Source: http://www.freefranchisedocs.com/einstein-and-noah-corporation-UFOC.php
Timestamp: 2019-04-23 16:35:01+00:00

Document:
Einstein and Noah Corp. ("us", "our" or "we") is the franchisor.
We maintain our principal place of business at 1687 Cole Boulevard, Golden, Colorado 80401 (303/568-8000). We do not maintain sales offices at any location other than our principal place of business. We do not use any sales brokers or other sales organizations. We do not conduct business under any other name.
We are a Delaware corporation, and were originally incorporated on May 11, 2001 as "Einstein Acquisition Corp." We changed our name to Einstein and Noah Corp. on November 2, 2001.
We conduct business under the name and mark "Einstein Bros.", and under the "Noah's New York Bagels" and "Noah's Bagels" names and marks.
We franchise the right to operate an "Einstein Bros." restaurant (the "Restaurant"). We began to offer such franchises as of the date of this offering circular. Although we also operate "Noah's New York Bagel" and "Noah's Bagel" restaurants, we do not offer franchises using the "Noah's " name. Since June 19, 2001, we have operated "Einstein Bros." and "Noah's New York Bagel" restaurants. We do not offer any franchise other than as described in this offering circular, and we do not engage in any business activity other than such franchising activities and the operation of restaurants using the "Einstein Bros." and "Noah's" names and marks. As of September 27, 2005, there were 63 licensed and 363 company-owned "Einstein Bros." retail stores, and 3 licensed and 74 company-owned "Noah's New York Bagels" and "Noah's Bagels" retail stores.
Our corporate parent company is New World Restaurant Group, Inc. ("NWR"), a Delaware corporation, whose principal place of business is also at 1687 Cole Boulevard, Golden, Colorado 80401 (303.568.8000). NWR was incorporated oh October 21, 1992 as World Coffee, Inc. Later, NWR's name was changed to New World Coffee, Inc., New World Coffee & Bagels, Inc., then to New World Coffee-Manhattan Bagel, Inc., and, lastly, to New World Restaurant Group, Inc.
Our agents for service of process are listed in Exhibit D to this offering circular.
Einstein/Noah Bagel Corp. ("ENBC") and its affiliates, Einstein/Noah Bagel Partners, L.P. ("ENBP") and Einstein/Noah Bagel Partners, Inc. ("ENBPI"), were the predecessor entities that owned the marks and restaurants that operated using the "Einstein Bros.", "Noah's New York Bagel" and "Noah's Bagels" names (together, the "Einstein and Noah Restaurant System").
NWR formed us (as Einstein Acquisition Corp.) and an affiliated entity, Greenlight New World, LLC, for the purpose of seeking to acquire the Einstein and Noah Restaurant System from ENBC, ENBP and ENBPI. In connection with the Acquisition, described below, Greenlight New World, LLC, assigned to us all of its acquisition-related rights with respect to the Einstein and Noah Restaurant System.
On June 19, 2001, Einstein Acquisition Corp. successfully completed its acquisition of the Einstein and Noah Restaurant System (the "Acquisition"). As explained above, we (Einstein Acquisition Corp.) changed our name to "Einstein and Noah Corp." on November 2, 2001.
Before the Acquisition, the Einstein and Noah Restaurant System was operated by ENBC, ENBP and ENBPI, and their respective predecessors, dating back to before 1995. ENBC operated "Einstein Bros." restaurants from August 1995 through June 19, 2001. In 1996, ENBC acquired the rights to operate other restaurants, including those in the States of California and Washington under the name "Noah's New York Bagels". In December 1997, ENBC licensed and granted development rights to ENBP to operate the restaurants which comprised the Einstein and Noah Restaurant System. ENBC offered franchises for Einstein Bros. Restaurants and for Noah's New York Bagel Restaurants from 1995 to 1997, but did not engage in any other line of business.
Among the assets that we acquired in the Acquisition were the rights to the name "Einstein Bros." and the related intellectual property. We also acquired ENBC's rights under a coexistence agreement that it had entered into with the Estate of Albert Einstein, which in turn is owned by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem ("HUJ") (the "HUJ Co-Existence Agreement"). Under the HUJ Co-Existence Agreement, ENBC and HUJ agreed on the terms under which ENBC (and now, us) could use the name Einstein Bros, and the terms under which HUJ could use the name and likenesses associated with the Estate of Albert Einstein (see Item 13 for more details).
We have operated the restaurants comprising the Einstein and Noah Restaurant System since the date of the Acquisition, June 19, 2001.
In addition to owning our company, our corporate parent, NWR also owns and operates directly and indirectly other bagel and coffee-based manufacturing operations, products and retail restaurants. Its retail locations operate under tradenames and trademarks other than ours, including "Manhattan Bagel Company", "Chesapeake Bagel Bakery", and "New World Coffee".
As of September 27, 2005, there were 121 franchised and no company-owned "Manhattan Bagel" retail stores, 13 franchised and no company-owned "Chesapeake Bagel Bakery" or "Chesapeake Bagel" restaurants, 4 franchised and 2 company-owned "New World Coffee" stores. (This offering circular does not provide for the offer of franchises under those names, marks, and franchise systems. Information about those systems, to the extent that they are currently engaged in the offer and sale of franchises, can be found in other offering circulars for these systems, which we will make available to you upon request.) In addition, NWR may directly and indirectly sell products under the names "Manhattan Bagels", "Chesapeake Bagels", and "New World Coffee" in other settings such as supermarkets and over the internet. Until October 2004, NWR also owned and operated four Willoughby's Coffee & Tea restaurants in Connecticut; NWR discontinued operating those units in October 2004.
affiliates' other concepts. Additional information concerning those systems may be available from NWR's corporate offices or through a separate offering circular.
Manhattan Bagel Company, Inc. NWR owns all of the stock of Manhattan Bagel Co., Inc. ("MBC"), a Delaware corporation. MBC in turn owns and franchises restaurants under the "Manhattan Bagel" marks and franchise system. NWR acquired the MBC stock and its assets on November 24, 1998. MBC has operated, and offered franchises to others to operate, "Manhattan Bagel" restaurants since 1987. "Manhattan Bagel" restaurants feature bagels and cream cheese, coffee, and related menu items as part of their core menu offerings.
Chesapeake Bagel Franchise Corp. NWR owns all of the stock of Chesapeake Bagel Franchise Corp. ("CBFC"), formerly known as CBB Acquisition Corp. CBB Acquisition Corp., a New Jersey corporation, was formed on July 16, 1999 for the purpose of acquiring from AFC Enterprises, Inc. ("AFC") the "Chesapeake Bagel" marks and franchise system. Through CBB Acquisition Corp., now known as CBFC, NWR acquired the Chesapeake Bagel marks and franchise system from AFC on August 31, 1999. AFC operated, and offered franchises to others to operate, "Chesapeake Bagel" restaurants from May 1997 to August 1999. CBFC has operated, and offered franchises to others to operate, "Chesapeake Bagel" restaurants since August 1999. "Chesapeake Bagel" restaurants feature bagels and cream cheese, coffee, and related menu items as part of their core menu offerings.
New World Coffee & Bagel. NWR operates, and has offered franchises to others to operate, "New World Coffee & Bagel" restaurants since 1992. "New World Coffee" and "New World Coffee & Bagel" restaurants feature coffee and related menu items as part of their core menu . offerings.
Noah's New York Bagel. As discussed above, we also operate restaurants under the "Noah's New York Bagel" and "Noah's Bagel" marks and system.
We offer franchises for the operation of Restaurants at agreed-upon locations. We principally offer development agreements, which are described below. Under an area development agreement, the developer is offered the chance (and accepts the obligation) to establish multiple Restaurants within a specific area. The developer will sign a Franchise Agreement for each Restaurant, which will set out the area under which that Restaurant will be operated.
We offer to qualified companies (a "Developer" or "you") the right (and they accept the obligation) to develop an agreed-upon number of Restaurants within a specific geographic area ("Development Area") under our area development agreement (the "Area Development Agreemenf) (a copy can be found at Exhibit B-4 to this UFOC). Under an Area Development Agreement, you will be required to establish an agreed-upon number of Restaurants within the Development Area, at specific locations (to be specified in separate Franchise Agreements) (as explained below). An important part of the Area Development Agreement is a development schedule (the "Development Schedule"), which spells out the number of Restaurants that you agree to have established by certain benchmark dates.
Under a Franchise Agreement, we will grant you the right (and you will accept the obligation) to operate a Restaurant at an agreed-upon specified location (the "Approved Location").
Restaurants are characterized by our system (the "System"). Some of the features of our System are a specially-designed building or facility, with specially developed equipment, equipment layouts, signage, distinctive interior and exterior design and accessories, Products, procedures for operations; quality and uniformity of products and services offered; procedures for management and inventory control; training and assistance; and advertising and promotional programs. We may periodically change and improve parts of the System.
Restaurants operate in a building that bears our trade dress (interior, exterior, or both). A Restaurant specializes in the sale of Proprietary Items, including fresh-baked bagels, cream cheese and other spreads, specialty coffees and teas, muffins, and creative soups, salads and sandwiches, and other additional products that we may occasionally specify, as well as non-proprietary Items (like sandwiches, salads, soups, and other beverage items for on-premises and carry-out consumption) (all together, the "Products").
You must operate your Restaurant in accordance with our standards and procedures, as set out in our Confidential Operating Manual (the "Manual"). We will lend you a copy of the Manual for the duration of the Franchise Agreement. In addition, we will grant you the right to use our marks, including the mark "Einstein Bros." and any other trade names and marks that we designate in writing for use with the System (the "Proprietary Marks").
Restaurants will be operated from an indoor structure that need not be free-standing, that is approximately 2,200 to 2,500 square feet in size, and that is decorated to meet our specifications (including the use of our trade dress, trademark, and design).
You must comply with all local, state, and federal laws that apply to your Restaurant operations, including for example health, sanitation, no-smoking, EEOC, OSHA, discrimination, employment, and sexual harassment laws. The Americans with Disability Act of 1990 requires readily accessible accommodation for disabled persons and therefore may affect your building construction, site elements, entrance ramps, doors, seating, bathrooms, drinking facilities, etc. For example, you must obtain real estate permits (e.g., zoning), real estate licenses, and operational licenses. There are also regulations that pertain to sanitation, labeling, food preparation, food handling, and food service. You will be required to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations during the operation of your Restaurant. You should consult with your attorney concerning those and other local laws and ordinances that may affect your Restaurant's operation.
You can expect to compete in your market with locally-owned businesses, as well as with national and regional chains that offer bagels, coffee, breads, sandwiches, breakfast items, lunch items, and related products, and which may compete with the products offered at a Restaurant. The market for these items is well-established and very highly competitive. Bagel and coffee restaurants, and breakfast and lunch businesses, compete on the basis of many factors, such as price, service, store location, product quality, and store promotions and marketing programs. These businesses are often affected by other factors as well, such as changes in consumer taste, economic conditions, seasonal population fluctuation, and travel patterns. To the extent that customers may be able to buy "Einstein Bros." brand products from other sources (for example, from other restaurants, our website, supermarkets), and to the extent that other restaurants operating under the System deliver products in your area, you may appear to, or actually, compete with other sellers of those branded products. In addition, to the extent that customers may be able to buy bagels, coffee, and other products under the "Noah's", "Chesapeake Bagels", "Manhattan Bagels", and "New World Coffee" names, you may appear to, or actually, compete with sellers of these products.
The following is a list of directors, principal officers, and other executives who have management responsibility for the operation of our business concerning the franchises described in this offering circular. The principal occupation and business experience of each during the last five years, including the names and location of prior employers, are indicated in the table below.
Unless otherwise indicated, the location of the employer is Golden, Colorado. Also, unless otherwise explained, the individuals listed below also hold the same position and have the same responsibilities for us as they do for our parent, NWR, and for our affiliates CFBC and MBC (starting when NWR acquired us in 2001, CFBC in August 1999 and MBC in December 1998).
Mr. Murphy is our Chief Executive Officer. He joined ENBC in December 1997 and has served us, thru the Acquisition, as our Chief Executive Office (since October 2003), our Chief Operating Officer (June 2002 until October 2003), our Executive Vice President - Operations (June 2001 until May 2002), ENBC's Executive Vice President of Operations (March 1998 through the date of the Acquisition), and as ENBC's Senior Vice President - Operations (December 1997 until March 1998). From July 1996 until December 1997, he was Chief Operating Officer of one of ENBC's former area developers in Boca Raton, Florida.
Mr. Dutkiewicz joined us as our Chief Financial Officer in October 2003. He previously served Sirenza Microdevices, Inc. of Golden, Colorado as its as Vice President-Information Technology from May 2003 to October 2003, as the Chief Financial Officer of Vari-L Company, Inc. of Denver, Colorado from January 2001 to May 2003, and as the Chief Financial Officer of Coleman Natural Products, Inc., also of Denver, from April 1995 to January 2001.
Mr. Dominguez was appointed to serve as our Chief Operating Officer in December 2005. He previously served our affiliate, Noah's Bagels, in Walnut Creek, California, from April 1998 to June 2002 as its Vice President of Operations and from June 2002 until December 2005 as its Senior Vice President.
Ms. Sisson joined us as our General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in December 2003. Before joining us, she served as the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Graphic Packaging Corporation, also in Golden, Colorado, a position she held from September 1992 to August 2003.
Mr. Powell joined us in January 1996. He has served us as our Senior Director (December 1998 to December 1999), Vice President (December 1999 to October 2003), and Senior Vice President - Business Development (since October 2003). He has served MBC as welt since June 2001.
Ms. Hahn joined us as our Senior Vice President - Marketing in September 2004. From October 2000 to October 2003, she served as Vice President - Marketing at Knowledge Learning Corp. / ARAMARK Educational Resources in Golden, Colorado. Before that, she was Director - Sales & Marketing for the Central Region of Burger King Corporation, having previously served as their Regional Marketing Manager and Manager - Sales Analysis, in Denver, Colorado and Miami, Florida, from October 1990 to September 2000.
Mr. Carolan has served as our Senior Vice President of Franchising since July 2005. From November 2000 to July 2005, he was a Regional Vice President for Aramark Corporation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Wright joined us in March 2000 and has served as our Senior Vice President - Operations for the Einstein Bros. Bagel brand since May 2005. He previousfy served us as a District Manager (from March 2000 to 2002) and as Regional Vice President (2002-2005).
Ms. Coors join us as our Associate General Counsel in November 2004. Before joining us, she was a self-employed consultant in Arvada, Colorado from September 2003 until November 2004. Ms. Coors was Legal Counsel at Graphic Packaging Corporation (f/k/a ACX Technologies, Inc.) from September 1998 to September 2003, in Golden, Colorado and Bow, New Hampshire.
Mr. Isoldi has been our Vice President - Construction/Facilities since July 2002. He previously served with ENBC (and, after July 2001, ENC) and NWR from November 1998 to April 2002 as Senior Director - Facilities (November 1998 to September 2000) and Senior Director -Construction (September 2000 to April 2002). From April 2002 to June 2002, he was Director of Development for Chicken Out Restaurants in Gaithersburg, Maryland. He has served MBC as well since June 2001.
Ms. Schricker joined ENBC in April 1995. She served as Human Resource Manager for its Einstein Bros./Sunbelt Bagels/Progressive Bagel Concepts Incorporated group (in Salt Lake City) from April 1995 to January 2000, as Director of Human Resources from January 2000 to May 2002, Senior Director of Human Resources from May 2002 to November 2003, and since November 2003, as Vice President - Human Resources. She has served MBC as well since June 2001.
Ms. Briggs has served as our Vice President - Information Technology since October 2003. From March 1999 to October 2003, she served as ENBC's (and later, ENC's) Director of Information Technology. She previously held the position of Senior Manager, Information Technology Support for Metromedia Restaurants in Piano, Texas, from April 1985 to March 1999.
Mr. Harvey joined MBC in January 1995. He has served as a Manager in Training (January 1995 to April 1995), Store Manager (April 1995 to May 1995), Commissary Manager (May 1995 to April 1996), Director of Commissary (April 1996 to June 1997), Director of HR/Training/Operations Support/Commissary (June 1997 to February 1998), Director of Commissary Operations - Northeast (February 1998 to June 1998), Director of Commissary Operations - National (June 1998 to February 2000), Senior Director of Commissary Operations - National (February 2000 to June 2001), and since June 2001 as its Vice President -Manufacturing. He has served MBC as well in that capacity since June 2001.
Mr. Guckel has served as our Senior Director of Franchise/License Operations since January 2004, and served as one of our District Managers from December 1997 to January 2004.
Mr. Garwood has served as our Director of Franchise Development since July 2004, having previously served as a senior franchise consultant (April 2003 to June 2004). From April 2002 to March 2003, he was a supervising partner with Sonic Restaurants, Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri. Before that, Mr. Garwood was a self-employed consultant in Saint Joseph, Missouri, from December 2001 to March 2002. From May 1996 to November 2001, he was a franchise consultant with McDonald's Corporation in Overland Park, Kansas.
million. Notice will be sent to all class members. At a September 29, 2004 hearing for preliminary approval of the settlement, the court asked for supplemental briefing. Approval by the court is still pending.
Ron Benit. Simi Weiss and Thomas Griner v. Einstein/Noah Bagel Corp.. Mark R. Goldston. Eric Cariborg and Scott A. Beck (U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, Case No. 97-N-1614). Messrs. Benit, Weiss, and Griner, the plaintiffs in this case, are former ENBC shareholders. The plaintiffs filed this lawsuit on July 25,1997, alleging that ENBC and the other defendants (former ENBC executives) disseminated or approved press releases and financial reports that contained misrepresentations and material omissions, and also concealed materially adverse financial information. The plaintiffs claimed that ENBC should not have treated its former area developers as separate legal entities and that ENBC should have consolidated its own financial results with those of the area developers. The plaintiffs alleged that the failure to consolidate the financial results made ENBC's financial reports untrue and misleading, violating Sections 11 and 12(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 (because the alleged violations occurred in the context of ENBC's initial public offering.) The plaintiffs asserted an additional claim against defendants Goldston, Cariborg, and Beck on the grounds that they acted as controlling persons of ENBC within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act. The plaintiffs alleged that by reason of their positions as directors or officers of ENBC, these individuals (defendants Goldston, Cariborg, and Beck) had the power and authority to cause ENBC to engage in the wrongful conduct alleged in the complaint. In addition, the complaint alleged violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5, as well as claims arising under the Colorado Securities Act against all defendants. Plaintiffs sought the following relief: (a) certification of the complaint as a class action for all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired the common stock of ENBC between August 2, 1996 and July 15, 1997; (b) an award of compensatory damages, interest and costs to all members of the class; and (c) equitable relief available under federal and state law.
Meduri v. Einstein/Noah Bagel Corp.. Mark R. Goldston, Eric Cariborg and Scott A. Beck (U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, Case No. 97-N-1712). Filed August 8, 1997.
Drake v. Einstein/Noah Bagel Corp.. Mark R. Goldston. Eric Cariborg and Scott A. Beck (U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, Case No. 97-N-1713). Filed August 8, 1997.
Eisenfeld v. Einstein/Noah Bagel Corp., Mark R. Goldston. Eric Cariborg and Scott A. Beck, (U.S. District Court for District of Colorado, Case No. 97-N-1823). Filed August 21, 1997.
Montova v. Einstein/Noah Bagel Corp., Mark R. Goldston, Eric Cariborg and Scott A. Beck. (U.S. District Court for District of Colorado, Case No. 97-N-2318). Filed August 27, 1997.
Snvdman v. Einstein/Noah Bagel Corp., Mark R. Goldston. Eric Caribora and Scott A. Beck. (U.S. District Court for District of Colorado, Case No. 97-N-1877). Filed August 28,1997.
Kenneth Naish as custodian for Brian Naish and Jennifer Naish v. Einstein/Noah Bagel Corp.. (U.S. District Court for District of Colorado, Case No. 97-N-1894). Filed August 29, 1997.
These actions were consolidated as In re Einstein/Noah Bagel Corp. Securities Litigation (U.S. District Court for District of Colorado, Case No. 97-N-1614). The plaintiffs later amended the complaint to change the alleged class period to the period from August 2, 1996 to October 29, 1997. In addition to the cases described above, Drake v. Einstein/Noah Bagel Corp.. Mark R. Goldston. W. Eric Cariborg and Scott A. Beck (Division 5, Jefferson County District Court, State of Colorado, Case No. 97-CV-2697), was filed in Colorado state court on September 19, 1997. The complaint alleged substantially the same claims and causes of action arising under Colorado state securities laws as the plaintiffs in the Benit case, but this case was not consolidated in the others. In February 1999, ENBC and the individual defendants in all of the cases described above entered into a settlement agreement under which ENBC paid (in the aggregate) $8.5 million and all parties signed mutual releases and dismissed all claims with prejudice. ENBC funded the settlement with proceeds of director and officer liability insurance policies. The U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado approved the settlement in June 1999.
Brownell v. Einstein/Noah Bagel Corp. (Superior Court of the State of California, Alameda County, Case No. 797600-5). Edwin Brownell, the plaintiff, is a former employee of MBC who filed this lawsuit on June 15, 1998. He alleged that ENBC breached an oral promise to employ him in California until his youngest son graduated from high school (which would have been in 2002). The complaint also alleged that ENBC breached a covenant of good faith and fair dealing, that the plaintiff was fraudulently induced to relocate from Kansas City to California, that ENBC made false representations under Section 970 of the California Labor Code, and that Brownell was fraudulently induced to invest $100,000 in a former area developer of ENBC. Brownell alleged that his damages include lost salary, benefits and bonuses in the amount of $350,000 per year through 2002, lost stock options, expenses of relocation from Kansas City to California, amounts for promised income tax reimbursement, loss of his $100,000 investment, loss of reputation and emotional distress. The complaint sought damages, prejudgment interest and costs of suit, as well as punitive damages and a doubling of compensatory damages under Section 970 of the California Labor Code. In December 1999 the court granted ENBC's motion for summary judgment to dismiss the claims for breach of contract and implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and certain of the claims for fraud and negligent misrepresentation regarding plaintiffs $100,000 investment. The court denied ENBC's motion for summary judgment on the other claims. As a consequence of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing made by ENBC and ENBP on April 27, 2000, the claims arising under this Complaint became subject to the jurisdiction of the United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Arizona. On March 15, 2002, the Administrator of the ENBC and ENBP bankruptcy estates entered into a settlement with Brownell, allowing the assertion of an unsecured claim against the ENBP bankruptcy estate in the amount of $400,000.
breached an oral contract to make him an "owner/operator" of the Einstein Bros. Bagels restaurants in the Phoenix area, under which he claims he would have earned between $240,000 and $400,000 per year. The complaint alleges breach of contract, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, promissory estoppel, fraud, negligent misrepresentation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The complaint sought damages in an unspecified amount, interest and attorney's fees and costs. As a consequence of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing made by ENBC and ENBP on April 27, 2000, the claims arising under this complaint became subject to the jurisdiction of the United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Arizona. On June 25, 2002, the Administrator of the ENBC and ENBP bankruptcy estates entered into a settlement with Butler, allowing the assertion of an unsecured claim of $250,000 against the ENBP bankruptcy estate.
Overand v. Manhattan Bagel Co.. Inc. (U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, Case No. CV-96-9597). The named plaintiff (Overand) was a shareholder of MBC, and filed a class action suit claiming various securities laws violations involving the public sale in March 1996 of MBC stock, including failure to disclose material facts and violation of SEC Rule 10b-5. Overand sought damages in an unspecified amount. Overand filed a claim in MBC's Chapter 11 case (the "MBC Bankruptcy Proceeding"). The lawsuit and claim were consolidated with Cooeland v. Grumet (described below) and was resolved as described below.
Copeland v. Grumet (U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, Case No. CV-96-3351). The named plaintiff (Copeland) in this case was a shareholder of MBC, and filed a class action suit claiming various securities laws violations involving the public sale in March 1996 of MBC's stock, including failure to disclose material facts and violation of SEC Rule 10b-5. The plaintiffs sought damages in an unspecified amount. This case was consolidated with Overand v. Manhattan Bagel Co.. Inc. (described above), and the claim was asserted in the MBC Bankruptcy Proceeding. The lawsuit and claim were settled on December 22, 2000 by NWR's indemnification obligation to former MBC officers by the issuance of approximately $200,000 of NWR's common stock.
C.P.R. Fashions. Inc. v. Broadway Chicken, Inc. (Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Monmouth County, Docket No. L-830-96). On February 28, 1996 C.P.R. Fashions, Inc., the plaintiff, a former franchisee of Broadway Chicken, Inc., brought this action for breach of contract and violation of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act. The plaintiff claimed that services were not performed under the franchise agreement and sought damages in an unspecified amount. MBC (which had purchased Broadway Chicken, Inc.) counterclaimed for royalties and advertising monies owed and for construction monies due on work performed in building the store. The plaintiff filed a claim in the MBC Bankruptcy Proceeding, to which MBC objected. The plaintiffs lawsuit was dismissed and its claim was denied.
filed a claim in the MBC Bankruptcy Proceeding, to which MBC objected. The lawsuit was resolved through a settlement in the MBC Bankruptcy Proceeding on January 11, 1999, which included a requirement that the master franchisee relinquish its territory to MBC, and granted the plaintiff an unsecured claim of $125,000.
Manhattan Bagel Co.. Inc. v. Fleming Bagel LLC (U.S. District Court of New Jersey, CV-96-3123). In June 1996, MBC filed an action for a declaratory judgment against Fleming Bagel LLC, a former developer, asking the court to declare that defendants' master franchise rights in Texas and Louisiana were terminated, and seeking damages and other relief. The Court entered an order agreeing to terminate the master franchise rights but did not address MBC's other claims. The defendants filed a counterclaim alleging default by MBC under the contract. The defendants later filed a claim in the MBC Bankruptcy Proceeding, to which MBC objected. The lawsuit was resolved through a settlement in the MBC Bankruptcy Proceeding dated June 29, 1999, which included a requirement that the master franchisee relinquish its territory to MBC, and granted the plaintiff an unsecured claim of $15,000.
HalRob. Inc. v. Manhattan Bagel Co.. Inc. (Superior Court of New Jersey, Camden County, Chancery Division, C-16-97). In February 1997, HalRob Inc., the plaintiffs (who were franchisees of Specialty Bakeries, Inc., which MBC acquired in 1996) alleged violation of a restrictive covenant, and sought injunctive relief and other damages. This action was stayed and the plaintiffs were ordered to arbitrate their claims (see description below under Specialty Bakeries. Inc. v. HalRob. Inc.). The plaintiffs filed a claim in the MBC Bankruptcy Proceeding to which MBC objected. The lawsuit and claim was resolved through the MBC Bankruptcy Proceeding on July 17, 2001 by the allowance of an unsecured claim of $335,000 against the MBC bankruptcy estate, and payment of an administrative claim of $7,500.
Specialty Bakeries. Inc. v. HalRob, Inc. (U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Case No. CV-97-1057). In February 1997, MBC sought an order from the federal court requiring HalRob, Inc., the defendants (franchisees of Specialty Bakeries, Inc.) to arbitrate the claims they asserted in the Superior Court of New Jersey (see description above under HalRob. Inc. v Manhattan Bagel Co.. Inc.). In March 1997, the court ordered the defendants to arbitrate their claims and in April 1997, the court enjoined the defendants from proceeding with the lawsuit filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey. The arbitration proceeding was stayed by the filing by MBC of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding in November 1997. In November 1997, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed the District Court's orders. The lawsuit was resolved through the MBC Bankruptcy Proceeding as described above.
Naphtalie Deutsch, as Trustee of the JMB Irrevocable Trust dated June 4. 1979 v. Manhattan Bagel Co.. Inc. (U.S. District Court for the District of Central California, Case No. CV97-0276-RAP (ANX)). Naphtalie Deutsch, the plaintiff, filed a claim alleging that MBC failed to comply with contractual obligations under an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of May 10, 1995, as amended, which was entered into by MBC, DAB Acquisition Corp., DAB Industries, Inc., and Allen Boren, regarding the obligations to register shares owned by the plaintiffs for public sale by them all as part of MBC's acquisition of the Tn Joy Bagel" system in 1995. The plaintiffs filed a claim in the MBC Bankruptcy Proceeding, to which MBC objected. The lawsuit and claim were resolved through allowance of an unsecured claim against the MBC bankruptcy estate.
fiduciary duty and other allegations based on a lease agreement with Bay Area Bagel, Inc., a subsidiary of MBC. MBC filed an Answer to the Complaint denying the allegations. The plaintiff dismissed its complaint with prejudice on June 2, 1999.
In re Manhattan Bagel Co.. Inc.. Wha Dong and Boo Young Kim v. Manhattan Bagel Co.. Inc. (U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of New Jersey, Adversary Proceeding No. 98-3599). In November 1998, Wha Dong and Boo Young Kim, the plaintiffs, started an adversary proceeding in the MBC Bankruptcy Proceeding, alleging breach of contract, breach of covenant not to compete, intentional interference with economic advantage and violations of the New Jersey Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law by MBC. The plaintiffs also filed a claim in the MBC Bankruptcy Proceedings. MBC filed an answer and objected to the plaintiffs' claim. The lawsuit and claim were resolved in the MBC Bankruptcy Proceeding on March 20, 2000 by granting them an unsecured claim against the MBC bankruptcy estate.
Q.E.D. Ventures. Inc.. Patricia Maher Wangsness. and David S. Wanosness v. Manhattan Bagel Co.. Inc. and Sanford Nacht. (Superior Court of New Jersey, Monmouth County, Law Division, Case No. MON-L-5354-99). This complaint was filed November 1999 by a Manhattan Bagel franchisee in Virginia alleging violation of the franchise agreement because NWR acquired the Chesapeake Bagel Bakery chain in August 1999. This lawsuit also named as a defendant Sanford Nacht, in both his individual capacity and as President and Chief Operating Officer of MBC (at the time of filing). MBC filed counterclaims. The matter was settled on November 30, 2000 by the payment of $22,500 to the plaintiffs.
Manhattan Bagel Co.. Inc. v. Qsborn. (American Arbitration Association, New Jersey, Case No. 18-E-114-00428-99) This arbitration was begun in July 1999 by MBC against Albert J. and Lisa J. Osborn, franchisees of a Manhattan Bagel franchised store in Williamsville, New York, seeking termination of franchisee's franchise agreement and collection of overdue royalties and other charges in the amount of $13,090. The Osborns filed a counterclaim seeking rescission of the franchise agreement, damages of $49,200, and attorneys' fees. After the Bankruptcy Court granted MBC's motion for summary judgment, the matter was settled on December 28, 2000 by the Osborns' payment to MBC in the amount of $16,471.
Manhattan Bagel Co.. Inc. v. Benfante. (American Arbitration Association, New Jersey, Case No. 18-E-114-00015-00). This arbitration was begun in August 1999 by MBC against Patrick Benfante and Rocco Cupolo, franchisees of a Manhattan Bagel franchised store in Rochester, New York, seeking termination of franchisee's franchise agreement and collection of overdue royalties and other charges in the sum of $13,807. The franchisee counterclaimed, seeking rescission of the franchise agreement. After the Bankruptcy Court granted MBC's motion for summary judgment, the matter was settled on December 28, 2000 by the franchisee's payment to MBC in the amount of $17,565.
Manhattan Bagel Co.. Inc. v. Benfante (Superior Court of New Jersey, Monmouth County, Law Division, Case No. MON-L-4350-99). MBC filed this complaint in August 1999 against Patrick Benfante and Rocco Cupolo, who were also franchisees of a Manhattan Bagel franchised store in Rochester, New York, seeking termination of franchisee's franchise agreement and collection of overdue royalties and other charges in the sum of $12,250. After the Bankruptcy Court granted MBC's motion for summary judgment, the matter was settled on December 28, 2000 by the franchisee's payment to MBC in the amount of $15,792.
1999 against W.I.P.P. Enterprises, Inc., the franchisee of a Manhattan Bagel franchised store in West Seneca, New York, seeking termination of the franchisee's franchise agreement and collection of royalty arrearages and other charges in the sum of $12,503.37. The franchisee counterclaimed, seeking rescission of the franchise agreement, attorneys' fees, and $50,000 in damages. After the Bankruptcy Court granted MBC's motion for summary judgment, the matter was settled on December 28, 2000 by the franchisee's payment to MBC in the amount of $18,315.
Manhattan Bagel Co., Inc. v. Klein (Superior Court of New Jersey, Monmouth County, Law Division, Case No. MON-L-3478-99). MBC filed this complaint in July 1999 against Kevin and Susan Klein, who were franchisees of a Manhattan Bagel franchised store in Hamburg, New York, seeking termination of the Klein's franchise agreement and collection of overdue royalties and other charges in the sum of $9,236. The Kleins counterclaimed, seeking rescission of the franchise agreement, attorneys' fees, and $50,000 in damages. The Kleins have appealed the final order entered in March 2002, denying franchisee's cross-motion for summary judgment. MBC will continue pursuit of its claims against these franchisees.
John W. Manqan, III, and The Mangan Group f/k/a MBSE, Inc.. v. Manhattan Bagel Co.. Inc., and New World Coffee-Manhattan Bagel. Inc. (North Carolina Superior Court, Mecklenburg County, No. 01-CVSA-13874). The plaintiff in this action (which was filed on July 16, 2001) was a former Manhattan Bagel master franchisee and its principal owner. The plaintiffs sought payment on a consulting agreement and other amounts due as part of a settlement agreement involving MBC's recapture of the master franchise territory. The action was settled through MBC's completion of its compliance under the October 24, 2001 settlement agreement, under which MBC agreed to pay approximately $314,000 in damages and fees.
Higgs v. Manhattan Bagel Co.. Inc., John/Jane Does # 1-10; and ABC Corporations #1-10 (Superior Court of New Jersey, Case No. MON-C- 40-02). In February 2001, Robert Higgs, a franchisee of Manhattan Bagel stores at Route 37 East, Toms River, New Jersey and Eric Plaza Shopping Center, Forked River, New Jersey, filed a complaint against MBC and its officers, agents and related corporations for breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duties, tortious interference, and violations of the New Jersey franchise law. Higgs did not seek any specified amount of damages, but requested punitive damages, costs, and attorneys' fees. The matter was settled on July 23, 2003 by the payment of $40,000 to the plaintiff.
granted NWR's motion to dismiss. This case was settled on November 30, 2001. Under the settlement, NWR is to pay Sargente approximately $90,000 over time. In addition, NWR paid a $50,000 guaranty NWR executed for a loan given to Sargente (see the Commercial Capital Corp. case below).
Commercial Capital Corp. v. VM Sargente, Inc.. Valerie Sargente and New World Coffee-Manhattan Bagel. Inc. (N.Y. Supreme Court, New York County, No. 601421/00). This action was filed in May 2000 against NWR by Commercial Capital Corp., the bank that issued a loan to former franchisee Valerie Sargente (see Valerie Sargente v. New World Coffee & Bagels, Inc.. et al. above) in an effort to collect on NWR's $50,000 guaranty of the franchisee's loan. The bank also asserted a claim that NWR fraudulently procured the loan and Sargente asserted a cross-claim against NWR for contribution and indemnification. This matter was settled in October 2001. Under the settlement, NWR paid its $50,000 guaranty of Sargente's loan, as was already required under NWR's guaranty of the bank loan.
New World Coffee & Bagels, Inc. v. Abrams (American Arbitration Association, New York, Case No. 13-114-00854-99). This arbitration was begun by NWR in September 1999 against Lidia Abrams, the former franchisee of a New World Coffee store in Chatham, New Jersey, seeking damages for breach of the franchise agreement, as well as recovery from Abrams of unpaid fees and other charges in the sum of $166,954. Abrams filed a counterclaim alleging fraudulent inducement, breach of contract and violations of the New York franchise law, and also seeking rescission of the franchise agreement, damages of $1.0 million, and attorneys' fees. The New York franchise law claims were also asserted against Ramin Kamfar and Jerold Novack in their individual capacities. Upon a motion filed by NWR and Messrs. Kamfar and Novack, the arbitrator issued an Order dismissing most of Abrams' claims. The arbitrator later denied Abrams' motion for reconsideration. This matter was settled on December 8, 2001. Under the settlement, NWR paid Abrams approximately $10,000.
Benjamin A. Allen and Allen Foods, Inc. v. New World Coffee. Inc., et al. (U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Case No. 00-CIV-2610). In April 2000, the plaintiffs, the former franchisee of a New World Coffee store in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and its principal owner, filed a complaint alleging fraudulent inducement and violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act ("RICO"). The plaintiffs also sought injunctive relief, declaratory relief, damages in the amount of $750,000, and attorneys' fees. The plaintiffs' claims were also asserted against Ramin Kamfar, Jerold Novack and Collin Gaffney in their individual capacities. The defendants filed a motion to dismiss the RICO claims and the court granted that motion. The plaintiffs later filed an amended complaint. The defendants moved to dismiss all of the claims in the amended complaint. The court granted defendants' motion, dismissing the plaintiffs' RICO claims with prejudice and the plaintiffs' other claims without prejudice.
New World Coffee of Forest Hills, Inc. v. New World Coffee & Bagels, Inc., (American Arbitration Association, New York, Case No. 13-114-00237-00). This arbitration was begun in February 2000 by New World Coffee of Forest Hills, Inc., the former franchisee of a New World Coffee store located at 107-24 Continental Avenue, Forest Hills, New York, alleging fraudulent inducement, violations of the New York franchise law, and seeking damages of $750,000 plus interest and costs. NWR asserted a counterclaim seeking unpaid rent and overdue amounts for royalties, product purchases, and advertising fees in an amount of approximately $200,000. The parties settled all disputes in the arbitration, and to settle the matter, NWR agreed not to enforce its judgment for $222,981 against Forest Hills, and NWR reimbursed Forest Hills $15,000.
Three Beans & Bagel Corp. v. New World Coffee & Bagels. Inc.. Ramin Kamfar and Jerold Novack, (American Arbitration Association, New York, Case No. 13-114-00389-00). This arbitration was begun in April 2000 by Three Beans & Bagel Corp., the franchisee of a New World Coffee store at 102 Westwood Avenue, Westwood, New Jersey, alleging fraudulent inducement, violations of the New York franchise law, and breach of contract, and also seeking rescission of the franchise agreement, damages of $500,000, and attorneys' fees against NWR. The New York franchise law claims were also asserted against Ramin Kamfar and Jerold Novack in their individual capacities. NWR asserted a counterclaim for collection of royalties and other overdue charges in an amount of approximately $12,000. This matter was settled in June 2001. Under the settlement, NWR is to pay the franchisee approximately $60,000, over time, including stock and royalty and product discounts.
Noureddine Solhi and Hadria. Inc. v. New World Coffee & Bagels. Inc., Ramin Kamfar and Jerold Novack (American Arbitration Association, New York, Case No. 13-114-00389-00). This arbitration was begun in September 2000 by Noureddine Solhi and Hadria, Inc., the franchisees of a New World Coffee store at 126 Rockland Plaza, Nanuet, New York, alleging fraudulent inducement, violations of the New York franchise law, and breach of contract, and also seeking rescission of the franchise agreement, damages of $140,000, and attorneys' fees against NWR. The New York franchise law claims were also asserted against Ramin Kamfar and Jerold Novack in their individual capacities. NWR asserted a counterclaim for unpaid royalties, payment for product purchases, and rent in an amount equal to approximately $40,000. This matter was settled on July 24, 2001. Under the settlement, NWR is to pay the franchisee $35,000 over time.
Jason Gennusa. Andrew Gennusa. and Zebu Forno Enters.. LLC v. New World Restaurant Group. Inc. (Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Monmouth County, Docket No. L-1164-03, filed March 17, 2003). In this matter, the plaintiffs were the two original owners of the Manhattan Bagel system and their new company. They brought an action seeking a declaratory judgment that they: (a) had not actually sold us the recipes when they sold us the Manhattan Bagel system and the stock of our company in 1998; (b) were free to solicit business from Manhattan Bagel franchisees; and (c) were entitled to use the original Manhattan Bagel recipe to produce bagels and sell them to Manhattan Bagel franchisees. We filed a counterclaim, asserting that the Gennusas had violated their confidentiality agreement by producing bagels using the recipes that they sold to us (along with the sale of the company) in 1998, and that the Gennusas were also tortiously interfering in our contractual relationships with our franchisees. In July 2003, we reached a settlement under which the Gennusas and their company abandoned all of their claims, agreed to do all of the things that we asked for in our counterclaim, and in which we compensated the Gennusas a certain amount to defray some of the cost of transitioning their company's business so that it no longer sold bagels to our franchisees.
Related to the Gennusa action, above, was another action encaptioned Kaufman v. New World Restaurant Group. Inc. (Superior Court of New Jersey, Monmouth County, Chancery Division, No. MON-C-158-03, filed June 2, 2003). This action was joined with the Gennusa lawsuit, noted above. This action was filed by four franchisees seeking the right to buy bagels from the Gennusas' company, and alleged breach of contract, fraud, violation of the New Jersey Franchise Practices Act, and constructive termination. We responded and sought a dismissal of the complaints. Before the court could hold a hearing, the plaintiffs dismissed all of their claims with prejudice.
Manhattan Bagel of Northeast. Inc. and Ellen Fishlevich v. Manhattan Bagel Company, Inc. and New World Restaurant Group, Inc. (Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Monmouth County, Docket No. L-3166-04, filed August 11, 2004). This is a lawsuit filed by former franchisee (who was a plaintiff in the Kaufman case, above, and whose claims were dismissed with prejudice in that action) who later claimed that MBC engaged in fraud by not disclosing changes to its product formulation. We filed a motion to stay their action pending arbitration, and the plaintiffs counsel consented. Although the case (including our claims seeking to recover $150,000 that the plaintiff owes to us) is pending in the arbitration proceeding, the plaintiffs have since sought protection under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and the arbitration proceeding has been stayed pending the outcome of those bankruptcy proceedings.
2004, a settlement agreement was signed in which NWR agreed to pay the landlord $3 million to cover the remaining rents and other costs.
New World Restaurant Group. Inc. v. Jasbir Jassal. (Civil Court, New York City and County: Housing Division, Index No. L&T 078354/05, filed June 28, 2005). NWR filed an action against a former New World Coffee franchisee (who is also a subtenant of certain retail space) seeking possession of the sublet premises and a money judgment against the respondent for $425,353.01. Shortly after NWR filed this action, the defendant filed a separate lawsuit, alleging that in 1998, NWR committed fraud and misrepresentation in his original purchase of the franchise (that lawsuit is captioned Jasbir Jassal v. New World Coffee and Bagels. Inc.. and is now pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Docket No. 1:05-cv-03803 (FB)(RML) (the case was originally filed on August 4, 2005 in the Supreme Court of New York, County of Queens, Index No. 16412/05, and removed to U.S. District Court on August 10, 2005). Both of these cases remain pending.
Other than these 36 actions, no litigation is required to be disclosed in this offering circular.
CGC and 00-4448-ECF-CGC). ENBC and ENBP remained in possession of their respective assets as Debtors in Possession. In February 2001, ENBC and ENBP filed a joint motion in their bankruptcy cases to sell substantially all of their assets, including the Einstein and Noah Restaurant System. On June 1, 2001, the Bankruptcy Court approved and entered an Order approving the sale to us of the Einstein and Noah Restaurant System and related assets that MBC and ENBP were selling through these proceedings. On June 19, 2001, ENBC and ENBP consummated a sale of substantially all of their assets (including 100% ownership of ENBPI) to ENC. On August 5, 2003, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Arizona granted the motion for entry of final decree closing the bankruptcy cases filed by ENBC and ENBP. The Chapter 11 cases were closed on August 20, 2003.
On November 19, 1997, MBC filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition (U.S. Bankr. Court for the District of New Jersey, Case 97-53360) and remained in possession of its assets as a Debtor in Possession. On November 20, 1998, the court confirmed MBC's First Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization. Under the terms of the First Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization, NWR purchased us and our assets. Since then, NWR has owned and operated MBC as a wholly-owned subsidiary.
Other than these actions, no person previously identified in Item 1 or officer identified in Item 2, of this offering circular has been involved as a debtor in proceedings under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code required to be disclosed in this Item.
If you are going to be a Developer, then you will sign an Area Development Agreement and pay us a non-refundable area development fee in the amount of $5,000 for each Restaurant to be opened under the Area Development Agreement. The number of Restaurants that you will develop under the Area Development Agreement is determined by a mutual agreement between you and us, and will vary depending on a number of factors, such as: (1) the existing population and anticipated population growth within the Development Area; (2) competition within the Development Area; (3) the availability of acceptable locations within the Development Area; and (4) the number of Restaurants we estimate can be developed within the Development Area.
The area development fee will be due in a lump sum upon the signing of an Area Development Agreement. Payment of the area development fee will be in addition to the payment of initial franchise fees upon the execution of Franchise Agreements for the Restaurants developed under the Area Development Agreement and, as described below, we will credit you $5,000 from the area development fee toward the initial franchise fee required under the Franchise Agreement for each Restaurant that you timely open according to the Development Schedule (so long as you have met your obligations under the Area Development Agreement and any Franchise Agreements already in effect). The total of the credits available to be applied to your initial franchise fees will be the total that you have paid to us in area development fees.
The area development fee is calculated in a uniform manner, but may not be the same absolute number for all developers, because of differences in how many Restaurants a developer may agree to develop in a particular Development Area.
The initial franchise fee under a Franchise Agreement is $35,000, and must be paid in full when the Franchise Agreement is signed. If there is a credit available from your area development fee (as described above), then that credit will be applied to reduce your payment. The initial franchise fee will be fully earned when paid, must be paid in one lump-sum amount, excluding any required deposits, and will not be refundable. The initial fee is uniform.
In addition to the fees described above, you may also choose to buy some items from us or from our affiliates, directly or indirectly (for example, through distributors). These may include equipment, your opening inventory of proprietary products, and marketing materials. Your purchases of these items are likely to total approximately $3,500 to $10,000. There are additional items that you will have to buy as part of your initial outlays, as described in Item 7 below.
Proceeds from the initial franchise fees and development fees go into our general fund and, in part, compensate us for the lost or deferred opportunity to franchise others and, in part, is used to pay or defray some of the costs we may incur as a result of: (1) screening and approving prospective franchisees; (2) providing advice and assistance to franchisees; (3) incurring legal fees, accounting fees, and other costs to comply with the federal and state laws governing this offering; (4) developing, registering, and protecting the Proprietary Marks; (5) prior research and development relating to the System; (6) prior development of our training programs, new restaurant training, or on-going training; and (7) marketing and general administrative expenses.
See the description of "Gross Sales" above.
Spent to promote the grand opening of your restaurant You must submit a marketing plan for our review and approval. We may require you to deposit the funds with us to distribute as needed to conduct the Grand Opening Advertising Program.
Payable only if you make a transfer (as defined in the agreement), which includes the sale of your franchise or your company.
Only due if you don't pay us the amounts you owe on time. Interest will be charged only on overdue amounts and will start to accrue on the date when the payment was originally due.
Only if you are in default under the Franchise Agreement, in which case you must reimburse us for the expenses we incur (including reasonable attorneys' fees) as a result of your default and to enforce and terminate the agreement.
Under the Area Development Agreement, we will conduct an on-site evaluation for each proposed Restaurant. If there are any additional on-site evaluations needed, you will have to reimburse us for our reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with those additional on-site evaluations (including for example the costs of travel, lodging, wages, and meals).
tf you propose a new supplier of products, and we inspect the supplier or test the supplier's products, we may charge you or the supplier for our costs in conducting those inspections or running those tests.
All costs and expenses associated with the audit, reasonable accounting and legal costs.

References: v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v.