not materially
violate any agreements or arrangements related to confidential information
or
trade secrets of third parties.
(v) Except
for matters which are not reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect,
and except as disclosed in the SEC Reports, no proceedings are pending, or
to
the knowledge of the Company, threatened, which challenge the rights of the
Company to the use the Company’s Intellectual Property.
(i) Financial
Statements.
The
financial statements of the Company and the related notes contained in the
SEC
Reports present fairly and accurately in all material respects the financial
position of the Company as of the dates therein indicated, and the results
of
its operations, cash flows and the changes in shareholders’ equity for the
periods therein specified, subject, in the case of unaudited financial
statements for interim periods, to normal year-end audit adjustments. Such
financial statements (including the related notes) have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent
basis at the times and throughout the periods therein specified, except that
unaudited financial statements may not contain all footnotes required by
generally accepted accounting principles.
(j) No
Material Adverse Change. Except
as
disclosed in the SEC Reports or
in any
press releases issued by the Company
at least two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date,
there
has not been (i) an event, circumstance or change that has had or is
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect upon the Company, (ii)
any
obligation incurred by the Company that is material to the Company,
(iii) any dividend or distribution of any kind declared, paid or made on
the capital stock of the Company, or (iv) any loss or damage (whether or not
insured) to the physical property of the Company which has had a Material
Adverse Effect.
(k) Trading. The
principal United States market in which the Common Stock is quoted for trading
is the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board. The shares of Common Stock issuable
upon
conversion of the Notes must be registered with the SEC before trading can
commence on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board with respect to such
shares.
(l) Contracts.
Except
for matters which are not reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect
and those contracts that are substantially or fully performed or expired by
their terms, the contracts listed as exhibits to or described in the SEC Reports
that are material to the Company and all amendments thereto, are in full force
and effect on the date hereof, and neither the Company nor, to the Company’s
knowledge, any other party to such contracts is in breach of or default under
any of such contracts.
(m) Taxes.
Except
for tax matters which are not reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse
Effect, each of the Company and each of its subsidiaries has filed all necessary
federal, state and foreign income and franchise tax returns and has paid or
accrued all taxes shown as due thereon.
(n) Investment
Company.
The
Company is not an “investment company” or an “affiliated person” of, or
“promoter” or “principal underwriter” for an investment company, within the
meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and will not be
deemed an “investment company” as a result of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.
(o) Insurance.
The
Company maintains insurance of the types and in the amounts that the Company
reasonably believes is adequate for its businesses, including, but not limited
to, insurance covering real and personal property owned or leased by the Company
against theft, damage, destruction, acts of vandalism and all other risks
customarily insured against by similarly situated companies, all of which
insurance is in full force and effect.
(p) Offering
Prohibitions.
Neither
the Company nor any person acting on its behalf or at its direction has in
the
past or will in the future take any action to sell, offer for sale or solicit
offers to buy any securities of the Company which would bring the offer or
sale
of the Notes as contemplated by this Agreement or the issuance of the Conversion
Shares as contemplated by the Notes within the provisions of Section 5 of the
Securities Act.
(q) Related
Party Transactions. Other
than described in the SEC Reports, to the knowledge of the Company,
no
transaction has occurred between or among the Company or any of its affiliates,
officers or directors or any affiliate or affiliates of any such officer or
director that with the passage of time are reasonably likely be required to
be
disclosed pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of
1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).
(r) Books
and Records.
The
books, records and accounts of the Company accurately and fairly reflect, in
reasonable detail, the transactions in, and dispositions of, the assets of,
and
the operations of, the Company. The Company maintains a system of internal
accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that (i)
transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific
authorizations, (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles and to maintain asset accountability, (iii) access to
assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific
authorization and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with
the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken
with
respect to any differences.
3. Representations
and Warranties of Investors.
Each
Investor, for that Investor alone, represents and warrants to the Company upon
the acquisition of the Note as follows:
(a) Investor
Knowledge and Status.
The
Investor represents and warrants to, and covenants with, the Company that:
(i)
the Investor is an “accredited investor” as defined in Regulation D under the
Securities Act, is knowledgeable, sophisticated and experienced in making,
and
is qualified to make decisions with respect to, investments in securities
presenting an investment decision similar to that involved in the purchase
of
the Notes, and has requested, received, reviewed and considered all information
it deemed relevant in making an informed decision to purchase the Notes; (ii)
the Investor understands that the Notes and the Conversion Shares are
“restricted securities” and have not been registered under the Securities Act
and is acquiring the Notes and the Conversion Shares in the ordinary course
of
its business and for its own account for investment only, has no present
intention of distributing any of such Notes or Conversion Shares and has no
arrangement or understanding with any other persons regarding the distribution
of such Notes or Conversion Shares (this representation and warranty not
limiting the Investor’s right to sell Conversion Shares pursuant to a
registration statement filed under the Registration Rights Agreement (a
“Registration
Statement”)
or
otherwise, or other than with respect to any claim arising out of a breach
of
this representation and warranty, the Investor’s right to indemnification under
Section 3 of the Registration Rights Agreement); (iii) the Investor will not,
directly or indirectly, offer, sell, pledge, transfer or otherwise dispose
of
(or solicit any offers to buy, purchase or otherwise acquire or take a pledge
of) the Note acquired by the Investor or any of the Conversion Shares except
in
compliance with the Securities Act, applicable state securities laws and the
respective rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; and (iv) the Investor
has, in connection with its decision to purchase the Notes, relied upon the
representations and warranties of the Company contained herein and the
information contained in the SEC Reports. The Investor understands that neither
the issuance of the Notes to the Investor nor the issuance of the Conversion
Shares upon conversion of the Notes has been registered under the Securities
Act, or registered or qualified under any state securities law, in reliance
on
specific exemptions therefrom, which exemptions may depend upon, among other
things, the representations made by the Investor in this Agreement. To the
best
of the Investor’s knowledge, no person has been authorized by the Company to
provide any representation that is inconsistent with or in addition to those
contained herein or in the SEC Reports, and the Investor acknowledges that
it
has not received or relied on any such representations. The state in which
Investor’s principal office is located, and from which the Investor is acquiring
the Notes, is set forth on Schedule 1 hereto.
(b) Transfer
of Securities.
The
Investor agrees that it will not make any sale, transfer or other disposition
of
the Notes or the Conversion Shares (a “Disposition”)
other
than Dispositions that are made pursuant to the Registration Statement in
compliance with any applicable prospectus delivery requirements or that are
exempt from registration under the Securities Act. Investor has not taken and
will not take any action designed to or that might reasonably be expected to
cause or result in manipulation of the price of the Common Stock to facilitate
the subscription to, or the sale or resale of the Notes or the Conversion
Shares.
(c) Power
and Authority.
The
Investor represents and warrants to the Company that (i) the Investor has full
right, power, authority and capacity to enter into this Agreement and each
other
Transaction Agreement to which Investor is a party and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and has taken all necessary action
to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and
each
other Transaction Agreement to which Investor is a party, and (ii) this
Agreement and each other Transaction Agreement to which Investor is a party
constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Investor enforceable against
the Investor in accordance with its terms, except to the extent (i) rights
to
indemnity and contribution may be limited by state or federal securities laws
or
the public policy underlying such laws, (ii) such enforceability may be limited
by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar
laws
affecting creditors’ and contracting parties’ rights generally and (iii) such
enforceability may be subject to general principles of equity (regardless of
whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
(d) Prohibited
Transactions.
During
the thirty (30) days prior to the date hereof, no Investor nor any affiliate
of
any Investor, foreign or domestic, has, directly or indirectly, effected or
agreed to effect any “short sale” (as defined in Rule 200 under Regulation SHO),
whether or not against the box, established any “put equivalent position” (as
defined in Rule 16a-1(h) under the Exchange Act) with respect to the Common
Stock, borrowed or pre-borrowed any shares of the Common Stock, or granted
any
other right (including, without limitation, any put or call option) with respect
to the Common Stock or with respect to any security that includes, relates
to or
derived any significant part of its value from the Common Stock or otherwise
sought to hedge its position in the Notes or the Conversion Shares (each, a
“Prohibited
Transaction”).
(e) No
Investment, Tax or Legal Advice.
The
Investor understands that nothing in the SEC Reports, the Transaction
Agreements, or any other materials presented to the Investor in connection
with
the purchase and sale of the Notes constitutes legal, tax or investment advice.
The Investor has consulted such legal, tax and investment advisors as it, in
its
sole discretion, has deemed necessary or appropriate in connection with its
purchase of Notes.
(f) Confidential
Information.
The
parties acknowledge and agree that as of the date hereof and as of the
applicable Closing Date, the Company has not disclosed any material non-public
information to the Investor.
(g) Additional
Acknowledgement.
Investor has thoroughly reviewed and the SEC Reports prior to making this
investment. Investor has been granted a reasonable time prior to the date hereof
during which we have had the opportunity to obtain such additional information
as Investor deems necessary to permit Investor to make an informed decision
with
respect to the purchase of the Notes. After examination of the SEC Reports
and
other information available, Investor is fully aware of the business prospects,
financial condition, risks associated with investment and the operating history
relating to the Company, and therefore in subscribing for the purchase of the
Notes, Investor is not relying upon any information other than information
contained in the SEC Reports. The Investor acknowledges that it has
independently evaluated the merits of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, that it has independently determined to enter into the transactions
contemplated hereby, that it is not relying on any advice from or evaluation
by
any other Investor, and that it is not acting in concert with any other Investor
in making its purchase of the Notes hereunder. The Investor and, to its
knowledge, the Company acknowledge that the Investors have not taken any actions
that would deem the Investors to be members of a “group” for purposes of Section
13(d) of the Exchange Act.
(h) Survival
of Representations, Warranties and Agreements.
Notwithstanding any investigation made by any party to this Agreement, all
covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Company and
the Investor herein shall survive the execution of this Agreement, the delivery
to the Investor of the Notes being purchased and the payment therefor, and
a
party’s reliance on such representations and warranties shall not be affected by
any investigation made by such party or any information developed thereby.
(i) Legends
and Restrictions on Transfer.
Each of
the Notes and the certificate or certificates for the Conversion Shares (and
any
securities issued in respect of or exchange for the Notes or the Conversion
Shares) shall be subject to a legend or legends restricting transfer under
the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities
Act”)
and
referring to restrictions on transfer herein, such legend to be substantially
as
follows:
THE
SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE (THE “SECURITIES”) HAVE BEEN ISSUED
AND SOLD IN RELIANCE UPON EXEMPTIONS FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES
ACT
OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “1933 ACT”), AND APPROPRIATE EXEMPTIONS FROM
REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF OTHER APPLICABLE JURISDICTIONS. THE
SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD OR TRANSFERRED OTHER THAN PURSUANT
TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT OR AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM UNDER THE
1933
ACT AND THE APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION. THE ISSUER
SHALL BE ENTITLED TO REQUIRE AN OPINION OF COUNSEL REASONABLY SATISFACTORY
TO IT
WITH RESPECT TO COMPLIANCE OF THE PROPOSED SALE OR TRANSFER WITH THE
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE 1933 ACT OR EXEMPTION THEREFROM.
4. Conditions
to Closing of the Investors.
Each
Investor’s obligations at the applicable Closing are subject to the fulfillment,
on or prior to the applicable Closing Date, of all of the following conditions,
any of which may be waived in whole or in part by all of the
Investors:
(a) Representations
and Warranties.
The
representations and warranties made by the Company in Section 2
hereof
shall have been true and correct when made, and shall be true and correct on
the
applicable Closing Date.
(b) Proceedings
and Documents.
All
corporate and other proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated
at the Closing and all documents and instruments incident to such transactions
shall be reasonably satisfactory in substance and form to the
Investors.
(c) Transaction
Agreements.
The
Company shall have duly executed and delivered to the Investors the following
documents:
(i) This
Agreement;
(ii) Each
Note
issued hereunder;
(iii) The
Security Agreement in the form of Exhibit B
hereto
(the “Security
Agreement”);
and
(iv) The
Registration Rights Agreement in the form of Exhibit
C
hereto
(the “Registration
Rights Agreement”).
(d) Consents,
Permits, and Waivers.
The
Company shall have obtained any and all consents, permits and waivers necessary
or appropriate for consummation of the transactions contemplated by the
Transaction Agreements (except for such as may be properly obtained subsequent
to each Closing).
(e) Absence
of Material Changes.
No
event has occurred or condition exists which could reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect on the ability of the Company to perform its
obligations hereunder or under the Transaction Agreements.
(f) Covenants.
All
covenants, agreements and conditions contained in this Agreement to be performed
by the Company on or prior to the applicable Closing shall have been performed
or complied with in all material respects.
5. Conditions
to Obligations of the Company.
The
Company’s obligation to issue and sell the Notes at each Closing is subject to
the fulfillment, on or prior to the applicable Closing Date, of the following
conditions, any of which may be waived in whole or in part by the
Company:
(a) Representations
and Warranties.
The
representations and warranties made by the Investors in Section 3
hereof
shall be true and correct when made, and shall be true and correct on such
Closing Date.
(b) Purchase
Price.
Each
Investor shall have delivered to the Company the Purchase Price in respect
of
the Note being purchased by such Investor.
(c) Security
Agreement.
The
Agent shall have executed and delivered the Security Agreement.
(d) Registration
Rights Agreement.
Each
Investor shall have executed and delivered the Registration Rights
Agreement.
6. Covenants
in Favor
of Investors.
The
Company covenants and agrees with the Investors that, so long as the Notes
shall
be outstanding, unless waived by the Agent it will perform the obligations
set
forth in this Section
6:
(a) Taxes
and Levies.
The
Company will promptly pay and discharge all taxes, assessments, and governmental
charges or levies imposed upon the Company or upon its income and profits,
or
upon any of its property, before the same shall become delinquent, as well
as
all claims for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, might become
a
lien or charge upon such properties or any part thereof; provided, however,
that
the Company shall not be required to pay and discharge any such tax, assessment,
charge, levy or claim so long as the validity thereof shall be contested in
good
faith by appropriate proceedings and the Company shall set aside on its books
adequate reserves in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
(“GAAP”)
with
respect to any such tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim so
contested.
(b) Maintenance
of Existence.
The
Company will do or cause to be done all things reasonably necessary to preserve
and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence, rights and franchises
and comply with all laws applicable to the Company, except where the failure
to
comply would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Maintenance
of Property.
The
Company will at all times maintain, preserve, protect and keep its property
used
or useful in the conduct of its business in good repair, working order and
condition, and from time to time make all needful and proper repairs, renewals,
replacements and improvements thereto as shall be reasonably required in the
conduct of its business.
(d) Insurance.
The
Company will, to the extent necessary for the operation of its business, keep
adequately insured by financially sound reputable insurers, all property of
a
character usually insured by similarly situated corporations and carry such
other insurance as is usually carried by similar corporations.
(e) Books
and Records.
The
Company will maintain a system of accounting sufficient to enable the Company
to
prepare financial statements in accordance with GAAP and will furnish to the
Investors such books, records and accounts reflecting all of the business
affairs and transactions of the Company as the Investors may reasonably
request.
(f) Notice
of Certain Events.
The
Company will give prompt written notice (with a description in reasonable
detail) to the Investors upon becoming aware of the occurrence of any Event
of
Default (as hereinafter defined) or any event which, with the giving of notice
or the lapse of time, would constitute an Event of Default.
(g) Matters
Requiring Agent Approval.
So long
as any of the Notes remain outstanding, the Company will not, without the
approval of the Agent:
(i) make
any
loan or advance to, or own any stock or other securities of, any subsidiary
or
other corporation, partnership, or other entity unless it is wholly owned by
the
Company (except that the Company may acquire and own securities of 1-800
Pharmacy, Inc., a Delaware corporation, pursuant to the Services Agreement
dated
as of June 19, 2007 between the Company and 1-800 Pharmacy, Inc. without the
approval of the Agent);
(ii) make
any
loan or advance to any person, except advances and similar expenditures in
the
ordinary course of business or under the terms of a employee stock or option
plan approved by the Company’s Board of Directors;
(iii) guarantee
any indebtedness except for trade accounts of the Company or any subsidiary
arising in the ordinary course of business;
(iv) make
any
investment other than investments in prime commercial paper, money market funds,
certificates of deposit in any United States bank having a net worth in excess
of $100,000,000 or obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States of
America, in each case having a maturity not in excess of two years;
(v) incur
any
indebtedness in excess of $25,000 individually or in the aggregate, other than
trade credit incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(vi) increase
or approve the compensation of the named executive officers, including benefits,
bonuses and issuances of equity compensation; provided, however, that approval
by the Agent of a pool of compensation benefits to be allocated by the Company
will constitute approval of each specific allocation of such benefits by the
Company;
(vii) change
the principal business of the Company, enter new lines of business, or exit
the
current line of business;
(viii) sell,
transfer, exclusively license, pledge or encumber any material Intellectual
Property of the Company, except in the ordinary course of business;
(ix) create
or
authorize the creation of or issue any other security convertible into or
exercisable for any equity security of the Company, other than issuances to
officers, directors, employees, consultants or advisors pursuant to equity
compensation plans approved by the Company’s Board of Directors;
(x) purchase
or redeem or pay any dividend on any capital stock, other than stock repurchased
from former employees or consultants in connection with the cessation of their
employment or consulting services, at the lower of fair market value or cost;
or
(xi) increase
the number of shares authorized for issuance to officers, directors, employees,
consultants and advisors pursuant to equity incentive plans or other similar
compensatory agreements or arrangements.
7. Board
Observation Right; Inspection Rights.
(a) Board
Observation Right.
So long
as any Notes are outstanding, the Company shall invite a representative of
the
Agent to attend all meetings of its Board of Directors and any committee thereof
in a nonvoting observer capacity and, in this respect, shall give the
representative of the Agent copies of all notices, minutes, consents, and other
materials that it provides to its directors at the same time and in the same
manner as provided to such directors; provided,
however,
that
such representative shall agree to hold in confidence and trust and to act
in a
fiduciary manner with respect to all information so provided; and provided
further,
that
the Company reserves the right to withhold any information and to exclude such
representative from any meeting or portion thereof if access to such information
or attendance at such meeting could adversely affect the attorney-client
privilege between the Company and its counsel or result in disclosure of trade
secrets or a conflict of interest, or if such Investor or its representative
is
a competitor of the Company. The Company shall reimburse the representative
of
the Agent with board observation rights pursuant hereto for all reasonable
out-of-pocket travel expenses incurred (consistent with the Company’s travel
policy) in connection with attending meetings of the Board of Directors.
(b) Inspection.
The
Company shall permit the Agent and its representatives to visit and inspect
the
Company’s properties; examine its books of account and records; and discuss the
Company’s affairs, finances, and accounts with its officers, during normal
business hours of the Company as may be reasonably requested by the Agent;
provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated pursuant to this
Section 7(b) to provide access to any information that it reasonably considers
to be a trade secret or confidential information (unless covered by an
enforceable confidentiality agreement, in form acceptable to the Company) or
the
disclosure of which would adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between
the Company and its counsel. The Company shall reimburse the Agent for all
reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses incurred (consistent with the Company’s
travel policy) in connection with the exercise of its inspection rights under
this Section 7(b).
8. Appointment
of Agent.
The
Investors hereby appoint Doron Roethler, to act as agent (the “Agent”)
for
the Investors in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the Agent
hereby accepts such appointment. The Company may look solely to the Agent with
respect to any matters relating to the giving or receipt of notices, consents
or
waivers from the Investors under this Agreement, except that the Company shall
provide all Investors with prompt written notice of an Event of
Default.
(a) Rights
and Duties of Agent.
(i) In
acting
under this Agreement and in connection with the Notes, the Agent is acting
solely as agent of the Investors and does not assume any obligation or
relationship of agency or trust for or with the Company or any stockholder
of
the Company.
(ii) The
Agent
may consult with counsel satisfactory to it, and the advice of such counsel
shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action
taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance
with
the advice of such counsel.
(iii) The
Agent
shall be protected and shall incur no liability for or in respect of any action
taken or thing suffered by it in reliance upon any notice, direction, consent,
certificate, affidavit, statement or other paper or document reasonably believed
by it to be genuine and to have been presented or signed by the Investors,
or
any of them. The Agent will not have any liability to any Investor or other
person as a result of its inability to perform any of its obligations under
this
Agreement by reason of any preliminary or permanent injunction or other order,
decree or ruling issued by a court of competent jurisdiction or by a
governmental, regulatory or administrative agency or commission, or any statute,
rule, regulation or executive order promulgated or enacted by any governmental
authority, prohibiting or otherwise restraining performance of such
obligation.
(iv) The
Agent
shall be obligated to perform only such duties as are herein or in the Security
Agreement specifically set forth and no implied duties or obligations shall
be
read into this Agreement or in the Security Agreement against the Agent. The
Agent shall not be under any obligation to take any action hereunder or
thereunder which may tend to involve it in any expense or liability for which
it
does not receive indemnity. The Agent shall have no duty or responsibility
in
case of any default by the Company in the performance of its covenants or
agreements contained herein except as directed by the Requisite Percentage,
including any duty or responsibility to initiate or attempt to initiate any
proceedings at law or otherwise.
(v) The
Agent
shall not at any time be under any duty or responsibility to any Investor to
determine whether any facts exist that may constitute an Event of Default absent
receipt of notice thereof from the Company or any Investor. The Agent shall
not
be accountable with respect to the validity or value of any Conversion Shares
or
of any securities or property which may at any time be issued or delivered
upon
conversion of the Conversion Shares and it makes no representation with respect
thereto. The Agent shall not be responsible for any failure of the Company
to
comply with any of the covenants of the Company contained in this
Agreement.
(vi) The
Agent
shall be entitled to use its discretion with respect to exercising or refraining
from exercising any rights which may be vested in it by, and with respect to
taking or refraining from taking any action or actions which it may be able
to
take under or in respect of, this Agreement or the Security Agreement, unless
the Agent shall have been instructed by the Requisite Percentage to refrain
from
exercising such rights or to take or refrain from taking such action. The Agent
is hereby authorized and directed to accept instructions with respect to the
performance of its duties hereunder from any officer, director, or manager
of
any Investor, and to apply to such officers, directors or managers for advice
or
instructions in connection with its duties, and shall not be liable to such
Investor for any action taken or suffered to be taken by it in good faith in
accordance with instructions of any such officer, director or manager or in
good
faith reliance upon any statement signed by any one of such officers, directors
or managers of the Investors with respect to any fact or matter (unless other
evidence in respect thereof is herein specifically prescribed) which may be
deemed to be conclusively proved and established by such signed
statement.
(b) Individual
Rights of Agent.
Nothing
herein shall preclude the Agent from acting in any other capacity for any
Investor or for any other legal entity.
(c) Agent’s
Disclaimer.
The
Agent shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the
validity or adequacy of this Agreement or the Notes and it shall not be
responsible for any statement in this Agreement or the Notes other than its
signature thereon as an Investor and with respect to representations made in
such capacity.
(d) Compensation
and Indemnity.
The
Company agrees to reimburse the Agent upon request for all reasonable out of
pocket expenses incurred by it, including the reasonable expenses of the Agent’s
agents and counsel. Each of the Investors shall indemnify (to the extent not
reimbursed by the Company) pro rata according to their respective aggregate
principal amount of Notes and hold harmless the Agent against any loss,
liability or reasonable expense (including reasonable agents’ and attorneys’
fees and expenses) incurred by it without willful misconduct, gross negligence
or bad faith on its part arising out of or in connection with the acceptance
or
performance of its duties under this Agreement or the Security Agreement. The
Agent shall notify the Investors promptly of any claim for which it may seek
indemnity and the failure to provide such notice shall not prejudice the Agent’s
right to indemnity hereunder unless and to the extent that the Investors’
ability to defend any such claim shall have been compromised as a result of
such
failure to notify. The Company need not reimburse any expense and the Investors
shall not be obligated to indemnify against any loss or liability incurred
by
the Agent through willful misconduct, gross negligence or bad faith. The
obligations pursuant to this Section
8(d)
shall
survive the termination of this Agreement.
(e) Successor
Agent.
The
Agent may at any time resign by giving written notice to the Investors of such
intention on its part, specifying the date on which its desired resignation
shall become effective; provided,
however,
that
such date shall not be less than 30 days after the date on which such notice
is
given, unless the Investors otherwise agree. Such resignation under this
Section
8(e)
shall
take effect upon the appointment by the (remaining) Investors as hereinafter
provided of a successor Agent and the acceptance of such appointment by such
successor Agent. Any successor Agent appointed hereunder shall execute,
acknowledge and deliver to its predecessor and to the Investors an instrument
accepting such appointment hereunder, and thereupon such successor Agent,
without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the
rights and obligations of such predecessor with like effect as if originally
named as Agent hereunder. As soon as practicable after appointment of the
successor Agent, the Investors shall cause written notice of the change in
the
Agent to be given to the Company. Failure to give any notice provided for in
this Section
8(e)
or any
defect therein, shall not affect the legality or validity of the appointment
of
a successor Agent, as the case may be.
9. Miscellaneous.
(a) Waivers
and Amendments.
Any
provision of this Agreement may be amended, waived or modified only upon the
written consent of the Company and Investors holding at least a majority of
the
aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Notes (“Requisite
Percentage”).
(b) Governing
Law.
This
Agreement and all actions arising out of or in connection with this Agreement
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.
(c) Survival.
The
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made herein shall survive
the execution and delivery of this Agreement.
(d) Successors
and Assigns.
Subject
to the restrictions on transfer described in Sections 9(e)
and 9(f) below,
the rights and obligations of the Company and the Investors shall be binding
upon and benefit the successors, assigns, heirs, administrators and transferees
of the parties.
(e) Registration,
Transfer and Replacement of the Notes.
The
Company will keep, at its principal executive office, books for the registration
and registration of transfer of the Notes. Prior to presentation of any Note
for
registration of transfer, the Company shall treat the Person in whose name
such
Note is registered as the owner and holder of such Note for all purposes
whatsoever, whether or not such Note shall be overdue, and the Company shall
not
be affected by notice to the contrary. Subject to any restrictions on or
conditions to transfer set forth in any Note, the holder of any Note, at its
option, may in person or by duly authorized attorney surrender the same for
exchange at the Company’s chief executive office, and promptly thereafter and at
the Company’s expense, except as provided below, receive in exchange therefor
one or more new Note(s), each in the principal requested by such holder, dated
the date to which interest shall have been paid on the Note so surrendered
or,
if no interest shall have yet been so paid, dated the date of the Note so
surrendered and registered in the name of such Person or Persons as shall have
been designated in writing by such holder or its attorney for the same principal
amount as the then unpaid principal amount of the Note so surrendered. Upon
receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the
ownership of and the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of any Note and
(a) in the case of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity reasonably
satisfactory to it; or (b) in the case of mutilation, upon surrender
thereof, the Company, at its expense, will execute and deliver in lieu thereof
a
new Note executed in the same manner as the Note being replaced, in the same
principal amount as the unpaid principal amount of such Note and dated the
date
to which interest shall have been paid on such Note or, if no interest shall
have yet been so paid, dated the date of such Note.
(f) Assignment
by the Company.
The
rights, interests or obligations hereunder may not be assigned, by operation
of
law or otherwise, in whole or in part, by the Company without the prior written
consent of Investors holding a Requisite Percentage.
(g) Entire
Agreement.
This
Agreement together with the other Transaction Agreements constitute and contain
the entire agreement among the Company and Investors and supersede any and
all
prior agreements, negotiations, correspondence, understandings and
communications among the parties, whether written or oral, respecting the
subject matter hereof.
(h) Notices.
Except
as set forth in Section 1(c), all notices, requests, demands, consents,
instructions or other communications required or permitted hereunder shall
in
writing and faxed, mailed or delivered to each party as follows: (i) if to
a Investor, at such Investor’s address or facsimile number set forth in the
Schedule of Investors attached as Schedule I,
or at
such other address as such Investor shall have furnished the Company in writing,
or (ii) if to the Company, at 2530 Meridian Parkway, 2nd
Floor
Durham, NC 27713, Attention: James Gayton, Corporate Counsel, (919) 765-5026
(facsimile), with a copy to Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell &
Jernigan, LLP, 2500 Wachovia Capitol Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27602-2611,
Attention: Margaret N. Rosenfeld, (919) 821-6800 (facsimile) or at such other
address or facsimile number as the Company shall have furnished to the Investors
in writing. All such notices and communications will be deemed effectively
given
the earlier of (i) when received, (ii) when delivered personally,
(iii) one Business Day after being delivered by facsimile (with receipt of
appropriate confirmation), (iv) one Business Day after being deposited with
an overnight courier service of recognized standing or (v) two days after
being deposited in the U.S. mail, first class with postage prepaid.
(i) Expenses.
Each of
the parties hereto shall bear its own expenses in connection with the
preparation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction
Agreements.
(j) Separability
of Agreements; Severability of this Agreement.
The
Company’s agreement with each of the Investors is a separate agreement and the
sale of the Notes to each of the Investors is a separate sale. Unless otherwise
expressly provided herein, the rights of each Investor hereunder are several
rights, not rights jointly held with any of the other Investors. Any invalidity,
illegality or limitation on the enforceability of the Agreement or any part
thereof, by any Investor whether arising by reason of the law of the respective
Investor’s domicile or otherwise, shall in no way affect or impair the validity,
legality or enforceability of this Agreement with respect to other Investors.
If
any provision of this Agreement shall be judicially determined to be invalid,
illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the
remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired
thereby.
(k) Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be
deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same
agreement. Facsimile copies of signed signature pages will be deemed binding
originals.
(Signature
Page Follows)
The
parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their
proper and duly authorized officers as of the date and year first written
above.
COMPANY:
SMART
ONLINE, INC.
a
Delaware corporation
By: /s/
David E.
Colburn
Name:
David E.
Colburn
Title:
President and
CEO
INVESTORS:
By:
/s/ Doron
Roethler
Name:
Doron
Roethler
Title:
ATLAS
CAPITAL S.A.
By:
/s/ C.
Waller
/s/ M.
Dwek
Name:
C.
Waller M.
Dwek
Title:
Management General
Management
WILLIAM
FURR
[Signature
page for Convertible Secured Subordinated
Note Purchase Agreement]
THE
BLUELINE FUND
By:
/s/ P.
Pouponnot
Name:
Pouponnot,
Philippe
Title:
[Signature
page for Convertible Secured Subordinated
Note Purchase Agreement]
AGENT:
By:
/s/ Doron
Roethler
Name: Doron
Roethler
Title:
________________________________
[Signature
page for Convertible Secured Subordinated
Note Purchase Agreement]
SCHEDULE
I
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTORS
INVESTOR’S
NAME AND ADDRESS
|
Initial
Closing
Note
Principal Amount
|
Crystal
Management Ltd.
Michal
Raviv, Adv.
Gibor
Sport House (28th floor)
7,
Menahem Begin (Betzalel) St.
Ramat
Gan 52521
Israel
Fax.:
+972 (3) 575-5526
|
US$500,000.00
|
William
Furr
1840
East Sandpointe Lane
Vero
Beach, FL 32963
Fax:
|
US$250,000.00
|
Atlas
Capital, S.A.
Rue
du Rhône 118, CH - 1204
Genève
Switzerland
Fax:
|
US$2,050,000.00
|
The
Blueline Fund
Mary
Street
Walker
House
P.O.
Box 908 GT
George
Town, Grand Cayman
Cayman
Islands
Fax:
|
US$500,000.00
|
Total:
|
US$3,300,000.00
|
Exhibit
A
FORM
OF NOTE
Exhibit
B
FORM
OF SECURITY AGREEMENT
Exhibit
C
FORM
OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
Exhibit
4.2
THIS
NOTE AND THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON THE CONVERSION HEREOF HAVE NOT BEEN
REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”), OR UNDER
ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THEY MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE,
PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
AS
TO THE SECURITIES OR AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM UNDER SUCH ACT AND UNDER ANY
APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THE COMPANY, IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION, SHALL
HAVE THE RIGHT TO REQUIRE AN OPINION OF COUNSEL REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO
THE
COMPANY TO THE EFFECT THAT REGISTRATION UNDER THE ACT IS NOT REQUIRED IN
CONNECTION WITH ANY PROPOSED TRANSFER NOR IS SUCH TRANSFER IN VIOLATION OF
ANY
APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THIS LEGEND SHALL BE ENDORSED UPON ANY
NOTE
ISSUED IN EXCHANGE FOR THIS NOTE.
SMART
ONLINE, INC.
CONVERTIBLE
SECURED SUBORDINATED PROMISSORY NOTE
$[_______________]
|
November
14, 2007
|
Durham,
NC
FOR
VALUE
RECEIVED, Smart Online, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”)
promises to pay to [____________________] (“Investor”),
or
its registered assigns, in lawful money of the United States of America the
principal sum of [__________] Dollars ($[_________]), or such lesser amount
as
shall equal the outstanding principal amount hereof, together with interest
from
the date of this Note on the unpaid principal balance at a rate equal to
8.00%
per annum, computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed and
a year
of 360 days. All unpaid principal, together with any then unpaid and accrued
interest and other amounts payable hereunder, shall be due and payable on
the
earlier of (i) November 14, 2010 (the “Maturity
Date”),
(ii)
a Change of Control or (iii) when, upon or after the occurrence of an Event
of Default (as defined below), such amounts are declared due and payable
by
Investor or made automatically due and payable in accordance with the terms
hereof.
This
Note
is one of the “Notes” issued pursuant to the Convertible Secured
Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement of even date herewith (as amended, modified
or supplemented, the “Note
Purchase Agreement”)
between the Company and the Investors (as defined in the Note Purchase
Agreement). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall
have
the meanings assigned thereto in the Note Purchase Agreement. This Note and
the
Investor are subject to certain restrictions, and are entitled to certain
rights
and privileges, set forth in the Note Purchase Agreement.
THE
OBLIGATIONS DUE UNDER THIS NOTE ARE SECURED BY A SECURITY AGREEMENT (THE
“SECURITY
AGREEMENT”)
DATED
AS OF THE DATE HEREOF AND EXECUTED BY COMPANY FOR THE BENEFIT OF INVESTOR.
ADDITIONAL RIGHTS OF INVESTOR ARE SET FORTH IN THE SECURITY
AGREEMENT.
The
following is a statement of the rights of Investor and the conditions to
which
this Note is subject, and to which Investor, by the acceptance of this Note,
agrees:
1. Definitions.
As used
in this Note, the following capitalized terms have the following
meanings:
(a) “Business
Day”
shall
mean any day other than a Saturday or Sunday or other day on which the New
York
Stock Exchange is permitted or required by law to close.
(b) the
“Company”
includes the corporation initially executing this Note and any Person which
shall succeed to or assume the obligations of the Company under this
Note.
(c) “Conversion
Price” shall mean
120% multiplied by the lower of (i) the average of the closing bid and
asked prices of the Common Stock quoted in the Over-The-Counter Market Summary
averaged over the five (5) trading days prior to the Initial Closing Date
(as adjusted for stock splits, dividends or combinations,
recapitalizations or similar events), and (ii) the average of the
closing bid and asked prices of the Common Stock quoted in the Over-The-Counter
Market Summary averaged over the five (5) trading days prior to the date of
issuance of the Note or, if the Common Stock is not traded on the
Over-The-Counter market, the closing price of the Common Stock
reported on the Nasdaq National Market or the principal exchange on which
the
Common Stock is listed, in each such case averaged over the five (5) trading
days prior to the date of issuance of the Note (as adjusted for stock
splits, dividends or combinations, recapitalizations or similar
events).
(d) “Change
of Control”
shall
mean (i) any consolidation or merger or other transaction or series of
transactions involving the Company pursuant to which the Company’s stockholders
own less than fifty percent (50%) of the voting securities of the surviving
entity (other than an equity financing) or (ii) the sale of all or substantially
all of the assets of the Company.
(e) “Event
of Default”
has
the
meaning given in Section 4
hereof.
(f) “Lien”
shall
mean, with respect to any property, any security interest, mortgage, pledge,
lien, claim, charge or other encumbrance in, of, or on such property or the
income therefrom, including, without limitation, the interest of a vendor
or
lessor under a conditional sale agreement, capital lease or other title
retention agreement, or any agreement to provide any of the foregoing, and
the
filing of any financing statement or similar instrument under the Uniform
Commercial Code or comparable law of any jurisdiction.
(g) “Note
Purchase Agreement”
has
the
meaning given in the introductory paragraph hereof.
(h) “Obligations”
shall
mean and include all loans, advances, debts, liabilities and obligations,
howsoever arising, owed by the Company to Investor of every kind and description
(whether or not evidenced by any note or instrument and whether or not for
the
payment of money), now existing or hereafter arising under or pursuant to
the
terms of this Note, the Note Purchase Agreement and the Security Agreement,
including, all interest, fees, charges, expenses, attorneys’ fees and costs and
accountants’ fees and costs chargeable to and payable by the Company hereunder
and thereunder, in each case, whether direct or indirect, absolute or
contingent, due or to become due, and whether or not arising after the
commencement of a proceeding under Title 11 of the United States Code (11
U. S. C. Section 101 et
seq.),
as
amended from time to time (including post-petition interest) and whether
or not
allowed or allowable as a claim in any such proceeding.
(i) “Person”
shall
mean and include an individual, a partnership, a corporation (including a
business trust), a joint stock company, a limited liability company, an
unincorporated association, a joint venture or other entity or a governmental
authority.
(j) “Requisite
Percentage”
shall
mean, at least a majority of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of
the Notes issued pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement.
(k) “Securities
Act”
shall
mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(l) “Security
Agreement”
has
the
meaning given in the introductory paragraphs to this Note.
(m) “Transaction
Documents”
shall
mean this Note, each of the other Notes issued under the Note Purchase
Agreement, the Note Purchase Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement
and
the Security Agreement.
2. Interest.
Accrued
interest on this Note shall be payable in cash in quarterly installments
commencing on the third month anniversary of the date of issuance of this
Note
with the final installment payable on the Maturity Date.
3. Prepayment.
This
Note may not be prepaid without the consent of a Requisite Percentage. Any
prepayment must be made in connection with the prepayment of all outstanding
Notes.
4. Events
of Default.
The
occurrence of any of the following shall constitute an “Event
of Default”
under
this Note and the other Transaction Documents:
(a) Failure
to Pay.
The
Company shall fail to pay (i) when due any principal or interest payment on
the due date hereunder or (ii) any other payment required under the terms
of this Note or any other Transaction Document on the date due and, with
respect
to this subclause (ii) only, such payment shall not have been made within
five
(5) days of the Company’s receipt of written notice to the Company of such
failure to pay;
(b) Non-Performance
of Affirmative Covenants.
The
Company shall default in the due observance or performance of any material
covenant set forth in the Note, the Note Purchase Agreement on the Security
Agreement, which default shall continue uncured for 15 days after receipt
of
written notice to the Company thereof;
(c) Voluntary
Bankruptcy or Insolvency Proceedings. The
Company shall (i) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver,
trustee, liquidator or custodian of itself or of all or a substantial part
of
its property, (ii) be unable, or admit in writing its inability, to pay its
debts generally as they mature, (iii) make a general assignment for the
benefit of its or any of its creditors, (iv) be dissolved or liquidated,
(v) become insolvent (as such term may be defined or interpreted under any
applicable statute), (vi) commence a voluntary case or other proceeding
seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to itself
or
its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter
in effect or consent to any such relief or to the appointment of or taking
possession of its property by any official in an involuntary case or other
proceeding commenced against it, or (vii) take any action for the purpose
of effecting any of the foregoing;
(d) Involuntary
Bankruptcy or Insolvency Proceedings. Proceedings
for the appointment of a receiver, trustee, liquidator or custodian of the
Company or of all or a substantial part of the property thereof, or an
involuntary case or other proceedings seeking liquidation, reorganization
or
other relief with respect to the Company or the debts thereof under any
bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect shall
be
commenced and an order for relief entered or such proceeding shall not be
dismissed or discharged within 30 days of commencement;
(e) Misrepresentations.
Any of
the representations and warranties of the Company in the Note Purchase Agreement
or the Security Agreement proves to have been false or misleading in any
material respect when made or furnished or deemed made;
(f) Judgments.
One or
more judgments, decrees or orders (excluding settlement orders) for the payment
of money shall be entered against the Company or any of its subsidiaries
involving in the aggregate a liability of $1,000,000 or more, and any such
judgment, decree or order shall continue without discharge or stay for a
period
of sixty (60) days; or
(g) Cross-Defaults.
The
Company or any of its subsidiaries shall default in the performance or
observance of any agreement or instrument relating to any indebtedness, or
any
other event shall occur or condition exist, and the effect of such default,
event or condition is to cause or permit the holder or holders of any such
indebtedness to cause indebtedness, in excess of $500,000 individually or
in the
aggregate, to become due prior to its stated maturity.
5. Rights
of Investor upon Default.
Upon
the occurrence or existence of any Event of Default (other than an Event
of
Default described in Sections 4(c)
or
4(d))
and at
any time thereafter during the continuance of such Event of Default, Investor
may, with the consent of the Agent, by written notice to the Company, declare
all outstanding Obligations payable by the Company hereunder to be immediately
due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or any other notice
of any
kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived. Upon the occurrence or existence
of any Event of Default described in Sections 4(c)
and
4(d), immediately
and without notice, all outstanding Obligations payable by the Company hereunder
shall automatically become immediately due and payable, without presentment,
demand, protest or any other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby
expressly waived. In addition to the foregoing remedies, upon the occurrence
or
existence of any Event of Default and subject to the consent of the Agent,
Investor may exercise any other right power or remedy granted to it by the
Transaction Documents or otherwise permitted to it by law, either by suit
in
equity or by action at law, or both.
6. Conversion.
(a) Optional
Conversion.
At the
Maturity Date, each Investor shall have the option to convert the entire
principal amount of this Note then outstanding into Common Stock. The number
of
shares of Common Stock that this Note may be converted into shall be determined
by dividing the principal amount then outstanding by the Conversion Price
at the
time of conversion. If the Investor elects to convert this Note at maturity,
it
shall provide the Company with written notice of its election at least one
(1)
day prior to the Maturity Date. Upon conversion, the Investor shall deliver
to
the Company the original of this Note (or a notice to the effect that the
original Note has been lost, stolen or destroyed and an agreement reasonably
acceptable to the Company whereby the holder agrees to indemnify the Company
from any loss incurred by it in connection with this Note). However, upon
such
conversion of this Note, this Note shall be deemed converted and of no further
force and effect, whether or not the Note is delivered for cancellation as
set
forth in the preceding sentence. If there shall occur a Change of Control,
the
Company shall give written notice to the Investor at least five (5) days
prior
to any closing thereof and the Investor’s election to convert this Note shall be
conditional upon the consummation thereof.
(b) Mechanics
of Optional Conversion.
As soon
as practicable following surrender by the Investor of the original of its
Note,
the Company shall issue and deliver to Investor a certificate or certificates
for the shares of Common Stock into which the Note has been converted (bearing
such legends as may be required or advisable in the opinion of counsel to
the
Company). Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made immediately prior
to
the close of business on the Maturity Date, and the Investor shall be treated
for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such Common Stock on
such
date.
(c) Fractional
Shares; Interest; Effect of Conversion. No
fractional shares shall be issued upon conversion of this Note. In lieu of
the
Company issuing any fractional shares to Investor upon the conversion of
this
Note, the Company shall pay to Investor an amount equal to the product obtained
by multiplying the Conversion Price by the fraction of a share not issued
pursuant to the previous sentence. Upon conversion of this Note in full and
the
payment of any amounts specified in this Section 6(c),
the
Company shall be forever released from all its obligations and liabilities
under
this Note.
7. Successors
and Assigns.
Subject
to the restrictions on transfer described in Sections 9
and
10
below,
the rights and obligations of the Company and Investor shall be binding upon
and
benefit the successors, assigns, heirs, administrators and transferees of
the
parties.
8. Waiver
and Amendment.
Any
provision of this Note may be amended, waived or modified upon the written
consent of the Company and the holders of a Requisite Percentage.
9. Transfer
of this Note or Securities Issuable on Conversion
Hereof.
With
respect to any offer, sale or other disposition of this Note or securities
into
which such Note may be converted, Investor will give written notice to the
Company prior thereto, describing briefly the manner thereof, together with
(unless waived by the Company) a written opinion of Investor’s counsel, or other
evidence if reasonably satisfactory to the Company, to the effect that such
offer, sale or other distribution may be effected without registration or
qualification (under any federal or state law then in effect). Upon receiving
such written notice and reasonably satisfactory opinion, if so requested,
or
other evidence, the Company, as promptly as practicable, shall notify Investor
that Investor may sell or otherwise dispose of this Note or such securities,
all
in accordance with the terms of the notice delivered to the Company. If a
determination has been made pursuant to this Section 9
that the
opinion of counsel for Investor, or other evidence, is not reasonably
satisfactory to the Company, the Company shall so notify Investor promptly
after
such determination has been made. Each Note thus transferred and each
certificate representing the securities thus transferred shall bear a legend
as
to the applicable restrictions on transferability in order to ensure compliance
with the Securities Act, unless in the opinion of counsel for the Company
such
legend is not required in order to ensure compliance with the Securities
Act.
The Company may issue stop transfer instructions to its transfer agent in
connection with such restrictions. Subject to the foregoing, transfers of
this
Note shall be registered upon registration books maintained for such purpose
by
or on behalf of the Company. Prior to presentation of this Note for registration
of transfer, the Company shall treat the registered holder hereof as the
owner
and holder of this Note for the purpose of receiving all payments of principal
and interest hereon and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not
this
Note shall be overdue and the Company shall not be affected by notice to
the
contrary. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 9 to the contrary, no
opinion
of counsel shall be required with respect to any transfer by an Investor
to its
officers, directors, partners, members or other affiliates.
10. Assignment
by the Company.
Neither
this Note nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder may be
assigned, by operation of law or otherwise, in whole or in part, by the Company
without the prior written consent of the holders of a Requisite
Percentage.
11. Notices.
All
notices, requests, demands, consents, instructions or other communications
required or permitted hereunder shall in writing and faxed, mailed or delivered
to each party at the respective addresses of the parties as set forth in
the
Note Purchase Agreement, or at such other address or facsimile number as
the
Company shall have furnished to Investor in writing. All such notices and
communications will be deemed effectively given the earlier of (i) when
received, (ii) when delivered personally, (iii) one business day after
being delivered by facsimile (with receipt of appropriate confirmation),
(iv) one business day after being deposited with an overnight courier
service of recognized standing or (v) two days after being deposited in the
U.S. mail, first class with postage prepaid.
12. Pari
Passu Notes.
Investor
acknowledges and agrees that the payment of all or any portion of the
outstanding principal amount of this Note and all interest hereon shall be
pari
passu in
right
of payment and in all other respects to the other Notes issued pursuant to
the
Note Purchase Agreement or pursuant to the terms of such Notes. In the event
Investor receives payments in excess of its pro rata share of the Company’s
payments to the Investors of all of the Notes, then Investor shall hold in
trust
all such excess payments for the benefit of the holders of the other Notes
and
shall pay such amounts held in trust to such other holders upon demand by
such
holders.
13. 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.
14. Waivers.
The
Company hereby waives notice of default, presentment or demand for payment,
protest or notice of nonpayment or dishonor and all other notices or demands
relative to this instrument.
15. Remedies
Cumulative.
The
remedies of Investor as provided herein and in the Note Purchase Agreement
and
in any other documents governing or securing repayment hereof shall be
cumulative and concurrent and may be pursued singly, successively, or together,
at the sole discretion of Investor to the extent provided herein and in the
Note
Purchase Agreement and may be exercised as often as occasion therefore shall
arise. No act or omission of the Investor, including specifically, but without
limitation, any failure to exercise any right, remedy or recourse, shall
be
effective as a waiver of any right of the Investor hereunder, unless set
forth
in a written document executed by the Investor, and then only to the extent
specifically recited therein. A waiver or release with reference to one event
shall not be construed as continuing, as a bar to, or as a waiver or release
of
any subsequent right, remedy or recourse as to any subsequent event. All
notices, waivers, releases and/or consents by an Investor shall be directed
to
the Company only through the Agent.
16. No
Rights of a Stockholder.
Nothing
contained in this Note shall be construed as conferring upon the Investor
or any
other Person the right to vote or consent or to receive notice as an stockholder
in respect of meetings of stockholders for the election of directors of the
Company or any other matters or any rights whatsoever as a stockholder of
the
Company prior to the time that this Note is converted pursuant to Section
6.
17. 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.
(Signature
Page Follows)
The
Company has caused this Note to be issued as of the date first written
above.
SMART
ONLINE, INC.
a
Delaware corporation
By:
_______________________________
Name:
_____________________________
Title:
______________________________
Exhibit
10.4
EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT
THIS
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) by and between Smart Online, Inc. a
Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Joseph Trepanier (the “Employee”),
dated as of the 15th
day of
August, 2007.
WITNESSETH
THAT
WHEREAS,
the Company and the Employee wish to contract for the employment by the Company
of the Employee, and the Employee wishes to serve the Company, in the capacities
and on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement;
WHEREAS,
the Company is an enterprise whose success is attributable largely to the
creation and maintenance of certain Confidential Data (as defined below) and
during the period of employment the Employee will be situated to have access
to
and be knowledgeable with respect to the Confidential Data as well as the
customers of the Company; and
WHEREAS,
Company has a legitimate protectible business interest in the creation and
maintenance of its Confidential Data and the protection of the identity of,
and
related information concerning, its customers and the Company’s customer lists;
and
WHEREAS,
the Company wishes to protect its Confidential Data from disclosure by the
Employee by means of the restrictive covenants contained in this Agreement
and
the Employee agrees to such covenants in exchange for the Company’s commitment
to continue to employ the Employee and for other additional consideration agreed
to between the parties;
NOW,
THEREFORE, it is hereby agreed as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT
PERIOD. The Company shall employ the Employee, and the Employee shall serve
the
Company, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. Such
employment pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall commence on August
15,
2007, and shall terminate as provided under the terms of this Agreement. The
term during which this Agreement is in effect is referred to herein as the
“Employment Period.”
2. POSITION
AND DUTIES.
(a) During
the Employment Period, the Employee shall serve as a full-time employee of
the
Company as Chief Operating Officer with such duties and responsibilities as
are
customarily assigned to such position and such other duties and responsibilities
not inconsistent therewith as may from time to time be assigned to him by the
President, Chief Executive Officer or Board of Directors.
(b) During
the Employment Period, the Employee shall devote his loyalty, attention, and
time to the business and affairs of the Company and, to the extent necessary
to
discharge the responsibilities assigned to the Employee under this Agreement,
use the Employee’s best efforts to carry out such responsibilities faithfully
and efficiently.
(c) The
Employee’s services shall be performed primarily at the Company’s headquarters
in Durham, North Carolina.
3. COMPENSATION.
(a) Base
Salary. The Employee’s base salary shall be $163,000 per annum, payable monthly,
which salary shall be reevaluated annually and is subject to such increases
as
the Board of Directors or any committee thereof approves. The term “Annual Base
Salary” shall refer to the base salary prevailing during the applicable period
until such time of any increase in base salary whereupon it shall thereafter
refer to such increased amount.
(b) Restricted
Stock Award. Upon the commencement of this Agreement, the Employee shall be
granted a restricted stock award for 25,000 shares of common stock of the
Company. This grant will be subject to the Company’s “2004 Equity Compensation
Plan” and the Employee shall enter into a “Restricted Stock Agreement” in
substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit
A.
(c) Other
Benefits. In addition, during the Employment Period the Employee shall be
entitled to participate, in accordance with the relevant provisions thereof,
in
all applicable incentive, savings, and retirement plans, practices, policies,
and programs of the Company for which senior management employees are eligible
generally.
(d) All
compensation hereunder shall be subject to all applicable federal and state
withholding, payroll and other taxes.
4. TERMINATION
OF EMPLOYMENT.
(a) Death
or
Disability. The Employee’s employment shall terminate automatically upon the
Employee’s death during the Employment Period. The Company shall be entitled to
terminate the Employee’s employment because of the Employee’s Disability during
the Employment Period. “Disability” means that the Employee has been unable, for
a period of thirty (30) consecutive calendar days, to perform the Employee’s
duties under this Agreement, as a result of physical or mental illness or
injury. A termination of the Employee’s employment by the Company for Disability
shall be communicated to the Employee by written notice, and shall be effective
on the date of receipt of such notice by the Employee (the “Disability Effective
Date”).
(b) By
the
Company.
(i) The
Company may terminate the Employee’s employment during the Employment Period for
Cause or without Cause. A termination of the Employee’s employment with Cause
shall be effective when communicated to the Employee by written or verbal
notice. “Cause” means unacceptable conduct, including but not limited
to:
A. participation
in a fraud or act of dishonesty against the Company;
B. any
chemical dependence which affects the performance of his duties and
responsibilities to the Company;
C. breach
of
Employee’s fiduciary obligations to the Company;
D. Employee
willfully fails to perform his duties;
E. breach
of
the Company’s policies or any material provision of this Agreement;
F. misconduct
resulting in loss to the Company or damage to the reputation of the Company;
or
G. conduct
by the Employee which, in the determination of the Company’s Board of Directors,
demonstrates unfitness to serve.
(ii) “Without
Cause” means termination of Employee’s employment for a reason other than that
listed in Paragraph 4(b)(i) above. A termination of the Employee’s employment
Without Cause shall be effective when communicated to the Employee by verbal
or
written notice.
(c) By
the
Employee. The Employee may signify his intention to terminate his employment
at
any time upon the giving of sixty (60) days’ notice (“Notice Period”) to the
Company of his intent to do so. Upon the expiration of the Notice Period the
termination will be effective and the Date of Termination will be effective
as
referred to below. The Company reserves the right to accelerate the effective
“Date of Termination” in its discretion after the inception of the Notice
Period.
(d) Date
of
Termination. The “Date of Termination” means the date of the Employee’s death,
the Disability Effective Date, the date on which the termination of the
Employee’s employment by the Company for Cause or Without Cause is effective, or
the date on which the termination of the Employee’s employment by the Employee
is effective, as the case may be.
5. OBLIGATIONS
OF THE COMPANY UPON TERMINATION.
(a) Termination
by the Company Without Cause or by the Employee for Good Reason. If the Company
terminates the employment of the Employee without Cause (as defined in Section
4(b) above) or if the Employee terminates his employment for Good Reason (as
defined below):
|
(i)
|
the
Company shall pay the Employee the portion of his base salary in
termination as he may be entitled to receive for services rendered
prior
to the date of such termination;
and
|
|
(ii)
|
for
a period of sixty (60) days following the date on which the Employee’s
employment with the Company terminates, the Company shall continue
to pay
the Employee his base salary in effect at the time of his termination
of
employment and shall continue to provide the Employee with all benefits
specified in this Agreement, with no adverse tax consequences to
the
Employee, as if he had remained employed by the Company pursuant
to this
Agreement during the entire sixty (60) day
period.
|
For
purposes of this Agreement, the Employee shall be deemed to have terminated
his
employment for “Good Reason” if he voluntarily terminates his employment with
the Company under any of the following circumstances:
|
(i)
|
any
demotion or diminution in the Employee’s position, title, reporting
position or duties;
|
|
(ii)
|
relocation
of the Employee’s office to a location more than thirty (30) miles outside
of Research Triangle Park, North Carolina;
or
|
|
(iii)
|
any
material, continuing breach of this Agreement by the
Company.
|
(b) By
the
Company for Cause; By the Employee; Death or Disability; Following Change in
Control. If the Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause
during the Employment Period, if Employee terminates employment during the
Employment Period, if the Employee’s employment is terminated following in
connection with a Change in Control (as defined below), or if the Employee’s
employment is terminated by reason of the Employee’s death or disability during
the Employment Period, the Company shall pay the Employee the Annual Base Salary
(then in effect) through the Date of Termination and the Company shall have
no
further obligations under this Agreement.
For
purposes of this Agreement, a “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have
occurred if:
|
(i)
|
the
direct or indirect beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Section
13(d) of the Act and Regulation 13D thereunder) of fifty percent
(50%) or
more of the Company’s common stock is acquired or becomes held by any
person or group of persons (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3)
of the
Act), but excluding the Company and any employee benefit plan sponsored
or
maintained by the Company; or
|
|
(ii)
|
assets
or earning power constituting more than fifty percent (50%) of the
assets
or earning power of the Company and its subsidiaries (taken as a
whole) is
sold, mortgaged, leased or otherwise transferred, in one or more
transactions not in the ordinary course of the Company’s business, to any
such person or group of persons.
|
Provided,
however,
that a
Change in Control shall not be deemed to have occurred upon an investment by
one
or more venture capital funds, Small Business Investment Companies (as defined
in the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended) or similar financial
investors.
6. EXPENSES.
The Company agrees to reimburse the Employee for reasonable and necessary
expenses incurred by the Employee in the furtherance of the Company’s business
in accordance with such procedures as the Company may from time to time
establish.
7. REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF THE EMPLOYEE. The Employee represents and warrants
that:
(a) the
Employee is under no contractual or other restriction or obligation which is
inconsistent with the execution of this Agreement, the performance of duties
hereunder or other rights of the Company hereunder; and
(b) to
the
best of the Employee’s knowledge, the Employee is under no physical or mental
disability which will render him incapable of performing the essential functions
involved in his anticipated duties or that would otherwise hinder the
performance of duties under this Agreement.
8. COVENANT
NOT TO COMPETE. The Employee covenants that during the “Noncompetition Period,”
as defined in paragraph 14, and within the “Noncompetition Area,” as
defined in paragraph 15, he shall not, directly or indirectly, as
principal, agent, consultant, trustee or through the agency of any corporation,
partnership, association, or agency engage in the “Business,” as defined in
paragraph 16. Specifically, but without limiting the foregoing, the
Employee agrees that during such period and within such area, he shall not
do
any of the following: (a) be the owner of the outstanding capital stock of
any
corporation which conducts a business of a like or similar nature to the
“Business” (other than stock of a corporation traded on a national securities
exchange or automated quotation system); (b) be an officer or director of any
corporation which conducts a business of a like or similar nature to the
“Business”; (c) be a member of any partnership which conducts a business of a
like or similar nature to the “Business”; or (d) be a consultant to, an owner of
or an employee of any other business which conducts a business of a like or
similar nature to the Business.
9. NONDISCLOSURE
COVENANT.
(a)
The
parties acknowledge that the Company is an enterprise whose success is
attributable largely to the ownership, use and development of certain valuable
confidential and proprietary information (the “Confidential Data”), and that the
Employee’s employment with the Company will involve the Employee’s access to and
work with such information. The Employee acknowledges that his relationship
with
the Company is a confidential relationship. The Employee covenants and agrees
that (i) he shall keep and maintain the Confidential Data in strictest
confidence, and (ii) he shall not, either directly or indirectly, use any
Confidential Data for his own benefit, or divulge, disclose, or communicate
any
Confidential Data in any manner whatsoever to any person or entity other than
the employees or agents of the Company having a need to know such Confidential
Data, and only to the extent necessary to perform their responsibilities on
behalf of the Company, and other than in the performance of the Employee’s
duties in the employment by the Company. The Employee’s agreement not to
disclose Confidential Data shall apply to all Confidential Data, whether or
not
the Employee participated in the development thereof. Upon termination of
employment for any reason, the Employee will return to the Company all
documents, notes, programs, data and any other materials (including any copies
thereof) in his/her possession.
(b) For
purposes of this Agreement, the term “Confidential Data” shall include any and
all information related to the business of the Company, or to its products,
sales or businesses which is not general public knowledge, specifically
including (but without limiting the generality of the foregoing) all financial
and accounting data; computer software; processes; formulae; inventions;
methods; trade secrets; computer programs; engineering or technical data,
drawings, or designs; manufacturing techniques; patents, patent applications,
copyrights and copyright applications (in any such case, whether registered
or
to be registered in the United States of America or elsewhere) applied for,
issued to or owned by the Company; information concerning pricing and pricing
policies; marketing techniques; suppliers; methods and manner of operations;
and
information relating to the identity, needs and location of all past, present
and prospective customers. The parties stipulate that as between them the
above-described matters are important and confidential and gravely affect the
successful conduct of the business of the Company and that any breach of the
terms of this paragraph shall be a material breach of this
Agreement.
10. NONSOLICITATION
COVENANT. The Employee covenants that during the Noncompetition Period he shall
not directly or indirectly, on behalf of himself or on behalf of any other
person, firm, partnership, corporation, association or other entity, call upon
any of the customers or clients of the Company for the purpose of soliciting
or
providing any product or service similar to that provided by the Company nor
will he, in any way, directly or indirectly, for himself, or on behalf of any
other person, firm, partnership, corporation, association, or other entity,
solicit, divert or take away, or attempt to solicit, divert, or take away any
of
the customers, clients, business, or patrons of the Company. The Employee
further covenants that during the Noncompetition Period he shall not induce
or
attempt to induce any person to leave the employ of the Company.
11. INVENTIONS.
All inventions, designs, improvements and developments made by the Employee,
either solely or in collaboration with others, during his employment with the
Company, whether or not during working hours, and relating to any methods,
apparatus or products which are manufactured, sold, leased, used or developed
by
the Company or which pertain to the Business (the “Developments”), shall become
and remain the property of the Company. The Employee shall disclose promptly
in
writing to the Company all such Developments. The Employee acknowledges and
agrees that all Developments shall be deemed “works made for hire” within the
meaning of the United States Copyright Act, as amended. If, for any reason,
such
Developments are not deemed works made for hire, the Employee shall assign,
and
hereby assigns, to the Company, all of the Employee’s right, title and interest
(including, but not limited to, copyright and all rights of inventorship) in
and
to such Developments. At the request and expense of the Company, whether during
or after employment hereunder, the Employee shall make, execute and deliver
all
application papers, assignments or instruments, and perform or cause to be
performed such other lawful acts as the Company may deem necessary or desirable
in making or prosecuting applications, domestic or foreign, for patents
(including reissues, continuations and extensions thereof) and copyrights
related to such Developments or in vesting in the Company full legal title
to
such Developments. The Employee shall assist and cooperate with the Company
or
its representatives in any controversy or legal proceeding relating to such
Developments, or to any patents, copyrights or trade secrets with respect
thereto. If for any reason the Employee refuses or is unable to assist the
Company in obtaining or enforcing its rights with respect to such Developments,
the Employee hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its
duly
authorized agents as the Employee’s agents and attorneys-in-fact to execute and
file any documents and to do all other lawful acts necessary to protect the
Company’s rights in the Developments. The Employee expressly acknowledges that
the special foregoing power of attorney is coupled with an interest and is
therefore irrevocable and shall survive (i) the Employee’s death or incompetency
and (ii) any termination of this Agreement.
12. INDEPENDENT
COVENANTS. Each of the covenants on the part of the Employee contained in
paragraphs 8, 9, 10, and 11 of this Agreement shall be construed as an agreement
independent of each other such covenant. The existence of any claim or cause
of
action of the Employee against the Company, whether predicated on this Agreement
or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company
of any such covenant.
13. REASONABLENESS;
INJUNCTION. The Employee acknowledges that the covenants contained in this
agreement are reasonably necessary and designed for the protection of the
Company and its business, and that such covenants are reasonably limited with
respect to the activities prohibited, the duration thereof, the geographic
area
thereof, the scope thereof and the effect thereof on the Employee and the
general public. The Employee further acknowledges that violation of the
covenants would immeasurably and irreparably damage the Company, and by reason
thereof the Employee agrees that for violation or threatened violation of any
of
the provisions of this Agreement, the Company shall, in addition to any other
rights and remedies available to it, at law or otherwise, by entitled to any
injunction to be issued by any court of competent jurisdiction enjoining and
restraining the Employee from committing any violation or threatened violation
of this Agreement. The Employee consents to the issuance of such
injunction.
14. NONCOMPETITION
PERIOD. This Agreement shall remain enforceable during the Employee’s employment
with the Company and for a period of two years after termination of the
Employee’s employment for any reason (such period not to include any period(s)
of violation or period(s) of time required for litigation to enforce the
covenants set forth herein).
15. NONCOMPETITION
AREA.
(a) The
Employee acknowledges and agrees that the Company does business on an
international basis and that the Employee will assist Company in developing
Company’s business in both the United States and Europe, with customers
throughout the United States and additionally existing in Europe, particularly
servicing France, Spain, the United Kingdom and Germany, and that any breach
of
the Employee’s covenants contained herein would materially damage the Company,
regardless of the area of the world in which the activities constituting such
breach were to occur. Accordingly, the terms and provisions of this Agreement
shall apply in the following Noncompetition Area:
(b) The
State
of North Carolina;
(c) Any
state
other than North Carolina where Company conducts the “Business” and in or for
which the Employee assists or performs services assisting Company;
(d) Any
political subdivision of foreign countries where Company does “Business” or will
do “Business” during the period of employment; and
(e) Any
other
state, country, or political subdivision where Company does “Business” and in or
for which the Employee assists or performs services assisting
Company.
16. BUSINESS.
For the purposes of this Agreement, the “Business” shall include any business,
service, or product engaged in, provided, or produced by the Company from the
date of this Agreement to the date of the termination of the employment,
including, but not limited to: (i) the business of development, production,
marketing, design, manufacturing, leasing or selling software related to
business plans, legal services, whether for use by professionals or consumers;
(ii) providing
web-hosted applications and technology infrastructure syndication and/or (iii)
any other business conducted by the Company immediately prior to the date of
termination of Employee’s employment or in which the Company shall at the time
of termination of Employee’s employment with the Company be actively preparing
to enter.
17. MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) This
Agreement shall be subject to and governed by the substantive laws of the State
of North Carolina, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws provisions
thereof. The Employee hereby submits to the jurisdiction and venue of the state
and federal courts of North Carolina.
(b) The
Company’s failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this
Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver of such provision or any other
provision.
(c) This
Agreement may not be modified except by an agreement in writing executed by
the
parties. The parties expressly waive their right to orally modify this
provision.
(d) The
invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not
affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.
(e) This
Agreement shall not be assignable without the written consent of the Company
and
the Employee.
(f) This
Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and
it
successors and assigns.
(g) This
Agreement expresses the whole and entire Employment Agreement between the
parties and supersedes and replaces any prior employment Agreement,
understanding or arrangement between Company and the Employee.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties executed this Agreement as of the day and year
first above written.
SMART
ONLINE, INC.
By:
/s/
Dennis Michael Nouri
Name:
Title:
EMPLOYEE
/s/
Joseph F. Trepanier
Name:
EXHIBIT
A
Restricted
Stock Agreement
Exhibit
10.5
Amendment
No. 2
to
EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT
THIS
AMENDMENT NO. 2 is made and entered into effective as of the 15th day of August,
2007 (“Amendment”) to the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT dated April 1, 2004, as amended
by AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT dated November 9, 2005 (“Agreement”)
by and between Thomas Furr and Smart Online, Inc.
WHEREAS,
the parties to the Agreement desire to amend Section 2. (a) to the
agreement.
NOW
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants set forth
in
this Amendment, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged,
the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Section
2. (a) of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with
a new
Section 2. (a) as follows:
“(a) During
the Employment Period, the Employee shall serve as a full-time employee of
the
Company as Chief Strategy Officer. With such duties and responsibilities as
are
customarily assigned to such position and such other duties and responsibilities
not inconsistent therewith as may from time to time assigned to him by the
President, Chief Executive Officer or Board of Directors.”
2. All
other
terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and
effect.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed and delivered this
Amendment No. 2, effective as of the date set forth above.
SMART
ONLINE, INC.
By:
/s/ Dennis Michael Nouri
Name:
Title:
|
THOMAS
P. FURR
/s/
Thomas P. Furr
|
Exhibit
10.6
REGISTRATION
RIGHTS AGREEMENT
THIS
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT is made as of the 14th
day of
November, 2007 by and among
Smart
Online, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”),
and
each of the investors listed on Schedule
A
hereto
(each of which is referred to in this Agreement as an “Investor”
and
collectively, the “Investors”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS,
the
Company and the Investors are parties to the Convertible Secured Subordinated
Note Purchase Agreement of even date herewith (the “Note
Purchase Agreement”)
pursuant to which the Company is selling to the Investors and the Investors
are
purchasing certain Convertible Secured Subordinated Notes (collectively,
the
“Notes”),
which
are convertible into shares of Common Stock (the “Conversion
Shares”);
and
WHEREAS,
in
order to induce the Company to enter into the Note Purchase Agreement and
to
induce the Investors to invest funds in the Company pursuant to the Note
Purchase Agreement, the Investors and the Company hereby agree that this
Agreement shall govern the rights of the Investors to cause the Company to
register the Conversion Shares;
NOW,
THEREFORE,
the
parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions. For
purposes of this Agreement:
1.1 “Affiliate”
means,
with respect to any specified Person, any other Person who, directly or
indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such
Person.
1.2 “Common
Stock”
means
shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share.
1.3 “Damages”
means
any loss, damage,
or liability (joint or several) to which a party hereto may become subject
under
the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or other federal or state law, insofar
as
such loss, damage,
or liability (or any action in respect thereof) arises out of or is based
upon
(i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
contained in any registration statement of the Company, including any
preliminary prospectus or final prospectus contained therein or any amendments
or supplements thereto; (ii) an omission or alleged omission to state
therein a material fact required to be stated therein, or necessary to make
the
statements therein not misleading; or (iii) any violation or alleged violation
by the indemnifying party
(or
any
of its agents or Affiliates) of
the
Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any state securities law, or any rule or
regulation promulgated under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or any
state
securities law.
1.4 “Exchange
Act”
means
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder.
1.5 “Excluded
Registration”
means
(i)
a
registration relating to
the
sale of securities to employees of the Company or
a
subsidiary pursuant
to a stock option, stock purchase, or similar plan;
(ii) a
registration relating
to an
SEC Rule 145 transaction; (iii)
a
registration on any form that does not include substantially the same
information as would be required to be included in a registration statement
covering the sale of the Registrable Securities; or (iv)
a
registration in which the only Common Stock being registered is Common Stock
issuable upon conversion of debt securities that are also being
registered.
1.6 “Form
S-1”
means
such form under the Securities Act as in effect on the date hereof or any
successor registration form under the Securities Act subsequently adopted
by the
SEC.
1.7 “Form
S-2”
means
such form under the Securities Act as in effect on the date hereof or any
successor registration form under the Securities Act subsequently adopted
by the
SEC.
1.8 “Form
S-3”
means
such form under the Securities Act as in effect on the date hereof or any
registration form under the Securities Act subsequently adopted by the SEC
that
permits incorporation of substantial information by reference to other documents
filed by the Company with the SEC.
1.9 “GAAP”
means
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.
1.10 “Holder”
means
any holder of Registrable Securities who is a party to this
Agreement.
1.11 “Immediate
Family Member”
means
a
child,
stepchild,
grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law,
father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law,
including adoptive relationships, of a natural person referred to
herein.
1.12 “Initiating
Holders”
means,
collectively, Holders who properly initiate a registration request under
this
Agreement.
1.13 “Maturity
Date”
shall
have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Notes.
1.14 “Person”
means
any individual, corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company,
association or other
entity.
1.15 “Registrable
Securities”
means
(i) the Conversion Shares; and
(ii) any
Common Stock issued as (or issuable upon the conversion or exercise of any
warrant, right, or other security that is issued as) a dividend or other
distribution with respect to, or in exchange for or in replacement of, the
shares referenced in clause (i)
above;
excluding in all cases, however, any Registrable Securities sold by a Person,
or
any Conversion Shares issued upon conversion of a Note sold by a Person,
in a
transaction in which the applicable rights
under this
Agreement
are not
assigned pursuant
to Section
3.1.
1.16 “Registrable
Securities then outstanding”
means
the number of shares determined by adding the number
of
shares of outstanding Common
Stock that
are
Registrable Securities
and
the
number
of shares of Common
Stock issuable (directly
or indirectly) pursuant
to then exercisable and/or
convertible securities that are Registrable Securities.
1.17 “SEC”
means
the Securities and Exchange Commission.
1.18 “SEC
Rule 144”
means
Rule 144 promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act.
1.19 “SEC
Rule 144(k)”
means
Rule 144(k) promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act.
1.20 “SEC
Rule 145”
means
Rule 145 promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act.
1.21 “Securities
Act”
means
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder.
1.22 “Selling
Expenses”
means
all underwriting discounts, selling commissions, and stock transfer taxes
applicable to the sale of Registrable Securities, and fees and disbursements
of
counsel for any Holder, except for
the
fees and disbursements of the Selling Holder Counsel borne and paid by the
Company as
provided in Section 2.6.
2. Registration
Rights.
The
Company covenants and agrees as follows:
2.1 Demand
Registration.
(a) Form
S-1 Demand.
If
at any
time after the Maturity Date, the Company receives a request from Holders
of
a
majority of the Registrable Securities then outstanding that the Company
file
a
Form
S-1
registration
statement with
respect to at least forty percent (40%)
of the
Registrable Securities then outstanding (or a lesser percent if the anticipated
aggregate offering price, net of Selling Expenses, would exceed $5 million),
then the Company shall (i) within ten (10) days after the date such request
is
given, give notice thereof (the “Demand
Notice”)
to all
Holders other than the Initiating Holders; and (ii) as soon as practicable,
and
in any event within one hundred eighty (180) days after the date such request
is
given by the Initiating Holders, file a
Form
S-1
registration statement under the Securities Act covering all Registrable
Securities that the Initiating
Holders
requested to
be
registered and any
additional Registrable Securities requested to be included in such registration
by any other Holders, as specified by notice given by each such Holder to
the
Company within twenty (20) days of the date the Demand Notice is given, and
in
each case, subject
to the limitations of Section 2.1(c)
and
Section
2.3.
(b) Form
S-3 Demand.
If at
any time when it is eligible to use a Form S-3 registration statement, the
Company receives a request from Holders of at least thirty percent (30%)
of the
Registrable Securities then outstanding that the Company file a Form S-3
registration statement with respect to outstanding Registrable Securities
of
such Holders having an anticipated aggregate offering price, net of Selling
Expenses, of at least $2 million, then the Company shall (i) within ten (10)
days after the date such request is given, give a Demand Notice to all Holders
other than the Initiating Holders; and (ii) as soon as practicable, and in
any
event within ninety (90) days after the date such request is given by the
Initiating Holders, file a Form S-3 registration statement under the Securities
Act covering all Registrable Securities requested to be included in such
registration by any other Holders, as specified by notice given by each such
Holder to the Company within twenty (20) days of the date the Demand Notice
is
given, and in each case, subject to the limitations of Section
2.1(c)
and
Section 2.3.
(c) Notwithstanding
the foregoing obligations, if the Company furnishes to Holders requesting
a
registration pursuant to this Section
2.1
a
certificate signed by the Company’s chief executive officer stating that in the
good faith judgment of the Company’s Board of Directors it would be materially
detrimental to the Company and its stockholders for such registration statement
to either become effective or remain effective for as long as such registration
statement otherwise would be required to remain effective, because such action
would be
materially detrimental to the Company and its stockholders for such registration
statement to be filed and it is therefore necessary to defer the filing of
such
registration statement,
then the
Company shall have the right to defer taking action with respect to such
filing,
and any time periods with respect to filing or effectiveness thereof shall
be
tolled correspondingly, for a period of not more than sixty (60)
days
after the request of the Initiating Holders is given; provided,
however,
that
the Company may not invoke this right more than twice in any twelve (12)
month
period; and provided
further
that the
Company shall not register any securities for its own account or that of
any
other stockholder during such sixty (60) day period other than an
Excluded Registration.
(d) The
Company shall not be obligated to effect, or to take any action to effect,
any
registration pursuant to Section
2.1(a)
(i)
during the period that is sixty
(60) days before the Company’s good faith estimate of the date of filing of, and
ending on a date that is one
hundred eighty (180)
days
after the effective date of, a Company-initiated registration, provided,
that
the Company is actively employing in good faith commercially reasonable efforts
to cause such registration statement to become effective; (ii)
after the Company has effected one registration
pursuant
to Section
2.1(a);
or
(iii) if the Initiating Holders propose to dispose of shares of Registrable
Securities that may be immediately registered on Form S-3 pursuant to a request
made pursuant to Section
2.1(b).
The
Company shall not be obligated to effect, or to take any action to effect,
any
registration pursuant to Section
2.1(b)
(i)
during the period that is thirty (30) days before the Company’s good faith
estimate of the date of filing of, and ending on a date that is one
hundred eighty (180)
days
after the effective date of, a Company-initiated registration, provided,
that
the Company is actively employing in good faith commercially reasonable efforts
to cause such registration statement to become effective; or (ii) if the
Company
has effected one registration pursuant to Section
2.1(b)
within
the six (6) month period immediately preceding the date of such
request. A
registration shall not be counted as “effected” for purposes of this
Section
2.1(d)
until
such time as the applicable registration statement has been declared effective
by the SEC, unless the Initiating Holders withdraw their request for such
registration, elect not to pay the registration expenses therefor, and
forfeit their right to one demand registration statement pursuant
to Section
2.6,
in which
case such withdrawn registration statement shall be counted as “effected” for
purposes of this Section 2.1(d).
2.2 Company
Registration. If
the
Company proposes to register (including, for this purpose, a registration
effected by the Company for stockholders other than the Holders) any of its
Common
Stock
under
the Securities Act in connection with the public offering of such securities
solely for cash (other than in
an
Excluded Registration), the Company shall, at such time, promptly give each
Holder notice of such registration. Upon the request of each Holder given
within
twenty (20) days after such notice is given by the Company, the Company shall,
subject to the provisions of Section
2.3,
cause to
be registered all of the Registrable Securities that each such Holder has
requested to be included in such registration. The Company shall have the
right
to terminate or withdraw any registration initiated by it under this
Section
2.2
before
the effective date of such registration, whether or not any Holder has elected
to include Registrable Securities in such registration. The expenses
(other
than Selling Expenses) of
such
withdrawn registration shall be borne by the Company in accordance with
Section
2.6.
2.3 Underwriting
Requirements.
(a) If,
pursuant to Section 2.1,
the
Initiating Holders intend
to
distribute the Registrable Securities covered by their request by means of
an
underwriting, they shall so advise the Company as a part of their request
made
pursuant to Section
2.1,
and the
Company shall include such information in the Demand Notice.
The
underwriter(s)
will be
selected by the Company and shall be reasonably acceptable to a majority
in
interest of the Initiating Holders. In such event, the right of any Holder
to
include such Holder’s Registrable Securities in such registration shall be
conditioned upon such Holder’s participation in such underwriting and the
inclusion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in the underwriting to the
extent provided herein. All Holders proposing to distribute their securities
through such underwriting shall (together with the Company as provided in
Section
2.4(e))
enter
into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the underwriter(s)
selected for such underwriting. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Section
2.3,
if the
underwriter(s) advise(s) the Initiating Holders in writing that marketing
factors require a limitation on the number of shares to be underwritten,
then
the Initiating Holders shall so advise all Holders of Registrable Securities
that otherwise would be underwritten pursuant hereto, and the number of
Registrable Securities that may be included in the underwriting shall be
allocated among such
Holders
of Registrable Securities, including the Initiating Holders, in proportion
(as
nearly as practicable) to the number of Registrable Securities owned
by
each Holder
or in
such other proportion as shall mutually be agreed to by all such selling
Holders;
provided,
however,
that
the number of Registrable Securities held by the Holders to be included in
such
underwriting shall not be reduced unless all other securities are first entirely
excluded from the underwriting. To
facilitate the allocation of shares in accordance with the above provisions,
the
Company or the underwriters may round the number of shares allocated to any
Holder to the nearest 100 shares.
(b) In
connection with any offering involving an underwriting of shares of the
Company’s capital stock pursuant to Section
2.2,
the
Company shall not be required to include any of the Holders’ Registrable
Securities in such underwriting unless the Holders accept the terms of the
underwriting as agreed upon between the Company and its underwriters, and
then
only in such quantity as the underwriters in their sole discretion determine
will not jeopardize the success of the offering by the Company. If the total
number of securities, including Registrable Securities, requested by
stockholders to be included in such offering exceeds the number of securities
to
be sold (other than by the Company) that the underwriters in their reasonable
discretion determine is compatible with the success of the offering, then
the
Company shall be required to include in the offering only that number of
such
securities, including Registrable Securities, which the underwriters and
the
Company in their sole discretion determine will not jeopardize the success
of
the offering. If
the
underwriters determine that less than all of the Registrable Securities
requested to be registered can be included in such offering, then the
Registrable Securities that are included in such offering shall be allocated
among
the selling Holders in
proportion (as nearly as practicable to)
the
number of Registrable Securities owned
by
each
selling
Holder
or in
such other proportions as shall mutually be agreed to by all such selling
Holders. To
facilitate the allocation of shares in accordance with the above provisions,
the
Company or the underwriters may round the number of shares allocated to any
Holder to the nearest 100 shares. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, in no event shall (i)
the
number of Registrable Securities included in the offering be reduced unless
all
other securities (other than securities to be sold by the Company) are first
entirely excluded from the offering, or
(ii) the
number of Registrable Securities included in the offering be reduced below
thirty percent (30%) of the total number of securities included in such
offering. For purposes of the provision in this Section
2.3(b)
concerning apportionment, for any selling Holder
that
is
a
partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, the partners, members,
retired partners, retired members, stockholders, and Affiliates of such Holder,
or the estates and Immediate Family Members of any such partners, retired
partners, members, and retired members and any trusts for the benefit of
any of
the foregoing Persons, shall be deemed to be a single “selling Holder,” and any
pro rata reduction with respect to such “selling Holder” shall be based upon the
aggregate number of Registrable Securities owned by all Persons included
in such
“selling Holder,” as defined in this sentence.
2.4 Obligations
of the Company.
Whenever
required under this Section
2
to
effect the registration of any Registrable Securities, the Company shall,
as
expeditiously as reasonably possible:
(a) prepare
and file with the SEC a registration statement with respect to such Registrable
Securities and use its commercially reasonable efforts to
cause
such registration statement to become effective and, upon the request of
the
Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities registered thereunder,
keep
such registration statement effective for a period of up to one hundred twenty
(120) days or, if earlier, until the distribution contemplated in the
registration statement has been completed; provided,
however,
that
such one hundred twenty (120) day period shall be extended for a period of
time
equal to the period the Holder refrains, at the request of an underwriter
of
Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company, from selling any securities
included in such registration;
(b) prepare
and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to such registration
statement, and the prospectus used in connection with such registration
statement, as may be necessary to comply with the Securities Act in order
to
enable the disposition of all securities covered by such registration
statement;
(c) furnish
to the selling Holders such numbers of copies of a prospectus, including
a
preliminary prospectus, as required by the Securities Act, and such other
documents as the Holders may reasonably request in order to facilitate their
disposition of their Registrable Securities;
(d) use
its
commercially reasonable efforts to register and qualify the securities covered
by such registration statement under such other securities or blue-sky laws
of
such jurisdictions as shall be reasonably requested by the selling Holders;
provided
that
the
Company shall not be required to qualify to do business or to file a general
consent to service of process in any such states or jurisdictions, unless
the Company is already subject to service in such jurisdiction and except
as may
be required by the Securities Act;
(e) in
the
event of any underwritten public offering, enter into and perform its
obligations under an underwriting agreement, in usual and customary form,
with
the underwriter(s)
of such
offering;
(f) use
its
commercially reasonable efforts to cause all such Registrable Securities
covered
by such registration statement to be listed on a national securities exchange
or
trading system and each securities exchange and trading system (if any) on
which
similar securities issued by the Company are then listed;
(g) promptly
make available for inspection by the selling Holders, any
underwriter(s)
participating in any disposition pursuant to such registration statement,
and
any attorney or accountant or other agent retained by any such underwriter
or
selected by the selling Holders, all financial and other records, pertinent
corporate documents, and properties of the Company, and cause the Company’s
officers, directors, employees, and independent accountants to supply all
information reasonably requested by any such seller, underwriter, attorney,
accountant, or agent,
in each
case, as necessary or advisable to verify the accuracy of the information
in
such registration statement and to conduct appropriate due diligence
in
connection therewith;
(h) notify
each selling Holder, promptly after the Company receives notice thereof,
of the
time when such registration statement has been declared effective or a
supplement to any prospectus forming a part of such registration statement
has
been filed; and
(i) after
such registration statement becomes effective, notify each selling Holder
of any
request by the SEC that the Company amend or supplement such registration
statement or prospectus.
2.5 Furnish
Information.
It
shall be a condition precedent to the obligations of the Company to take
any
action pursuant to this Section
2
with
respect to the Registrable Securities of any selling Holder that such Holder
shall furnish to the Company such information regarding itself, the Registrable
Securities held by it, and the intended method of disposition of such securities
as is reasonably required to effect the registration of such Holder’s
Registrable Securities.
2.6 Expenses
of Registration.
All
expenses (other than Selling Expenses) incurred in connection with
registrations, filings, or qualifications pursuant to Section 2,
including all registration, filing, and qualification fees; printers’ and
accounting fees; fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company; and the
reasonable fees and disbursements of one counsel for the selling
Holders (“Selling
Holder Counsel”),
shall
be borne and paid by the Company; provided,
however,
that
the Company shall not be required to pay for any expenses of any registration
proceeding begun pursuant to Section
2.1 if
the
registration request is subsequently withdrawn at the request of the Holders
of
a majority of the Registrable Securities to be registered (in which case
all
selling Holders shall bear such expenses pro rata based upon the number of
Registrable Securities that were to be included in the withdrawn registration),
unless the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities agree to forfeit
their right to one registration pursuant to Section
2.1(a)
or
Section
2.1(b),
as the
case may be; provided
further
that if,
at the time of such withdrawal, the Holders shall have learned of a material
adverse change in the condition, business, or prospects of the Company from
that
known to the Holders at the time of their request and have withdrawn the
request
with reasonable promptness after learning of such information then the Holders
shall not be required to pay any of such expenses and shall not forfeit their
right to one registration pursuant to Section
2.1(a)
or
Section
2.1(b).
All
Selling Expenses relating to Registrable Securities registered pursuant to
this
Section
2
shall be
borne and paid by the Holders pro rata on the basis of the number of Registrable
Securities registered on their behalf.
2.7 Delay
of Registration.
No
Holder shall have any right to obtain or seek an injunction restraining or
otherwise delaying any registration pursuant to this Agreement as the result
of
any controversy
that might arise with respect to the interpretation or implementation of
this
Section
2.
2.8 Indemnification.
If any
Registrable Securities are included in a registration statement under this
Section
2:
(a) To
the
extent permitted by law, the Company will indemnify and hold harmless each
selling Holder, and the partners, members, officers, directors, and stockholders
of each such Holder; legal counsel and accountants for each such Holder;
any
underwriter (as defined in the Securities Act) for each such Holder; and
each
Person, if any, who controls such Holder or underwriter within the meaning
of
the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, against any Damages, and the Company
will pay to each such Holder, underwriter, controlling Person, or other
aforementioned Person any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred thereby
in
connection with investigating or
defending any
claim
or
proceeding from which Damages may result, as such expenses are incurred;
provided,
however,
that
the indemnity agreement contained in this Section
2.8(a)
shall
not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such claim
or
proceeding if such settlement is effected without the consent of the Company,
which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, nor shall the Company be
liable for any Damages to the extent that they arise out of or are based
upon
actions or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with written
information furnished by or on behalf of any such Holder, underwriter,
controlling Person, or other aforementioned Person expressly for use in
connection with such registration.
(b) To
the
extent permitted by law, each selling Holder, severally and not jointly,
will
indemnify and hold harmless the Company, and each of its directors, each
of its
officers who has signed the registration statement, each Person (if any),
who
controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act, legal counsel
and
accountants for the Company, any underwriter (as defined in the Securities
Act),
any other Holder selling securities in such registration statement, and any
controlling Person of any such underwriter or other Holder, against any Damages,
in each case only to the extent that such Damages arise out of or are based
upon
actions or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with written
information furnished by or on behalf of such selling Holder expressly for
use
in connection with such registration; and each such selling Holder will pay
to
the Company and each other aforementioned Person any legal or other expenses
reasonably incurred thereby in connection with investigating or
defending any
claim
or
proceeding from which Damages may result, as such expenses are incurred;
provided,
however,
that
the indemnity agreement contained in this Section
2.8(b)
shall
not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such claim
or
proceeding if such settlement is effected without the consent of the Holder,
which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; and provided
further
that in
no event shall the aggregate amounts payable by any Holder by way of indemnity
or contribution under Sections
2.8(b)
and
2.8(d) exceed
the proceeds from the offering received
by such Holder (net
of
any Selling Expenses
paid by
such Holder),
except
in the case of fraud or willful misconduct by such Holder.
(c) Promptly
after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 2.8 of
notice
of the commencement of any action (including any governmental action) for
which
a party may be entitled to indemnification hereunder, such indemnified party
will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying
party
under this Section
2.8,
give the
indemnifying party notice of the commencement thereof. The indemnifying party
shall have the right to participate in such action and, to the extent the
indemnifying party so desires, participate jointly with any other indemnifying
party to which notice has been given, and to assume the defense thereof with
counsel mutually satisfactory to the parties; provided,
however,
that an
indemnified party (together with all other indemnified parties that may be
represented without conflict by one counsel) shall have the right to retain
one
separate counsel, with the fees and expenses to be paid by the indemnifying
party, if representation of such indemnified party by the counsel retained
by
the indemnifying party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential
differing interests between such indemnified party and any other party
represented by such counsel in such action. The failure to give notice to
the
indemnifying party within a reasonable time of the commencement of any such
action shall relieve such indemnifying party of any liability to the indemnified
party under this Section
2.8,
to the
extent that such failure materially prejudices the indemnifying party’s ability
to defend such action. The failure to give notice to the indemnifying party
will
not relieve it of any liability that it may have to any indemnified party
otherwise than under this Section
2.8.
(d) To
provide for just and equitable contribution to joint liability under the
Securities Act in any case in which either (i) any party otherwise entitled
to
indemnification hereunder makes a claim for indemnification pursuant to this
Section
2.8
but it
is judicially determined (by the entry of a final judgment or decree by a
court
of competent jurisdiction and the expiration of time to appeal or the denial
of
the last right of appeal) that such indemnification may not be enforced in
such
case, notwithstanding the fact that this Section
2.8
provides
for indemnification in such case, or (ii) contribution under the Securities
Act
may be required on the part of any party hereto for which indemnification
is
provided under this Section 2.8,
then,
and in each such case, such parties will contribute to the aggregate losses,
claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses to which they may be subject (after
contribution from others) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect
the
relative fault of each
of
the
indemnifying party and the indemnified party in connection with the statements,
omissions, or other actions that resulted in such loss, claim, damage,
liability, or expense, as well as to reflect any other relevant equitable
considerations. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and of the
indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things,
whether the untrue or allegedly untrue statement of a material fact, or the
omission or alleged omission of a material fact, relates to information supplied
by the indemnifying party or by the indemnified party and the parties’ relative
intent, knowledge, access to information, and opportunity to correct or prevent
such statement or omission; provided,
however,
that,
in any such case, (x) no Holder will be required to contribute any amount
in
excess of the public offering price of all such Registrable Securities offered
and sold by such Holder pursuant to such registration statement, and (y)
no
Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section
11(f) of the Securities Act) will be entitled to contribution from any Person
who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation; and provided
further
that in
no event shall a Holder’s liability pursuant to this Section
2.8(d),
when
combined with the amounts paid or payable by such Holder pursuant to
Section
2.8(b),
exceed
the proceeds from the offering received
by such Holder (net
of
any Selling Expenses paid
by such
Holder),
except
in the case of willful misconduct or fraud by such Holder.
(e) Notwithstanding
the foregoing, to the extent that the provisions on indemnification and
contribution contained in the underwriting agreement entered into in connection
with the underwritten public offering are in conflict with the foregoing
provisions, the provisions in the underwriting agreement shall
control.
(f) Unless
otherwise superseded by an underwriting agreement entered into in connection
with the underwritten public offering, the obligations of the Company and
Holders under this Section
2.8
shall
survive the completion of any offering of Registrable Securities in a
registration under this Section
2,
and
otherwise shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
2.9 Reports
Under Exchange Act.
With a
view to making available to the Holders the benefits of SEC Rule 144 and
any
other rule or regulation of the SEC that may at any time permit a Holder
to sell
securities of the
Company to the public without registration or pursuant to a registration
on Form
S-3, the Company shall:
(a) make
and
keep available
adequate current public
information,
as
those terms are understood and defined in SEC Rule 144, at all
times;
(b) use
commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC in a timely manner all
reports and other documents required of the Company under the Securities
Act and
the Exchange Act (at any time after the Company has become subject to such
reporting requirements); and
(c) furnish
to any Holder, so long as the Holder owns any Registrable Securities, forthwith
upon request (i) to
the
extent accurate, a
written
statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting requirements
of
SEC Rule 144, the Securities Act, and the Exchange Act, or that it qualifies
as
a registrant whose securities may be resold pursuant to Form S-3 (at any
time
after the Company so qualifies); (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or
quarterly report of the Company and such other reports and documents so filed
by
the Company; and (iii) such other information as may be reasonably requested
in
availing any Holder of any rule or regulation of the SEC that permits the
selling of any such securities without registration (at any time after the
Company has become subject to the reporting requirements under the Exchange
Act)
or pursuant to Form
S-3
(at any time after the Company so qualifies to use such form).
2.10 Limitations
on Subsequent Registration Rights.
From
and
after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall not, without the prior
written consent of the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities
then
outstanding, enter into any agreement with any holder or prospective holder
of
any securities of the Company that (i) would allow such holder or
prospective holder (i) to include such securities in any registration unless,
under the terms of such agreement, such holder or prospective holder may
include
such securities in any such registration only to the extent that the inclusion
of such securities will not reduce the number of the Registrable Securities
of
the Holders that are included or (ii) allow such holder or prospective holder
to
initiate a demand for registration of any securities held by such holder
or
prospective holder.
2.11 Term.
The
agreements of the Company contained in this Agreement shall continue in full
force and effect so long as any Holder holds any Notes or Registrable
Securities, but shall terminate with respect to each Holder when such Holder
no
longer holds any Notes or Registrable Securities.
3. Miscellaneous.
3.1 Successors
and Assigns.
The
rights under this Agreement
may be assigned
(but
only
with all related obligations)
by
a
Holder to a transferee of
Notes or
Registrable Securities;
provided, however, that (x) the Company is, within a reasonable time after
such
transfer, furnished with written notice of the name and address of such
transferee and the Registrable Securities
or Notes
with respect to which
such
rights
are
being
transferred; and (y) such transferee agrees in
a
written instrument delivered
to
the
Company
to be
bound by and
subject to the
terms
and
conditions of
this
Agreement.
The
terms and conditions of this Agreement inure to the benefit of and are binding
upon the respective successors and permitted assignees of the parties. Nothing
in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party
other than the parties hereto or their respective successors and permitted
assignees any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason
of
this Agreement, except as expressly provided herein.
3.2 Governing
Law. This
Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws
of
the State of Delaware, regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern
under
applicable principles of conflicts of law.
3.3 Counterparts;
Facsimile.
This
Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall
be
deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the
same
instrument. This Agreement may also be executed and delivered by facsimile
signature and in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed
an
original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument.
3.4 Titles
and Subtitles.
The
titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are for convenience only and
are not
to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.
3.5 Notices.
All
notices and other communications given or made pursuant to this Agreement
shall
be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given
upon the
earlier of actual receipt or: (i) personal delivery to the party to be notified;
(ii) when sent, if sent by electronic mail or facsimile during the recipient’s
normal business hours, and if not sent during normal business hours, then
on the
recipient’s next business day; (iii) five (5) days after having been sent by
registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid;
or (iv)
one (1) business
day
after
the
business day of
deposit
with a nationally recognized overnight courier, freight prepaid, specifying
next-day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications
shall be sent to the respective parties at their addresses as set forth on
Schedule
A
hereto,
or to the
principal office of the Company and to the attention of the Chief Executive
Officer, in the case of the Company, or to such
email address, facsimile number, or address as subsequently modified by written
notice given in accordance with this Section
3.5.
If
notice is given to the Company, a copy shall also be sent to Smith, Anderson,
Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan, LLP, 2500 Wachovia Capitol Center,
Raleigh, North Carolina 27602-2611, Attention: Margaret N. Rosenfeld, (919)
821-6800 (facsimile).
3.6 Amendments
and Waivers.
Any
term
of this Agreement may be amended and the observance of any term of this
Agreement may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance, and
either retroactively or prospectively) only with the written consent of the
Company and the holders of a majority of the principal amount of the Notes
then
outstanding, or upon conversion of the Notes, a majority of the Registrable
Securities then outstanding.
Any
amendment, termination, or waiver effected in accordance with this Section
3.6
shall be
binding on all parties hereto, regardless of whether any such party has
consented thereto. No waivers of or exceptions to any term, condition, or
provision of this Agreement, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed
to be
or construed as a further or continuing waiver of any such term, condition,
or
provision.
3.7 Severability.
In
case
any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement is for any
reason
held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity,
illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this
Agreement, and such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision shall be
reformed and construed so that it will be valid, legal, and enforceable to
the
maximum extent permitted by law.
3.8 Aggregation
of Stock. All
shares of Registrable Securities held or acquired by Affiliates shall be
aggregated together for the purpose of determining the availability of any
rights under this Agreement and such Affiliated persons may apportion such
rights as among themselves in any manner they deem appropriate.
3.9 Entire
Agreement.
This
Agreement (including any Schedules and Exhibits hereto) constitutes the full
and
entire understanding and agreement among
the
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and any other written
or oral
agreement relating to the subject matter hereof existing between the parties
is
expressly canceled.
3.10 Delays
or Omissions.
No
delay or omission to exercise any right, power, or remedy accruing to any
party
under this Agreement, upon any breach or default of any other party under
this
Agreement, shall impair any such right, power, or remedy of such nonbreaching
or
nondefaulting party, nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of or acquiescence
to any such breach or default, or to any similar breach or default thereafter
occurring, nor shall any waiver of any single breach or default be deemed
a
waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring.
All
remedies, whether under this Agreement or by law or otherwise afforded to
any
party, shall be cumulative and not alternative.
[Remainder
of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date
first
written above.
SMART
ONLINE, INC.
By:
/s/ David E.
Colburn
Name:
David E.
Colburn
Title:
President and
CEO
INVESTORS:
By:
/s/ Doron
Roethler
Name:
Doron
Roethler
Title:
ATLAS
CAPITAL S.A.
By:
/s/ C.
Waller
/s/ M.
Dwek
Name:
C.
Waller M.
Dwek
Title:
Management General
Management
WILLIAM
FURR
/s/
William P.
Furr
THE
BLUELINE FUND
By:
/s/ P.
Pouponnot
Name:
Pouponnot,
Philippe
Title:
SCHEDULE
A
Investors
Crystal
Management Ltd.
Michal
Raviv, Adv.
Gibor
Sport House (28th floor)
7,
Menahem Begin (Betzalel) St.
Ramat
Gan 52521
Israel
Fax.:
+972 (3) 575-5526
|
William
Furr
1840
East Sandpointe Lane
Vero
Beach, FL 32963
Fax:
|
Atlas
Capital, S.A.
Rue
du Rhône 118, CH - 1204
Genève
Switzerland
Fax:
|
The
Blueline Fund
Walker
House
Mary
Street
P.O.
Box 908 GT
George
Town, Grand Cayman
Cayman
Islands
Fax:
|
Exhibit
10.7
SECURITY
AGREEMENT
THIS
SECURITY AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”)
is
made as of November 14, 2007, among SMART ONLINE, INC., a Delaware corporation
(the “Company”),
and
Doron Roethler, as agent for the Investors (as defined below) (together with
its
successors and assigns in such capacity, “Collateral
Agent”).
RECITALS
A. Company,
Collateral Agent and certain purchasers (each an “Investor”,
and
collectively, the “Investors”)
have
entered into a Convertible Secured Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement, dated
as of the date hereof (the “Purchase
Agreement”),
pursuant to which Company has issued convertible promissory notes, dated as
of
the date hereof (as amended, modified or otherwise supplemented from time to
time, each a “Note”
and
collectively, the “Notes”).
B. In
order
to induce each Investor to extend the credit evidenced by the Notes, Company
has
agreed to enter into this Security Agreement and to grant Collateral Agent,
for
the benefit of itself and the Investors, the security interest in the Collateral
described below.
AGREEMENT
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals and for other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby
acknowledged, Company hereby agrees with Collateral Agent and the Investors
as
follows:
1. Definitions
and Interpretation.
When
used in this Security Agreement, the following terms have the following
respective meanings:
“Collateral”
has
the
meaning given to that term in Section
2
hereof.
“Excluded
Investment Property”
means
any and all right, title and interest of the
Company
in and
to 100 shares of the capital stock of Smart Commerce, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (“Smart
Commerce”),
issued to the Company, and respectively evidenced by stock certificate no.
1 and
all
rights incident thereto, and in and to any additional interest in Smart Commerce
hereafter acquired by the Company including all the Company’s now existing or
hereafter acquired shares of stock or other equity security (including any
interests, rights and other securities however evidenced which are convertible
to stock or any other equity security of Smart Commerce and all rights incident
thereto), including the right to vote the foregoing interests during the
continuation of an event of default, and further including, but not limited
to,
the Company’s interest in, and rights to: (x) the profits, surplus,
distributions and dividends, whether in cash or in kind (and including, but
not
limited to, any distributions of the proceeds of the liquidation of the assets
of Smart Commerce made in connection with, as a result of, or pursuant to,
a
dissolution of Smart Commerce), and (y) the assets of Smart
Commerce.
“Obligations”
means
all loans, advances, debts, liabilities and obligations, howsoever arising,
owed
by Company to Collateral Agent and the Investors of every kind and description
(whether or not evidenced by any note or instrument and whether or not for
the
payment of money), now existing or hereafter arising under or pursuant to the
terms of the Notes and the other Transaction Documents, including all interest,
fees, charges, expenses, attorneys’ fees and costs and accountants’ fees and
costs chargeable to and payable by Company hereunder and thereunder, in each
case, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become
due,
and whether or not arising after the commencement of a proceeding under Title
11
of the United States Code (11 U.S.C. Section 101 et seq.), as amended from
time
to time (including post-petition interest) and whether or not allowed or
allowable as a claim in any such proceeding.
“Permitted
Liens”
means
(a) Liens granted to secure indebtedness of Company permitted under the Purchase
Agreement and incurred to finance the acquisition (whether by purchase or
capitalized lease) of tangible assets (other than Inventory), but only on the
assets acquired with the proceeds of such indebtedness, (b) Liens for taxes,
assessments or other governmental charges or levies not at the time delinquent
or thereafter payable without penalty or being contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves in accordance with
GAAP
shall have been set aside on its books, (c) Liens incurred in connection with
the extension, renewal or refinancing of the indebtedness secured by Liens
existing on the date of the Notes or of Liens described in clause (a) above,
provided
that any
extension, renewal or replacement Lien shall be limited to the property
encumbered by the existing Lien and the principal amount of indebtedness being
extended, renewed or refinanced does not increase, (d) statutory Liens of
landlords and Liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics and materialman and
other similar Liens arising in favor of a person imposed without action by
such
person, in each case that are incurred in the ordinary course of business for
sums not overdue or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings
and
for which adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP shall have been set aside
on
its books, (e) Liens (other than Liens arising under the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or Section 412(n) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) incurred in the ordinary course of business
in
connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, social security
or other forms of governmental insurance or benefits, or to secure performance
of tenders, statutory obligations, leases and contracts (other than for borrowed
money) entered into in the ordinary course of business or to secure obligations
on surety or appeal bonds, (f) judgment Liens in existence less than 60 days
after the entry thereof or with respect to which execution has been stayed
in an
amount not to exceed $500,000 singly or in the aggregate and (g) Liens existing
on the date hereof and described on Attachment
2
hereto.
“Senior
Obligations”
means
all indebtedness and obligations of Smart Commerce to Fifth Third Bank evidenced
by that certain promissory note issued by Smart Commerce to Fifth Third Bank
on
October 17, 2006 under that certain Business Loan Agreement dated October 17,
2006 between Smart Commerce and Fifth Third Bank and any amendment, restatement,
modification, renewal, extension or refinance thereof.
“UCC”
means
the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of California from time
to
time.
All
capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective
meanings given in the Notes. Unless otherwise defined herein or in the Notes,
all terms used herein that are defined in the UCC, whether capitalized or not,
have the respective meanings given to those terms in the UCC.
2. Grant
of Security Interest.
To
secure prompt payment and performance of the Obligations, Company hereby pledges
to Collateral Agent and grants to Collateral Agent, for the benefit of
Collateral Agent and the Investors, a security interest in all right, title
and
interests of Company in and to the property described in Attachment
1
hereto,
whether now existing or hereafter from time to time acquired (collectively,
the
“Collateral”).
Such
security interest shall be prior to all Liens other than Permitted Liens.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the security interest granted herein shall not
extend to and the term “Collateral” shall not include any equipment or other
property financed by a third party, provided
that
such third party’s Liens are Liens of the type described in clause (a) of the
definition of Permitted Liens; provided,
further,
that
such equipment or other property shall be deemed “Collateral” hereunder if such
third party’s Lien is released or otherwise terminated or if the agreement
governing such Lien does not prohibit the Lien granted hereunder. For avoidance
of doubt, so long as the Senior Obligations are outstanding, the security
interest granted herein shall not extend to and the term “Collateral” shall not
include the Excluded Investment Property and upon the indefeasible satisfaction
of the Senior Obligations in full, the security interest granted herein shall
automatically extend to and the term “Collateral” shall include the Excluded
Investment Property effective as of the date such Senior Obligations are
satisfied in full.
3. General
Representations and Warranties.
Company
represents and warrants to Collateral Agent and the Investors that
(a) Company is the owner of the Collateral (or, in the case of (i)
after-acquired Collateral, at the time Company acquires rights in the
Collateral, or (ii) the Excluded Investment Property, at the time the Excluded
Investment Property becomes subject to the security interested granted herein,
will be the owner thereof) and that no other Person has (or, in the case of
(i)
after-acquired Collateral, at the time Company acquires rights in the
Collateral, or (ii) the Excluded Investment Property, at the time the Excluded
Investment Property becomes subject to the security interested granted herein,
will have) any right, title, claim or interest (by way of Lien or otherwise)
in,
against or to the Collateral, other than Permitted Liens; (b) this Security
Agreement creates a valid security interest in favor of Collateral Agent, for
the benefit of Collateral Agent and the Investors, in the Collateral of Company,
to the extent a security interest therein can be created under the UCC; (c)
upon
the filing of UCC-1 financing statements in the filing office listed on
Attachment
3
hereto,
Collateral Agent has (or in the case of (i) after-acquired Collateral, at the
time Company acquires rights in the Collateral, or (ii) the Excluded Investment
Property, at the time the Excluded Investment Property becomes subject to the
security interested granted herein, will have) a perfected security interest
in
the Collateral, prior to all Liens other than Permitted Liens, to the extent
that a security interest in the Collateral can be perfected by such filing,
except for Permitted Liens; (d) with respect to any Collateral consisting
of a Deposit Account, Securities Entitlement or held in a Securities Account,
upon execution and delivery by Company, the applicable depository bank or
Securities Intermediary and Collateral Agent of an authenticated agreement
granting control in accordance with the UCC to Collateral Agent over such
Collateral, Collateral Agent shall have a valid and perfected, security interest
in such Collateral, prior to all Liens other than Permitted Liens; (e) all
Inventory has been (or, in the case of hereafter produced Inventory, will be)
produced in compliance with applicable laws, including the Fair Labor Standards
Act; and (f) all accounts receivable and payment intangibles are genuine
and enforceable against the party obligated to pay the same;
4. Covenants
Relating to Collateral.
Company
covenants and agrees with Collateral Agent and Investors that from and after
the
date of this Security Agreement and until the date of termination of this
Security Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof:
(a) Company
shall (i) perform all acts that may be necessary to maintain, preserve and
protect the Collateral and to maintain, preserve, protect and perfect the Lien
granted to Collateral Agent therein and the perfection and priority (subject
to
Permitted Liens) of such Lien; (ii) not use or permit any Collateral to be
used (A) in violation in any material respect of any applicable law, rule
or regulation, or (B) in violation of any policy of insurance covering the
Collateral; (iii) pay promptly when due all taxes and other governmental
charges, all obligations to which any Lien is related and all other charges
and
other obligations now or hereafter imposed upon or affecting any Collateral;
(iv) not, without 30 days prior written notice to Collateral Agent,
(A) change Company’s name or place of business (or, if Company has more
than one place of business, its chief executive office), or the office in which
Company’s records relating to accounts receivable and payment intangibles are
kept or (B) change Company’s state of incorporation, entity type or state
organizational number, (v) procure,
execute and deliver from time to time any endorsements, assignments, financing
statements and other writings reasonably deemed necessary or appropriate by
Collateral Agent to perfect, maintain and protect its Lien hereunder and the
priority thereof and to deliver promptly upon the request of Collateral Agent
all originals of Collateral consisting of instruments.
(b) Company
covenants and agrees that upon the acquisition of any fee interest in real
property it will promptly (and in any event within five (5) business days of
acquisition) notify Collateral Agent of the acquisition of such real property
and will grant to Collateral Agent, for the benefit of Collateral Agent and
the
Investors, a mortgage or other real property security instrument on each fee
interest in real property now or hereafter owned by Company and shall deliver
such other documentation and opinions, in form and substance satisfactory to
Collateral Agent, in connection with the grant of such mortgage or security
instrument as Collateral Agent shall request, including title insurance
policies, financing statements, fixture filings and environmental audits and
Company shall pay all recording costs, intangible taxes and other fees and
costs
(including reasonable attorneys fees and expenses) incurred in connection
therewith. Such mortgage or other real property security instrument shall be
prior to all Liens other than Permitted Liens. Company acknowledges and agrees
that, to the extent permitted by applicable law, all of the Collateral shall
remain personal property regardless of the manner of its attachment or
affixation to real property.
(c) Company
shall promptly (and in any event within five (5) business days of receipt
thereof), notify Collateral Agent in writing upon incurring or otherwise
obtaining a Commercial Tort Claim after the date hereof against any third party
and, upon request of Collateral Agent, authorize the filing of additional
financing statements or amendments to existing financing statements and do
such
other acts or things deemed necessary or desirable by Collateral Agent to give
Collateral Agent, perfected security interest in any such Commercial Tort Claim,
prior to all Liens other than Permitted Liens.
(d) Company
shall promptly (and in any event within five (5) business days of acquiring
or
obtaining such Collateral) notify Collateral Agent in writing upon (i) acquiring
or otherwise obtaining any Collateral after the date hereof consisting of
Trademarks, Patents, Copyrights, licenses with respect to any of the foregoing,
Investment Property, Chattel Paper (electronic, tangible or otherwise),
Documents, Instruments or Letter-of-Credit Rights or (ii) any amount payable
under or in connection with any of the Collateral being or becoming evidenced
after the date hereof by any Chattel Paper, Documents or Instruments and, in
each such case upon the request of Collateral Agent and in accordance with
Section 6 hereof, promptly execute such other documents, or if applicable,
deliver such Chattel Paper, Documents, Instruments, other possessory collateral
or certificates evidencing any Investment Property (other than the Excluded
Investment Property) in accordance with Section 6 hereof and do such other
acts
or things reasonably deemed necessary or desirable by Collateral Agent to
protect Collateral Agent’s Lien therein.
(e) At
the
request of Collateral Agent, Company shall obtain an authenticated control
agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to Collateral Agent, from each
bank holding a Deposit Account for Company and each issuer of uncertificated
securities, securities intermediary, or commodities intermediary issuing or
holding any financial assets or commodities to or for Company.
(f) Company
shall not (i) sell, assign (by operation of law or otherwise) or otherwise
dispose of, or grant any option with respect to, any of the Collateral, except
(A) expressly permitted by the Purchase Agreement, (B) sales, assignments or
other dispositions of inventory in the ordinary course of business, (C) sales,
assignments or other dispositions of worn-out or obsolete equipment no longer
used or useful in the business of Company in the ordinary course of business,
(D) licenses of intellectual property pursuant to a non-exclusive license
granted to others not interfering in any material respect with the business
of
Company, and (E) licenses of intellectual property pursuant to an exclusive
license with respect to geographic location, limited time duration or field
of
use granted to others not interfering in any material respect with the business
of Company, or (ii) create or permit to exist any Lien upon or with respect
to
any of the Collateral, except for Permitted Liens. The inclusion of proceeds
in
the Collateral shall not be deemed to constitute Collateral Agent’s consent to
any sale or other disposition of any of the Collateral except as expressly
permitted in this Security Agreement or the Purchase Agreement.
5. Authorized
Action by Collateral Agent.
Company
hereby appoints Collateral Agent as its attorney-in-fact (which appointment
is
coupled with an interest) and agrees that Collateral Agent may perform (but
Collateral Agent shall not be obligated to and shall incur no liability to
Company or any third party for failure so to do) any act which Company is
obligated by this Security Agreement to perform, exercise such rights and powers
as Company might exercise with respect to the Collateral, and take any other
action and execute any instrument which Collateral Agent may deem necessary
or
advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Security Agreement, including
the
right to (a) collect by legal proceedings or otherwise and endorse, receive
and receipt for all dividends, interest, payments, proceeds and other sums
and
property now or hereafter payable on or on account of the Collateral;
(b) enter into any extension, reorganization, deposit, merger,
consolidation or other agreement pertaining to, or deposit, surrender, accept,
hold or apply other property in exchange for the Collateral; (c) make any
compromise or settlement, and take any action it deems advisable, with respect
to the Collateral; (d) insure, process and preserve the Collateral;
(e) pay any indebtedness of Company relating to the Collateral; and (f) to
perform any and all of the obligations of Company contained in any contract,
lease, or other agreement and exercise any and all rights of Company therein
contained as fully as Company itself could; and (g) execute other
documents, instruments and agreements required hereunder; provided,
however,
that
Collateral Agent shall not exercise any such powers granted pursuant to
subsections (a) through (f) prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default
and
shall only exercise such powers during the continuance of an Event of Default.
Company agrees to reimburse Collateral Agent upon demand for any costs and
expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, Collateral Agent may incur while
acting as Company’s attorney-in-fact hereunder, all of which costs and expenses
are included in the Obligations. It is further agreed and understood between
the
parties hereto that such care as Collateral Agent gives to the safekeeping
of
its own property of like kind shall constitute reasonable care of the Collateral
when in Collateral Agent’s possession; provided,
however,
that
Collateral Agent shall not be required to make any presentment, demand or
protest, or give any notice and need not take any action to preserve any rights
against any prior party or any other person in connection with the Obligations
or with respect to the Collateral. To the extent permitted by law, Company
hereby ratifies all that such attorney-in-fact shall lawfully do or cause to
be
done by virtue hereof and within the limits set forth above. This power of
attorney is coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable until this
Security Agreement is terminated.
6. Further
Assurances.
(a) Company
agrees that from time to time, at its own expense, Company will promptly execute
and deliver all further endorsements, assignments, instruments, documents and
other writings, and take all further action, that may be necessary or that
Collateral Agent may reasonably request, in order to perfect, protect and
maintain any Lien granted or purported to be granted hereby or to enable
Collateral Agent to exercise and enforce its rights and remedies hereunder
with
respect to any of the Collateral.
(b) Company
authorizes the filing by Collateral Agent financing or continuation statements,
or amendments thereto, and Company will execute and deliver to Collateral Agent
such other instruments or notices as may be necessary or as Collateral Agent
may
reasonably request, in order to perfect and preserve the Lien granted or
purported to be granted hereby.
(c) Company
authorizes Collateral Agent at any time and from time to time to file, transmit,
or communicate, as applicable, financing statements and amendments (i)
describing the Collateral as “all personal property of debtor” or “all assets of
debtor” or words of similar effect, (ii) describing the Collateral as being of
equal or lesser scope or with greater detail, or (iii) that contain any
information required by part 5 of Article 9 of the UCC for the sufficiency
or
filing office acceptance. Company also hereby ratifies any and all financing
statements or amendments previously filed by Collateral Agent in any
jurisdiction.
(d) Company
acknowledges that it is not authorized to file any financing statement or
amendment or termination statement with respect to any financing statement
filed
in connection with this Security Agreement without the prior written consent
of
Collateral Agent, subject to Company’s rights under Section 9-509(d)(2) of the
UCC.
7. Default
and Remedies.
(a) Default.
Company
shall be deemed in default under this Security Agreement upon the occurrence
and
during the continuance of an Event of Default (as defined in the Notes).
(b) General
Remedies.
Upon
the occurrence of an Event of Default and during continuation thereof,
Collateral Agent shall have, in addition to the rights and remedies provided
herein, in the Transaction Documents, in any other documents relating to the
Obligations, or by applicable law (including, but not limited to, levy of
attachment, garnishment and the rights and remedies set forth in the UCC of
the
jurisdiction applicable to the affected Collateral), the rights and remedies
of
a secured party under the UCC (regardless of whether the UCC is the law of
the
jurisdiction where the rights and remedies are asserted and regardless of
whether the UCC applies to the affected Collateral), and further, Collateral
Agent may, with or without judicial process or the aid and assistance of others,
(i) enter on any premises on which any of the Collateral may be located and,
without resistance or interference by Company, take possession of the
Collateral, (ii) dispose of any Collateral on any such premises, (iii) require
Company to assemble and make available to Collateral Agent at the expense of
Company any Collateral at one or more locations where Company regularly
maintains inventory, (iv) remove any Collateral from any such premises for
the
purpose of effecting sale or other disposition thereof, and/or (v) without
notice, except as provided below, which Company hereby waives to the fullest
extent permitted by law, at any place and time or times, sell and deliver any
or
all Collateral held by or for it at public or private sale, at any exchange
or
broker’s board or elsewhere, by one or more contracts, in one or more parcels,
for cash, upon credit or otherwise, at such prices and upon such terms as
Collateral Agent deems advisable, in its sole discretion (subject to any and
all
mandatory legal requirements). Company acknowledges that any such private sale
may be at prices and on terms less favorable to the seller than the prices
and
other terms which might have been obtained at a public sale and, notwithstanding
the foregoing, agrees that such private sale shall be deemed to have been made
in a commercially reasonable manner. Neither Collateral Agent’s compliance with
applicable law nor its disclaimer of warranties relating to the Collateral
shall
be considered to adversely affect the commercial reasonableness of any sale.
Company agrees that to the extent notice of sale shall be required by law,
any
requirement of reasonable notice shall be met if such notice, specifying the
place of any public sale or the time after which any private sale is to be
made,
is personally served on or mailed, postage prepaid, to Company in accordance
with the notice provisions of this Security Agreement at least 10 days before
the time of sale or other event giving rise to the requirement of such notice.
Collateral Agent shall not be obligated to make any sale or other disposition
of
the Collateral regardless of notice having been given. To the extent permitted
by applicable law, Collateral Agent or any Investor may be a purchaser at any
such sale. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Company hereby waives
all
of its rights of redemption with respect to any such sale. Subject to the
provisions of applicable law, Collateral Agent may postpone or cause the
postponement of the sale of all or any portion of the Collateral by announcement
at the time and place of such sale, and such sale may, without further notice,
to the extent permitted by law, be made at the time and place to which the
sale
was postponed, or Collateral Agent may further postpone such sale by
announcement made at such time and place.
(c) Intellectual
Property License.
In
furtherance of Collateral Agent’s rights hereunder, Company hereby grants to
Collateral Agent an irrevocable, non-exclusive license, exercisable without
royalty or other payment by Collateral Agent, and in connection with the
exercise of remedies hereunder, to use, license or sublicense any patent,
trademark, trade name, copyright or other intellectual property in which Company
now or hereafter has any right, title or interest, together with the right
of
access to all media in which any of the foregoing may be recorded or
stored.
(d) Access.
In
addition to the rights and remedies hereunder, upon the occurrence of an Event
of Default and during the continuance thereof, Collateral Agent shall have
the
right to enter and remain upon the various premises of Company without cost
or
charge to Collateral Agent, and use the same, together with materials, supplies,
books and records of Company for the purpose of collecting and liquidating
the
Collateral, or for preparing for sale and conducting the sale of the Collateral,
whether by foreclosure, auction or otherwise. In addition, upon the occurrence
and during the continuation of an Event of Default, Collateral Agent may remove
Collateral, or any part thereof, from such premises and/or any records with
respect thereto, in order to effectively collect or liquidate such
Collateral.
(e) Nonexclusive
Nature of Remedies.
Failure
by Collateral Agent or the Investors to exercise any right, remedy or option
under this Security Agreement, any other Transaction Document, any other
document relating to the Obligations, or as provided by applicable law, or
any
delay by Collateral Agent or the holders of the Obligations in exercising the
same, shall not operate as a waiver of any such right, remedy or option. To
the
extent permitted by law, neither Collateral Agent, the Investors, nor any party
acting as attorney for Collateral Agent or the Investors, shall be liable
hereunder for any acts or omissions or for any error of judgment or mistake
of
fact or law other than their gross negligence or willful misconduct hereunder.
The rights and remedies of Collateral Agent and the Investors under this
Security Agreement shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any other right
or
remedy which Collateral Agent or the Investors may have.
(f) Marshaling.
Collateral Agent shall not be required to marshal any present or future
collateral security (including but not limited to the Collateral) for, or other
assurances of payment of, the Obligations or any of them or to resort to such
collateral security or other assurances of payment in any particular order,
and
all of its rights and remedies hereunder and in respect of such collateral
security and other assurances of payment shall be cumulative and in addition
to
all other rights and remedies, however existing or arising. To the extent that
it lawfully may, Company hereby agrees that it will not invoke any law relating
to the marshaling of collateral which might cause delay in or impede the
enforcement of Collateral Agent’s rights and remedies under this Security
Agreement or under any other instrument creating or evidencing any of the
Obligations or under which any of the Obligations is outstanding or by which
any
of the Obligations is secured or payment thereof is otherwise assured, and,
to
the extent that it lawfully may, Company hereby irrevocably waives the benefits
of all such laws.
(g) Application
of Collateral Proceeds.
The
proceeds and/or avails of the Collateral, or any part thereof, and the proceeds
and the avails of any remedy hereunder (as well as any other amounts of any
kind
held by Collateral Agent at the time of, or received by Collateral Agent after,
the occurrence of an Event of Default) shall be paid to and applied as
follows:
(i) First,
to the
payment of costs and expenses, including all amounts expended to preserve the
value of the Collateral, of foreclosure or suit, if any, and of such sale and
the exercise of any other rights or remedies, and of all proper fees, expenses,
liability and advances, including reasonable legal expenses and attorneys’ fees,
incurred or made hereunder by Collateral Agent;
(ii) Second,
to the
payment to each Investor of the interest due, owing or unpaid on such Investor’s
Note, and in case such proceeds shall be insufficient to pay in full the whole
amount due, owing or unpaid upon such Note, then its Pro Rata Share of the
amount remaining to be distributed;
(iii) Third,
to the
payment to each Investor of the principal amount due, owing or unpaid on such
Investor’s Note, and in case such proceeds shall be insufficient to pay in full
the whole amount due, owing or unpaid upon such Note, then its Pro Rata Share
of
the amount remaining to be distributed;
(iv) Fourth,
to the
payment of other amounts payable to Collateral Agent and each Investor under
any
of the Transaction Documents, and in case such proceeds shall be insufficient
to
pay in full the whole amount due, owing or unpaid under such Transaction
Documents, the amount remaining to be distributed shall be distributed pro
rata
in accordance with such other amounts payable; and
(v) Fifth,
to the
payment of the surplus, if any, to Company, its successors and assigns, or
to
whomsoever may be lawfully entitled to receive the same.
For
purposes of this Security Agreement, the term “Pro Rata Share” shall mean, when
calculating a Investor’s portion of any distribution or amount, that
distribution or amount (expressed as a percentage) equal to a fraction (i)
the
numerator of which is the outstanding principal amount of such Investor’s
Note(s) and (ii) the denominator of which is the aggregate outstanding principal
amount of all Notes issued under the Purchase Agreement. In the event that
an
Investor receives payments or distributions in excess of its Pro Rata Share,
then such Investor shall hold in trust all such excess payments or distributions
for the benefit of the other Investors and shall pay such amounts held in trust
to such other Investors upon demand by such Investors in accordance with the
Pro
Rata Shares of such Investors.
(h) Deficiency.
In the
event that the proceeds of any sale, collection or realization are insufficient
to pay all amounts to which Collateral Agent or the Investors are legally
entitled, Company shall be liable for the deficiency, together with interest
thereon at the rate of interest set forth in the Notes the costs of collection
and the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel. Any surplus
remaining after the full payment and satisfaction of the Obligations shall
be
returned to Company or to whomsoever a court of competent jurisdiction shall
determine to be entitled thereto.
8. Miscellaneous.
(a) Notices.
Except
as otherwise provided herein, all notices, requests, demands, consents,
instructions or other communications to or upon Company or Collateral Agent
under this Security Agreement shall be in writing and faxed, mailed or delivered
to each party to the facsimile number or its address set forth below (or to
such
other facsimile number or address as the recipient of any notice shall have
notified the other in writing). All such notices, requests, demands, consents,
instructions or other communications will be deemed effectively given the
earlier of (i) when received, (ii) when delivered personally, (iii) one business
day after being delivered by facsimile (with receipt of appropriate
confirmation), (iv) one business day after being deposited with an overnight
courier service of recognized standing or (v) four days after being deposited
in
the U.S. mail, first class with postage prepaid.
Collateral
Agent:
Doron
Roethler
c/o
Michal Raviv, Adv.
Gibor
Sport House (28th floor)
7,
Menahem Begin (Betzalel) St.
Ramat
Gan
52521, Israel
Tel.:
+972 (3) 575-5525 ext. 111
Fax:
+972
(3) 575-5526
Company:
Smart
Online, Inc
2530
Meridian Parkway, 2nd
Floor
Durham,
NC 27713
Attention:
James Gayton, Corporate Counsel
Telephone:
(919) 765-5000
Facsimile:
(919) 765-5020
with
a
copy to:
Smith,
Anderson, Blount, Dorsett,
Mitchell
& Jernigan, LLP
2500
Wachovia Capitol Center
Raleigh,
North Carolina 27602-2611
Attention:
Margaret N. Rosenfeld
Telephone: (919)
821-6714
Facsimile:
(919) 821-6800
(b) Termination
of Security Interest.
(i) Upon
the
payment in full of all Obligations to the satisfaction of Collateral Agent
and
the Investors, the security interest granted herein shall terminate. Upon such
termination Collateral Agent shall, upon the request and at the expense of
Company, forthwith release all of its liens and security interests hereunder
and
shall execute and deliver all UCC termination statements and/or other documents
reasonably requested by Company evidencing such termination.
(ii) This
Security Agreement shall continue to be effective or be automatically
reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, in whole or in part,
of
any of the Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned
by
Collateral Agent or any Investor as a preference, fraudulent conveyance or
otherwise under any federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, reorganization,
insolvency or similar law, all as though such payment had not been made;
provided that in the event payment of all or any part of the Obligations is
rescinded or must be restored or returned, all reasonable costs and expenses
(including without limitation any reasonable legal fees and disbursements)
incurred by Collateral Agent or any Investor in defending and enforcing such
reinstatement shall be deemed to be included as a part of the Obligations.
(c) Nonwaiver.
No
failure or delay on Collateral Agent’s part in exercising any right hereunder
shall operate as a waiver thereof or of any other right nor shall any single
or
partial exercise of any such right preclude any other further exercise thereof
or of any other right.
(d) Amendments
and Waivers.
This
Security Agreement may not be amended or modified, nor may any of its terms
be
waived, except by written instruments signed by Company and Collateral Agent.
Each waiver or consent under any provision hereof shall be effective only in
the
specific instances for the purpose for which given.
(e) Assignments.
This
Security Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Collateral
Agent and Company and their respective successors and assigns; provided,
however,
that
Company may not sell, assign or delegate rights and obligations hereunder
without the prior written consent of Collateral Agent.
(f) Cumulative
Rights, etc.
The
rights, powers and remedies of Collateral Agent under this Security Agreement
shall be in addition to all rights, powers and remedies given to Collateral
Agent by virtue of any applicable law, rule or regulation of any governmental
authority, any Transaction Document or any other agreement, all of which rights,
powers, and remedies shall be cumulative and may be exercised successively
or
concurrently without impairing Collateral Agent’s rights hereunder. Company
waives any right to require Collateral Agent to proceed against any person
or
entity or to exhaust any Collateral or to pursue any remedy in Collateral
Agent’s power.
(g) Payments
Free of Taxes, Etc.
All
payments made by Company under the Transaction Documents shall be made by
Company free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present and
future taxes, levies, charges, deductions and withholdings. In addition, Company
shall pay upon demand any stamp or other taxes, levies or charges of any
jurisdiction with respect to the execution, delivery, registration, performance
and enforcement of this Security Agreement. Upon request by Collateral Agent,
Company shall furnish evidence satisfactory to Collateral Agent that all
requisite authorizations and approvals by, and notices to and filings with,
governmental authorities and regulatory bodies have been obtained and made
and
that all requisite taxes, levies and charges have been paid.
(h) Partial
Invalidity.
If at
any time any provision of this Security Agreement is or becomes illegal, invalid
or unenforceable in any respect under the law or any jurisdiction, neither
the
legality, validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this
Security Agreement nor the legality, validity or enforceability of such
provision under the law of any other jurisdiction shall in any way be affected
or impaired thereby.
(i) Construction.
Each of
this Security Agreement and the other Transaction Documents is the result of
negotiations among, and has been reviewed by, Company, the Investors, Collateral
Agent and their respective counsel. Accordingly, this Security Agreement and
the
other Transaction Documents shall be deemed to be the product of all parties
hereto, and no ambiguity shall be construed in favor of or against Company,
Investors or Collateral Agent.
(j) Entire
Agreement.
This
Security Agreement taken together with the other Transaction Documents
constitute and contain the entire agreement of Company, Investors and Collateral
Agent and supersede any and all prior agreements, negotiations, correspondence,
understandings and communications among the parties, whether written or oral,
respecting the subject matter hereof.
(k) Other
Interpretive Provisions.
References in this Security Agreement and each of the other Transaction
Documents to any document, instrument or agreement (a) includes all
exhibits, schedules and other attachments thereto, (b) includes all
documents, instruments or agreements issued or executed in replacement thereof,
and (c) means such document, instrument or agreement, or replacement or
predecessor thereto, as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time
and
in effect at any given time. The words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and
words of similar import when used in this Security Agreement or any other
Transaction Document refer to this Security Agreement or such other Transaction
Document, as the case may be, as a whole and not to any particular provision
of
this Security Agreement or such other Transaction Document, as the case may
be.
The words “include” and “including” and words of similar import when used in
this Security Agreement or any other Transaction Document shall not be construed
to be limiting or exclusive.
(l) Governing
Law.
This
Security Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of Delaware without reference to conflicts of law rules
(except to the extent governed by the UCC).
(m) Counterparts.
This
Security Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which
shall be an original, but all of which together shall be deemed to constitute
one instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Security Agreement
by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission shall be equally
as
effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Security
Agreement.
(n) Collateral
Agent’s Duties.
The
powers conferred on Collateral Agent hereunder are solely to protect Collateral
Agent’s interest in the Collateral, for the benefit of Collateral Agent and the
Investors, and shall not impose any duty upon Collateral Agent to exercise
any
such powers. Except for the safe custody of any Collateral in its actual
possession and the accounting for moneys actually received by it hereunder,
Collateral Agent shall have no duty as to any Collateral or as to the taking
of
any necessary steps to preserve rights against prior parties or any other rights
pertaining to any Collateral. Collateral Agent shall be deemed to have exercised
reasonable care in the custody and preservation of any Collateral in its actual
possession if such Collateral is accorded treatment substantially equal to
that
which Collateral Agent accords its own property.
(o) Collateral
Agent May Perform.
After
the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, if Company
fails to perform any agreement contained herein, Collateral Agent may itself
perform, or cause performance of, such agreement, and the reasonable expenses
of
Collateral Agent incurred in connection therewith shall be payable by
Company.
[The
remainder of this page is intentionally left blank]
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, Company has caused this Security Agreement to be executed
as of
the day and year first above written.
SMART
ONLINE, INC.
By:
/s/ David E.
Colburn
Name: David
E.
Colburn
Title:
President and
CEO
DORON
ROETHLER
As
Collateral Agent
/s/
Doron
Roethler
Name:
Doron Roethler
[Signature
page to Security
Agreement]
ATTACHMENT
1
TO
SECURITY AGREEMENT
All
right, title, interest, claims and demands of Company in and to the following
property in full:
(i) All
Accounts;
(ii) All
Chattel Paper;
(iii) All
Commercial Tort Claims listed on Exhibit
A;
(iv) All
Deposit Accounts and cash;
(v) All
Documents;
(vi) All
Equipment;
(vii) All
General Intangibles;
(viii) All
Goods;
(ix) All
Instruments;
(x) All
Intellectual Property;
(xi) All
Inventory;
(xii) All
Investment Property;
(xiii) All
Letter-of-Credit Rights; and
(xiv) To
the
extent not otherwise included, all Supporting Obligations, Proceeds and products
of any and all of the foregoing, and all accessions to, substitutions and
replacements for, and rents and profits of each of the foregoing.
Provided,
however,
Collateral does not include the Excluded Investment Property until such time
as
the Senior Obligations have been indefeasibly satisfied in full; provided,
further, however
upon the
indefeasible satisfaction of the Senior Obligations in full, Collateral does
include the Excluded Investment Property.
The
term
“Intellectual
Property”
means
all
intellectual and similar property of every kind and nature now owned or
hereafter acquired by Company, including inventions, designs, patents (whether
registered or unregistered), copyrights (whether registered or unregistered),
trademarks (whether registered or unregistered), trade secrets, domain names,
confidential or proprietary technical and business information, know-how,
methods, processes, drawings, specifications or other data or information and
all memoranda, notes and records with respect to any research and development,
software and databases and all embodiments or fixations thereof whether in
tangible or intangible form or contained on magnetic media readable by machine
together with all such magnetic media and related documentation, registrations
and franchises, and all additions, improvements and accessions to, and books
and
records describing or used in connection with, any of the
foregoing.
All
capitalized terms used in this Attachment
1
and not
otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings given to such terms
in the Uniform Commercial Code of the State of California as in effect from
time
to time.
ATTACHMENT
2
TO
SECURITY AGREEMENT
Loan
Agreement dated as of November 14, 2006 between the Company and Wachovia Bank,
N.A. and Security Agreement dated as of November 14, 2006 between the Company
and Wachovia Bank, N.A.
ATTACHMENT
3
TO
SECURITY AGREEMENT
State
of
Delaware
Exhibit
10.8
PROMISSORY
NOTE
$2,500,000.00 |
January
24,
2007
|
Smart
Online, Inc.
2530
Meridian Parkway, 2nd Floor
Durham,
North Carolina 27713
(Hereinafter
referred to as “Borrower”)
Wachovia
Bank, National Association
Charlotte,
North Carolina 28202
(Hereinafter
referred to as “Bank”)
Borrower
promises to pay to the order of Bank, in lawful money of the United States
of
America, at its office indicated above or wherever else Bank may specify, the
sum of Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($2,500,000.00)
or
such sum as may be advanced and outstanding from time to time, with interest
on
the unpaid principal balance at the rate and on the terms provided in this
Promissory Note (including all renewals, extensions or modifications hereof,
this “Note”).
RENEWAL/MODIFICATION.
This
Promissory Note renews, extends and/or modifies that certain Promissory Note
dated November 14, 2006 (the “Original Promissory Note”), evidencing an original
principal amount of $1,300,000.00. This Promissory Note is not a
novation.
LOAN
AGREEMENT.
This
Note is subject to the provisions of that certain Loan Agreement between Bank
and Borrower dated November 14, 2006, as modified from time to
time.
USE
OF PROCEEDS.
Borrower shall use the proceeds of the loan(s) evidenced by this Note for the
commercial purposes of Borrower, as follows: for working capital needs of
Borrower.
SECURITY.
Borrower has granted Bank a security interest in the collateral described in
the
Loan Documents, including, but not limited to, personal property collateral
described in that certain Security Agreement of even date herewith.
INTEREST
RATE.
Interest shall accrue on the unpaid principal balance of this Note from the
date
hereof at the LIBOR Market Index Rate plus 0.9%, as that rate may change from
day to day in accordance with changes in the LIBOR Market Index Rate (“Interest
Rate”). “LIBOR Market Index Rate”, for any day, means the rate for 1 month U.S.
dollar deposits as reported on Telerate page 3750 as of 11:00 a.m., London
time,
on such day, or if such day is not a London business day, then the immediately
preceding London business day (or if not so reported, then as determined by
Bank
from another recognized source or interbank quotation).
DEFAULT
RATE.
In
addition to all other rights contained in this Note, if a default in the payment
of Obligations occurs, all outstanding Obligations, other than Obligations
under
any swap agreements (as defined in 11 U.S.C. § 101, as in effect from time to
time) between Borrower and Bank or its affiliates, shall bear interest at the
Interest Rate plus 3% (“Default Rate”), except if the Note is governed by the
laws of the State of North Carolina and the original principal amount is less
than or equal to $300,000.00. The Default Rate shall also apply from demand
until the Obligations or any judgment thereon is paid in full.
INTEREST
AND FEE(S) COMPUTATION (ACTUAL/360).
Interest and fees, if any, shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year
for
the actual number of days in the applicable period (“Actual/360 Computation”).
The Actual/360 Computation determines the annual effective interest yield by
taking the stated (nominal) rate for a year’s period and then dividing said rate
by 360 to determine the daily periodic rate to be applied for each day in the
applicable period. Application of the Actual/360 Computation produces an
annualized effective rate exceeding the nominal rate.
REPAYMENT
TERMS.
This
Note shall be due and payable in consecutive monthly payments of accrued
interest only, commencing on February 1, 2007, and continuing on the same day
of
each month thereafter until fully paid. In any event, this Note shall be due
and
payable in full, including all principal and accrued interest, on demand or
in
no event later than August 1, 2008.
LINE
OF CREDIT.
Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow, and, upon the request of Borrower,
Bank
shall advance and readvance under this Note from time to time (each an “Advance”
and together the “Advances”), so long as the total principal balance outstanding
under this Note at any one time does not exceed the principal amount stated
on
the face of this Note minus the sum of (i) the amount available to be drawn
under all letters of credit issued by Bank for the account of Borrower plus
(ii)
the amount of unreimbursed drawings under all letters of credit issued by Bank
for the account of Borrower, subject to the limitations described in any loan
agreement to which this Note is subject. Bank’s obligation to make Advances
under this Note shall terminate if a demand for payment is made under this
Note
or if a Default (as defined in the other Loan Documents) under any Loan Document
occurs or in any event, on August 1, 2008, hereof unless renewed or extended
by
Bank in writing upon such terms then satisfactory to Bank. As of the date of
each proposed Advance, Borrower shall be deemed to represent that each
representation made in the Loan Documents is true as of such date.
If
Borrower subscribes to Bank’s cash management services and such services are
applicable to this line of credit, the terms of such service shall control
the
manner in which funds are transferred between the applicable demand deposit
account and the line of credit for credit or debit to the line of
credit.
APPLICATION
OF PAYMENTS.
Monies
received by Bank from any source for application toward payment of the
Obligations shall be applied to accrued interest and then to principal. Upon
the
occurrence of a default in the payment of the Obligations or a Default (as
defined in the other Loan Documents) under any other Loan Document, monies
may
be applied to the Obligations in any manner or order deemed appropriate by
Bank.
If
any
payment received by Bank under this Note or other Loan Documents is rescinded,
avoided or for any reason returned by Bank because of any adverse claim or
threatened action, the returned payment shall remain payable as an obligation
of
all persons liable under this Note or other Loan Documents as though such
payment had not been made.
DEFINITIONS.
Loan
Documents.
The
term “Loan Documents”, as used in this Note and the other Loan Documents, refers
to all documents executed in connection with or related to the loan evidenced
by
this Note and any prior notes which evidence all or any portion of the loan
evidenced by this Note, and any letters of credit issued pursuant to any loan
agreement to which this Note is subject, any applications for such letters
of
credit and any other documents executed in connection therewith or related
thereto, and may include, without limitation, a commitment letter that survives
closing, a loan agreement, this Note, guaranty agreements, security agreements,
security instruments, financing statements, mortgage instruments, any renewals
or modifications, whenever any of the foregoing are executed, but does not
include swap agreements (as defined in 11 U.S.C. § 101, as in effect from time
to time). Obligations.
The
term “Obligations”, as used in this Note and the other Loan Documents, refers to
any and all indebtedness and other obligations under this Note, all other
obligations under any other Loan Document(s), and all obligations under any
swap
agreements (as defined in 11 U.S.C. § 101, as in effect from time to time)
between Borrower and Bank, or its affiliates, whenever executed. Certain
Other Terms.
All
terms that are used but not otherwise defined in any of the Loan Documents
shall
have the definitions provided in the Uniform Commercial Code.
LATE
CHARGE.
If any
payments are not timely made, Borrower shall also pay to Bank a late charge
equal to 4% of each payment past due for 15 or more days. This late charge
shall
not apply to payments due at maturity or by acceleration hereof, unless such
late payment is in an amount not greater than the highest periodic payment
due
hereunder.
Acceptance
by Bank of any late payment without an accompanying late charge shall not be
deemed a waiver of Bank’s right to collect such late charge or to collect a late
charge for any subsequent late payment received.
ATTORNEYS’
FEES AMD OTHER COLLECTION COSTS.
Borrower shall pay all of Bank’s reasonable expenses actually incurred to
enforce or collect any of the Obligations including, without limitation,
reasonable arbitration, paralegals’, attorneys’ and experts’ fees and expenses,
whether incurred without the commencement of a suit, in any trial, arbitration,
or administrative proceeding, or in any appellate or bankruptcy
proceeding.
USURY.
If at
any time the effective interest rate under this Note would, but for this
paragraph, exceed the maximum lawful rate, the effective interest rate under
this Note shall be the maximum lawful rate, and any amount received by Bank
in
excess of such rate shall be applied to principal and then to fees and expenses,
or, if no such amounts are owing, returned to Borrower.
DEMAND
NOTE.
This is
a demand Note and all Obligations hereunder shall become immediately due and
payable upon demand. In addition, the Obligations hereunder shall automatically
become immediately due and payable if Borrower or any guarantor or endorser
of
this Note commences or has commenced against it a bankruptcy or insolvency
proceeding.
REMEDIES.
Upon
the occurrence of a default in the payment of the Obligations or a Default
(as
defined in the other Loan Documents) under any other Loan Document, Bank may
at
any time thereafter, take the following actions: Bank
Lien.
Foreclose its security interest or lien against Borrower’s deposit accounts and
investment property without notice. Cumulative.
Exercise any rights and remedies as provided under the Note and the other Loan
Documents, or as provided by law or equity.
FINANCIAL
AND OTHER INFORMATION.
Borrower shall deliver to Bank such information as Bank may reasonably request
from time to time, including without limitation, financial statements and
information pertaining to Borrower’s financial condition. Such information shall
be true, complete, and accurate.
WAIVERS
AND AMENDMENTS.
No
waivers, amendments or modifications of this Note and other Loan Documents
shall
be valid unless in writing and signed by an officer of Bank. No waiver by Bank
of any Default (as defined in the other Loan Documents) shall operate as a
waiver of any other Default or the same Default on a future occasion. Neither
the failure nor any delay on the part of Bank in exercising any right, power,
or
remedy under this Note and other Loan Documents shall operate as a waiver
thereof, nor shall a single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other
or
further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or
remedy.
Except
to
the extent otherwise provided by the Loan Documents or prohibited by law, each
Borrower and each other person liable under this Note waives presentment,
protest, notice of dishonor, notice of intention to accelerate maturity, notice
of acceleration of maturity, notice of sale and all other notices of any kind.
Further, each agrees that Bank may (i) extend, modify or renew this Note or
make
a novation of the loan evidenced by this Note, and/or (ii) grant releases,
compromises or indulgences with respect to any collateral securing this Note,
or
with respect to any Borrower or other person liable under this Note or any
other
Loan Documents, all without notice to or consent of each Borrower and other
such
person, and without affecting the liability of each Borrower and other such
person; provided, Bank may not extend, modify or renew this Note or make a
novation of the loan evidenced by this Note without the consent of the Borrower,
or if there is more than one Borrower, without the consent of at least one
Borrower; and further provided, if there is more than one Borrower, Bank may
not
enter into a modification of this Note which increases the burdens of a Borrower
without the consent of that Borrower.
MISCELLANEOUS
PROVISIONS.
Assignment.
This
Note and the other Loan Documents shall inure to the benefit of and be binding
upon the parties and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors
and assigns. Bank’s interests in and rights under this Note and the other Loan
Documents are freely assignable, in whole or in part, by Bank. In addition,
nothing in this Note or any of the other Loan Documents shall prohibit Bank
from
pledging or assigning this Note or any of the other Loan Documents or any
interest therein to any Federal Reserve Bank. Borrower shall not assign its
rights and interest hereunder without the prior written consent of Bank, and
any
attempt by Borrower to assign without Bank’s prior written consent is null and
void. Any assignment shall not release Borrower from the Obligations.
Applicable
Law; Conflict Between Documents.
This
Note and, unless otherwise provided in any other Loan Document, the other Loan
Documents shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the state
named
in Bank’s address on the first page hereof without regard to that state’s
conflict of laws principles. If the terms of this Note should conflict with
the
terms of any loan agreement or any commitment letter that survives closing,
the
terms of this Note shall control. Borrower’s
Accounts.
Except
as prohibited by law, Borrower grants Bank a security interest in all of
Borrower’s deposit accounts and investment property with Bank and any of its
affiliates. Swap
Agreements.
All
swap agreements (as defined in 11 U.S.C. § 101, as in effect from time to time),
if any, between Borrower and Bank or its affiliates are independent agreements
governed by the written provisions of said swap agreements, which will remain
in
full force and effect, unaffected by any repayment, prepayment, acceleration,
reduction, increase or change in the terms of this Note, except as otherwise
expressly provided in said written swap agreements, and any payoff statement
from Bank relating to this Note shall not apply to said swap agreements except
as otherwise expressly provided in such payoff statement. Jurisdiction.
Borrower irrevocably agrees to non-exclusive personal jurisdiction in the state
identified as the Jurisdiction above. Severability.
If any
provision of this Note or of the other Loan Documents shall be prohibited or
invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective but only
to
the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder
of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Note or other such
document. Notices.
Any
notices to Borrower shall be sufficiently given, if in writing and mailed or
delivered to the Borrower’s address shown above or such other address as
provided hereunder, and to Bank, if in writing and mailed or delivered to
Wachovia Bank, National Association, Mail Code VA7628, P. 0. Box 13327, Roanoke,
VA 24040 or Wachovia Bank, National Association, Mail Code VA7628, 10 South
Jefferson Street, Roanoke, VA 24011 or such other address as Bank may specify
in
writing from time to time. Notices to Bank must include the mail code. In the
event that Borrower changes Borrower’s address at any time prior to the date the
Obligations are paid in full, Borrower agrees to promptly give written notice
of
said change of address by registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, all charges prepaid. Plural;
Captions.
All
references in the Loan Documents to Borrower, guarantor, person, document or
other nouns of reference mean both the singular and plural form, as the case
may
be, and the term “person” shall mean any individual, person or entity. The
captions contained in the Loan Documents are inserted for convenience only
and
shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of the Loan Documents.
Advances.
Bank
may, in its sole discretion, make other advances which shall be deemed to be
advances under this Note, even though the stated principal amount of this Note
may be exceeded as a result thereof. Posting
of Payments.
All
payments received during normal banking hours after 2:00 p.m. local time at
the
office of Bank first shown above shall be deemed received at the opening of
the
next banking day. Joint
and Several Obligations.
If
there is more than one Borrower, each is jointly and severally obligated
together with all other parties obligated for the Obligations. Fees
and Taxes.
Borrower shall promptly pay all documentary, intangible recordation and/or
similar taxes on this transaction whether assessed at closing or arising from
time to time. LIMITATION
ON LIABILITY; WAIVER OF PUNITIVE DAMAGES.
EACH OF
THE PARTIES HERETO INCLUDING BANK BY ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, AGREES THAT IN ANY
JUDICIAL, MEDIATION OR ARBITRATION PROCEEDING OR ANY CLAIM OR CONTROVERSY
BETWEEN OR AMONG THEM THAT MAY ARISE OUT OF OR BE IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH
THIS
AGREEMENT, THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENT OR DOCUMENT BETWEEN OR
AMONG THEM OR THE OBLIGATIONS EVIDENCED HEREBY OR RELATED HERETO, IN NO EVENT
SHALL ANY PARTY HAVE A REMEDY OF, OR BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER FOR, (1) INDIRECT,
SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR (2) PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES. EACH
OF
THE PARTIES HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT OR CLAIM TO PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY
DAMAGES THEY MAY HAVE OR WHICH MAY ARISE IN THE FUTURE IN CONNECTION WITH ANY
SUCH PROCEEDING, CLAIM OR CONTROVERSY, WHETHER THE SAME IS RESOLVED BY
ARBITRATION, MEDIATION, JUDICIALLY OR OTHERWISE. Patriot
Act Notice.
To help
fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law
requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information
that identifies each person who opens an account. For purposes of this section,
account shall be understood to include loan accounts. Final
Agreement.
This
Note and the other Loan Documents represent the final agreement between the
parties and may not be contradicted by evidence of prior, contemporaneous or
subsequent oral agreements of the parties. There are no unwritten oral
agreements between the parties.
ARBITRATION.
Upon
demand of any party hereto, whether made before or after institution of any
judicial proceeding, any claim or controversy arising out of or relating to
the
Loan Documents between parties hereto (a “Dispute”) shall be resolved by binding
arbitration conducted under and governed by the Commercial Financial Disputes
Arbitration Rules (the “Arbitration Rules”) of the American Arbitration
Association (the “AAA”) and the Federal Arbitration Act. Disputes may include,
without limitation, tort claims, counterclaims, a dispute as to whether a matter
is subject to arbitration, or claims arising from documents executed in the
future, but shall specifically exclude claims brought as or converted to class
actions. A judgment upon the award may be entered in any court having
jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this arbitration provision does
not
apply to disputes under or related to swap agreements. Special
Rules.
All
arbitration hearings shall be conducted in the city named in the address of
Bank
first stated above. A hearing shall begin within 90 days of demand for
arbitration and all hearings shall conclude within 120 days of demand for
arbitration. These time limitations may not be extended unless a party shows
cause for extension and then for no more than a total of 60 days. The expedited
procedures sat forth in Rule 51 et
seq.
of the
Arbitration Rules shall be applicable to claims of less than $1,000,000.00.
Arbitrators shall be licensed attorneys selected from the Commercial Financial
Dispute Arbitration Panel of the AAA. The parties do not waive applicable
Federal or state substantive law except as provided herein. Preservation
and Limitation of Remedies.
Notwithstanding the preceding binding arbitration provisions, the parties agree
to preserve, without diminution, certain remedies that any party may exercise
before or after an arbitration proceeding is brought. The parties shall have
the
right to proceed in any court of proper jurisdiction or by self-help to exercise
or prosecute the following remedies, as applicable: (i) all rights to foreclose
against any real or personal property or other security by exercising a power
of
sale or under applicable law by judicial foreclosure including a proceeding
to
confirm the sale; (ii) all rights of self-help including peaceful occupation
of
real property and collection of rents, set-off, and peaceful possession of
personal property; (iii) obtaining provisional or ancillary remedies including
injunctive relief, sequestration, garnishment, attachment, appointment of
receiver and filing an involuntary bankruptcy proceeding; and (iv) when
applicable, a judgment by confession of judgment. Any claim or controversy
with
regard to any party’s entitlement to such remedies is a Dispute. Waiver
of Jury Trial.
THE
PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT BY AGREEING TO BINDING ARBITRATION THEY HAVE
IRREVOCABLY WAIVED ANY RIGHT THEY MAY HAVE TO JURY TRIAL WITH REGARD TO A
DISPUTE AS TO WHICH BINDING ARBITRATION HAS BEEN DEMANDED.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF,
Borrower, on the day and year first above written, has caused this Note to
be
duly executed under seal.
|
|
|
|
|
Smart
Online,
Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/
Nicholas A.
Sinigaglia |
(SEAL) |
|
Nicholas
A. Sinigaglia, Chief Financial Officer |
|
Tracking#:
201318
CAT-Deal
#794013 Facility ID 588018
MODIFICATION
NUMBER ONE
TO
LOAN AGREEMENT
Smart
Online, Inc.
2530
Meridian Parkway, 2nd Floor
Durham,
North Carolina 27713
(Hereinafter
referred to as “Borrower”)
Wachovia
Bank, National Association
Charlotte,
North Carolina 28202
(Hereinafter
referred to as “Bank”)
THIS
AGREEMENT
is
entered into as of January 24, 2007 by and between Bank and
Borrower.
RECITALS
Bank
is
the holder of a Promissory Note executed and delivered by Borrower, dated of
even date herewith, in the original principal amount of $2,500,000.00 (the
“Note”); and certain other loan documents, including without limitation, a Loan
Agreement, dated November 14, 2006 (the “Loan Agreement”);
Borrower
and Bank have agreed to modify the terms of the Loan Agreement.
In
consideration of Bank’s continued extension of credit and the agreements
contained herein, the parties agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
OF BALANCE,
Borrower acknowledges that the most recent Commercial Loan Invoice sent to
Borrower with respect to the Obligations under the Note is correct.
MODIFICATIONS.
The
section entitled AVAILABILITY of the Loan Agreement is hereby deleted and the
following is substituted in its place and stead:
AVAILABILITY.
With
respect to the line of credit Promissory Note in the amount of $2,500,000.00,
dated January 24 , 2007, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained
herein, the aggregate outstanding principal balance of Advances (as defined
in
the Note), plus the sum of (i) the aggregate amount available to be drawn under
all letters of credit issued by Bank for the account of Borrower plus (ii)
the
aggregate amount of unreimbursed drawings under all letters of credit issued
by
Bank for the account of Borrower at any one time shall not exceed
$2,500,000.00.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
AND REPRESENTATIONS.
Borrower acknowledges and represents that the Note and other Loan Documents,
as
amended hereby, are in full force and effect without any defense, counterclaim,
right or claim of set-off; that, after giving effect to this Agreement, no
default or event that with the passage of time or giving of notice would
constitute a default under the Loan Documents has occurred, all representations
and warranties contained in the Loan Documents are true and correct as of this
date, all necessary action to authorize the execution and delivery of this
Agreement has been taken; and this Agreement is a modification of an existing
obligation and is not a novation.
COLLATERAL.
Borrower acknowledges and confirms that there have been no changes in the
ownership of any collateral pledged to secure the Obligations (the “Collateral”)
since the Collateral was originally pledged; Borrower acknowledges and confirms
that the Bank has existing, valid first priority security interests and liens
in
the Collateral; and that such security interests and liens shall secure
Borrower’s Obligations, including any modification of the Note or Loan
Agreement, if any, and all future modifications, extensions, renewals and/or
replacements of the Loan Documents.
MISCELLANEOUS.
This
Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of
the
applicable state as originally provided in the Loan Documents, without reference
to that state’s conflicts of law principles. This Agreement and the other Loan
Documents constitute the sole agreement of the parties with respect to the
subject matter thereof and supersede all oral negotiations and prior writings
with respect to the subject matter thereof. No amendment of this Agreement,
and
no waiver of any one or more of the provisions hereof shall be effective unless
set forth in writing and signed by the parties hereto. The illegality,
unenforceability or inconsistency of any provision of this Agreement shall
not
in any way affect or impair the legality, enforceability or consistency of
the
remaining provisions of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents. This
Agreement and the other Loan Documents are intended to be consistent. However,
in the event of any inconsistencies among this Agreement and any of the Loan
Documents, the terms of this Agreement, and then the Note, shall control. This
Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the different
parties on separate counterparts. Each such counterpart shall be deemed an
original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same
agreement. Terms used in this Agreement which are capitalized and not otherwise
defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Note.
LIMITATION
ON LIABILITY; WAIVER OP PUNITIVE DAMAGES.
EACH OF
THE PARTIES HERETO, INCLUDING BANK BY ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, AGREES THAT IN ANY
JUDICIAL, MEDIATION OR ARBITRATION PROCEEDING OR ANY CLAIM OR CONTROVERSY
BETWEEN OR AMONG THEM THAT MAY ARISE OUT OF OR BE IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH
THIS
AGREEMENT. THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENT OR DOCUMENT BETWEEN OR
AMONG THEM OR THE OBLIGATIONS EVIDENCED HEREBY OR RELATED HERETO, IN NO EVENT
SHALL ANY PARTY HAVE A REMEDY OF, OR BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER FOR, (1) INDIRECT,
SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR (2) PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES. EACH
OF
THE PARTIES HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT OR CLAIM TO PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY
DAMAGES THEY MAY HAVE OR WHICH MAY ARISE IN THE FUTURE IN CONNECTION WITH ANY
SUCH PROCEEDING, CLAIM OR CONTROVERSY, WHETHER THE SAME IS RESOLVED BY
ARBITRATION, MEDIATION, JUDICIALLY OR OTHERWISE. Final
Agreement.
This
Agreement and the other Loan Documents represent the final agreement between
the
parties and may not be contradicted by evidence of prior, contemporaneous or
subsequent oral agreements of the parties. There are no unwritten oral
agreements between the parties.
ARBITRATION.
Upon
demand of any party hereto, whether made before or after institution of any
judicial proceeding, any claim or controversy arising out of or relating to
the
Loan Documents between parties hereto (a “Dispute”) shall be resolved by binding
arbitration conducted under and governed by the Commercial Financial Disputes
Arbitration Rules (the “Arbitration Rules”) of the American Arbitration
Association (the “AAA”) and the Federal Arbitration Act. Disputes may include,
without limitation, tort claims, counterclaims, a dispute as to whether a matter
is subject to arbitration, or claims arising from documents executed in the
future, but shall specifically exclude claims brought as or converted to class
actions. A judgment upon the award may be entered in any court having
jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this arbitration provision does
not
apply to disputes under or related to swap agreements. Special
Rules.
All
arbitration hearings shall be conducted in the city named in the address of
Bank
first stated above. A hearing shall begin within 90 days of demand for
arbitration and all hearings shall conclude within 120 days of demand for
arbitration. These time limitations may not be extended unless a party shows
cause for extension and then for no more than a total of 60 days. The expedited
procedures set forth in Rule 51 et
seq.
of the
Arbitration Rules shall be applicable to claims of less than $1,000,000.00.
Arbitrators shall be licensed attorneys selected from the Commercial Financial
Dispute Arbitration Panel of the AAA. The parties do not waive applicable
Federal or state substantive law except as provided herein. Preservation
and Limitation of Remedies.
Notwithstanding the preceding binding arbitration provisions, the parties agree
to preserve, without diminution, certain remedies that any party may exercise
before or after an arbitration proceeding is brought. The parties shall have
the
right to proceed in any court of proper jurisdiction or by self-help to exercise
or prosecute the following remedies, as applicable: (i) all rights to foreclose
against any real or personal property or other security by exercising a power
of
sale or under applicable law by judicial foreclosure including a proceeding
to
confirm the sale; (ii) all rights of self-help including peaceful occupation
of
real property and collection of rents, set-off, and peaceful possession of
personal property; (iii) obtaining provisional or ancillary remedies including
injunctive relief, sequestration, garnishment, attachment, appointment of
receiver and filing an involuntary bankruptcy proceeding; and (iv) when
applicable, a judgment by confession of judgment. Any claim or controversy
with
regard to any party’s entitlement to such remedies is a Dispute. Waiver
of Jury Trial.
THE
PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT BY AGREEING TO BINDING ARBITRATION THEY HAVE
IRREVOCABLY WAIVED ANY RIGHT THEY MAY HAVE TO JURY TRIAL WITH REGARD TO A
DISPUTE AS TO WHICH BINDING ARBITRATION HAS BEEN DEMANDED.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF,
the
undersigned have duly signed and sealed this Agreement the day and year first
above written.
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Smart
Online,
Inc. |
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By: |
/s/
Nicholas A.
Sinigaglia |
(SEAL) |
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Nicholas
A. Sinigaglia, Chief Financial Officer |
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Wachovia
Bank,
National Association |
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By: |
/s/
Kevin
Harewood |
(SEAL) |
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Kevin
Harewood, Vice President |
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Tracking
#: 201318
CAT
-
Deal # 794013 Facility ID 588018
SECURITY
AGREEMENT
January
24, 2007
Smart
Online, Inc.
2530
Meridian Parkway, 2nd Floor
Durham,
North Carolina 27713
(Hereinafter
referred to as “Debtor”)
Wachovia
Bank, National Association
Charlotte,
North Carolina 28202
(Hereinafter
referred to as “Bank”)
This
Security Agreement amends and restates that certain Security Agreement dated
November 16, 2006.
For
value
received and to secure payment and performance of any and all obligations of
Debtor (also referred to herein as “Borrower”) to Bank however created, arising
or evidenced, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, now existing
or hereafter arising or acquired, including swap agreements (as defined in
11
U.S.C. § 101, as in effect from time to time), future advances, and all costs
and expenses incurred by Bank to obtain, preserve, perfect and enforce the
security interest granted herein and to maintain, preserve and collect the
property subject to the security interest (collectively, “Obligations”), Debtor
hereby grants to Bank a continuing security interest in and lien upon, and
for
security purposes assigns and transfers to Bank until all of the Obligations
are
repaid in full, the following described property, whether now owned or hereafter
acquired, and any additions, replacements, accessions, or substitutions thereof
and all cash and non-cash proceeds and products thereof (collectively,
“Collateral”):
Debtor’s
deposit account with Bank and affiliates of Bank, including deposit account
number 2000033033877 (“Assigned Deposits”).
Irrevocable
Standby Letter of Credit #G-007125 in the amount of $2,500,000.00 issued by
HSBC
Private Bank (Suisse) SA.
Debtor
hereby represents and agrees that:
OWNERSHIP.
Debtor
owns the Collateral. The Collateral is free and clear of all liens, security
interests, and claims except those previously reported in writing to and
approved by Bank, and Debtor will keep the Collateral free and clear from all
liens, security interests and claims, other than those granted to or approved
by
Bank. Until all of the Obligations are repaid in full, Bank shall have the
entire right and interest in and to the Assigned Deposits. By executing this
Security Agreement, Debtor has divested itself of all control over the Assigned
Deposits and Bank is entitled to and does possess sole dominion and control
over
the Assigned Deposits and is entitled to receive the benefits accruing with
respect thereto. Debtor surrenders all authority or right to withdraw, collect,
receive the benefits of, or otherwise assign or encumber the Assigned Deposits,
and authorizes Bank (and each affiliate and branch office of Bank or such
affiliate) to treat Bank as the sole and exclusive owner of the Assigned
Deposits. Upon the maturity of the Assigned Deposits, other than Assigned
Deposits at Bank that automatically roll over at maturity, Bank shall reinvest
the Assigned Deposits in an investment of Bank’s choice. Bank shall have no
liability to Debtor for any loss incurred in connection with or arising out
of
any such reinvestment except for loss resulting from Bank’s gross negligence or
willful misconduct. The assignment evidenced by this Security Agreement is
a
continuing one and is irrevocable so long as any of the Obligations are
outstanding or the Bank shall have any obligations under the Loan Documents
and
shall terminate only upon payment or other satisfaction in full of all
Obligations or Bank’s acknowledgment in writing that this Security Agreement has
been terminated. Upon termination of this Security Agreement, and to the extent
the Assigned Deposits have not been applied in satisfaction of the Obligations,
Bank shall reassign the Assigned
Deposits to Debtor and return any passbooks, certificates, and other documents
in Bank’s possession at Debtor’s request.
NAME
AND OFFICES; JURISDICTION OF ORGANIZATION.
The
name and address of Debtor appearing at the beginning of this Agreement are
Debtor’s exact legal name and the address of its chief executive office. There
has been no change in the name of Debtor, or the name under which Debtor
conducts business, within the five years preceding the date hereof except as
previously reported in writing to Bank. Debtor has not moved its chief executive
office within the five years preceding the date hereof except as previously
reported in writing to Bank. Debtor is organized under the laws of the State
of
Delaware and has not changed the jurisdiction of its organization within the
five years preceding the date hereof except as previously reported in writing
to
Bank.
TITLE/TAXES.
Debtor
has good and marketable title to the Collateral and will warrant and defend
same
against all claims. Debtor will not transfer, sell, or lease Collateral (except
as permitted herein). Debtor agrees to pay promptly all taxes and assessments
upon or for the use of Collateral and on this Security Agreement. At its option,
Bank may discharge taxes, liens, security interests or other encumbrances at
any
time levied or placed on Collateral. Debtor agrees to reimburse Bank, on demand,
for any such payment made by Bank. Any amounts so paid shall be added to the
Obligations.
WAIVERS.
Debtor
agrees not to assert against Bank as a defense (legal or equitable), as a
set-off, as a counterclaim, or otherwise, any claims Debtor may have against
any
seller or lessor that provided personal property or services relating to any
part of the Collateral or against any other party liable to Bank for all or
any
part of the Obligations. Debtor waives all exemptions and homestead rights
with
regard to the Collateral. Debtor waives any and all rights to any bond or
security which might be required by applicable law prior to the exercise of
any
of Bank’s remedies against any Collateral. All rights of Bank and security
interests hereunder, and all obligations of Debtor hereunder, shall be absolute
and unconditional, not discharged or impaired irrespective of (and regardless
of
whether Debtor receives any notice of): (i) any lack of validity or
enforceability of any Loan Document; (ii) any change in the time, manner or
place of payment or performance, or in any term, of all or any of the
Obligations or the Loan Documents or any other amendment or waiver of or any
consent to any departure from any Loan Document; or (iii) any exchange,
insufficiency, unenforceability, enforcement, release, impairment or
non-perfection of any collateral, or any release of or modifications to or
insufficiency, unenforceability or enforcement of the obligations of any
guarantor or other obligor. To the extent permitted by law. Debtor hereby waives
any rights under any valuation, stay, appraisement, extension or redemption
laws
now existing or which may hereafter exist and which, but for this provision,
might be applicable to any sale or disposition of the Collateral by Bank; and
any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a defense available
to,
or a discharge of any party with respect to the Obligations.
NOTIFICATIONS;
LOCATION OF COLLATERAL.
Debtor
will notify Bank in writing at least 30 days prior to any change in: (i)
Debtor’s chief place of business and/or residence; (ii) Debtor’s name or
identity; (iii) Debtor’s corporate/organizational structure; or (iv) the
jurisdiction in which Debtor is organized. In addition, Debtor shall promptly
notify Bank of any claims or alleged claims of any other person or entity to
the
Collateral or the institution of any litigation, arbitration, governmental
investigation or administrative proceedings against or affecting the Collateral.
Debtor will keep Collateral at the location(s) previously provided to Bank
until
such time as Bank provides written advance consent to a change of location.
Debtor will bear the cost of preparing and filing any documents necessary to
protect Bank’s liens.
COLLATERAL
CONDITION AND LAWFUL USE.
Debtor
represents that the Collateral is in good repair and condition and that Debtor
shall use reasonable care to prevent Collateral from being damaged or
depreciating, normal wear and tear excepted. Debtor shall immediately notify
Bank of any material loss or damage to Collateral. Debtor shall not permit
any
item of Collateral to become a fixture to real estate or an accession to other
personal property unless such property is also Collateral hereunder. Debtor
represents it is in compliance in all respects with all laws, rules and
regulations applicable to the Collateral and its properties, operations,
business, and finances.
RISK
OF LOSS AND INSURANCE.
Debtor
shall bear all risk of loss with respect to the Collateral. The injury to or
loss of Collateral, either partial or total, shall not release Debtor from
payment or other performance hereof. Debtor agrees to obtain and keep in force
property insurance on the Collateral with a Lender’s Loss Payable Endorsement in
favor of Bank and commercial general liability insurance naming Bank as
Additional Insured and such other insurance as Bank may require from time to
time. Such insurance is to be in form and amounts satisfactory to Bank and
issued by reputable insurance carriers satisfactory to Bank with a Best
Insurance Report Key Rating of at least “A-”. All such policies shall provide to
Bank a minimum of 30 days written notice of cancellation. Debtor shall furnish
to Bank such policies, or other evidence of such policies satisfactory to Bank.
If Debtor fails to obtain or maintain in force such insurance or fails to
furnish such evidence, Bank is authorized, but not obligated, to purchase any
or
all insurance or “Single Interest Insurance” protecting such interest as Bank
deems appropriate against such risks and for such coverage and for such amounts,
including either the loan amount or value of the Collateral, all at its
discretion, and at Debtor’s expense. In such event, Debtor agrees to reimburse
Bank for the cost of such insurance and Bank may add such cost to the
Obligations. Debtor shall bear the risk of loss to the extent of any deficiency
in the effective insurance coverage with respect to loss or damage to any of
the
Collateral. Debtor hereby assigns to Bank the proceeds of all property insurance
covering the Collateral up to the amount of the Obligations and directs any
insurer to make payments directly to Bank. Debtor hereby appoints Bank its
attorney-in-fact, which appointment shall be irrevocable and coupled with an
interest for so long as Obligations are unpaid, to file proof of loss and/or
any
other forms required to collect from any insurer any amount due from any damage
or destruction of Collateral, to agree to and bind Debtor as to the amount
of
said recovery, to designate payee(s) of such recovery, to grant releases to
insurer, to grant subrogation rights to any insurer, and to endorse any
settlement check or draft. Debtor agrees not to exercise any of the foregoing
powers granted to Bank without Bank’s prior written consent.
FINANCING
STATEMENTS, CERTIFICATES OF TITLE, POWER OF ATTORNEY.
No
financing statement (other than any filed or approved by Bank) covering any
Collateral is on file in any public filing office. Debtor authorizes the filing
of one or more financing statements covering the Collateral in form satisfactory
to Bank, and without Debtor’s signature where authorized by law, agrees to
deliver certificates of title on which Bank’s lien has been indicated covering
any Collateral subject to a certificate of title statute, and will pay all
costs
and expenses of filing or applying for the same or of filing this Security
Agreement in all public filing offices, where filing is deemed by Bank to be
desirable. Debtor hereby constitutes and appoints Bank the true and lawful
attorney of Debtor with full power of substitution to take any and all
appropriate action and to execute any and all documents, instruments or
applications that may be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purpose and
carry out the terms of this Security Agreement, including, without limitation,
to ask, demand, collect, receive, receipt for, sue for, compound and give
acquaintance for any and all amounts which may be or become due and payable
under the Assigned Deposits; to execute any and all withdrawal requests,
receipts or other orders for the payment of money drawn on the Assigned Deposits
and to endorse the name of Bank on all instruments given in payment or in
partial payment therefor. The foregoing power of attorney is coupled with an
interest and shall be irrevocable until all of the Obligations have been paid
in
full. Neither Bank nor anyone acting on its behalf shall be liable for acts,
omissions, errors in judgment, or mistakes in fact in such capacity as
attorney-in-fact. Debtor ratifies all acts of Bank as attorney-in-fact. Debtor
agrees to take such other actions, at Debtor’s expense, as might be requested
for the perfection, continuation and assignment, in whole or in part, of the
security interests granted herein and to assure and preserve Bank’s intended
priority position. If certificates, passbooks, or other documentation or
evidence is/are issued or outstanding as to any of the Collateral, Debtor will
cause the security interests of Bank to be properly protected, including
perfection by notation thereon or delivery thereof to Bank.
LANDLORD/MORTGAGEE
WAIVERS.
Debtor
shall cause each mortgagee of real property owned by Debtor and each landlord
of
real property leased by Debtor to execute and deliver instruments satisfactory
in form and substance to Bank by which such mortgagee or landlord subordinates
its rights, if any, in the Collateral.
INSTRUMENTS,
CHATTEL PAPER, DOCUMENTS.
Any
Collateral that is, or is evidenced by, instruments, chattel paper or negotiable
documents will be properly assigned to and the originals of any such Collateral
in tangible form deposited with and held by Bank, unless Bank shall hereafter
otherwise direct or consent in writing. Bank may, without notice, before or
after maturity of the Obligations, exercise any or all rights of collection,
conversion, or exchange and other similar rights, privileges and options
pertaining to such Collateral, but shall have no duty to do so.
WITHDRAWAL
OF ASSIGNED DEPOSITS.
Debtor
shall not be permitted to withdraw funds from or exercise any authority of
any
kind with respect to the Assigned Deposits specifically identified above by
account number. Bank shall have the exclusive authority to withdraw, or direct
the withdrawal of, funds from said specifically identified Assigned Deposits.
So
long as this Agreement remains in effect, the Assigned Deposits will be titled
as directed by Bank.
COLLATERAL
DUTIES.
Bank
shall have no custodial or ministerial duties to perform with respect to
Collateral pledged except as set forth herein; and by way of explanation and
not
by way of limitation, Bank shall incur no liability for any of the following:
(i) loss or depreciation of Collateral (unless caused by its willful misconduct
or gross negligence), (ii) failure to present any paper for payment or protest,
to protest or give notice of nonpayment, or any other notice with respect to
any
paper or Collateral. Bank’s sole duty with respect to the custody, safekeeping
and physical preservation of any certificate, passbook, or other documentation
evidencing the Assigned Deposits in its possession shall be to deal with it
in
the same manner as it deals with similar property for its own account. Neither
Bank, nor any of its employees or agents shall be liable for failure to demand,
collect, or realize upon any of the Assigned Deposits or for any delay in doing
so.
TRANSFER
OF COLLATERAL.
Bank
may assign its rights in Collateral or any part thereof to any assignee who
shall thereupon become vested with all the powers and rights herein given to
Bank with respect to the property so transferred and delivered, and Bank shall
thereafter be forever relieved and fully discharged from any liability with
respect to such property so transferred, but with respect to any property not
so
transferred, Bank shall retain all rights and powers hereby given.
INSPECTION,
BOOKS AND RECORDS.
Debtor
will at all times keep accurate and complete records covering each item of
Collateral, including the proceeds therefrom. Bank, or any of its agents, shall
have the right, at intervals to be determined by Bank and without hindrance
or
delay, at Debtor’s expense, to inspect, audit, and examine the Collateral during
normal business hours and to make copies of and extracts from the books,
records, journals, orders, receipts, correspondence and other data relating
to
Collateral, Debtor’s business or any other transaction between the parties
hereto. Debtor will at its expense furnish Bank copies thereof upon request.
For
the further security of Bank, it is agreed that Bank has and is hereby granted
a
security interest in all books and records of Debtor pertaining to the
Collateral.
COMPLIANCE
WITH LAW.
Debtor
will comply with all federal, state and local laws and regulations, applicable
to it, including without limitation, laws and regulations relating to the
environment, labor or economic sanctions, in the creation, use, operation,
manufacture and storage of the Collateral and the conduct of its
business.
REGULATION
U.
None of
the proceeds of the credit secured hereby shall be used directly or indirectly
for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any margin stock in violation of
any
of the provisions of Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System (“Regulation U”), or for the purpose of reducing or retiring any
indebtedness which was originally incurred to purchase or carry margin stock
or
for any other purchase which might render the Loan a “Purpose Credit” within the
meaning of Regulation U.
CROSS
COLLATERALIZATION LIMITATION.
As to
any other existing or future consumer purpose loan made by Bank to Debtor,
within the meaning of the Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act, Bank expressly
waives any security interest granted herein in Collateral that Debtor uses
as a
principal dwelling and household goods.
ATTORNEYS’
FEES AND OTHER COSTS OF COLLECTION.
Debtor
shall pay all of Bank’s reasonable expenses actually incurred in enforcing this
Security Agreement and in preserving and liquidating Collateral, including
but
not limited to, reasonable arbitration, paralegals’, attorneys’ and experts’
fees and expenses, whether incurred with or without the commencement of a suit,
trial, arbitration, or administrative proceeding, or in any appellate or
bankruptcy proceeding.
DEFAULT.
If any
of the following occurs, a default (“Default”) under this Security Agreement
shall exist: Loan
Document Default.
A
default under any Loan Document. Collateral
Loss or Destruction.
Any
loss, theft, substantial damage, or destruction of Collateral not fully covered
by insurance, or as to which insurance proceeds are not remitted to Bank within
30 days of the loss. Collateral
Sale, Lease or Encumbrance.
Any
sale, lease, or encumbrance of any Collateral not specifically permitted herein
without prior written consent of Bank. Levy,
Seizure or Attachment.
The
making of any levy, seizure, or attachment on or of Collateral which is not
removed within 10 days. Unauthorized
Collection of Collateral.
Any
attempt to collect, cash in or otherwise recover deposits that are Collateral.
Unauthorized
Termination.
Any
attempt to terminate, revoke, rescind, modify, or violate the terms of this
Security Agreement without the prior written consent of Bank.
REMEDIES
ON DEFAULT (INCLUDING POWER OF SALE).
If a
Default occurs Bank shall have all the rights and remedies of a secured party
under the Uniform Commercial Code. Without limitation thereto, Bank shall have
the following rights and remedies: (i) to take immediate possession of
Collateral, without notice or resort to legal process, and for such purpose,
to
enter upon any premises on which Collateral or any part thereof may be situated
and to remove the same therefrom, or, at its option, to render Collateral
unusable or dispose of said Collateral on Debtor’s premises; (ii) to require
Debtor to assemble the Collateral and make it available to Bank at a place
to be
designated by Bank; (iii) to exercise its or its affiliate’s right of set-off or
Bank lien as to any monies of Debtor deposited in deposit accounts and
investment accounts of any nature maintained by Debtor with Bank or affiliates
of Bank, without advance notice, regardless of whether such accounts are general
or special; (iv) to dispose of Collateral, as a unit or in parcels, separately
or with any real property interests also securing the Obligations, in any county
or place to be selected by Bank, at either private or public sale (at which
public sale Bank may be the purchaser) with or without having the Collateral
physically present at said sale; (v) to apply toward and set-off against and
apply to the then unpaid balance of the Obligations the Assigned Deposits
(accelerated to maturity if necessary), even if effecting such set-off results
in a loss or reduction of interest or the imposition of a penalty applicable
to
the early withdrawal of time deposits; (vi) to receive any interest or payments
in respect of the Assigned Deposits and apply such amounts and the Assigned
Deposits to the Obligations in such manner as Bank, in its sole discretion,
may
determine.
Any
notice of sale, disposition or other action by Bank required by law and sent
to
Debtor at Debtor’s address shown above, or at such other address of Debtor as
may from time to time be shown on the records of Bank, at least 5 days prior
to
such action, shall constitute reasonable notice to Debtor. Notice shall be
deemed given or sent when mailed postage prepaid to Debtor’s address as provided
herein. Bank shall be entitled to apply the proceeds of any sale or other
disposition of the Collateral, and the payments received by Bank with respect
to
any of the Collateral, to Obligations in such order and manner as Bank may
determine. Collateral that is subject to rapid declines in value and is
customarily sold in recognized markets may be disposed of by Bank in a
recognized market for such collateral without providing notice of sale. Debtor
waives any and all requirements that the Bank sell or dispose of all or any
part
of the Collateral at any particular time, regardless of whether Debtor has
requested such sale or disposition.
REMEDIES
ARE CUMULATIVE.
No
failure on the part of Bank to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right,
power or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any
single or partial exercise by Bank or any right, power or remedy hereunder
preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any right,
power or remedy. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and are not
exclusive of any remedies provided by law, in equity, or in other Loan
Documents.
INDEMNIFICATION.
Debtor
shall protect, indemnify and save harmless Bank from and against all losses,
liabilities, obligations, claims, damages, penalties, fines, causes of action,
costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees
and expenses) (collectively, “Damages”) imposed upon, incurred by or asserted or
assessed against Bank on account of or in connection with (i) the Loan Documents
or any failure or alleged failure of Debtor to comply with any of the terms
of,
or the inaccuracy or breach of any representation in, the Loan Documents, (ii)
the Collateral or any claim of loss or damage to the Collateral or any injury
or
claim of injury to, or death of, any person or property that may be occasioned
by any cause whatsoever pertaining to the Collateral or the use, occupancy
or
operation thereof, (iii) any failure or alleged failure of Debtor to comply
with
any law, rule or regulation applicable to it or to the Collateral or the use,
occupancy or operation of the Collateral (including, without limitation, the
failure to pay any taxes, fees or other charges), (iv) any Damages whatsoever
by
reason of any alleged action, obligation or undertaking of Bank relating in
any
way to or any matter contemplated by the Loan Documents, or (v) any claim for
brokerage fees or such other commissions relating to the Collateral or any
other
Obligations; provided that such indemnity shall be effective only to the extent
of any Damages that may be sustained by Bank in excess of any net proceeds
received by it from any insurance of Debtor (other than self-insurance) with
respect to such Damages. Nothing contained herein shall require Debtor to
indemnify Bank for any Damages resulting from Bank’s gross negligence or its
willful misconduct. The indemnity provided for herein shall survive payment
of
the Obligations and shall extend to the officers, directors, employees and
duly
authorized agents of Bank. In the event Bank incurs any Damages arising out
of
or in any way relating to the transaction contemplated by the Loan Documents
(including any of the matters referred to in this section), the amounts of
such
Damages shall be added to the Obligations, shall bear interest, to the extent
permitted by law, at the interest rate borne by the Obligations from the date
incurred until paid and shall be payable on demand.
MISCELLANEOUS.
(i)
Amendments
and Waivers.
No
waiver, amendment or modification of any provision of this Security Agreement
shall be valid unless in writing and signed by Debtor and an officer of Bank.
No
waiver by Bank of any Default shall operate as a waiver of any other Default
or
of the same Default on a future occasion. (ii) Assignment.
All
rights of Bank hereunder are freely assignable, in whole or in part, and shall
inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Bank, its successors, assigns
and
affiliates. Debtor shall not assign its rights and interest hereunder without
the prior written consent of Bank, and any attempt by Debtor to assign without
Bank’s prior written consent is null and void. Any assignment shall not release
Debtor from the Obligations. This Security Agreement shall be binding upon
Debtor, and the heirs, personal representatives, successors, and assigns of
Debtor. (iii) Applicable
Law; Conflict Between Documents.
This
Security Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the law of the
jurisdiction named in the address of the Bank shown on the first page hereof
without regard to that Jurisdiction’s conflict of laws principles, except to the
extent that the UCC requires the application of the law of a different
jurisdiction. If any terms of this Security Agreement conflict with the terms
of
any commitment letter or loan proposal, the terms of this Security Agreement
shall control. (iv) Jurisdiction.
Debtor
irrevocably agrees to non-exclusive personal jurisdiction in the state
identified as the Jurisdiction above. (v) Severability.
If any
provision of this Security Agreement shall be prohibited by or invalid under
applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective but only to the extent
of
such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such
provision or the remaining provisions of this Security Agreement. (vi)
Notices.
Any
notices to Debtor shall be sufficiently given, if in writing and mailed or
delivered to the address of Debtor shown above or such other address as provided
hereunder; and to Bank, if in writing and mailed or delivered to Wachovia Bank,
National Association, Mail Code VA7628, P. O. Box 13327, Roanoke, VA 24040
or
Wachovia Bank, National Association, Mail Code VA7628, 10 South Jefferson
Street, Roanoke, VA 24011 or such other address as Bank may specify in writing
from time to time. Notices to Bank must include the mail code. In the event
that
Debtor changes Debtor’s mailing address at any time prior to the date the
Obligations are paid in full, Debtor agrees to promptly give written notice
of
said change of address by registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, all charges prepaid. (vii) Captions.
The
captions contained herein are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect
the meaning or interpretation of this Security Agreement or any provision
hereof. The use of the plural shall also mean the singular, and vice versa.
(viii) Joint
and Several Liability.
If more
than one party has signed this Security Agreement, such parties are jointly
and
severally obligated hereunder. (ix) Binding
Contract.
Debtor
by execution and Bank by acceptance of this Security Agreement, agree that
each
party is bound by all terms and provisions of this Security Agreement. (xii)
Final
Agreement.
This
Agreement and the other Loan Documents represent the final agreement between
the
parties and may not be contradicted by evidence of prior, contemporaneous or
subsequent oral agreements of the parties. There are no unwritten oral
agreements between the parties.
DEFINITIONS.
Loan
Documents.
The
term “Loan Documents” refers to all documents, including this Agreement, whether
now or hereafter existing, executed in connection with or related to the
Obligations, and may include, without limitation and whether executed by Debtor
or others, commitment letters that survive closing, loan agreements, promissory
notes, guaranty agreements, deposit or other similar agreements, other security
agreements, letters of credit and applications for letters of credit, security
instruments, financing statements, mortgage instruments, any renewals or
modifications, whenever any of the foregoing are executed, but does not include
swap agreements (as defined in 11 U.S.C. § 101, as in effect from time to time).
UCC.
“UCC”
means the Uniform Commercial Code as presently and hereafter enacted in the
Jurisdiction. Terms
defined in the UCC.
Any
term used in this Agreement and in any financing statement filed in connection
herewith which is defined in the UCC and not otherwise defined in this Agreement
or any other Loan Document has the meaning given to the term in the
UCC.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF,
Debtor,
on the day and year first written above, has caused this Security Agreement
to
be duly executed under seal.
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Smart
Online,
Inc. |
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By: |
/s/
Nicholas A.
Sinigaglia |
(SEAL) |
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Nicholas
A. Sinigaglia, Chief Financial Officer |
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Tracking:
201318
CAT-Deal
#794013 Facility ID 588018
Exhibit
31.1
CERTIFICATION
OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO RULE
13a
-14(a) AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF
2002
I,
David
Colburn, certify that:
1.
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I
have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended
September 30, 2007 of Smart Online,
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
registrant's 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)) 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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Evaluated
the effectiveness of the registrant's 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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c)
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Disclosed
in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over
financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent
fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case
of an
annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely
to
materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial
reporting; and
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5.
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The
registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based
on our
most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting,
to
the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's
board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent
functions):
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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 registrant's 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 registrant's internal
control
over financial reporting.
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Date:
November 14, 2007
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By:/s/
David Colburn
David Colburn
Principal Executive Officer
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Exhibit
31.2
CERTIFICATION
OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO RULE
13a
-14(a) AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT
OF
2002
I,
Nicholas Sinigaglia, certify that:
1.
|
I
have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended
September 30, 2007 of Smart Online,
Inc.;
|
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.
|
The
registrant's 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)) for the registrant
and have:
|
|
a)
|
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;
|
|
b)
|
Evaluated
the effectiveness of the registrant's 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
|
|
c)
|
Disclosed
in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over
financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent
fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case
of an
annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely
to
materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial
reporting; and
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5.
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The
registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based
on our
most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting,
to
the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's
board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent
functions):
|
|
a)
|
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 registrant's ability to
record,
process, summarize and report financial information;
and
|
|
b)
|
Any
fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
control
over financial reporting.
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Date:
November 14, 2007
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By:/s/
Nicholas Sinigaglia
Nicholas Sinigaglia
Principal Financial Officer
and Principal Accounting
Officer
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Exhibit
32.1
CERTIFICATION
OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO 18
U.S.C.
SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY
ACT
OF
2002
In
connection with the Quarterly Report of Smart Online, Inc. (the “Company”)
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the
undersigned, David Colburn, Principal Executive Officer of the Company,
certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to my knowledge, that:
(1)
The
Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)
The
information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects,
the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
/s/
David Colburn
David
Colburn
Principal
Executive Officer
November
14, 2007
A
signed
original of this written statement required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company
and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon
request.
Exhibit
32.2
CERTIFICATION
OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO 18
U.S.C.
SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY
ACT
OF
2002
In
connection with the Quarterly Report of Smart Online, Inc. (the “Company”) on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned,
Nicholas Sinigaglia, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting
Officer of the Company, certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as
adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to my
knowledge, that:
(1)
The
Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)
The
information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects,
the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
/s/
Nicholas Sinigaglia
Nicholas
Sinigaglia
Principal
Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer
November14,
2007
A
signed
original of this written statement required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company
and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon
request.