Document:

exv10w1

Exhibit 10.1

Execution Copy

AFFINITY AGREEMENT

     This Affinity Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made effective as of the 30th day of
June, 2010 (the “Effective Date”), by and among UniGroup, Inc. (“UniGroup”), a
Missouri corporation, on the one hand, and Vanliner Insurance Company, a Missouri domiciled
insurance company, TransProtection Service Company, a Missouri insurance agency (with Vanliner
Insurance Company and TransProtection Service Company collectively referred to herein as the
“Vanliner Companies”), and National Interstate Insurance Company (“National
Interstate”), an Ohio domiciled insurance company, on the other hand.

WHEREAS, UniGroup is the ultimate parent company of Mayflower Transit, LLC (“Mayflower”)
and United Van Lines, LLC (“United”, with Mayflower and United collectively referred to
herein as the “Van Lines”); and

WHEREAS, the Vanliner Companies are in the business of selling, underwriting, marketing and
administering property and casualty insurance policies and related insurance coverages for the
moving and storage and specialty products transportation industries in the United States; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to a Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) dated as of April 26,
2010, by and among UniGroup, National Interstate and National Interstate Corporation, (i) National
Interstate agreed to acquire, and UniGroup agreed to sell, all of the issued and outstanding
capital stock of Vanliner Group, Inc., which is the parent company of the Vanliner Companies and
(ii) National Interstate Corporation agreed to acquire, and UniGroup agreed to sell, the Owned IT
Assets (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) (collectively, the “Transaction”); and

WHEREAS, UniGroup and the Vanliner Companies desire to establish an affinity relationship whereby,
subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, (a) UniGroup will agree to endorse and
designate the Vanliner Companies as its exclusively-endorsed insurance provider for commercial
property and casualty and workers’ compensation insurance policies and insurance coverages of the
type offered and sold by the Vanliner Companies as of the date hereof (the “Vanliner
Products”) to independent agents of the Van Lines (the “Van Lines Agents”) and
independent owner-operators that are qualified to handle shipments under the Van Lines’ authority
(the “Independent Owner-Operators”), in each case, with respect to the United States
domestic interstate household goods and commercial moving and storage business of UniGroup (the
“U.S. M&S Business”), and (b) UniGroup will agree not to endorse or promote any other
insurance agent or carrier with respect to the Vanliner Products offered to the Van Lines Agents in
connection with the U.S. M&S Business; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and subject to the terms, conditions and exceptions set
forth therein, UniGroup has agreed, for a period of five (5) years following the Closing Date, not
to directly or indirectly engage in the Competing Business (as defined in the Purchase Agreement);
and

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WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of a Trademark License Agreement (the “License Agreement”)
dated as of the date hereof, UniGroup and the Van Lines have agreed to provide National Interstate
and the Vanliner Companies a royalty free, non-transferable, irrevocable license to use, solely for
the purposes described in such License Agreement, and subject to the terms, conditions and
restrictions set forth therein, the “UniGroup”, “Mayflower” and “United” images and logos in the
Vanliner Companies’ advertising, marketing and sales documents during the term of this Agreement,
in each case, in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of the License Agreement;

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of a Transition Services Agreement (the “Transition Services
Agreement”) dated as of the date hereof, UniGroup has agreed to provide the Vanliner Companies
certain services specified therein in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of
the Transition Services Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the parties wish to memorialize an ongoing affinity relationship by entering into this
Agreement.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the Transaction, the promises and mutual covenants herein, and
for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby
acknowledged, UniGroup, the Vanliner Companies and National Interstate hereby agree as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS. Unless otherwise defined in this Agreement, capitalized terms used herein
shall have the meanings specified in the Purchase Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the
following terms shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to both
the singular and the plural forms of the terms defined):

“Customer Service Standards” means the agreed upon service standards set forth in
Exhibit A of this Agreement applicable to the sale, service and administration of the
Vanliner Products by the Vanliner Companies to the Van Lines Agents.

“Vanliner’s Designated Representative” means the person or persons that the Vanliner
Companies designate from time to time as the individual(s) to receive insurance inquiries of the
Van Lines Agents.

2. DESIGNATED EXCLUSIVELY-ENDORSED INSURANCE PROVIDER. UniGroup hereby designates and
endorses the Vanliner Companies as its exclusively-endorsed insurance provider (the “Designated
Exclusively-Endorsed Insurance Provider”) of Vanliner Products to all Van Lines Agents with
respect to the U.S. M&S Business (the “Endorsement”). Pursuant to this Endorsement,
UniGroup agrees to the following during the term of this Agreement:

     (a) Notifying Agents and Independent Owner-Operators. No later than fifteen (15)
Business Days following the date hereof and at least once during each six (6)-month period
thereafter, UniGroup agrees to inform the Van Lines Agents in writing that the Vanliner Companies
are the Designated Exclusively-Endorsed Insurance Provider of

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Vanliner Products with respect to the U.S. M&S Business. Additionally, with respect to new
Van Lines Agents, UniGroup agrees to inform such Van Lines Agents in writing, as part of the
standard information package provided to new Van Lines Agents, that the Vanliner Companies are the
Designated Exclusively-Endorsed Insurance Provider of Vanliner Products with respect to the U.S.
M&S Business. In addition, if and to the extent UniGroup or the Van Lines provide any written or
electronic newsletter, announcement or other publication to any Independent Owner-Operators,
UniGroup shall, or shall cause the Van Lines to, at least once during each six (6) month period,
use such publications to inform such Independent Owner-Operators that the Vanliner Companies are
the Designated Exclusively-Endorsed Insurance Provider of the Vanliner Products with respect to the
U.S. M&S Business.

     (b) Agents and Owner-Operators Seeking Insurance Information. UniGroup agrees that
when a Van Lines Agent or an Independent Owner-Operator asks or otherwise seeks information on
insurance placement for Vanliner Products from UniGroup, UniGroup will direct such Van Lines Agent
or Independent Owner-Operator to contact Vanliner’s Designated Representative.

     (c) Participation in Events and Meetings. UniGroup agrees that the Vanliner
Companies, at their own cost and discretion (which costs charged by UniGroup shall be determined in
substantially the same manner as such costs have historically been determined by UniGroup for such
participation, including by allowing historically consistent discounts to the amount of fees
charged to the Vanliner Companies), shall be permitted to participate as the exclusive vendor of
Vanliner Products in the following Van Lines Agents events (in each case, to the same extent the
Vanliner Companies were historically permitted to participate, e.g., the Vanliner Companies will
generally be permitted to participate in social events held during such events, but the Vanliner
Companies will not be permitted to participate in any business or other shareholder sessions):

     (i) the Annual Convention;

     (ii) the Annual Learning Conference;

     (iii) the District Shareholder Meetings; and

     (iv) the Annual Shareholder Meeting.

UniGroup shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to notify the Vanliner Companies of such
events in writing at least sixty (60) days in advance thereof or, if such sixty (60) day notice
period is impracticable given the timing of the scheduling of any such event, with as much prior
notice as is reasonably practicable, but in no event less than fourteen (14) days prior to the date
of such event.

     (d) Posting Information on UniGroup Website. UniGroup agrees that, to the extent
UniGroup maintains an internet website that may be accessed by Van Lines Agents, UniGroup will (i)
include a hyperlink on its website to the Vanliner Companies’

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website (with any disclaimers required by applicable Law or that are deemed appropriate by
UniGroup in its reasonable discretion) and (ii) provide the Vanliner Companies with an opportunity
to submit other information regarding the Vanliner Products for posting on UniGroup’s website;
provided that UniGroup shall have the sole discretion to determine whether to post such
other information as submitted by the Vanliner Companies. If UniGroup determines not to post on
its website such other information as submitted by the Vanliner Companies, UniGroup shall cooperate
in good faith with the Vanliner Companies’ efforts to revise and re-submit such information in a
manner and format that is acceptable to UniGroup for posting on its website.

     (e) Quarterly Reports. Subject to applicable Law and UniGroup’s applicable privacy
policies (which privacy policies the parties acknowledge may be amended or otherwise changed by
UniGroup at any time and from time to time in its sole discretion; provided that such
amendments or changes are not made in bad faith for the purpose of prohibiting or restricting the
performance by UniGroup of its obligations hereunder), UniGroup agrees that, within fifteen (15)
Business Days following the closing of each calendar quarter, it will give Vanliner’s Designated
Representative a written notice of the business name, contact name and updated contact information
(e.g., mailing address, phone number and email address) for each then current Van Lines Agent and
each then current Independent Owner-Operator; provided that, with regard to any such
Independent Owner-Operators, the obligations of this Section 2(e) shall cease in the event
that the Vanliner Companies cease to offer specialized insurance policies and insurance coverage to
such Independent Owner-Operators.

     (f) Submissions for Publications. UniGroup shall allow the Vanliner Companies to
purchase advertising space and submit articles to be considered for inclusion in newsletters,
announcements and other publications that UniGroup sends or provides to the Van Lines Agents. Any
advertising space or rights purchased by the Vanliner Companies shall be at rates determined in a
manner substantially similar to the manner in which such rates historically have been determined by
UniGroup (for the Vanliner Companies) for similar space, impressions and duration.

     (g) Exclusive Endorsement. Subject to the programs described in Schedule 5.11(b)(v)
of the Purchase Agreement, UniGroup agrees, during the term of this Agreement, that it shall not
endorse or promote any other insurance agent or insurance carrier with respect to the Vanliner
Products for the Van Lines Agents or the Independent Owner-Operators with respect to the U.S. M&S
Business. Nothing in this Agreement shall (i) prevent UniGroup or the Van Lines from endorsing
other insurance agents or insurance carriers with respect to insurance products other than the
Vanliner Products or with respect to UniGroup businesses other than the U.S. M&S Business or (ii)
require that UniGroup take any action with respect to the Endorsement other than as expressly
contemplated by the terms of this Agreement.

     (h) TSA Services. UniGroup agrees to provide, among other services, certain invoicing
services to the Vanliner Companies in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of
the Transition Services Agreement.

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     (i) Independent Parties. The parties acknowledge and agree that the insurance
purchasing decisions of the Van Lines Agents and the Independent Owner-Operators are not subject to
the control of UniGroup or the Van Lines.

     (j) Audit and Inspection Rights. No more than twice during any twelve (12) month
period, and upon giving at least five (5) Business Days’ prior written notice, the Vanliner
Companies, or their Representatives, will have the right to audit, examine and copy during regular
business hours, at the offices of UniGroup, the books, records, statements, correspondence,
reports, and other documents directly related to, or otherwise necessary to evaluate, the
performance of UniGroup’s obligations under this Agreement, subject to the confidentiality
provisions contained in this Agreement. In the event any of the Vanliner Companies exercise their
inspection rights set forth herein, UniGroup shall provide a reasonable work space for such audit,
examination or copying, cooperate fully and faithfully, and produce any and all materials
reasonably requested to be produced, subject to this Section 2(j) and the confidentiality
provisions contained in this Agreement. The expenses related to any such inspections shall be
borne by the Vanliner Companies; provided that upon any breach by UniGroup of its
obligations hereunder, the Vanliner Companies’ reasonable out of pocket expenses relating to such
inspections shall be reimbursed by UniGroup.

     (k) Compliance with Law. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement,
nothing in this Agreement shall obligate or otherwise require UniGroup to (and UniGroup shall not
be obligated or otherwise required to cause any of its Affiliates to) take any action that would
reasonably be expected to result in a violation of Law, including any applicable insurance Laws.

3. CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDARDS; VANLINER PRODUCTS.

     (a) Customer Service. During the term of this Agreement, the Vanliner Companies agree
to provide the Van Lines Agents with such services as are reasonably necessary in connection with
the offering, sale and administration of the Vanliner Products, in each case, in accordance with
the Customer Service Standards. The Vanliner Companies agree that, within fifteen (15) Business
Days following the closing of each calendar quarter, it will provide UniGroup with a report (the
“Customer Service Report”) which describes in reasonable detail the Vanliner Companies’
compliance or non-compliance, as the case may be, with the Customer Service Standards.

     (b) Audit and Inspection Rights. No more than twice during any twelve (12) month
period, and upon giving at least five (5) Business Days’ prior written notice, UniGroup, or its
Representatives, will have the right to audit, examine and copy during regular business hours, at
the offices of any of the Vanliner Companies, the books, records, statements, correspondence,
reports, and other documents directly related to, or otherwise necessary to evaluate, the Vanliner
Companies’ compliance with the Customer Service Standards or performance of their other obligations
under this Agreement, subject to the confidentiality provisions contained in this Agreement. In
the event UniGroup exercises its inspection rights set forth herein, the Vanliner Companies shall
provide a

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reasonable work space for such audit, examination or copying, cooperate fully and faithfully,
and produce any and all materials reasonably requested to be produced, subject to this Section 3(b)
and the confidentiality provisions contained in this Agreement. The expenses related to any such
inspections shall be borne by UniGroup; provided that upon any failure by the Vanliner
Companies to meet the Customer Service Standards, UniGroup’s reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
relating to such inspections shall be reimbursed by the Vanliner Companies.

     (c) Notice Upon Product Discontinuance. The Vanliner Companies agree to provide
UniGroup with prompt written notice in the event that it makes a determination to discontinue
offering any of the Vanliner Products to the Van Lines Agents with respect to the U.S. M&S
Business.

     (d) Alternative Insurance Coverage. In the event that the Vanliner Companies reject a
policy application from a Van Lines Agent or Independent Owner-Operator with respect to the U.S.
M&S Business, National Interstate shall, or shall cause the Vanliner Companies to, use commercially
reasonable efforts to assist such Van Lines Agent or Independent Owner-Operator in obtaining
alternative insurance coverages.

     (e) Loss Prevention/Loss Control Services. The Vanliner Companies agree to provide
the Van Lines Agents with loss prevention and loss control services at a level that is similar in
all material respects to the level historically provided by the Vanliner Companies to the Van
Lines Agents. Such services will include, without limitation, on-site customer visits, customer
risk assessments and consultations, seminars, webinars, newsletters, video resources, discounted
products and materials and safety recognition programs. The cost of such services may be included
in the premiums charged to such Van Lines Agents.

4. CONFIDENTIALITY. UniGroup and its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Vanliner
Companies, National Interstate and their respective Affiliates, on the other hand, shall, and shall
cause their respective Representatives to, maintain in confidence, and not use to the detriment of
the other party (including for the purposes of competing with the other party or its Affiliates),
any written, oral or other information relating to or obtained from the other party or its
Affiliates, except that the foregoing requirements of this Section 4 shall not apply to the extent
that (i) any such information is or becomes generally available to the public other than (A) in the
case of the Vanliner Companies and National Interstate, as a result of disclosure by UniGroup, its
Affiliates or any of its Representatives and (B) in the case of UniGroup, as a result of disclosure
by the Vanliner Companies, National Interstate or any of their respective Affiliates or
Representatives, (ii) any such information is required by applicable Law, Governmental Order or a
Governmental Authority to be disclosed after prior notice that has been given to the other party,
(iii) any such information is to be disclosed in connection with any Action, or (iv) any such
information was or becomes available to such party on a non-confidential basis and from a source
(other than a party to this Agreement or any Affiliate or Representative of such party) that is not
bound by a confidentiality agreement. Each of

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the parties hereto shall instruct its Affiliates and Representatives having access to such information of such
obligation of confidentiality.

5. TERM AND TERMINATION.

     (a) Term. Subject to the provisions of this Section 5, the term of this Agreement
shall commence on the Effective Date and shall remain in full force and effect for five (5) years
from the date hereof unless sooner terminated or extended for an additional five (5) year-period
until or unless this Agreement is terminated in accordance with this Section 5.

     (b) Termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Customer Service Report shows
that the Vanliner Companies have failed to meet the Customer Service Standards during the prior
calendar quarter (any such Customer Service Report being referred to herein as a “Non-Compliant
Customer Service Report”), the Vanliner Companies shall have thirty (30) days from the date of
such Non-Compliant Customer Service Report to give UniGroup a written action plan to cure each
deficiency identified in such Non-Compliant Customer Service Report during the calendar quarter
immediately following the period covered by the Non-Compliant Customer Service Report. If the
Customer Service Report for the calendar quarter immediately following the period covered by the
Non-Compliant Customer Service Report reflects that each deficiency identified in the Non-Compliant
Customer Service Report was not cured by the Vanliner Companies, then UniGroup may terminate this
Agreement by providing thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the Vanliner Companies.
Notwithstanding anything in this Section 5(b) to the contrary, in no event shall UniGroup be
permitted to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 5(b) prior to the second
(2nd) annual anniversary of the Effective Date.

     (c) Partial Termination. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary,
in the event that the Vanliner Companies discontinue offering any Vanliner Products to the Van
Lines Agents, UniGroup may terminate the Endorsement with respect to such discontinued Vanliner
Product by providing thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the Vanliner Companies.

     (d) No Waiver. No failure by UniGroup to exercise any right under this Section 5 to
terminate this Agreement or any portion of the Endorsement shall constitute a waiver of such right,
and such right shall be reserved for so long as the conditions giving rise to such right exist.

6. NOTICES. All notices, instructions, requests, consents, claims, demands and other
communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and shall be
deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery in person, by overnight courier
service, by facsimile with receipt confirmed (followed by delivery of an original via overnight
courier service) or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to
the respective parties at the following

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addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in
accordance with this Section 6):

	 	(a)	 	if to UniGroup:
	 
	 	 	 	UniGroup, Inc.

One Premier Drive

Fenton, Missouri 63026

Attention: Chief Executive Officer

                 General Counsel

Facsimile: (636) 349-3945
	 
	 	 	 	with a copy to:
	 
	 	 	 	Sidley Austin LLP

One South Dearborn

Chicago, Illinois 60603

Attention: Brian J. Fahrney

                 Sean M. Carney

Facsimile: (312) 853-7036
	 
	 	(b)	 	if to the Vanliner Companies:
	 
	 	 	 	National Interstate Insurance Company

c/o National Interstate Corporation

3250 Interstate Drive

Richfield, Ohio 44286

Attention: General Counsel
	 
	 	 	 	Facsimile: 330-659-8958
	 
	 	 	 	with a copy to:
	 
	 	 	 	Thompson Hine LLP

127 Public Square, Suite 3900

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Attention: April Miller Boise

Facsimile: (216) 566-5800

7. MISCELLANEOUS.

     (a) Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL IN ALL RESPECTS BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED
IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE
PERFORMED ENTIRELY WITHIN SUCH STATE WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES OF
SUCH STATE TO THE EXTENT SUCH PRINCIPLES OR RULES WOULD REQUIRE OR PERMIT THE APPLICATION OF THE
LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION.

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     (b) Survival. Section 4 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

     (c) Assignment. This Agreement may not be assigned by any party hereto without the
prior written consent of the other parties hereto. Any attempted assignment in violation of this
Section 7 shall be void. This Agreement shall be binding upon, shall inure to the benefit of, and
shall be enforceable by the parties hereto and their permitted successors and assigns.

     (d) No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is for the sole benefit of the
parties to this Agreement and their permitted successors and assigns and nothing in this Agreement,
express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person or entity any legal or
equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

     (e) Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties
hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and
undertakings, both written and oral in regard thereto.

     (f) Amendment and Waiver. No provision of this Agreement may be amended, supplemented
or modified except by a written instrument signed by all the parties hereto. No waiver of
compliance with any term or provision of this Agreement shall be effective except by an instrument
in writing. Failure to insist upon strict compliance with any of the terms, covenants, or
conditions hereof shall not be a waiver of such terms, covenants, or conditions. No waiver or
relinquishment of any right hereunder at any one time(s) shall be deemed a waiver or relinquishment
of such rights at any other time(s).

     (g) Submission to Jurisdiction. Each Party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally:

     (i) submits for itself and its property in any Action arising out of or relating to
this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereunder, the formation, breach, termination
or validity of this Agreement or the recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect
of this Agreement, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York
sitting in the County of New York, the court of the United States of America for the
Southern District of New York, and appellate courts having jurisdiction of appeals from any
of the foregoing, and agrees that all claims in respect of any such Action shall be heard
and determined in such New York courts or, to the extent permitted by law, in such federal
court;

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

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     (iii) agrees that service of process in any such Action may be effected by mailing a
copy of such process by registered or certified mail (or any substantially similar form of
mail), postage prepaid, to such party at its address in accordance with Section 6;
and

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

     (h) Rules of Construction. Interpretation of this Agreement shall be governed by the
following rules of construction: (a) words in the singular shall be held to include the plural and
vice versa, and words of one gender shall be held to include the other gender as the context
requires; (b) references to Articles, Sections, paragraphs, Exhibits and Schedules are references
to the Articles, Sections, paragraphs, Exhibits and Schedules to this Agreement unless otherwise
specified; (c) references to “$” shall mean U.S. dollars; (d) the word “including” and words of
similar import when used in this Agreement shall mean “including without limiting the generality of
the foregoing,” unless otherwise specified; (e) the word “or” shall not be exclusive; (f) the
headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any
way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement; and (g) this Agreement shall be construed
without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the
party drafting or causing any instrument to be drafted.

     (i) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, and by
the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed
to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Agreement by facsimile shall be as
effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

[REMAINDER OF THE PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Affinity Agreement to be executed with an
Effective Date as first written above.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

	UniGroup, Inc.	 	 	 	Vanliner Insurance Company	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:	 	/s/ Richard H. McClure	 	 	 	By:	 	/s/ Gale D. Preston	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Print Name:
	 	Richard H. McClure
	 	 	 	 	 	Print Name:
	 	Gale D. Preston	 	 
	 

	 	Its:
	 	President
	 	 	 	 	 	Its:
	 	President	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	TransProtection Service Company	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	By:	 	/s/ Gale D. Preston	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Print Name:
	 	Gale D. Preston	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Its:
	 	President	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	National Interstate Insurance Company	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	By:	 	/s/ David W. Michelson	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Print Name:
	 	David W. Michelson	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Its:
	 	President	 	 

[signature page to Affinity Agreement]

11Exhibit 10.19

Exhibit 10.19

	 	 	 
	June 30, 2010

	 	CONFIDENTIAL

Edward P. Hennessey

Chairman and CEO

CleanTech BioFuels, Inc.

7386 Pershing Avenue

St. Louis, MO 63130

Dear Ed:

This Agreement (the “Agreement”) confirms the understanding between CleanTech Biofuels, Inc., its subsidiaries, and
affiliates (collectively, “Client” or the “Company”) and Houlihan Smith & Company, Inc. (“Houlihan” or “Advisor”). We
understand that Management of the Company has requested assistance to explore a range of strategic alternatives and/or
transactions to maximize stakeholder value. Following are the terms and conditions of this Agreement:

	1)	 	Engagement Scope and Services: Houlihan will provide the following services to the Committee:

	 	a)	 	Evaluate any strategic financing or transaction alternatives offered to the Client and its stockholders
by any party, including but not limited to:

	 	•	 	Assisting and advising in the solicitation of proposals

	 	•	 	Analysis and evaluation of proposals

	 	•	 	Negotiation and structuring of proposals

	 	•	 	Issuance of new debt or equity by the Client

	 	•	 	Sale of a minority or controlling share of the Company’s issued and outstanding equity

	 	•	 	Sale of a material portion of the Company’s assets

	 	•	 	Joint Venture or other business combination

For the purposes of this Agreement, the aforementioned strategic financing and transaction alternatives will
individually or collectively be referred to as “Transaction” or “Transactions.” All parties who contact client
regarding a Transaction or become aware of Client’s desire to explore a Transaction during the term of this Agreement
shall be referred to as “Prospective Parties.” To assure a coordinated effort, Client and Houlihan shall refer to one
another all Prospective Parties, including Client’s existing Prospective Parties.

	2)	 	Term. This Agreement shall be in effect for a period of one year beginning from the date of this signed
Agreement and continue thereafter until terminated by either party upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice.

	3)	 	Information. Client or its representatives shall furnish accurate and complete financial and other information
regarding Client’s business (collectively, “Information”). Client represents and warrants that at all time such
Information shall be true and correct and will promptly inform Advisor of any changes in the accuracy of
Information or performance of the Client’s business. Advisor does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or
completeness of the Information, will rely upon the Information and shall have no obligation to independently
verify the accuracy of the Information. Client may furnish Advisor with certain information concerning Client
that is confidential and proprietary in nature and Advisor agrees that such information shall be treated as
confidential (the “Confidential Information”) during the term of the Agreement and for a period of three (3) years
following the termination of the Agreement.

 

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	4)	 	Fees. To compensate Advisor for its services pursuant to this Agreement, Client agrees to pay Advisor the
following fees:

Advisory Fee: Client agrees to pay Advisor a non-refundable fee of $30,000 (the “Advisory Fee”). Payment of the
Advisory Fee shall be made in three equal payments of $10,000. The first payment shall be due upon execution of
this agreement, the second payment shall be due July 28, 2010, and the third payment due August 28, 2010.

Success Fee: In the event that a Transaction is consummated with one or more Prospective Parties, Client shall pay
to Advisor a fee (“Success Fee”) as follows:

	 	a)	 	Senior and Subordinated Debt: Two-percent (2.0%) of the committed amount of any senior and
subordinated debt financing.

	 	b)	 	Equity: Two-percent (2.0%) of the committed amount of any equity financing.

	 	c)	 	Business Combination: Two-percent (2.0%) of the economic value received from any business
combination. Economic value is the total consideration paid by Prospective Parties to the Client including,
but not limited to, cash, notes (including debt assumed by Prospective Parties), stock, contract payments
(such as employment, earn-outs determined by estimating the cumulative economic value of Client’s and
Prospective Parties’ forecast, rental, royalty, license) in excess of historical amounts or prevailing arm’s
length terms and company property retained by the Client.

Notwithstanding the above fee schedule, a minimum fee of $200,000 shall be due Advisor if Client closes a
Transaction with a Prospective Party. During the initial term of this agreement the Client shall not incur a
success fee obligation, either at the scheduled amount or the minimum amount noted in the prior sentence, if it
raises less than $250,000 in a single or in a series of debt or equity financing Transactions with existing
investors in the CleanTech BioFuels. The Success Fee shall be paid in available funds by wire transfer to
Advisor immediately upon consummation of a Transaction during the term of this Agreement or during the two year
period following the termination of this Agreement if such Transaction is consummated with any Prospective
Parties.

	5)	 	Reimbursed Expenses. Client shall promptly reimburse Advisor for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred
by Advisor in connection with the matters contemplated by this Agreement. Advisor shall obtain Client’s prior
approval before incurring any reimbursable expenses.

	6)	 	Indemnification. If Advisor or any person associated with Advisor becomes involved in any way in any legal or
administrative proceeding related to the services performed hereunder, Client will indemnify, defend and hold
Advisor and any such person harmless from all damage and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees and
expenses and court costs) incurred in connection therewith, except to the extent that a court having jurisdiction
shall have determined in a final judgment that such loss, claim, damage or liability resulted primarily from the
gross negligence, bad faith, illegal acts, willful misfeasance, or reckless disregard of the obligations or duties
of Advisor hereunder.

	7)	 	No Representations. Advisor makes no representations, expressed or implied, that it will effect a Transaction of
Client as a result of the services furnished under this Agreement. The duties of Advisor shall not include legal
or accounting services, which shall be procured by Client at its own expense.

 

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	8)	 	Governing Law. The validity and interpretation of this agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of
Illinois. The parties agree any legal proceedings or actions shall be brought in and adjudicated by the courts of
Cook County Illinois.

	9)	 	Announcements. If a Transaction is consummated, Advisor may, at its option and expense, claim appropriate credit
for its Services to Client, including placing a “tombstone” announcement in such newspapers and periodicals as it
may select. Client shall have the right to review and approve such communications prior to public announcement,
provided however that such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.

	10)	 	Authority. By signing this Agreement the signing party represents that he or she has unconditional authority to
enter into this Agreement on behalf of Client. This is the entire agreement between the parties pertaining to its
subject matter and supersedes all prior agreements, representations and understandings of the parties. No
modification of this Agreement shall be binding unless agreed in writing by the parties.

If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please so indicate by executing the enclosed copy of this letter and
returning it to us.

Very truly yours,

Houlihan Smith & Company, Inc.

Joseph C. Lunkes, Managing Director

Accepted and agreed to this      day of June 2010

CleanTech BioFuels, Inc.                                    

Mr. Edward P. Hennessey, Chairman and CEO

 

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