Document:

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                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.5

                            STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

      This STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is entered into as of
August 31, 1999 by and between (i) The MacManus Group, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("MacManus") and (ii) Novo MediaGroup, Inc., a California
corporation ("Novo").

                                    RECITALS

      A. MacManus is a leading provider of media advertising, marketing and
advisory services and seeks to build a close relationship with a leading
provider of Internet media services.

      B. Novo is a leading provider of Internet development services and desires
to build a close relationship with a leading provider of media advertising,
marketing and advisory services.

      C. In order to effectuate the above transactions, MacManus and Novo have
determined that it is in the best interests of their respective shareholders for
Novo to sell and issue to MacManus shares of its Series A Preferred Stock in
exchange for the consideration as provided herein.

                               TERMS OF AGREEMENT

      In consideration of the mutual representations, warranties, covenants and
agreements contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE 1

                           PREFERRED ISSUANCE; CLOSING

      1.1 THE CLOSING. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
(a) the sale and issuance of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock (as defined
heroin), and (b) the other transactions contemplated hereby (the "Closing")
shall take place simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement by the
parties. The Closing shall take place at the offices of Britton Silberman &
Cervantez LLP, or such other place and time as the parties may otherwise agree,
and the date of the Closing is referred to herein as the "Closing Date."

      1.2 SALE AND ISSUANCE OF SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK

            (a) On or prior to the Closing Date, Novo shall adopt and file with
      the Secretary of State of the State of California the Amended and Restated
      Articles of Incorporation in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the
      "Restated Articles").

            (b) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the
      terms and conditions of the Investors' Rights Agreement (as defined
      below), MacManus agrees to purchase from Novo at the Closing and Novo
      agrees to sell and issue to MacManus at the

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      Closing an aggregate of Three Million Five Hundred Fifty One Thousand and
      Thirty-three (3,551,033) shares of the Series A Preferred Stock of Novo at
      a purchase price of $2.82 per share (the "Share Purchase Price"). The
      shares of Series A Preferred Stock issued to MacManus pursuant to this
      Agreement shall be hereinafter referred to as the, "Preferred Shares."

      1.3 PROCEDURE AT THE CLOSING. At the Closing, the parties agree that the
following shall occur:

            (a) MacManus shall have satisfied each of the applicable conditions
      set forth in Article 5 and shall deliver to Novo (i) the Share Purchase
      Price, by check payable to Novo or by wire transfer to Novo's bank
      account, and (ii) the documents, certificates, opinions, consents, letters
      and other items required by Article 5.

            (b) Novo shall have satisfied each of the applicable conditions set
      forth in Article 6 and shall deliver to MacManus (i) the certificates
      representing all of the Preferred Shares, and (ii) the documents,
      certificates, consents, letters and other items required by Article 6.

      1.4 ANCILLARY AGREEMENTS. At the Closing, and as a condition to the
obligations of the parties contained herein, Novo, MacManus, Kelly Rodriques and
Anthony Westreich shall enter into an Investors' Rights Agreement substantially
in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C (the "Investors' Rights Agreement").

      1.5 USE OF PROCEEDS OF SHARE PURCHASE PRICE. The parties agree that Novo
shall use the proceeds from the Share Purchase Price to provide for Novo's
expansion plans in the broad practice areas of interactive consulting and
engineering. MacManus acknowledges that Novo shall also be permitted to use a
portion of the proceeds from the Share Purchase Price to redeem shares of the
capital stock of Novo currently held by certain of Novo's shareholders having up
to an aggregate value of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00), as set forth in
Schedule 1.5 attached hereto.

                                    ARTICLE 2

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
                                     Of NOVO

      As a material inducement to MacManus to enter into this Agreement and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, and except as set forth in
applicable schedules attached hereto which shall be deemed part of any of the
representations set forth in this Article 2, Novo makes the following
representations and warranties to MacManus:

      2.1 CORPORATE STATUS. Novo is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of California, and has
the requisite power and authority to own or lease its properties and to carry on
its business as presently conducted. There is no pending or threatened
proceeding for the dissolution, liquidation, insolvency or rehabilitation of
Novo or, except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect on Novo.

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      2.2 POWER AND AUTHORITY. Subject to the approval of the Board of Directors
of Novo as contemplated by Section 5.4, Novo has the corporate power and
authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations
hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. Subject to the
approval of the Board of Directors of Novo as contemplated by Section 5.4, Novo
has taken all corporate action necessary to authorize its execution and delivery
of this Agreement and the other transactions contemplated hereby, the
performance of its obligations hereunder and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby.

      2.3 ENFORCEABILITY. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
Novo and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation enforceable against
Novo in accordance with its terms, except as the same may be limited by
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws
affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and general equitable
principles regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a
proceeding at law or in equity.

      2.4 CAPITALIZATION. (a) Schedule 2.4 sets forth, as of the date hereof,
with respect to Novo, (i) the number of authorized shares of each class of its
capital stock, and (ii) the number of issued and outstanding shares of each
class of its capital stock. All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital
stock (1) have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and
nonassessable, (2) were issued in compliance with all applicable state and
federal securities laws, and (3) were not issued in violation of any preemptive
rights or rights of first refusal or similar rights. No preemptive rights or
rights of first refusal or similar rights exist with respect to any shares of
capital stock of Novo and no such rights arise by virtue of or in connection
with the transactions contemplated hereby, there are no outstanding or
authorized rights, options, warrants, convertible securities, subscription
rights, conversion rights, exchange rights or other agreements or commitments of
any kind that could require Novo to issue or sell any shares of its capital
stock (or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of its capital
stock), there are no outstanding stock appreciation, phantom stock, profit
participation or other similar rights with respect to Novo, there are no
proxies, voting rights or other agreements or understandings with respect to the
voting or transfer of the capital stock of Novo and Novo is not obligated to
redeem or otherwise acquire any of its outstanding shares of capital stock.

(b) The shares of Series A Preferred Stock being issued by Novo pursuant to this
Agreement, and the underlying shares of Series C Common Stock, when issued,
exchanged and delivered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement for the
consideration expressed herein, or when such Series A Preferred Stock shares are
subsequently converted into Series C Common Stock shares, will be duly and
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and will be free of restrictions
on transfer other than restrictions on transfer under this Agreement or
agreements referred to in this Agreement or as applicable under Novo's charter
documents and under applicable state and federal securities laws.

      2.5 NO VIOLATION. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Novo,
the performance by Novo of its obligations hereunder and the consummation by
Novo of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not (a) contravene
any provision of the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of Novo, (b) violate or
conflict with any law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, decree, writ,
injunction, judgment, ruling or order of any Governmental Authority or of any
arbitration award which is either applicable to, binding upon,

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or enforceable against Novo, (c) conflict with, result in any breach of, or
constitute a default (or an event which would, with the passage of time or the
giving of notice or both, constitute a default) under, or give rise to a right
to terminate, amend, modify, abandon or accelerate, any Contract which resulted
in earnings to Novo of over 10% of the revenues of Novo during the last 12
months measured from the date of the Closing and which is applicable to, binding
upon or enforceable against Novo, (d) result in or require the creation or
imposition of any Lien upon or with respect to any of the property or assets of
Novo, (e) give to any individual or entity a right or claim against Novo, which
would have a Material Adverse Effect on Novo; or (f) require the consent,
approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification to, any
Governmental Authority, any court or tribunal or any other Person, except (i)
pursuant to the Securities Act, (ii) filings required under the securities or
blue sky laws of the various states, (iii) any filings or consents required to
be made or obtained by MacManus, and (iv) the consent of the Board of Directors
and Shareholders of Novo.

      2.6 RECORDS OF NOVO. The copies of the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws
and other documents and agreements of Novo which were provided to MacManus are
true, accurate, and complete and reflect all amendments made through the date of
this Agreement. The minute books and other records of corporate actions for Novo
made available to MacManus for review were correct and complete as of the date
of such review, no further entries have been made through the date of this
Agreement, such minute books and records contain the true signatures of the
persons purporting to have signed them, and such minute books and records
contain an accurate record of all actions of Novo and directors (and any
committees thereof) of Novo taken by written consent or at a meeting or
otherwise since incorporation or formation. All corporate actions by Novo have
been duly authorized or ratified. The stock ledger of Novo, as previously made
available to MacManus, contains accurate and complete records of all issuances,
transfers and cancellations of shares of the capital stock of Novo.

      2.7 NO SUBSIDIARIES. Novo does not own, directly or indirectly, any
outstanding voting securities of or other interest in, or control, any other
corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or other
entity.

      2.8 NOVO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Novo has delivered or made available to
MacManus the financial statements of Novo for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1998 and for the period ended June 30, 1999 (collectively, the "Novo Financial
Statements"). The balance sheet of Novo dated as of June 30, 1999 included in
the Novo Financial Statements is referred to herein as the "Current Novo Balance
Sheet." The Novo Financial Statements fairly present the financial position of
Novo at each of the balance sheet dates and have been prepared in accordance
with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods indicated. There are no
material special or non-recurring items of income or expense during the periods
covered by the Novo Financial Statements, and the balance sheets included in the
Novo Financial Statements do not reflect any write-up or revaluation increasing
the book value of any assets. The Novo Financial Statements reflect all
adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial information
contained therein.

      2.9 CHANGES SINCE THE CURRENT NOVO BALANCE SHEET DATE. Since the date of
the Current Novo Balance Sheet included in the Novo Financial Statements, except
as expressly contemplated by the terms of this Agreement, except as expressly
contemplated by the terms of

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this Agreement, not Material Adverse Change has occurred with respect to Novo
except as set forth in Schedule 2.9 or the other Schedules to this Agreement.

      2.10 LIABILITIES. Novo has no liabilities or obligations, whether accrued,
absolute, contingent or otherwise, except (a) to the extent reflected on Novo's
Current Balance Sheet and not heretofore paid or discharged, (b) liabilities
incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice since
the date of the Current Balance Sheet (none of which relates to (i) any breach
of contract or breach of warranty, or (ii) any tort, infringement or violation
of law, or which arose out of any action, suit, claim, governmental
investigation or arbitration proceeding), (c) liabilities incurred in the
ordinary course of business prior to the date of such entity's Current Balance
Sheet which, in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, were not required to
be recorded thereon and which, in the aggregate, are not material, and (d) as
set forth on Schedule 2.10 (the liabilities and obligations referenced in
clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d) above are referred to as the "Designated
Liabilities").

      2.11 LITIGATION. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.11 there is no action,
suit or other legal or administrative proceeding or governmental investigation
pending, or, to the knowledge of Novo, threatened (i) against, by or affecting
any Novo or any properties or assets of the same (including the Novo Leased
Premises), or (ii) which questions the validity or enforceability of this
Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, and there is no basis for any
of the foregoing. There are no outstanding orders, decrees or stipulations
issued by any Governmental Authority in any proceeding to which Novo is or was a
party which have not been complied with in full or which continue to impose any
obligations on Novo.

      2.12 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.

            (a) Except as set forth in Schedule 2.12(a), or except where a
      failure to comply would not have a Material Adverse Effect, Novo is and
      has at all times been in full compliance with all Environmental Laws
      governing the business, operations, properties and assets of Novo,
      including, without limitation: (i) all requirements relating to the
      Discharge and Handling of Hazardous Substances; (ii) all requirements
      relating to notice, record keeping and reporting; (iii) all requirements
      relating to obtaining and maintaining Licenses (as defined herein) for the
      ownership by Novo of its properties and assets and the operation of its
      business as presently conducted or the ownership and use by Novo of the
      Novo Leased Premises (as defined in Section 2.13); and (iv) all applicable
      writs, orders, judgments, injunctions, governmental communications,
      decrees, informational requests or demands issued pursuant to, or arising
      under, any Environmental Laws.

            (b) Except as set forth in Schedule 2.12(b), there are no notices or
      proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of Novo, threatened against or
      involving Novo, its businesses, operations, properties or assets
      (including the Novo Leased Premises) issued by any Governmental Authority
      or third party with respect to any Environmental Laws or Licenses issued
      to Novo thereunder in connection with, related to or arising out of the
      ownership or use by any of Novo of its properties or assets (including the
      Novo Leased Premises) or the operation of its businesses, which have not
      been resolved to the satisfaction of the issuing Governmental Authority or
      third party in a manner that would

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      not impose any material obligation, burden or continuing liability on Novo
      or MacManus in the event that the transactions contemplated by this
      Agreement are consummated.

            (c) For purposes of this Section, the following terms shall have the
      meanings ascribed to them below:

            "Discharge" means any manner of spilling, leaking, dumping,
      discharging, releasing, migrating or emitting, as any of such terms may
      further be defined in any Environmental Law, into or through any medium
      including, without limitation, ground water, surface water, land, soil or
      air.

            "Environmental Laws" means all federal state, regional or local
      statutes, laws rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, plans,
      injunctions, decrees, rulings, licenses, and changes thereto, or judicial
      or administrative interpretations thereof, or similar laws, whether
      currently in existence, issued, or promulgated, any of which govern,
      purport to govern or relate to pollution, protection of the environment,
      public health and safety, air emissions, water discharges, waste disposal,
      hazardous or toxic substances, solid or hazardous waste, occupational,
      health and safety, as any of these terms are or may be defined in such
      statutes, laws, rules, regulations, codes, orders, ordinances, plans,
      injunctions, decrees, rulings, licenses, and changes thereto, or judicial
      or administrative interpretations thereof.

            "Hazardous Substances" shall be construed broadly to include any
      toxic or hazardous substance, material or waste, and any other
      contaminant, pollutant or constituent thereof, whether liquid, solid,
      semi-solid, sludge and/or gaseous, including without limitation,
      chemicals, compounds, by-products, pesticides, asbestos containing
      materials, petroleum or petroleum products, and polychlorinated biphenyls,
      the presence of which requires investigation or remediation under any
      Environmental Laws or which are or become regulated, listed or controlled
      by, under or pursuant to any Environmental Laws, or which has been or
      shall be determined or interpreted at any time by any Governmental
      Authority to be a hazardous or toxic substance regulated under any other
      statute, law, regulation, order, code, rule, order, or decree.

            "Licences" means all licenses, certificates, permits, approvals,
      decrees and registrations.

      2.13 REAL ESTATE.

            (a) Novo owns no interest, directly or indirectly, in any real
      property. Except as listed on Schedule 2.13(a), there has been no real
      property (or any interest therein) owned by Novo within the past five (5)
      years.

            (b) Schedule 2.13(b) sets forth a list of all leases, licenses or
      similar agreements to which Novo is a party, which are for the use or
      occupancy of real estate owned by a third party ("Novo Leases") (copies of
      which have previously been furnished to MacManus), in each case setting
      forth: (i) the lessor and lessee thereof and the commencement date, term
      and renewal rights under each of the Novo Leases; (ii) the street address
      or legal description of each property covered thereby; and (iii) a brief

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      description (including approximate size and function) of the principal
      improvements and buildings thereon (the "Novo Leased Premises"). The Novo
      Leases are in full force and effect and have not been amended except as
      disclosed in Schedule 2.13(b), and no party thereto is in default or
      breach under any such Lease. No event has occurred which, with the passage
      of time or the giving of notice or both, would cause a breach of or
      default under any of such Novo Leases. With respect to each such Novo
      Leased Premises: (i) Novo has a valid leasehold interest in the Novo
      Leased Premises, which leasehold interest is free and clear of any Liens,
      covenants and easements or title defects of any nature whatsoever; (ii)
      the portions of the buildings located on the Novo Leased Premises that are
      used in the business of Novo are each in good repair and condition, normal
      wear and tear excepted, and are in the aggregate sufficient to satisfy
      Novo's current and reasonably anticipated normal business activities as
      conducted thereat; (iii) each of the Novo Leased Premises is served by all
      utilities in such quantity and quality as are sufficient to satisfy the
      current normal business activities conducted at such parcel; and (iv) Novo
      has not received notice of (A) any condemnation proceeding with respect to
      any portion of the Novo Leased Premises or any access thereto and, to the
      knowledge of Novo, no such proceeding is contemplated by any Governmental
      Authority; or (B) any special assessment which may affect any of the Novo
      Leased Premises and, to the knowledge of Novo, no such special assessment
      is contemplated by any Governmental Authority.

      2.14 BUSINESS; GOOD TITLE TO AND CONDITION OF ASSETS; INVENTORY.

(a) Novo owns and operates its business at the location(s) set forth on Schedule
    2.13(a). Except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 2.14, Novo has good
    and marketable title to, or other right or license to use, all of its owned
    Assets free and clear of any Liens. For purposes of this Agreement, the term
    "Assets" means all of the properties and assets of any nature owned or used
    by the party to which such term is applied.

(b) The Fixed Assets currently in use or necessary for the business and
    operations of Novo, are in good operating condition, normal wear and tear
    excepted. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Fixed Assets" means all
    computers, machinery, equipment, supplies, leasehold improvements, furniture
    and fixtures, owned, used by or located on the Premises of Novo, with
    respect to Novo, set forth on the Current Balance Sheet or acquired by Novo
    since the date of the Current Balance Sheet.

      2.15 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.15, Novo and
its Affiliates have been in compliance with all laws, regulations and orders
applicable to Novo, its business and operations (as conducted by it now and in
the past), the Assets, the Novo Leased Premises and any other properties and
assets owned or used by it now or in the past. No Novo has been cited, fined or
otherwise notified of any asserted past or present failure to comply with any
laws, regulations or orders and no proceeding with respect to any such violation
is pending or, to the knowledge of Novo, threatened relating to or in any way
affecting Novo. Novo is not subject to any decree or injunction to which it is a
party which restricts the continued operation of any business or the expansion
thereof to other geographical areas, customers and suppliers or lines of
business. Neither Novo, nor any of its employees or agents, has made any payment
of funds in connection with Novo's business which is prohibited by law, and no
funds have been set

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aside to be used in connection with its business for any payment prohibited by
law. Novo is and at all times has been in full compliance with the terms and
provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended (the
"Immigration Act"), except where failure to comply would not be material. With
respect to each Employee (as defined in 8 C.F.R. 274a.l(f)) of Novo for whom
compliance with the Immigration Act is required, Novo has on file a true,
accurate and complete copy of (i) each Employee's Form 1-9 (Employment
Eligibility Verification Form) and (ii) all other records, documents or other
papers prepared, procured and/or retained pursuant to the Immigration Act. Novo
has not been cited, fined, served with a Notice of Intent to Fine or with a
Cease and Desist Order, nor has any action or administrative proceeding been
initiated or, to the knowledge of Novo, threatened against Novo, by the
Immigration and Naturalization Service by reason of any actual or alleged
failure to comply with the Immigration Act.

      2.16 LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT MATTERS. Novo is not a party to or bound by any
collective bargaining agreement or any other agreement with a labor union, and
there has been no labor union prior to the date hereof organizing any employees
of Novo into one or more collective bargaining units. There is not now, and
there has not been prior to the date hereof, any actual or, to the knowledge of
Novo, threatened labor dispute, strike or work stoppage which affects or which
may affect the business of Novo, or which may interfere with its continued
operations. Neither Novo, nor any employee, agent or representative thereof, has
since the date of incorporation or formation of Novo, committed any material
unfair labor practice as defined in the National Labor Relations Act, as
amended, and there is no pending or, to the knowledge of Novo, threatened charge
or complaint against Novo by or with the National Labor Relations Board or any
representative thereof. There has been no strike, walkout or work stoppage
involving any of the employees of Novo prior to the date hereof. To the
knowledge of Novo, no executive or key employee or group of employees has any
plans to terminate his, her or their employment with Novo as a result of the
transactions contemplated hereby or otherwise. Novo has complied with applicable
laws, rules and regulations relating to employment, civil rights and equal
employment opportunities, including but not limited to, the Civil Rights Act of
1964, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, all
as amended, except where failure to comply would not have a Material Adverse
Effect. Novo has furnished to MacManus a written schedule containing the salary
and other compensation and fringe benefits of the employees or other workers of
Novo to be employed at the Closing, which schedule is true and complete in all
material respects.

      2.17 NOVO EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.

            (a) Compliance with Law. With respect to each Novo Employee Benefit
      Plan (i) each has been administered in all respects in compliance with its
      terms and with all applicable laws, including, but not limited to, ERISA
      and the Code; (ii) no actions, suits, claims or disputes are pending, or
      to the knowledge of Novo, threatened; (iii) no audits, inquiries, reviews,
      proceedings, claims, or demands are pending with any governmental or
      regulatory agency; (iv) there are no facts which could give rise to any
      liability in the event of any such investigation, claim, action, suit,
      audit, review, or other proceeding; (v) all reports, returns and similar
      documents required to be filed with any governmental agency or distributed
      to any plan participant have been duly or timely filed or distributed; and
      (vi) no "prohibited transaction" has occurred within the meaning of the
      applicable

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      provisions of ERISA or the Code. For purposes of this Section 2.17, "Novo
      Employee Benefit Plans" is defined as each employee benefit plan or
      arrangement of Novo, including but not limited to employee pension benefit
      plans, as defined in Section 3(2) of the Employee Retirement Income
      Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), multiemployer plans, as
      defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA, employee welfare benefit plans, as
      defined in Section 3(l) of ERISA, deferred compensation plans, stock
      option plans, bonus plans, stock purchase plans, hospitalization,
      disability and other insurance plans, severance or termination pay plans
      and policies, whether or not described in Section 3(3) of ERISA, in which
      employees (or their spouses or dependents) of Novo participate (true and
      accurate copies of which, together with the most recent annual reports on
      Form 5500 and summary plan descriptions with respect thereto, have been
      furnished to MacManus).

            (b) Compliance with Law. With respect to each Employee Benefit Plan
      (i) each has been administered in all material respects in compliance with
      its terms and with all applicable laws, including, but not limited to,
      ERISA and the Code; (ii) no actions, suits, claims or disputes are
      pending, or to the knowledge of MacManus, threatened; (iii) no audits,
      inquiries, reviews, proceedings, claims, or demands are pending with any
      governmental or regulatory agency; (iv) to the knowledge of Novo there are
      no facts which could give rise to any liability in the event of any such
      investigation, claim, action, suit, audit, review, or other proceeding;
      (v) all reports, returns and similar documents required to be filed with
      any governmental agency or distributed to any plan participant have been
      duly or timely filed or distributed; and (vi) no "prohibited
      transaction" has occurred within the meaning of the applicable provisions
      of ERISA or the Code.

            (c) Qualified Plans. Novo is not and has not been obligated with
      respect to any Novo Employee Benefit Plan intended to qualify under Code
      Section 401(a) or 403(a).

            (d) Multiemployer Plans. Novo is not and has not been obligated with
      respect to any multiemployer plan as described in Section 4001(a)(3) of
      ERISA.

            (e) Welfare Plans. (i) Novo is not obligated under any employee
      welfare benefit plan as described in Section 3(1) of ERISA ("Welfare
      Plan") to provide medical or death benefits with respect to any employee
      or former employee of Novo or its predecessors after termination of
      employment, other than pursuant to Section 4980B of the Code; (ii) Novo
      has complied with the notice and continuation coverage requirements of
      Section 4980B of the Code and the regulations thereunder with respect to
      each Welfare Plan that is, or was during any taxable year for which the
      statute of limitations on the assessment of federal income taxes remains
      open, by consent or otherwise, a group health plan within the meaning of
      Section 5000(b)(1) of the Code; and (iii) there are no reserves, assets,
      surplus or prepaid premiums under any Welfare Plan which is a Novo
      Employee Benefit Plan. The consummation of the transactions contemplated
      by this Agreement will not entitle any individual to severance pay, and,
      will not accelerate the time of payment or vesting, or increase the amount
      of compensation due to any individual.

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            (f) Controlled Group Liability. Neither Novo nor any entity that
      would be aggregated with Novo under Code Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o):
      (i) has ever terminated or withdrawn from an employee benefit plan under
      circumstances resulting (or expected to result) in liability to the
      Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ("PBGC"), the fund by which the
      employee benefit plan is funded, or any employee or beneficiary for whose
      benefit the plan is or was maintained (other than routine claims for
      benefits); (ii) has any assets subject to (or expected to be subject to) a
      lien for unpaid contributions to any employee benefit plan; (iii) has
      failed to pay premiums to the PBGC when due (iv) is subject to (or
      expected to be subject) an excise tax under Code Section 4971; (v) has
      engaged in any transaction which would give rise to liability under
      Section 4069 or Section 4212(c) of ERISA; or (vi) has violated Code
      Section 4980B or Section 601 through 608 of ERISA.

            (g) Other Liabilities. (i) None of the Novo Employee Benefit Plans
      obligates Novo to pay separation, severance, termination or similar
      benefits solely as a result of any transaction contemplated by this
      Agreement [or solely as a result of a "change of control" (as such term is
      defined in Section 280G of the Code)]; (ii) all required or discretionary
      (in accordance with historical practices) payments, premiums,
      contributions, reimbursements, or accruals for all periods ending prior to
      or as of the Closing Date shall have been made or properly accrued on the
      Current Novo Balance Sheet or will be properly accrued on the books and
      records of Novo as of the Closing Date; and (iii) none of the Novo
      Employee Benefit Plans has any unfunded liabilities which are not
      reflected on the Current Novo Balance Sheet or the books and records of
      Novo.

      2.18 TAX MATTERS. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.17, Novo filed or
caused to be filed, within the times and within the manner prescribed by law,
all federal, state and local tax returns and tax reports which are required to
be filed by, or with respect to, Novo. Such returns and reports reflect
accurately all liability for all federal, state and local income, sales, payroll
and withholding taxes and all other material taxes of Novo, for the period
covered thereby, and all amounts shown on such returns and reports as due and
payable have been timely paid. None of the federal, state, local or foreign tax
returns of Novo have ever been audited by the Internal Revenue Service or any
governmental body or agency, domestic or foreign. All federal, state and local
income, profits, franchise, sales, use occupancy, excise, payroll, accumulated
earnings tax and other taxes and assessments (including interest and penalties)
payable by, or due from Novo, (whether in its own right or as transferee of the
assets of, or successor to, any entity) have been fully paid or adequately
disclosed and fully provided for in the books and financial statements of Novo.
To the knowledge of Novo, no examination of any return of Novo is currently in
progress and Novo has not received notice of any proposed audit or examination.
There are no outstanding agreements or waivers extending the statutory period of
limitations applicable to any tax return of Novo.

      2.19 INSURANCE. Novo is covered by valid, outstanding enforceable policies
of insurance issued to it by reputable insurers covering its properties, assets
and business against risks of the nature normally insured against by similar
entities in the same or similar lines of business in coverage amounts typically
and reasonably carried by such entities (the "Novo Insurance Policies"). Such
Novo Insurance Policies are in full force and effect, and all premiums

                                       10
<PAGE>   11
due thereon have been paid through the date of this Agreement and will be paid
through the Closing Date. Novo has complied with the provisions of such Novo
Insurance Policies applicable to it, and has provided MacManus copies of all
Novo Insurance Policies and all amendments and riders thereto. There is no
pending claim under any of the Novo Insurance Policies for an amount in excess
of $5,000.00 individually or $25,000.00 in the aggregate, including any claim
for loss or damage to the properties, assets or business of Novo (including the
Novo Leased Premises). Novo has not failed to give, in a timely manner, any
notice required under any of the Novo Insurance Policies to preserve its rights
thereunder.

      2.20 RECEIVABLES. All of the Receivables are valid and legally binding,
represent bona fide transactions and arose in the ordinary course of business of
Novo. All of the Receivables are good and collectible receivables, and will be
collected in accordance with past practice and the terms of such receivables
(and in any event within six months following the Closing Date), without set off
or counterclaims, subject to the allowance for doubtful accounts, if any, set
forth on the Current Balance Sheet, as reasonably adjusted since the date of the
Current Balance Sheet in the ordinary course of business, consistent with GAAP.
For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Receivables" means all receivables of
Novo, including without limitation all contracts in transit and all trade
account receivables arising from the provision of services, notes receivable,
and insurance proceeds receivable.

      2.21 LICENSES AND PERMITS. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.21 Novo
possesses all licenses and required governmental or official approvals, permits
or authorizations (collectively, the "Novo Permits") for its business and
operations, including with respect to the operations of the Novo Leased
Premises, except where the failure to so possess such license would not be
material. All such Novo Permits are valid and in full force and effect, Novo is
in compliance with the respective requirements thereof, and no proceeding is
pending or, to the knowledge of Novo, threatened to revoke or amend any of them.
None of such Novo Permits is or will be impaired or in any way affected by the
execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby.

      2.22 ADEQUACY OF THE ASSETS; RELATIONSHIPS WITH CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS;
AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS. The Assets and the Leased Premises constitute, in the
aggregate, all of the assets and properties necessary for the conduct of the
business of Novo in the manner in which and to the extent to which such business
is currently being conducted. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.22, Novo has no
direct or indirect interest in any customer, supplier or competitor of Novo or
in any person from whom or to whom Novo leases real or personal property. No
Principal and no officer or director in Novo, nor any person related by blood or
marriage to any such person, nor any entity in which any such person owns any
beneficial interest, is a party to any Contract or transaction with Blue Marble
or has any interest in any property used by Novo (all such ownership, Contracts,
transactions and interests, collectively "Affiliated Transactions"), except as
set forth on Schedule 2.22.

      2.23 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

            (a) Novo owns or possesses sufficient legal rights to all patents,
      trademarks, service marks, tradenames, copyrights, trade secrets,
      licenses, information and proprietary rights and processes necessary for
      its business without any conflict with, or

                                       11
<PAGE>   12
      infringement of, the rights of others. Novo has not received any
      communications alleging that Novo has violated or, by conducting its
      business, would violate any of the patents,, trademarks, service marks,
      tradenames, copyrights, trade secrets or other proprietary rights or
      processes of any other person or entity. Novo is not aware that any
      officer, director or employee is obligated under any contract (including
      licenses, covenants or commitments of any nature) or other agreement, or
      subject to any judgment, decree or order of any court or administrative
      agency, that would interfere with the use of his or her best efforts to
      promote the interest of Novo, or that would conflict with Novo's business
      or prevent any such officer, director or employee from assigning
      inventions to Novo. Neither the execution or delivery of this Agreement,
      nor the carrying on of Novo's business by the employees of Novo, nor the
      conduct of Novo's business as proposed, will, to Novo's knowledge,
      conflict with or result in a breach of the terms, conditions, or
      provisions of, or constitute a default under, any contract, covenant or
      instrument under which any such employee is now obligated. Novo does not
      believe it is or will be necessary to use any inventions of any of its
      employees (or persons it currently intends to hire) made prior to their
      employment by Novo.

            (b) No claims have been asserted against Novo, and to the knowledge
      of Novo (actual knowledge in the case of common law trademarks and
      tradenames and patents) there are no claims which are reasonably likely to
      be asserted against Novo or which have been asserted against others by any
      person challenging Novo's use or distribution of any trademarks,
      tradenames, copyrights, works of authorship, trade secrets, software,
      technology, know-how or processes utilized by Novo or challenging or
      questioning the validity or effectiveness of any license or agreement
      relating thereto. The use of any trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, works
      of authorship, software, technology, know-how or processes by Novo in its
      business does not infringe on the rights of, constitute misappropriation
      of, or in any way involve unfair competition with respect to, any
      proprietary information or intangible property right of any third person
      or entity, including, without limitation, any patent, trade secret,
      copyright, trademark or tradename; provided, however, that such
      representation is made only to Novo's actual knowledge with respect to
      common law trademarks and tradenames, technology, patent or similar
      intangible property right where infringement is possible without wrongful
      taking.

            (c) To the best knowledge of Novo, all designs, drawings
      specifications, source code, object code, documentation, flow charts and
      diagrams incorporated in any of Novo's proprietary rights constitute
      original creations of and were written, developed and created solely and
      exclusively by employees of Novo without the assistance of any third party
      or entity, were public domain or were created by, or with the assistance
      of, third parties who assigned ownership of or licensed their rights to
      Novo in valid and enforceable agreements. Novo has at all times used
      commercially reasonable efforts to treat its trade secrets as confidential
      and has not disclosed or otherwise dealt with such items in such a manner
      as to cause the loss of such trade secrets by release into the public
      domain.

            (d) To the best knowledge of Novo, no employee of Novo is in
      violation of any term of any employment contract, patent disclosure
      agreement, confidentiality

                                       12
<PAGE>   13
      agreement or any other contract or agreement relating to the relationship
      of any such employee with Novo or, to the knowledge of Novo, any other
      party because of the nature of Novo's business.

      2.24 CONTRACTS. (a) Novo has made available to MacManus true, correct and
complete copies of each Material Contract (defined below). The copy of each
Material Contract furnished to MacManus is a true and complete copy of the
document it purports to represent and reflects all amendments thereto made
through the date of this Agreement, such list as set forth in schedule 2.24.
Novo has not violated any of the terms or conditions of any Material Contract or
any term or condition which would permit termination or modification of any
Material Contract; all of the covenants to be performed pursuant to any Material
Contract by any other party thereto have been fully performed; there are no
claims for breach or indemnification or notice of default or termination under
any Material Contract; and each of the Material Contracts is enforceable in
accordance with its terms. No event has occurred which constitutes, or after
notice or the passage of time, or both, would constitute, a default by Novo
under any Material Contract, and no such event has occurred which constitutes or
would constitute a default by any other party. Novo is not subject to any
liability or payment resulting from renegotiation of amounts paid under any
Material Contract.

      (c) As used in this Section 2.24, "Material Contracts" shall include,
without limitation, formal or informal, all written or oral (a) loan agreements,
indentures, mortgages, pledges, hypothecations, deeds of trust, conditional sale
or title retention agreements, security agreements, equipment financing
obligations or guaranties, or other sources of contingent liability in respect
of any indebtedness or obligations of Novo to any other Person, or letters of
intent or commitment letters with respect to same (other than those which
individually provide for annual payments of less than $50,000); (b) contracts
obligating Novo to provide products or services valued at over $200,000; (c)
leases of the Novo Leased Premises to or from third parties and Novo; (d) leases
of personal property by Novo (other than those which individually provide for
annual payments of less than $20,000); (e) employment agreements, management
service agreements, consulting agreements, confidentiality agreements,
non-competition agreements, employee handbooks, policy statements and any other
agreements relating to any employee, officer or director of or partner in Novo
(except for routine NDAs and noncompete provisions applicable to standard
employment agreements and initial business development introductory meetings and
discussions); (f) licenses, assignments or transfers of trademarks, tradenames,
service marks, patents, copyrights, trade secrets or know-how, or other
agreements regarding proprietary rights or intellectual property with respect to
which Novo is a party; (g) any contract relating to pending capital
expenditures by Novo; (h) any contracts obligating Novo to make payments in
excess of $50,000 over the remaining terms of such contract, and (i) all other
material Contracts or understandings outside of the ordinary course of business
with respect to which Novo is a party or pursuant to which any of its assets is
bound, irrespective of subject matter and whether or not in writing, and not
otherwise disclosed on the Schedules.

      (c) Except as set forth in Schedule 2.24, all of the representations set
forth in this Section 2.24 are true and correct as of the date hereof to the
best knowledge of Novo.

      2.25 ACCURACY OF INFORMATION FURNISHED. No representation, statement or
information contained in this Agreement (including, without limitation, the
various Schedules attached

                                       13
<PAGE>   14
hereto) or any agreement executed in connection herewith or in any certificate
delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or made or furnished to MacManus or its
representatives by Novo, contains or shall contain any untrue statement of a
fact or omits or shall omit any fact necessary to make the information contained
therein not misleading. Novo has provided MacManus with true, accurate and
complete copies of all documents listed or described in the various Schedules
attached hereto.

      2.26 NO COMMISSIONS. No Novo has incurred any obligation for any finder's
or broker's or agent's fees or commissions or similar compensation in connection
with the transactions contemplated hereby.

                                    ARTICLE 3

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
                                   OF MACMANUS

      As a material inducement to Novo to enter into this Agreement and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, MacManus makes the following
representations and warranties to Novo:

      3.1 PURCHASE ENTIRELY FOR OWN ACCOUNT. MacManus hereby confirms, that the
Preferred Shares to be acquired by MacManus will be acquired for investment for
MacManus' own account, not as a nominee or agent, and not with a view to the
resale or distribution of any part thereof, and that MacManus has no present
intention of selling, granting any participation in, or otherwise distributing
the same. MacManus further represents that MacManus does not presently have any
contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement with any person to sell,
transfer or grant participations to such person or to any third person, with
respect to any of the Preferred Shares.

      3.2 DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION. MacManus has had an opportunity to discuss
Novo's business, management, financial affairs and the terms and conditions of
the offering of the Preferred Shares with Novo's management and has had an
opportunity to review Novo's facilities. MacManus understands that such
discussions, as well as the other written information delivered by Novo to
MacManus, were intended to describe the aspects of Novo's business which it
believes to be material.

      3.3 RESTRICTED SECURITIES. MacManus understands that the Preferred Shares
have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act, by reason
of a specific exemption from the registration provisions of the Securities Act
which depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of the investment
intent and the accuracy of MacManus' representations as expressed herein.
MacManus understands that the shares of Preferred Shares are "restricted
securities" under applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws and that,
pursuant to these laws, MacManus must hold the Preferred Shares indefinitely
unless they are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and
qualified by state authorities, or an exemption from such registration and
qualification requirements is available. MacManus acknowledges that Novo has no
obligation to register or qualify the Preferred Shares for resale except as set
forth in the Registration Rights Agreement. MacManus further acknowledges that
if an exemption from

                                       14
<PAGE>   15
registration or qualification is available, it may be conditioned on various
requirements including, but not limited to, the time and manner of sale, the
holding period for the Preferred Shares, and on requirements relating to Novo
which are outside of MacManus' control, and which Novo is under no obligation
and may not be able to satisfy.

      3.4 NO PUBLIC MARKET. MacManus understands that no public market now
exists for any of the securities issued by Novo, and that Novo has made no
assurances that a public market will ever exist for the Preferred Shares.

      3.5 LEGENDS. MacManus understands that the Preferred Shares and any
securities issued in respect of or exchange for the Preferred Shares, may bear
one or all of the following legends:

            (a) "THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN
      REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND HAVE BEEN
      ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THE
      SALE OR DISTRIBUTION THEREOF. NO SUCH SALE OR DISTRIBUTION MAY BE EFFECTED
      WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATED THERETO OR AN OPINION
      OF COUNSEL IN A FORM SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS
      NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED."

            (b) Any legend set forth in the Investors' Rights Agreement.

            (c) Any legend required by the Blue Sky laws of any state to the
      extent such laws are applicable to the shares represented by the
      certificate so legended.

      3.6 REMOVAL OF LEGEND AND TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS. Any legend endorsed on a
certificate pursuant to subsection 3.5(a) and the stop transfer instructions
with respect to such legended Securities shall be removed, and Novo shall issue
a certificate without such legend to the holder of such Securities if such
Securities are registered under the Securities Act and a prospectus meeting the
requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act is available or if such holder
satisfies the requirements of Rule 144.

      3.7 ACCREDITED INVESTOR. MacManus is an accredited investor as defined in
Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.

      3.8 PERMITTED TRANSFERS. MacManus may transfer the Preferred Shares
without the need of a registration statement or opinion of counsel to the effect
that no registration statement is required if the transferee is an affiliate of
MacManus and the transferee agrees in writing to be bound by the terms of this
Agreement and the Investors' Rights Agreement to the same extent as if such
Affiliate were the original purchaser of the Preferred Shares hereunder,
provided that Novo shall receive written notice of such transfer within thirty
(30) days of its completion.

                                       15
<PAGE>   16
                                    ARTICLE 4

                              ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

      4.1 FURTHER ASSURANCES. Each party shall execute, and deliver such
additional instruments and other documents and shall take such further actions
as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate, carry out and comply with all
of the terms of this Agreement and, the transactions contemplated hereby.

      4.2 COOPERATION. Each of the parties agrees to cooperate with the other in
the preparation and filing of all forms, notifications, reports and information,
if any, required or reasonably deemed advisable pursuant to any law, rule or
regulation in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
and to use their respective best efforts to agree jointly on a method to
overcome any objections by any Governmental Authority to any such transactions.

      4.3 OTHER ACTIONS. Novo shall use its reasonable best efforts to take, or
cause to be taken, all appropriate actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all
things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to
consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated herein, including,
without limitation, using its reasonable best efforts to obtain all licenses,
permits, consents, approvals, authorizations, qualifications and orders of any
Governmental Authority and parties to Contracts with Novo as are necessary for
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. Novo shall make on a
prompt and timely basis all governmental or regulatory notifications and filings
required to be made by it for the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby. The parties also agree to use reasonable best efforts, consistent with a
mutually acceptable litigation strategy, to defend all lawsuits or other legal
proceedings challenging this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby and to lift or rescind any injunction or restraining order
or other order adversely affecting the ability of the parties to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby. The parties will coordinate their efforts to
pursue legal remedies as contemplated above in order to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and to obtain appropriate relief.

      4.4 NOTIFICATION OF CERTAIN MATTERS. Each of the parties to this Agreement
shall give prompt notice to the other parties of the occurrence or
non-occurrence of any event which would likely cause any representation or
warranty made by such party herein to be untrue or inaccurate or any covenant,
condition or agreement contained herein not to be complied with or satisfied
(provided, however, that any such disclosure shall not in any way be deemed to
amend, modify or in any way affect the representations, warranties and covenants
made by any party in or pursuant to this Agreement).

      4.5 CONFIDENTIALITY; PUBLICITY. Except as may be required by law or as
otherwise permitted or expressly contemplated herein, no party hereto or their
respective Affiliates, employees, agents and representatives shall disclose to
any third party this Agreement, the subject matter or terms hereof or any
confidential information or other proprietary knowledge concerning the business
or affairs of any other party which it may have acquired from such party in the
course of pursuing the transactions contemplated by this Agreement without the
prior

                                       16
<PAGE>   17
consent of the other parties hereto; provided, that (i) any information that is
otherwise publicly available, without breach of this provision, or has been
obtained from a third party without a breach of such third party's duties, shall
not be deemed confidential information and (ii) that either party hereto shall
be able to disclose such information to its employees and agents and to such
other third parties as necessary as part of the operation of its business,
including disclosure to potential or existing investors, lenders or acquirors or
joint-venture candidates or as required by law or court order. No press release
or other public announcement related to this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby shall be issued by either party or their respective
Affiliates without the prior written consent of the other party hereto.

                                    ARTICLE 5

                      CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF NOVO

      The obligations of Novo to effect the sale of Series A Preferred Stock and
the other transactions contemplated hereby shall be subject to the fulfillment
at or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions any or all of which
may be waived in whole or in part by Novo:

      5.1 ACCURACY OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AND COMPLIANCE WITH
OBLIGATIONS. The representations and warranties of MacManus in this Agreement
shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing
Date.

      5.2 INVESTORS' RIGHTS AGREEMENT. MacManus and each of Kelly Rodriques and
Anthony Westreich shall have executed and delivered the Investors' Rights
Agreement.

      5.3 RESTATED CERTIFICATE. The Restated Articles shall have been filed with
the Secretary of State of California on or prior to the Closing Date, and shall
continue to be in full force and effect as of the Closing Date.

                                    ARTICLE 6

                                CONDITIONS TO THE
                             OBLIGATIONS OF MACMANUS

      The obligations of MacManus to purchase the Series A Preferred Stock and
effect the other transactions contemplated hereby shall be subject to the
fulfillment at or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions, any or
all of which may be waived in whole or in part by MacManus.

      6.1 ACCURACY OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AND COMPLIANCE WITH
OBLIGATIONS. The representations and warranties of Novo contained in this
Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the
Closing Date with the same force and effect as though made at and as of that
time. Novo shall have performed and complied with all of its obligations
required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with at or prior to the
Closing Date. Novo shall each have delivered to MacManus a certificate, dated as
of the Closing Date, and signed by an executive officer, certifying that such
representations and warranties are

                                       17
<PAGE>   18
true and correct in all material respects and that all such obligations have
been performed and complied with.

      6.2 NO ORDER OR INJUNCTION. There shall not be issued and in effect by or
before any court or other governmental body an injunction or other similar court
or administrative order restraining or prohibiting the transactions contemplated
hereby.

      6.3 INVESTORS' RIGHTS AGREEMENT. Novo and each of Kelly Rodriques and
Anthony Westreich shall have executed and delivered the Investors' Rights
Agreement.

      6.5 OPINION OF COMPANY COUNSEL. MacManus shall have received from Britton
Silberman & Cervantez LLP, counsel for the Company, an opinion, dated as of the
Closing, in form and substance acceptable to MacManus.

      6.6 RESTATED CERTIFICATE. Novo shall have filed the Restated Articles with
the Secretary of State of California on or prior to the Closing Date, which
shall continue to be in full force and effect as of the Closing Date.

      6.7 NOVO BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The Board of Directors of the Company at the
Closing shall be as follows: Craig Brown and Roy Bostock as the two
representatives of the Series A Preferred Stock holders; Kelly Anthony Rodriques
and Harry Walter Schlough, as the representatives of the Series A Common Stock.
There shall be one vacancy on the Board of Directors to be filled by the Board
of Directors subsequent to the Closing.

                                    ARTICLE 7
                                   DEFINITIONS

      7.1 DEFINED TERMS. As used herein, the following terms shall have the
following meanings:

            "Affiliate" shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Rule l2b-2 of
      the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act, as in effect on
      the date hereof

            "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

            "Contract" means any agreement, contract, lease, note, mortgage,
      indenture, loan agreement, franchise agreement, covenant, employment
      agreement, license, instrument purchase and sales order, commitment,
      undertaking, obligation, whether written or oral, express or implied.

            "Environmental Costs" shall mean any and all expenses, costs,
      damages, liabilities or obligations, including, without limitation, fees
      and expenses of counsel, (whether arising before, on or after the Closing
      Date) incurred by, under or pursuant to any Environmental Laws or related
      to the Discharge, Handling, presence or clean up of Hazardous Substances
      arising as a result of events occurring or facts or circumstances

                                       18
<PAGE>   19
      arising or existing on or prior to the Closing Date (whether or not in the
      ordinary course of business and whether or not reflected on Schedule
      3.13(a) or (b)).

            "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
      as amended.

            "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
      amended.

            "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in effect in
      the United States of America from time to time.

            "Governmental Authority" means any nation or government, any state,
      regional, local or other political subdivision thereof, and any entity or
      official exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or
      administrative functions of or pertaining to government.

            "Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance,
      lien or charge of any kind (including, but not limited to, any conditional
      sale or other title retention agreement any lease in the nature thereof,
      and the filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the
      Uniform Commercial Code or comparable law or any jurisdiction in
      connection with such mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance,
      lien or charge).

             "Litigation Costs" shall mean any and all expenses, costs, damages,
      liabilities, or obligations, including, without limitation, fees and
      expenses of counsel, (whether arising before, on or after the Closing
      Date) incurred in connection with any action, suit, or other legal or
      administrative proceeding or governmental investigation arising as a
      result of events occurring or facts or circumstances arising or existing
      on or prior to the Closing Date (whether or not in the ordinary course of
      business and whether or not set forth on Schedule 3.12).

            "Material Adverse Change (or Effect)" means a change (or effect), in
      the financial condition, properties, assets, liabilities, rights,
      obligations, operations, business or prospects which change (or effect),
      in the aggregate, is materially adverse to such condition, properties,
      assets, liabilities, rights, obligations, operations, business or
      prospects.

            "Novo Transaction Fees" means all legal, accounting, tax, consulting
      and financial advisory and other fees and expenses (including any filing
      fees in connection with filings by Novo) incurred, paid, or payable by
      Novo in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

            "Person" means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited
      liability company, business trust, joint stock company, estate, trust,
      unincorporated association, joint venture, Governmental Authority or other
      entity, of whatever nature.

            "Principal Transaction Fees" means all legal, accounting, tax,
      consulting and financial advisory and other fees and expenses (including
      any transfer taxes, fees and

                                       19
<PAGE>   20
      expenses incurred by any of MacManus in connection with any of the
      transactions contemplated hereby or the performance by any of the
      foregoing of any of the covenants set forth herein and all prepayment fees
      or penalties incurred by MacManus arising from or due to the transactions
      contemplated hereby) incurred by MacManus in connection with the
      transactions contemplated hereby.

            "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

            "Tax Return" means any tax return, filing or information statement
      required to be filed in connection with or with respect to any Tax.

            "Taxes" means all taxes, fees or other assessments, including, but
      not limited to, income, excise, property, transfer, sales, use, franchise,
      intangible, payroll, withholding, social security and unemployment taxes
      imposed by any federal, state, local or foreign government agency, and any
      interest or penalties related thereto.

      7.2 OTHER DEFINITIONAL PROVISIONS.

            (a) All terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined
      meanings when used in any certificates, reports or other documents made or
      delivered pursuant hereto or thereto, unless the context otherwise
      requires.

            (b) Terms defined in the singular shall have a comparable meaning
      when used in the plural, and vice versa.

            (c) All matters of an accounting nature in connection with this
      Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be determined in
      accordance with GAAP applied on a basis consistent with prior periods,
      where applicable.

            (d) As used herein, the neuter gender shall also denote the
      masculine and feminine, and the masculine gender shall also denote the
      neuter and feminine, where the context so permits.

                                    ARTICLE 8

                             [INTENTIONALLY DELETED]

                                    ARTICLE 9

                               GENERAL PROVISIONS

      9.1 NOTICES. All notices, requests, demands, claims, and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if
delivered by certified or registered mail (first class postage pre-paid),
guaranteed overnight delivery or facsimile transmission if such transmission is
confirmed by delivery by certified or registered mail (first class postage
prepaid) or guaranteed overnight delivery, to the following addresses and
telecopy numbers (or to

                                       20
<PAGE>   21
such other addresses or telecopy numbers which any party shall designate in
writing to the other parties):

               (a)   IF TO NOVO TO:

                     Novo MediaGroup, Inc.
                     222 Sutter Street, 6th Floor
                     San Francisco, CA 94108
                     Attn:  Kelly Rodriques
                     Telecopy: (415) 646-7001

                     with a copy to:

                     Britton Silberman & Cervantez LLP
                     461 Second Street, Suite 332
                     San Francisco, CA 94107
                     Attn:  Thomas J. Cervantez, Esq.
                     Telecopy:  (415) 538-9000

               (b)    IF TO MACMANUS TO:

                      The MacManus Group
                      1675 Broadway
                      New York, NY 10019
                      Attn: Craig Brown
                      Telecopy: (212)-468-3085

                      with a copy to:

                      Davis & Gilbert
                      1740 Broadway
                      New York, NY 10019
                      Attn: Lewis A. Rubin
                      Telecopy: (212)-468-4888

      9.2 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement (including the Schedules attached
hereto) and other documents delivered at the Closing pursuant hereto, contain
the entire understanding of the parties in respect of its subject matters and
supersedes all prior agreements and understanding (oral or written) between or
among the parties with respect to such subject matter. The Schedules constitute
a part hereof as though set forth in full above.

      9.3 EXPENSES. MacManus shall pay the Principal Transaction Fees. Novo
shall pay the Novo Transaction Fees.

      9.4 AMENDMENT; WAIVER. This Agreement may not be modified, amended,
supplemented, canceled, or discharged, except by written instrument executed by
all parties. No failure to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right,
power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver, nor shall any
single or partial exercise of any right, power

                                       21
<PAGE>   22
or privilege hereunder preclude the exercise of any other right, power or
privilege. No waiver of any breach of any provision shall be deemed to be a
waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach of the same or any other provision,
nor shall any waiver be implied from any course of dealing between the parties.
No extension of time for performance of any obligations of other acts hereunder
or under any other agreement shall be deemed to be an extension of the time for
performance of any other obligations or any other acts.

      9.5 BINDING EFFECT; ASSIGNMENT. The rights and obligations of this
Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties and their
respective successors and assigns. Nothing expressed or implied herein shall be
construed to give any other person any legal or equitable rights hereunder.
Except as expressly provided herein, the rights and obligations of this
Agreement may not be assigned or delegated by the any party hereunder without
the prior written consent of the other party. MacManus shall have the right to
assign this Agreement to any Affiliate, provided that MacManus continues to be
secondarily liable for the performance of its obligations hereunder.

      9.6 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be an original but all of which together shall
constitute one and the same instrument.

      9.7 INTERPRETATION. When a reference is made in this Agreement to an
article, section, paragraph, clause, schedule or exhibit, such reference shall
be deemed to be to this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The headings
contained herein and on the schedules are for reference purposes only and shall
not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or the
schedules. Whenever, the words "include," "includes" or "including" are used in
this Agreement they shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without
limitation." Time shall be of the essence in this Agreement.

      9.8 GOVERNING LAW; INTERPRETATION. This Agreement shall be construed in
accordance with and governed for all purposes by the laws of the state of
California applicable to contracts executed and to be wholly performed with such
state.

      9.9 JURISDICTION.

            (a) The parties to this Agreement agree that any suit, action or
      proceeding arising out of, or with respect to, this Agreement or any
      judgment entered by any court in respect thereof shall be brought in the
      courts of San Francisco, California or New York, New York or in the U.S.
      District Court for the Northern District of California or the Southern
      District of New York, as the commencing party may elect, and all parties
      hereby accept the exclusive jurisdiction of those courts for the purpose
      of any suit, action or proceeding.

            (b) In addition, each of the parties hereby irrevocably waives, to
      the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which it may now or
      hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding
      arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any judgment entered by
      any court in respect thereof brought in San Francisco County, California
      or New York County, New York or the U.S. District Court for the Northern

                                       22
<PAGE>   23

      District of California or the Southern District of New York, as selected
      by the commencing party, and hereby further irrevocably waives any claim
      that any suit, action or proceedings brought in San Francisco County,
      California or New York County, New York or in such District Courts has
      been brought in an inconvenient forum.

      9.10 ARM'S LENGTH NEGOTIATIONS. Each party herein expressly represents and
warrants to all other parties hereto that (a) before executing this Agreement,
said party has fully informed itself of the terms, contents, conditions, and
effects of this Agreement; (b) said party has relied solely and completely upon
its own judgment in executing this Agreement; (c) said party has had the
opportunity to seek and has obtained the advise of counsel before executing this
Agreement; (d) said party has acted voluntarily and of its own free will in
executing this Agreement; (e) said party is not acting under duress, whether
economic or physical, in executing this Agreement; and (f) this Agreement is the
result of arm's length negotiations conducted by and among the parties and their
respective counsel. The foregoing shall not in any way be deemed to amend,
modify or in any way affect the representations, warranties and covenants made
by any party in or pursuant to this Agreement.

      The parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duty executed and
delivered as of the day and year first above written.

COMPANY:                               INVESTOR:

NOVO MEDIAGROUP, INC.                  THE MACMANUS GROUP, INC.

By: /s/ KELLY RODRIQUES                By: /s/ DAVID WINCLECHTER
  ------------------------------          -----------------------------------
  Kelly Rodriques, CEO                 Name: DAVID WINCLECHTER
                                             --------------------------------
Address:                               Title: VP/SECRETARY
                                              -------------------------------
                                       Address:
Facsimile:
                                       Facsimile:

                                       23<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.6

                            SHARE EXCHANGE AGREEMENT

        This SHARE EXCHANGE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is entered into as of
August 31, 1999 by and among (i) The MacManus Group, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("MacManus"); (ii) N.W. Ayer Communications, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Seller"), and (iii) Novo MediaGroup, Inc., a California
corporation ("Novo"). MacManus and Seller are sometimes referred to herein
collectively as the "MacManus Parties."

                                    RECITALS

        A. MacManus indirectly owns all of the issued and outstanding capital
stock of Seller, which in turn owns all of the issued and outstanding capital
stock of Blue Marble Advanced communications Group, Ltd., a Delaware corporation
("Blue Marble"). Novo desires to acquire, and MacManus desires to transfer to
Novo, in a stock exchange transaction, the business and operations of Blue
Marble.

        B. In order to effectuate the above transaction, the MacManus Parties
and Novo have determined that it is in the best interests of their respective
shareholders for Novo to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of
capital stock of Blue Marble in exchange for which Seller will be receive the
stock consideration as provided herein. For federal income tax purposes, it is
intended that this exchange shall qualify as a tax free transaction pursuant to
Section 368(a)(1)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1996, as amended.

                                TERMS OF AGREEMENT

        In consideration of the mutual representations, warranties, covenants
and agreements contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                             SHARE EXCHANGE; CLOSING

        1.1 THE CLOSING. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
(a) the consummation of the Share Exchange (as defined herein), and (b) the
other transactions contemplated hereby (the "Closing") shall take place on
August 31, 1999 after the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in
Article 7 and Article 8 hereof. The Closing shall take place at the offices of
Britton Silberman & Cervantez LLP, or such other place and time as the parties
may otherwise agree via in person execution of applicable documents or fax of
applicable signatures to the documents and attachment of such signatures in
counterparts to this Agreement and related documents, and the date of the
Closing is referred to herein as the "Closing Date."

        1.2 SHARE EXCHANGE. (a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, at the Closing, Seller shall sell, assign, transfer and convey to
Novo all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Blue Marble (the "Share
Exchange"), which consists of One Thousand (1000) shares of common stock, no par
value, free and clear of all Liens of any nature whatsoever, other than such
restrictions as may be imposed pursuant to state or federal securities laws in
exchange for the stock consideration described below.

                                       1

<PAGE>   2
        (b) At the Closing, upon delivery to Novo by Seller of certificates
representing all of the issued and outstanding stock of Blue Marble, Novo shall
issue and transfer to Seller and Seller shall receive from Novo 13,503,460
shares of Novo Series C Common Stock, no par value (the "Exchange
Consideration") free and clear of all liens of any nature whatsoever, other than
restrictions contemplated under this Agreement and applicable securities laws.

        1.3 PROCEDURE AT THE CLOSING. At the Closing, the parties agree that the
following shall occur:

                (a) The MacManus Parties shall have satisfied each of the
        applicable conditions set forth in Article 7 and shall deliver to Novo
        (i) the certificates representing all of the outstanding shares of
        capital stock of Blue Marble (together with such stock powers and
        instruments of transfer as are determined to be necessary by Novo), and
        (ii) the documents, certificates, opinions, consents, letters and other
        items required by Article 7.

                (b) Novo shall have satisfied each of the applicable conditions
        set forth in Article 8 and shall deliver to Seller (i) the certificates
        representing 13,503,460 shares of Series C Common Stock representing all
        of the Exchange Consideration, and (ii) the documents, certificates,
        consents, letters and other items required by Article 8.

        1.4 ANCILLARY AGREEMENTS. At the Closing, and as a condition to the
obligations of the parties contained herein, Novo, the MacManus Parties, and
certain other individuals shall enter into a Voting Agreement substantially in
the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the "Voting Agreement") and such other
agreements as required hereby (collectively, the "Ancillary Agreements").

                                    ARTICLE 2

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
                                     OF NOVO

        As a material inducement to the MacManus Parties to enter into this
Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, and except as
set forth in applicable schedules attached hereto which shall be deemed part of
any of the representations set forth in this Article 2, Novo makes the following
representations and warranties to the MacManus Parties.

        2.1 CORPORATE STATUS. Novo is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of California, and has
the requisite power and authority to own or lease its properties and to carry on
its business as presently conducted. There is no pending or threatened
proceeding for the dissolution, liquidation, insolvency or rehabilitation of
Novo or, except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect on Novo, any such proceeding of any other Person. Novo is legally
qualified to do business as a foreign entity in each of the jurisdictions in
which it is required to be so qualified, which represent all

                                       2

<PAGE>   3
jurisdictions where the nature of its properties and the conduct of its business
require such qualification, and is in good standing in each of the jurisdictions
in which it is so qualified except where the failure to so qualify will not have
a Material Adverse Effect on Novo.

        2.2 POWER AND AUTHORITY. Novo has the corporate power and authority to
execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. Novo has taken all corporate
action necessary to authorize its execution and delivery of this Agreement and
the other transactions contemplated hereby, the performance of its obligations
hereunder and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

        2.3 ENFORCEABILITY. This Agreement has been duty executed and delivered
by Novo and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation enforceable
against Novo in accordance with its terms, except as the same may be limited by
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws
affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and general equitable
principles regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a
proceeding at law or in equity.

        2.4 CAPITALIZATION AND DUE AND VALID ISSUANCE. (a) Schedule 2.4 sets
forth, as of the date hereof, with respect to Novo, (i) the number of authorized
shares of each class of its capital stock, and (ii) the number of issued and
outstanding shares of each class of its capital stock. Except as set forth in
Schedule 2.4, all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock (1) have
been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable,
(2) were issued in compliance with all applicable state and federal securities
laws, and (3) were not issued in violation of any preemptive rights or rights of
first refusal or similar rights. No preemptive rights or rights of first refusal
or similar rights exist with respect to any shares of capital stock of Novo and
no such rights arise by virtue of or in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby except as referred to in this Agreement; Except as set forth
in Schedule 2.4, there are no outstanding or authorized rights, options,
warrants, convertible securities, subscription rights, conversion rights,
exchange rights or other agreements or commitments of any kind that could
require Novo to issue or sell any shares of its capital stock (or securities
convertible into or exchangeable for shares of its capital stock), there are no
outstanding stock appreciation, phantom stock, profit participation or other
similar rights with respect to Novo, there are no proxies, voting rights or
other agreements or understandings with respect to the voting or transfer of the
capital stock of Novo and Novo is not obligated to redeem or otherwise acquire
any of its outstanding shares of capital stock.

        (b) The shares of Series C Common Stock being issued by Novo pursuant to
this Agreement when issued, exchanged and delivered in accordance with the terms
of this Agreement for the consideration expressed herein, will be duly and
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and will be free of restrictions
on transfer other than restrictions on transfer under this Agreement or
agreements referred to in this Agreement or as applicable under Novo's charter
documents and under applicable state and federal securities laws.

        2.5 NO VIOLATION. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Novo,
the performance by Novo of its obligations hereunder and the consummation by
Novo of the

                                       3

<PAGE>   4
transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not (a) contravene any
provision of the Articles of incorporation or Bylaws of Novo, (b) violate or
conflict with any law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, decree, writ,
injunction, judgment, ruling or order of any Governmental Authority or of any
arbitration award which is either applicable to, binding upon, or enforceable
against Novo, (c) conflict with, result in any breach of, or constitute a
default (or an event which would, with the passage of time or the giving of
notice or both, constitute a default) under, or give rise to a right to
terminate, amend, modify, abandon or accelerate, any material Contract which is
applicable to, binding upon or enforceable against Novo, (d) result in or
require the creation or imposition of any Lien upon or with respect to any of
the property or assets of Novo, (e) give to any individual or entity a right or
claim against Novo, which would have a Material Adverse Effect on Novo; or (f)
require the consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or
notification to, any Governmental Authority, any court or tribunal or any other
Person, except (i) pursuant to the Securities Act, (ii) filings required under
the securities or blue sky laws of the various states in each, which will be
made or obtained prior to the Closing except for such filings allowed to be
filed after the Closing by law.

        2.6 RECORDS OF NOVO. The copies of the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws
and other documents and agreements of Novo which were provided to the MacManus
are true, accurate, and complete and reflect all amendments made through the
date of this Agreement. The minute books and other records of corporate actions
for Novo made available to the MacManus for review were correct and complete as
of the date of such review, no further entries have been made through the date
of this Agreement, such minute books and records contain the true signatures of
the persons purporting to have signed them, and such minute books and records
contain an accurate record of all actions of Novo and directors (and any
committees thereof) of Novo taken by written consent or at a meeting or
otherwise since incorporation or formation. All corporate actions by Novo have
been duly authorized or ratified. The stock ledger of Novo, as previously made
available to MacManus, contains accurate and complete records of all issuances,
transfers and cancellations of shares of the capital stock of Novo.

        2.7 NO SUBSIDIARIES. Novo does not own, directly or indirectly, any
outstanding voting securities of or other interest in, or control, any other
corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or other
entity.

        2.8 NOVO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Novo has delivered or made available to
the MacManus Parties the financial statements of Novo for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1998 and for the period ended June 30, 1999 (collectively, the
"Novo Financial Statements"). The balance sheet of Novo dated as of June 30,
1999 included in the Novo Financial Statements is referred to herein as the
"Current Novo Balance Sheet." The Novo Financial Statements fairly present the
financial position of Novo at each of the balance sheet dates and have been
prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods
indicated. There are no material special or non-recurring items of income or
expense during the periods covered by the Novo Financial Statements, and the
balance sheets included in the Novo Financial Statements do not reflect any
write-up or revaluation increasing the book value of any assets. The Novo
Financial Statements reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation
of the financial information contained therein.

                                       4

<PAGE>   5
        2.9 CHANGES SINCE THE CURRENT NOVO BALANCE SHEET DATE. Since the date of
the Current Novo Balance Sheet included in the Novo Financial Statements, except
as expressly contemplated by the terms of this Agreement, no Material Adverse
Change has occurred with respect to Novo except as set forth in Schedule 2.9 or
the other Schedules to this Agreement.

        2.10 LIABILITIES. Novo has no liabilities or obligations, whether
accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise, except (a) to the extent reflected
on Novo's Current Balance Sheet and not heretofore paid or discharged, (b)
liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice since the date of the Novo Current Balance Sheet (none of which relates
to (i) any breach of contract or breach of warranty, or (ii) any tort,
infringement or violation of law, or which arose out of any action, suit, claim,
governmental investigation or arbitration proceeding), (c) liabilities incurred
in the ordinary course of business prior to the date of such entity's Current
Balance Sheet which, in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, were not
required to be recorded thereon and which, in the aggregate, are not material,
and (d) as set forth on Schedule 2.10(a) (the liabilities and obligations
referenced in clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d) above are referred to as the "Novo
Designated Liabilities").

        2.11 LITIGATION. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.11, there is no
action, suit, arbitration or other legal or administrative proceeding or
governmental investigation pending, or, to the knowledge of Novo, threatened (i)
against, by or affecting Novo or any properties or assets of the same (including
the Novo Leased Premises), or (ii) which questions the validity or
enforceability of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, and
there is no basis for any of the foregoing. There are no outstanding orders,
decrees or stipulations issued by any Governmental Authority in any proceeding
to which Novo is or was a party which have not been complied with in full or
which continue to impose any obligations on Novo.

        2.12 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.

                (a) Except as set forth in Schedule 2.12(a), or except where a
        failure to comply would not have a Material Adverse Effect, Novo is and
        has at all times been in full compliance with all Environmental Laws
        governing the business, operations, properties and assets of Novo,
        including, without limitation: (i) all requirements relating to the
        Discharge and Handling of Hazardous Substances; (ii) all requirements
        relating to notice, record keeping and reporting; (iii) all requirements
        relating to obtaining and maintaining Licenses (as defined herein) for
        the ownership by Novo of its properties and assets and the operation of
        its business as presently conducted or the ownership and use by Novo of
        the Novo Leased Premises (as defined in Section 2.13); and (iv) all
        applicable writs, orders, judgments, injunctions, governmental
        communications, decrees, informational requests or demands issued
        pursuant to, or arising under, any Environmental Laws.

                (b) Except as set forth in Schedule 2.12(b), there are no
        notices or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of Novo, threatened
        against or involving Novo, its businesses, operations, properties or
        assets (including the Novo Leased Premises) issued by any Governmental
        Authority or third party with respect to any Environmental Laws or
        Licenses issued to Novo thereunder in connection with, related to or
        arising out of the ownership or use by Novo of its properties or assets
        (including the Novo Leased

                                       5

<PAGE>   6
        Premises) or the operation of its businesses, which have not been
        resolved to the satisfaction of the issuing Governmental Authority or
        third party in a manner that would not impose any material obligation,
        burden or continuing liability on Novo or the MacManus Parties in the
        event that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are
        consummated.

                (c) For purposes of this Section and Section 3.13 hereof, the
        following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them below:

                "Discharge" means any manner of spilling, leaking, dumping,
        discharging, releasing, migrating or emitting, as any of such terms may
        further be defined in any Environmental Law, into or through any medium
        including, without limitation, ground water, surface water, land, soil
        or air.

                "Environmental Laws" means all federal state, regional or local
        statutes, laws rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, plans,
        injunctions, decrees, rulings, licenses, and changes thereto, or
        judicial or administrative interpretations thereof, or similar laws,
        whether currently in existence, issued, or promulgated, any of which
        govern, purport to govern, or relate to pollution, protection of the
        environment, public health and safety, air emissions, water discharges,
        waste disposal, hazardous or toxic substances, solid or hazardous waste,
        occupational, health and safety, as any of these terms are or may be
        defined in such statutes, laws, rules, regulations, codes, orders,
        ordinances, plans, injunctions, decrees, rulings, licenses, and changes
        thereto, or judicial or administrative interpretations thereof.

                "Hazardous Substances" shall be construed broadly to include any
        toxic or hazardous substance, material or waste, and any other
        contaminant, pollutant or constituent thereof, whether liquid, solid,
        semi-solid, sludge and/or gaseous, including without limitation,
        chemicals, compounds, by-products, pesticides, asbestos containing
        materials, petroleum or petroleum products, and polychlorinated
        biphenyls, the presence of which requires investigation or remediation
        under any Environmental Laws or which are or become regulated, listed or
        controlled by, under or pursuant to any Environmental Laws, or which has
        been or shall be determined or interpreted at any time by any
        Governmental Authority to be a hazardous or toxic substance regulated
        under any other statute, law, regulation, order, code, rule, order, or
        decree.

                "Licenses" means all licenses, certificates, permits, approvals,
        decrees and registrations.

        2.13 REAL ESTATE.

                (a) Novo owns no interest, directly or indirectly, in any real
        property. Except as listed on Schedule 2.13(a) there has been no real
        property (or any interest therein) owned by Novo within the past five
        (5) years.

                (b) Schedule 2.13(b) sets forth a list of all leases, licenses
        or similar agreements to which Novo is a party, which are for the use or
        occupancy of real estate owned by a third party ("Novo Leases") (copies
        of which have previously been furnished

                                       6

<PAGE>   7
        to the MacManus Parties), in each case setting forth: (i) the lessor and
        lessee thereof and the commencement date, term and renewal rights under
        each of the Novo Leases, (ii) the street address or legal description of
        each property covered thereby, and (iii) a brief description (including
        approximate size and function) of the principal improvements and
        buildings thereon (the "Novo Leased Premises"). The Novo Leases are in
        full force and effect and have not been amended except as disclosed in
        Schedule 2.13(b) and no party thereto is in default or breach under any
        such Lease. No event has occurred which, with the passage of time or the
        giving of notice or both, would cause a breach of or default under any
        of such Novo Leases. With respect to each such Novo Leased Premises: (i)
        Novo has a valid leasehold interest in the Novo Leased Premises, which
        leasehold interest is free and clear of any Liens, covenants and
        casements or title defects of any nature whatsoever; (ii) the portions
        of the buildings located on the Novo Leased Premises that are used in
        the business of Novo are each in good repair and condition, normal wear
        and tear excepted, and are in the, aggregate sufficient to satisfy
        Novo's current and reasonably anticipated normal business activities as
        conducted thereat; (iii) each of the Novo Leased Premises is served by
        all utilities in such quantity and quality as are sufficient to satisfy
        the current normal business activities conducted at such parcel; and
        (iv) Novo has not received notice of (A) any condemnation proceeding
        with respect to any portion of the Novo Leased Premises or any access
        thereto and, to the knowledge of Novo, no such proceeding is
        contemplated by any Governmental Authority; or (B) any special
        assessment which may affect any of the Novo Leased Premises and, to the
        knowledge of Novo, no such special assessment is contemplated by any
        Governmental Authority.

        2.14 BUSINESS; GOOD TITLE TO AND CONDITION OF ASSETS; INVENTORY.

(a) Novo owns and operates its business at the location(s) set forth on Schedule
    2.13(a). Except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 2.14, Novo has good
    and marketable title to all of its owned Assets free and clear of any Liens.
    For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Novo Assets" means all of the
    properties and assets of any nature owned or used by the party to which such
    term is applied.

(b) The Novo Fixed Assets currently in use or necessary for the business and
    operations of Novo, are in good operating condition, normal wear and tear
    excepted. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Fixed Assets" means all
    computers, machinery, equipment, supplies, leasehold improvements, furniture
    and fixtures, owned, used by or located on the premises of Novo, with
    respect to Novo, set forth on the Current Novo Balance Sheet or acquired by
    Novo since the date of the Current Novo Balance Sheet.

        2.15 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.15, Novo
and its Affiliates have been in compliance with all laws, regulations and orders
applicable to Novo, its business and operations (as conducted by it now and in
the past), the Assets, the Novo Leased Premises and any other properties and
assets owned or used by it now or in the past, except when any such violation
would not cause a Material Adverse Effect. Neither Novo nor any of its
affiliates has been cited, fined or otherwise notified of any asserted past or
present failure to comply with any laws, regulations or orders and no proceeding
with respect to any such violation is pending or, to the knowledge of Novo,
threatened relating to or in any way affecting Novo.

                                       7

<PAGE>   8
Novo is not subject to any decree or injunction to which it is a party which
restricts the continued operation of any business or the expansion thereof to
other geographical areas, customers and suppliers of lines of business. Neither
Novo, nor any of its employees agents, has made any payment of funds in
connection with Novo's business which is prohibited by law, and no funds have
been set aside to be used in connection with its business for payment prohibited
by law, Novo is and at all times has been in full compliance with the terms and
provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended (the
"Immigration Act"), except where failure to comply would not be material. With
resect to each Employee (as defined in 8 C.F.R. 274a.1(f)) of Novo for whom
compliance with the Immigration Act is required, Novo has on file a true,
accurate and complete copy of (i) each Employee's Form I-9 (Employment
Eligibility Verification Form) and (ii) all other records, documents or other
papers prepared, procured and/or retained pursuant to the Immigration Act. Novo
has not been cited, fined, served with a Notice of Intent to Fine or with a
Cease and Desist order, nor has any action or administrative proceeding been
initiated or, to the knowledge of Novo, threatened against Novo, by the
Immigration and Naturalization Service by reason of any actual or alleged
failure to comply with the Immigration Act.

        2.16 LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT MATTERS. Novo is not a party to or bound by
any collective bargaining agreement or any other agreement with a labor union,
and there has been no labor union prior to the date hereof organizing any
employees of Novo into one or more collective bargaining units. There is not
now, and there has not been prior to the date hereof, any actual or, to the
knowledge of Novo, threatened labor dispute, strike or work stoppage which
affects or which may affect the business of Novo, or which may interfere with
its continued operations. Neither Novo, nor any employee, agent or
representative thereof, has since the date of incorporation or formation of
Novo, committed any material unfair labor practice as defined in the National
Labor Relations Act, as amended, and there is no pending or, to the knowledge of
Novo, threatened charge or complaint against Novo by or with the National Labor
Relations Board or any representative thereof. There has been no strike, walkout
or work stoppage involving any of the employees of Novo prior to the date
hereof. To the knowledge of Novo, no executive or key employee or group of
employees has any plans to terminate his, her or their employment with Novo as a
result of the transactions contemplated hereby or otherwise. Novo has complied
with applicable laws, rules and regulations relating to employment, civil rights
and equal employment opportunities, including but not limited to, the Civil
Rights Act of 1964, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the Americans with
Disabilities Act, all as amended, except where failure to comply would not have
a Material Adverse Effect. Novo has furnished to MacManus a written schedule
containing the salary and other compensation and fringe benefits of the
employees or other workers of Novo to be employed at the Closing, which schedule
is true and complete in all material respects.

        2.17 NOVO EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.

                (a) Employee Benefit Plans. Schedule 2.17 contains a list
        setting forth each employee benefit plan or arrangement of Novo,
        including but not limited to employee pension benefit plans, as defined
        in Section 3(2) of ERISA multiemployer plans, as defined in Section
        3(37) of ERISA, employee welfare benefit plans, as defined in Section
        3(l) of ERISA, deferred compensation plans, stock option plans, bonus
        plans, stock purchase plans, hospitalization, disability and other
        insurance plans, severance or

                                       8

<PAGE>   9
        termination pay plans and policies, whether or not described in Section
        3(3) of ERISA, in which employees (or their spouses or dependents) of
        Novo participate ("Employee Benefit Plans") (true and accurate copies of
        which, together with the most recent annual reports on Form 5500 and
        summary plan descriptions with respect thereto, have been furnished to
        Novo).

                (b) Compliance with Law. With respect to each Novo Employee
        Benefit Plan (i) each has been administered in all material respects in
        compliance with its terms and with all applicable laws, including, but
        not limited to, ERISA and the Code; (ii) no actions, suits, claims or
        disputes are pending or to the knowledge of Novo, threatened; (iii) no
        audits, inquiries, reviews, proceedings, claims, or demands are pending
        with any governmental or regulatory agency; (iv) to the knowledge of
        Novo there are no facts which could give rise to any liability in the
        event of any such investigation, claim, action, suit, audit, review, or
        other proceeding; (v) all reports, returns and similar documents
        required to be filed with any governmental agency or distributed to any
        plan participant have been duly or timely filed or distributed; and (vi)
        no "prohibited transaction" has occurred within the meaning of the
        applicable provisions of ERISA or the Code. For purposes of this Section
        2.17, "Novo Employee Benefit Plans" is defined as each employee benefit
        plan or arrangement of Novo, including but not limited to employee
        pension benefit plans, as defined in Section 3(2) of the ERISA Act,
        multiemployer plans, as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA, employee
        welfare benefit plans, as defined in Section 3(l) of ERISA, deferred
        compensation plans, stock option plans, bonus plans, stock purchase
        plans, hospitalization, disability and other insurance plans, severance
        or termination pay plans and policies, whether or not described in
        Section 3(3) of ERISA, in which employees (or their spouses or
        dependents) of Novo participate (true and accurate copies of which,
        together with the most recent annual reports on Form 5500 and summary
        plan descriptions with respect thereto, have been furnished to the
        MacManus Parties).

                (c) Compliance with Law. With respect to each Novo Employee
        Benefit Plan (i) each has been administered in all respects in
        compliance with its terms and with all applicable laws, including, but
        not limited to, ERISA and the Code; (ii) no actions, suits, claims or
        disputes, are pending, or to the knowledge of Novo, threatened; (iii) no
        audits, inquiries, reviews, proceedings, claims, or demands are pending
        with any governmental or regulatory agency; (iv) there are no facts
        which could give rise to any liability in the event of any such
        investigation, claim, action, suit, audit, review, or other proceeding;
        (v) all reports, returns and similar documents required to be filed with
        any governmental agency or distributed to any plan participant have been
        duly or timely filed or distributed; and (vi) no "prohibited
        transaction" has occurred within the meaning of the applicable
        provisions of ERISA or the Code.

                (c) Qualified Plans. Novo is not and has not been obligated with
        respect to any Novo Employee Benefit Plan intended to qualify under Code
        Section 401(a) or 403(a)

                (d) Multiemployer Plans. Novo is not and has not been obligated
        with respect to any multiemployer plan as described in Section
        4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

                                       9

<PAGE>   10
                (e) Welfare Plans. (i) Novo is not obligated under any employee
        welfare benefit plan as described in Section 3(l) of ERISA ("Welfare
        Plan") to provide medical or death benefits with respect to any employee
        or former employee of Novo or its predecessors after termination of
        employment, other than pursuant to Section 4980B of the Code; (ii) Novo
        has complied with the notice and continuation coverage requirements of
        Section 4980B of the Code and the regulations thereunder with respect to
        each Welfare Plan that is, or was during any taxable year for which the
        statute of limitations on the assessment of federal income taxes remains
        open, by consent or otherwise, a group health plan within the meaning of
        Section 5000(b)(1) of the Code; and (iii) there are no reserves, assets,
        surplus or prepaid premiums under any Welfare Plan which is a Novo
        Employee Benefit Plan. The consummation of the transactions contemplated
        by this Agreement will not entitle any individual to severance pay, and,
        will not accelerate the time of payment or vesting, or increase the
        amount of compensation due to any individual.

                (f) Controlled Group Liability. Neither Novo nor any entity that
        would be aggregated with Novo under Code Section 414(b), (c), (m) or
        (o): (i) has ever terminated or withdrawn from an employee benefit plan
        under circumstances resulting (or expected to result) in liability to
        the PBGC, the fund by which the employee benefit plan is funded, or any
        employee or beneficiary for whose benefit the plan is or was maintained
        (other than routine claims for benefits); (ii) has any assets subject to
        (or expected to be subject to) a lien for unpaid contributions to any
        employee benefit plan; (iii) has failed to pay premiums to the PBGC when
        due; (iv) is subject to (or expected to be subject) an excise tax under
        Code Section 497 1; (v) has engaged in any transaction which would give
        rise to liability under Section 4069 or Section 4212(c) of ERISA; or
        (vi) has violated Code Section 4980B or Section 601 through 608 of
        ERISA.

                (g) Other Liabilities. (i) None of the Novo Employee Benefit
        Plans obligates Novo to pay separation, severance, termination or
        similar benefits solely as a result of any transaction contemplated by
        this Agreement [or solely as a result of a "change of control" (as such
        term is defined in Section 280G of the Code)]; (ii) all required or
        discretionary (in accordance with historical practices) payments,
        premiums, contributions, reimbursements, or accruals for all periods
        ending prior to or as of the Closing Date shall have been made or
        properly accrued on the Current Novo Balance Sheet or will be properly
        accrued on the books and records of Novo as of the Closing Date; and
        (iii) none of the Novo Employee Benefit Plans has any unfunded
        liabilities which are not reflected on the Current Novo Balance Sheet or
        the books and records of Novo.

        2.18 TAX MATTERS. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.18. Novo filed or
caused to be filed, within the times and within the manner prescribed by law,
all federal, state and local tax returns and tax reports which are required to
be filed by, or with respect to, Novo. Such returns and reports reflect
accurately all liability for all federal, state and local income, sales, payroll
and withholding taxes and all other material taxes of Novo, for the period
covered thereby, and all amounts shown on such returns and reports as due and
payable have been timely paid. None of the federal, state, local or foreign tax
returns of Novo have ever been audited by the Internal Revenue Service or any
governmental body or agency, domestic or foreign. All federal, state and local
income, profits, franchise, sales, use occupancy, excise, payroll, accumulated
earnings

                                       10

<PAGE>   11
tax and other taxes and assessments (including and penalties) payable by, or due
from Novo, (whether in its own night or as transferee of the assets of, or
successor to, any entity) have been fully paid or adequately disclosed and fully
provided for in the books and financial statements of Novo. To the knowledge of
Novo, no examination of any return of Novo is currently in progress and Novo
has not received notice of any proposed audit or examination. There are no
outstanding agreements or waivers extending the statutory period of limitations
applicable to any tax return of Novo.

        2.19 INSURANCE. Novo is covered by valid, outstanding enforceable
policies of insurance issued to it by reputable insurers covering its
properties, assets and business in amounts and against risks of the nature
normally insured against by similar entities in the same or similar lines of
business in coverage amounts typically and reasonably carried by such entities
(the "Novo Insurance Policies"). Such Novo Insurance Policies are in full force
and effect, and all premiums due thereon have been paid through the date of this
Agreement and will be paid through the Closing Date. Novo has complied with the
provisions of such Novo Insurance Policies applicable to it, and has provided
the MacManus Parties copies of all Novo Insurance Policies and all amendments
and riders thereto. There is no pending claim under any of the Novo Insurance
Policies for an amount in excess of $5,000.00 individually or $25,000.00 in the
aggregate, including any claim for loss or damage to the properties, assets or
business of Novo (including the Novo Leased Premises). Novo has not failed to
give, in a timely manner, any notice required under any of the Novo Insurance
Policies to preserve its rights thereunder.

        2.20 RECEIVABLES. All of the Novo Receivables are valid and legally
binding, represent bona fide transactions and arose in the ordinary course of
business of Novo. All of the Novo Receivables are good and collectible
receivables, and will be collected in accordance with past practice and the
terms of such receivables (and in any event within six months following the
Closing Date), without set off or counterclaims, subject to the allowance for
doubtful accounts, if any, set forth on the Current Novo Balance Sheet, as
reasonably adjusted since the date of the Current Novo Balance Sheet in the
ordinary course of business, consistent with GAAP. For purposes of this
Agreement, the term "Novo Receivables" means all receivables of Novo, including
without limitation all contracts in transit and all trade account receivables
arising from the provision of services, notes receivable, and insurance proceeds
receivable.

        2.21 LICENSES AND PERMITS. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.21. Novo
possesses all licenses and required governmental or official approvals, permits
or authorizations (collectively, the "Novo Permits") for its business and
operations, including with respect to the operations of the Novo Leased
Premises, except where the failure to so possess such license would not be
material. All such Novo Permits are valid and in full force and effect, Novo is
in compliance with the respective requirements thereof, and no proceeding is
pending or, to the knowledge of Novo, threatened to revoke or amend any of them.
None of such Novo Permits is or will be impaired or in any way affected by the
execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby.

        2.22 ADEQUACY OF THE ASSETS; RELATIONSHIPS WITH CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS;
AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS. The Novo Assets and the Novo Leased Premises
constitute, in the aggregate, all of the assets and properties necessary for the
conduct of the business of Novo in the manner in which and to the extent to
which such business is currently being conducted.

                                       11

<PAGE>   12
Except as set forth on Schedule 2.22, Novo has no direct or indirect interest
in any customer, supplier or competitor of Novo or in any person from whom or
to whom Novo leases real or personal property. No Principal and no officer or
director in Novo, nor any person related by blood or marriage to any such
person, nor any entity in which any such person owns any beneficial interest, is
a party to any Contract or transaction with Novo or has any interest in any
property used by Novo (all such ownership, Contracts, transactions and
interests, collectively "Novo Affiliated Transactions"), except as set forth on
Schedule 2.22.

        2.23 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

                (a) Novo owns or possesses sufficient legal rights to all
        patents, trademarks, service marks, tradenames, copyrights, trade
        secrets, licenses, information and proprietary rights and processes
        necessary for its business without any conflict with, or infringement
        of, the rights of others. Novo has not received any communications
        alleging that Novo has violated or, by conducting its business, would
        violate any of the patents, trademarks, service marks, tradenames,
        copyrights, trade secrets or other proprietary rights or processes of
        any other person or entity. Novo is not aware that any officer, director
        or employee is obligated under any contract (including licenses,
        covenants or commitments of any nature) or other agreement, or subject
        to any judgment, decree or order of any court or administrative agency,
        that would interfere with the use of his or her best efforts to promote
        the interest of Novo, or that would conflict with Novo's business or
        prevent any such officer, director or employee from assigning inventions
        to Novo. Neither the execution or delivery of this Agreement, nor the
        carrying on of Novo's business by the employees of Novo, nor the conduct
        of Novo's business as proposed, will, to Novo's knowledge, conflict with
        or result in a breach of the terms, conditions, or provisions of, or
        constitute a default under, any contract, covenant or instrument under
        which any such employee is now obligated. Novo does not believe it is or
        will be necessary to use any inventions of any of its employees (or
        persons it currently intends to hire) made prior to their employment by
        Novo.

                (b) No claims have been asserted against Novo, and to the
        knowledge of Novo (actual knowledge in the case of common law trademarks
        and tradenames and patents) there are no claims which are reasonably
        likely to be asserted against Novo or which have been asserted against
        others by any person challenging Novo's use or distribution of any
        trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, works of authorship, trade secrets,
        software, technology, know-how or processes utilized by Novo or
        challenging or questioning the validity or effectiveness of any license
        or agreement relating thereto. The use of any trademarks, tradenames,
        copyrights, works of authorship, software, technology, know-how or
        processes by Novo in its business does not infringe on the rights of,
        constitute misappropriation of, or in any way involve unfair competition
        with respect to, any proprietary information or intangible property
        right of any third person or entity, including, without limitation, any
        patent, trade secret, copyright, trademark or tradename; provided,
        however, that such representation is made only to Novo's actual
        knowledge with respect to common law trademarks and tradenames,
        technology, patent or similar intangible property right where
        infringement is possible without wrongful taking.

                                       12

<PAGE>   13
                (c) To the best knowledge of Novo, all designs, drawings,
        specifications, source code, object code, documentation, flow charts and
        diagrams incorporated in any of Novo's proprietary rights constitute
        original creations of and were written, developed and created solely and
        exclusively by employees of Novo without the assistance of any third
        party or entity, were public domain or were created by, or with the
        assistance of, third parties who assigned ownership of or licensed their
        rights to Novo in valid and enforceable agreements. Novo has at all
        times used commercially reasonable efforts to treat its trade secrets as
        confidential and has not disclosed or otherwise dealt with such items in
        such a manner as to cause the loss of such trade secrets by release
        into the public domain.

                (d) To the best knowledge of Novo, no employee of Novo is in
        violation of any term of any employment contract, patent disclosure
        agreement, confidentiality agreement or any other contract or agreement
        relating to the relationship of any such employee with Novo or, to the
        knowledge of Novo, any other party because of the nature of Novo's
        business.

        2.24 CONTRACTS. Novo has made available to, or given copies of, each
Novo Material Contract to the MacManus Parties, and such Novo Material Contracts
are the true, correct and complete documents regarding each such Novo Material
Contract (defined below). Each Novo Material Contract furnished or made
available to the MacManus Parties is true and complete and reflects all
amendments thereto made through the date of this Agreement and the list of such
Novo Material Contracts set forth on Schedule 2.24 Is a true and complete list
of the Novo Material Contracts. Novo has not violated any of the terms or
conditions of any Novo Material Contract or any term or condition which would
permit termination or modification of any Novo Material Contract; all of the
covenants to be performed pursuant to any Novo Material Contract by any other
party thereto have been fully performed; there are no claims for breach or
indemnification or notice of default or termination under any Novo Material
Contract; and each of the Novo Material Contracts is enforceable in accordance
with its terms. To the knowledge of Novo, no event has occurred which
constitutes, or after notice or the passage of time, or both, would constitute,
a default by Novo under any Novo Material Contract, and to the knowledge of
Novo, no such event has occurred which constitutes or would constitute a default
by any other party. Novo is not subject to any liability or payment resulting
from renegotiation of amounts paid under any Novo Material Contract.

        As used in this Section 2.24 "Novo Material Contracts" shall include,
without limitation, formal or informal, all written or oral (a) loan agreements,
indentures, mortgages, pledges, hypothecations, deeds of trust, conditional sale
or title retention agreements, security agreements, equipment financing
obligations or guaranties, or other sources of contingent liability in respect
of any indebtedness or obligations of Novo to any other Person, or letters of
intent or commitment letters with respect to same (other than those which
individually provide for annual payments of less than $50,000); (b) contracts
obligating Novo to provide products or services valued at over $200,000; (c)
leases of the Novo Leased Premises to or from third parties and Novo; (d) leases
of personal property by Novo (other than those which individually provide for
annual payments of less than $20,000); (e) employment agreements, management
service

                                       13

<PAGE>   14
agreements, consulting agreements, confidentiality agreements, non-competition
agreements, employee handbooks, policy statements and any other agreements
relating to any employee, officer or director of or partner in Novo (except for
routine NDAs and noncompete provisions applicable to standard employment
agreements and initial business development introductory meetings and
discussions); (f) licenses, assignments or transfers of trademarks, trade names,
service marks, patents, copyrights, trade secrets or know how, or other
agreements regarding proprietary rights or intellectual property with respect to
which Novo is a party; (g) any contract relating to pending capital expenditures
by Novo; (h) any contracts obligating Novo to make payments in excess of $50,000
over the remaining terms of such contract; and (i) all other material Contracts
or understandings outside of the ordinary course of business with respect to
which Novo is a party or pursuant to which any of its assets is bound,
irrespective of subject matter and whether or not in writing, and not otherwise
disclosed on the Schedules.

        (c) Except as set forth in Schedule 2.24, all of the representations set
forth in this Section 2.24 are true and correct as of the date hereof to the
best knowledge of Novo.

        2.25 ACCURACY OF INFORMATION FURNISHED. No representation, statement or
information contained in this Agreement (including, without limitation, the
various Schedules attached hereto) or any agreement executed in connection
herewith or in any certificate delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or made or
furnished to the MacManus Parties or its representatives by Novo, contains or
shall contain any untrue statement of a fact or omits or shall omit any fact
necessary to make the information contained therein not misleading. Novo has
provided the MacManus Parties with true, accurate and complete copies of all
documents listed or described in the various Schedules attached hereto.

        2.26 NO COMMISSIONS. Novo has not incurred any obligation for any
finder's or broker's or agent's fees or commissions or similar compensation in
connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

        2.27 CHEAT RELATIONS. Novo has previously provided MacManus with a
written schedule setting forth Novo's clients as of the date of the Current
Balance Sheet Date, and the revenues from each client for the calendar year
ended December 31, 1998 and the six months ended June 30, 1999, and the
estimated revenues for each client for the twelve months ending December 31,
1999. Novo does not warrant that the estimated revenues set forth on such
schedule will prove to be accurate; provided, however, Novo does represent that
they were made in good faith and on a reasonable basis. Except as previously
disclosed to MacManus in writing, no client of Novo has advised Novo in writing
that it is (x) terminating or considering terminating the handling of its
business by Novo as a whole or in respect of any particular product, project or
service; (y) planning to reduce its future spending with Novo in any material
manner, or (z) materially dissatisfied with the services provided by Novo; and
to the knowledge of Novo (without making any special inquiry of any clients), no
client has orally advised Novo of any of the foregoing events.

                                    ARTICLE 3

                      REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE
                                MACMANUS PARTIES

        As a material inducement to Novo to enter into this Agreement and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, the MacManus Parties, except as
set forth in applicable schedules attached hereto which shall be deemed part of
any of the representations set forth in this Article 3, jointly and severally,
make the following representations and warranties to Novo:

                                       14

<PAGE>   15
        3.1 CORPORATE STATUS OF MACMANUS PARTIES. MacManus and Seller each are
corporations duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the State of Delaware. The MacManus Parties each have the requisite
power and authority to own or lease its properties and to carry on its business
as now being conducted. There is no pending or threatened proceeding for the
dissolution, liquidation, in solvency, reorganization, or rehabilitation of
MacManus or Seller, except as could not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect on the MacManus Parties.

        3.2 CORPORATE STATUS OF BLUE MARBLE. Blue Marble is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Delaware. Blue Marble has the requisite power and authority to own or lease its
properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted. Blue Marble is
legally qualified to do business as a foreign entity in each of the
jurisdictions in which it is required to be so qualified, which represent all
jurisdictions where the nature of its properties and the conduct of its business
require such qualification, and is in good standing in each of the jurisdictions
in which it is so qualified except where the failure to so qualify will not have
a material adverse affect on Blue Marble. There is no pending or threatened
proceeding for the dissolution, liquidation, insolvency, reorganization, or
rehabilitation of Blue Marble, except as could not reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect on the MacManus Parties.

        3.3 POWER AND AUTHORITY. Each of the MacManus Parties has the corporate
power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its
obligations hereunder, and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
Each of the MacManus Parties has taken all corporate action necessary to
authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the performance of its
respective obligations hereunder, and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby.

        3.4 ENFORCEABILITY. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered
by or on behalf of each of the MacManus Parties and constitutes the legal, valid
and binding obligation of each of them, enforceable against each of them in
accordance with its terms, except as the same may be limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws. affecting
the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and general equitable principles
regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law
or in equity.

        3.5 CAPITALIZATION. Schedule 3.5 sets forth, as of the date hereof, with
respect to Blue Marble, (a) the number of authorized shares of each class of its
capital stock, and (b) the number of issued and outstanding shares of each class
of its capital stock. All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock
(i) have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and
nonassessable, (ii) were issued in compliance with all applicable state and
federal securities laws, and (iii) were not issued in violation of any
preemptive rights or rights of first refusal or similar rights. No preemptive
rights or rights of first refusal or similar rights exist with respect to any
shares of capital stock of Blue Marble and no such rights arise by virtue of or
in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby except as set forth in
this Agreement; there are no outstanding or authorized rights, options, wants,
convertible securities, subscription rights, conversion rights, exchange rights
or other agreements or commitments of any kind that could require Blue Marble to
issue or sell any shares of its capital stock (or securities convertible into or
exchangeable for shares of its capital stock), there are no outstanding stock
appreciation, phantom stock, profit participation or other similar rights with
respect to Blue Marble, there are

                                       15

<PAGE>   16
no proxies, voting rights or other agreements or understandings with respect to
the voting or transfer of the capital stock of Blue Marble and Blue Marble is
not obligated to redeem or otherwise acquire any of its outstanding shares of
capital stock.

        3.6 NO VIOLATION. Except for any approvals or consents required under
the Material Contracts (as defined in Section 3.25), the execution and delivery
of this Agreement by the MacManus Parties, the performance by such parties of
their respective obligations hereunder and the consummation by them of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not (a) contravene any
provision of the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, or other organizational or
governing document of Blue Marble or the Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws,
or other organizational or governing document of MacManus, (b) violate or
conflict with any law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, decree, writ,
injunction, judgment or order of any Governmental Authority or of any
arbitration award which is either applicable to, binding upon or enforceable
against Blue Marble, (c) conflict with, result in any breach of, or constitute a
default (or an event which would, with the passage of time or the giving of
notice or both, constitute a default) under, or give rise to a right of payment
under or the right to terminate, amend, modify, abandon or accelerate, any
material Contract and which is applicable to, binding upon or enforceable
against Blue Marble, or any of their assets, (d) result in or require the
creation or imposition of any Lien upon or with respect to any of the properties
or assets of any MacManus Party, (e) give to any Person a right or claim against
Blue Marble, or (f) require the consent, approval, authorization or permit of,
or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Authority, any court or
tribunal or any other Person, except (i) pursuant to the Securities Act, (ii)
filings required under the securities or blue sky laws of the various states, in
each case which will be made or obtained prior to Closing except as allowed by
law to occur after Closing.

        3.7 RECORDS OF BLUE MARBLE. The copies of the Articles of Incorporation,
Bylaws and other documents and agreements of Blue Marble which were provided to
Novo are true, accurate, and complete and reflect all amendments made through
the date of this Agreement. The minute books and other records of corporate
actions for Blue Marble made available to Novo for review were correct and
complete as of the date of such review, no further entries have been made
through the date of this Agreement, such minute books and records contain the
true signatures of the persons purporting to have signed them, and such minute
books and records contain an accurate record of all actions of MacManus and
directors (and any committees, thereof) of Blue Marble taken by written consent
or at a meeting or otherwise since incorporation or formation. All corporate
actions by Blue Marble have been duly authorized or ratified. The stock ledger
of Blue Marble, as previously made available to Novo, contains accurate and
complete records of all issuances, transfers and cancellations of shares of the
capital stock of Blue Marble.

        3.8 NO SUBSIDIARIES. Blue Marble does not own, directly or indirectly,
any outstanding voting securities of or other interests in, or control, any
other corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or
other entity.

        3.9 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. The MacManus Parties have delivered or made
available to Novo the financial statements of Blue Marble for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1998 and for the period ended June 30, 1999 (collectively,
the "Financial Statements"). The balance sheet of Blue Marble dated as of June
30, 1999 included in the Financial Statements is referred to

                                       16

<PAGE>   17
herein as the "Current Balance Sheet." The Financial Statements fairly present
the financial position of Blue Marble at each of the balance sheet dates and
have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the
periods indicated. There are no material special or non-recurring items of
income or expense during the periods covered by the Financial Statements, and
the balance sheets included in the Financial Statements do not reflect any write
up or revaluation increasing the book value of any assets. The Financial
Statements reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the
financial information contained therein.

        3.10 CHANGES SINCE THE CURRENT BALANCE SHEET DATE. Since the date of the
Current Balance Sheet included in the Financial Statements, except as expressly
contemplated by the terms of this Agreement, no Material Adverse Change has
occurred with respect to the Blue Marble except as set forth in Schedule 3.10
or the other Schedules to this Agreement.

        3.11 LIABILITIES. Blue Marble has no liabilities or obligations, whether
accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise, except (a) to the extent reflected
on Blue Marble's Current Balance Sheet and not heretofore paid or discharged,
(b) liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice since the date of the Blue Marble Current Balance Sheet (none of which
relates to (i) any breach of contract or breach of warranty, or (ii) any tort,
infringement or violation of law, or which arose out of any action, suit, claim,
governmental investigation or arbitration proceeding), (c) liabilities incurred
in the ordinary course of business prior to the date of such entity's Current
Balance Sheet which, in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, were not
required to be recorded thereon and which, in the aggregate, are not material,
and (d) as set forth on Schedule 3.11(a) (the liabilities and obligations
referenced in clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d) above are referred to as the "Blue
Marble Designated Liabilities").

        3.12 LITIGATION. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.12, there is no
action, suit, arbitration or other legal or administrative proceeding or
governmental investigation pending, or, to the knowledge of Blue Marble,
threatened (i) against, by or affecting any Blue Marble or any properties or
assets of any of the same (including the Leased Premises), or (ii) which
questions the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby, and there is no basis for any of the foregoing. There are
no outstanding orders, decrees or stipulations issued by any Governmental
Authority in any proceeding to which Blue Marble is or was a party which have
not been complied with in full or which continue to impose any obligations on
Blue Marble.

        3.13 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.

                (a) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.13(a), or except where a
        failure to comply would not have a Material Adverse Effect, Blue Marble
        is and has at all times been in full compliance with all Environmental
        Laws governing the business, operations, properties and assets of Blue
        Marble, including, without limitation: (i) all requirements relating to
        the Discharge and Handling of Hazardous Substances; (ii) all
        requirements relating to notice, record keeping and reporting; (iii) all
        requirements relating to obtaining and maintaining Licenses (as defined
        herein) for the ownership by Blue Marble of its properties and assets
        and the operation of its business as presently conducted or the
        ownership and use by Blue Marble of the Leased Premises (as defined in
        Section 3.14);

                                       17

<PAGE>   18
        and (iv) all applicable writs, orders, judgments, injunctions,
        governmental communications, decrees, informational requests or demands
        issued pursuant to, or arising under, any Environmental Laws.

                (b) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.13(b) there are no notices
        or proceedings pending or to the knowledge of the MacManus Parties
        threatened against or involving Blue Marble, their businesses,
        operations, properties or assets (including the Leased Premises) issued
        by any Governmental Authority or third party with respect to any
        Environmental Laws or Licenses issued to Blue Marble thereunder in
        connection with, related to or arising out of the ownership or use by
        Blue Marble of its properties or assets (including the Leased Premises)
        or the operation of its businesses, which have not been resolved to the
        satisfaction of the issuing Governmental Authority or third party in a
        manner that would not impose any material obligation, burden or
        continuing liability on Novo or Blue Marble in the event that the
        transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consummated.

        3.14 REAL ESTATE.

                (a) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.14(a) Blue Marble owns
        no interest, directly or indirectly, in any real property and there has
        been no real property (or any interest therein) owned by Blue Marble
        within the past five (5) years.

                (b) Schedule 3.14(b) sets forth a list of all leases, licenses
        or similar agreements to which Blue Marble is a party, which are for the
        use or occupancy of real estate owned by a third party ("Leases")
        (copies of which have previously been furnished to Novo), in each case
        setting forth: (i) the lessor and lessee thereof and the commencement
        date, term and renewal rights under each of the Leases; (ii) the street
        address or legal description of each property covered thereby; and (iii)
        a brief description (including approximate size and function) of the
        principal improvements and buildings thereon (the "Leased Premises").
        The Leases are in full force and effect and have not been amended except
        as disclosed in Schedule 3.14(b), and no party thereto is in default or
        breach under any such Lease. No event has occurred which, with the
        passage of time or the giving of notice or both, would cause a breach of
        or default under any of such Leases. With respect to each such Leased
        Premises: (i) Blue Marble has a valid leasehold interest in the Leased
        Premises, which leasehold interest is free and clear of any Liens,
        covenants and casements or title defects of any nature whatsoever; (ii)
        the portions of the buildings located on the Leased Premises that are
        used in the business of Blue Marble are each in good repair and
        condition, normal wear and tear excepted, and are in the aggregate
        sufficient to satisfy Blue Marble's current and reasonably anticipated
        normal business activities as conducted thereat; (iii) each of the
        Leased Premises is served by all utilities in such quantity and quality
        as are sufficient to satisfy the current normal business activities
        conducted at such parcel; and (iv) none of the MacManus Parties has
        received notice of (A) any condemnation proceeding with respect to any
        portion of the Leased Premises or any access thereto and, to the
        knowledge of the MacManus Parties, no such proceeding is contemplated by
        any Governmental Authority; or (B) any special assessment which may
        affect any of the Leased Premises and, to the

                                       18

<PAGE>   19
        knowledge of the MacManus Parties, no such special assessment is
        contemplated by any Governmental Authority.

        3.15 BUSINESS; GOOD TITLE TO AND CONDITION OF ASSETS; INVENTORY

                (a) Blue Marble owns and operates its business at the
        location(s) set forth on Schedule 3.14(a). Upon the consummation of the
        transactions contemplated hereby, Novo will have acquired and own all of
        Blue Marble's assets and operations. Except as specifically disclosed in
        Schedule 3.15(a), Blue Marble has good and marketable title to all of
        its owned Assets free and clear of any Liens. For purposes of this
        Agreement, the term "Blue Marble Assets" means all of the properties and
        assets of any nature owned or used by Blue Marble.

                (b) The Blue Marble Fixed Assets currently in use or necessary
        for the business and operations of Blue Marble, are in good operating
        condition, normal wear and tear excepted. For purposes of this
        Agreement, the term "Blue Marble Fixed Assets" means all computers,
        machinery, equipment, supplies, leasehold improvements, furniture and
        fixtures, owned, used by or located on the premises of Blue Marble, with
        respect to Blue Marble, set forth on the Current Blue Marble Balance
        Sheet or acquired by Blue Marble since the date of the Current Blue
        Marble Balance Sheet.

        3.16 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.16, Blue
Marble has been in compliance with all laws, regulations and orders applicable
to Blue Marble, its business and operations (as conducted by it now and in the
past), the Assets, the Leased Premises and any other properties and assets owned
or used by it now or in the past, except when any such violation would not cause
a Material Adverse Effect. No MacManus Party, nor any affiliates of a MacManus
Party, has been cited, fined or otherwise notified of any asserted past or
present failure to comply with any laws, regulations or orders and no proceeding
with respect to any such violation is pending or, to the knowledge of the
MacManus Parties, threatened relating to or in any way affecting Blue Marble.
Blue Marble is not subject to any decree or injunction to which it is a party
which restricts the continued operation of any business or the expansion thereof
to other geographical areas, customers and suppliers or lines of business. None
of the MacManus Parties, nor any of their employees or agents, has made any
payment of funds in connection with Blue Marble's business which is prohibited
by law, and no funds have been set aside to be used in connection with its
business for any payment prohibited by law. Blue Marble is and at all times has
been in full compliance with the terms and provisions of the Immigration Reform
and Control Act of 1986, as amended (the "Immigration Act"), except where
failure to comply would not be material. With respect to each Employee (as
defined in 8 C.F.R. 274a.1(f)) of Blue Marble for whom compliance with the
Immigration Act is required, Blue Marble has on file a true, accurate and
complete copy of (i) each Employee's Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility
Verification Form) and (ii) all other records, documents or other papers
prepared, procured and/or retained pursuant to the Immigration Act. Blue Marble
has not been cited, fined, served with a Notice of Intent to Fine or with a
Cease and Desist Order, nor has any action or administrative proceeding been
initiated or, to the knowledge of the MacManus Parties, threatened against Blue
Marble, by the Immigration and Naturalization Service by reason of any actual
or alleged failure to comply with the Immigration Act.

                                       19

<PAGE>   20
        3.17 LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT MATTERS. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.17
Blue Marble is not a party to any employment agreement and Blue Marble is not a
party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement or any other agreement
with a labor union, and there has been no labor union prior to the date hereof
organizing any employees of Blue Marble into one or more collective bargaining
units. There is not now, and there has not been prior to the date hereof, any
actual or, to the knowledge of the MacManus Parties, threatened labor dispute,
strike or work stoppage which affects or which may affect the business of Blue
Marble, or which may interfere with its continued operations. Neither Blue
Marble, nor any employee, agent or representative thereof, has since the date of
incorporation or formation of Blue Marble, committed any material unfair labor
practice as defined in the National Labor Relations Act, as amended, and there
is no pending or, to the knowledge of the MacManus Parties, threatened charge or
complaint against Blue Marble by or with the National Labor Relations Board or
any representative thereof. There has been no strike, walkout or work stoppage
involving any of the employees of Blue Marble prior to the date hereof. To the
knowledge of the MacManus Parties, no executive or key employee or group of
employees has any plans to terminate his, her or their employment with Blue
Marble as a result of the transactions contemplated hereby or otherwise. Blue
Marble has complied with applicable laws, rules and regulations relating to
employment, civil rights and equal employment opportunities, including but not
limited to, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the
Americans with Disabilities. Act, all as amended, except where failure to comply
would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Blue Marble has previously furnished
to Novo a written schedule containing the salary and other compensation and
fringe benefits of the employees or other workers of Blue Marble to be employed
at the Closing, which schedule is true and complete in all material respects.

        3.18 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.

                (a) Employee Benefit Plans. Schedule 3.18 contains a list
        setting forth each employee benefit plan or arrangement of Blue Marble,
        including but not limited to employee pension benefit plans, as defined
        in Section 3(2) of ERISA multiemployer plans, as defined in Section
        3(37) of ERISA, employee welfare benefit plans, as defined in Section
        3(l) of ERISA, deferred compensation plans, stock option plans, bonus
        plans, stock purchase plans, hospitalization, disability and other
        insurance plans, severance or termination pay plans and policies,
        whether or not described in Section 3(3) of ERISA, in which employees
        (or their spouses or dependents) of Blue Marble participate ("Employee
        Benefit Plans") (true and accurate copies of which, together with the
        most recent annual reports on Form 5500 and summary plan descriptions
        with respect thereto, have been furnished to Novo).

                (b) Compliance with Law. With respect to each Blue Marble
        Employee Benefit Plan (i) each has been administered in all material
        respects in compliance with its terms and with all applicable laws,
        including, but not limited to, ERISA and the Code; (ii) no actions,
        suits, claims or disputes are pending, or to the knowledge of the
        MacManus Parties, threatened; (iii) no audits, inquiries, reviews,
        proceedings, claims, or demands are pending with any governmental or
        regulatory agency; (iv) to the knowledge of the MacManus Parties there
        are no facts which could give rise to any liability in the event of any
        such investigation, claim, action, suit, audit, review, or other
        proceeding; (v) all reports, returns and similar documents required to
        be filed with any governmental agency

                                       20

<PAGE>   21
        or distributed to any plan participant have been duty or timely filed or
        distributed; and (vi) no "prohibited transaction" has occurred within
        the meaning of the applicable provisions of ERISA or the Code.

                (c) Qualified Plans. Blue Marble is not and has not been
        obligated with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan intended to qualify
        under Code Section 401(a) or 403(a)

                (d) Multiemployer Plans. Blue Marble is not and has not been
        obligated with respect to any multiemployer plan as described in Section
        4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

                (e) Welfare Plans. (i) Blue Marble is not obligated under any
        employee welfare benefit plan as described in Section 3(l) of ERISA
        ("Welfare Plan") to provide medical or death benefits with respect to
        any employee or former employee of Blue Marble or its predecessors after
        termination of employment, other than pursuant to Section 4980B of the
        Code; (ii) Blue Marble has complied with the notice and continuation
        coverage requirements of Section 4980B of the Code and the regulations
        thereunder with respect to each Welfare Plan that is, or was during any
        taxable year for which the statute of limitations on the assessment of
        federal income taxes remains open, by consent or otherwise, a group
        health plan within the meaning of Section 5000(b)(1) of the Code; and
        (iii) there are no reserves, assets, surplus or prepaid premiums under
        any Welfare Plan which is an Employee Benefit Plan. The consummation of
        the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not entitle any
        individual to severance pay, and, will not accelerate the time of
        payment or vesting, or increase the amount of compensation due to any
        individual.

                (f) Controlled Group Liability. Neither Blue Marble nor any
        entity that would be aggregated with Blue Marble under Code Section
        414(b), (c), (m) or (o): (i) has ever terminated or withdrawn from an
        employee, benefit plan under circumstances resulting (or expected to
        result) in liability to the PBGC, the fund by which the employee benefit
        plan is funded, or any employee or beneficiary for whose benefit the
        plan is or was maintained (other than routine claims for benefits); (ii)
        has any assets subject to (or expected to be subject to) a lien for
        unpaid contributions to any employee benefit plan; (iii) has failed to
        pay premiums to the PBGC when due (iv) is subject to (or expected to be
        subject) an excise tax under Code Section 4971; (v) has engaged in any
        transaction which would give rise to liability under Section 4069 or
        Section 4212(c) of ERISA; or (vi) has violated Code Section 4980B or
        Section 601 through 608 of ERISA.

                (g) Other Liabilities. (i) None of the Employee Benefit Plans
        obligates Blue Marble to pay separation, severance, termination or
        similar benefits solely as a result of any transaction contemplated by
        this Agreement or solely as a result of a "change of control" (as such
        term is defined in Section 280G of the Code); (ii) all required or
        discretionary (in accordance with historical practices) payments,
        premiums, contributions, reimbursements, or accruals for all periods
        ending prior to or as of the Closing Date shall have been made or
        properly accrued on the Current Balance Sheet or will be properly
        accrued on the books and records of Blue Marble as of the Closing Date;

                                       21

<PAGE>   22
        and (iii) none of the Employee Benefit Plans has any unfunded
        liabilities which are not reflected on the Current Balance Sheet or the
        books and records of Blue Marble.

        3.19 TAX MATTERS. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.19, Blue Marble
filed or caused to be filed within the times and within the manner prescribed by
law, all federal, state and local tax returns and tax reports which are required
to be filed by, or with respect to, Blue Marble. Such returns and reports
reflect accurately all liability for all federal, state and local income, sales,
payroll and withholding taxes and all other material taxes of Blue Marble, for
the period covered thereby, and all amounts shown on such returns and reports as
due and payable have been timely paid. None of the federal, state, local or
foreign tax returns of Blue Marble have ever been audited by the Internal
Revenue Service or any governmental body or agency, domestic or foreign. All
federal, state and local income, profits, franchise, sales, use occupancy,
excise, payroll, accumulated, earnings, tax and other taxes and assessments
(including interest and penalties) payable by, or due from Blue Marble, (whether
in its own right or as transferee of the assets of, or successor to, any entity)
have been fully paid or adequately disclosed and fully provided for in the books
and financial statements of Blue Marble. To the knowledge of the MacManus
Parties, no examination of any return of Blue Marble is currently in progress
and Blue Marble has not received notice of any proposed audit or examination.
There are no outstanding agreements or waivers extending the statutory period of
limitations applicable to any tax return of Blue Marble.

        3.20 INSURANCE. Blue Marble is covered by valid, outstanding enforceable
policies of insurance issued to it by reputable insurers covering its
properties, assets and business in amounts and against risks of the nature
normally insured against by similar entities in the same or similar lines of
business in coverage amounts typically and reasonably carried by such entities
(the "Insurance Policies"). Such Insurance Policies are in full force and
effect, and all premiums due thereon have been paid through the date of this
Agreement and will be paid through the Closing Date. Blue Marble has complied
with the provisions of such Insurance Policies applicable to it, and has
provided Novo copies of all Insurance Policies and all amendments and riders
thereto. There is no pending claim under any of the Insurance Policies for an
amount in excess of $5,000.00 individually or $25,000.00 in the aggregate,
including any claim for loss or damage to the properties, assets or business of
Blue Marble (including the Leased Premises). Blue Marble has not failed to give,
in a timely manner, any notice required under any of the Insurance Policies to
preserve its rights thereunder.

        3.21 RECEIVABLES. All of the Blue Marble Receivables are valid and
legally binding, represent bona fide transactions and arose in the ordinary
course of business of Blue Marble. All of the Blue Receivables are good and
collectible receivables, and will be collected in accordance with past practice
and the terms of such receivables (and in any event within six months following
the Closing Date), without set off or counterclaims, subject to the allowance
for doubtful accounts, if any, set forth on the Current Blue Marble Balance
Sheet, as reasonably adjusted since the date of the Current Blue Marble Balance
Sheet in the ordinary course of business, consistent with GAAP. For purposes of
this Agreement, the term "Receivables" means all receivables of Blue Marble,
including without limitation all contracts in transit and all trade account
receivables arising from the provision of services, notes receivable, and
insurance proceeds receivable.

                                       22
<PAGE>   23

        3.22 LICENSES AND PERMITS. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.22, Blue
Marble possesses all licenses and required governmental or official approvals,
permits or authorizations (collectively, the "Permits") for its business and
operations, including with respect to the operations of the Leased Premises,
except where the failure to so possess such license would not be material.
Schedule 3.22 sets forth a true, complete and accurate list of all such Permits.
All such Permits are valid and in full force and effect, Blue Marble is in
compliance with the respective requirements thereof, and no proceeding is
pending or, to the knowledge of the MacManus Parties, threatened to revoke or
amend any of them. None of such Permits is or will be impaired or in any way
affected by the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby.

        3.23 ADEQUACY OF THE ASSETS; RELATIONSHIPS WITH CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS;
AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS. The Blue Marble Assets and the Blue Marble Leased
Premises constitute, in the aggregate, all of the assets and properties
necessary for the conduct of the business of Blue Marble in the manner in which
and to the extent to which such business is currently being conducted. Except as
set forth on Schedule 3.23, Blue Marble has no direct or indirect interest in
any customer, supplier or competitor of Blue Marble or in any person from whom
or to whom Blue Marble leases real or personal property. No Principal and no
officer or director in Blue Marble, nor any person related by blood or marriage
to any such person, nor any entity in which any such person owns any beneficial
interest, is a party to any Contract or transaction with Blue Marble or has any
interest in any property used by Blue Marble (all such ownership, Contracts,
transactions and interests, collectively "Blue Marble Affiliated Transactions"),
except as set forth on Schedule 3.23.

        3.24 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

                (a) Blue Marble owns or possesses sufficient legal rights to all
        patents, trademarks, service marks, tradenames, copyrights, trade
        secrets, licenses, information and proprietary rights and processes
        necessary for its business without any conflict with or infringement of,
        the rights of others. The MacManus Parties have not received any
        communications alleging that Blue Marble has violated or, by conducting
        its business, would violate any of the patents, trademarks, service
        marks, tradenames, copyrights, trade secrets or other proprietary rights
        or processes of any other person or entity. None of the MacManus Parties
        is aware that any officer, director or employee is obligated under any
        contract (including licenses, covenants or commitments of any nature) or
        other agreement, or subject to any judgment decree or order of any court
        or administrative agency, that would interfere with the use of his or
        her best efforts to promote the interest of Blue Marble, or that would
        conflict with Blue Marble's business or prevent any such officer,
        director or employee from assigning inventions to Blue Marble. Neither
        the execution or delivery of this Agreement, nor the carrying on of Blue
        Marble's business by the employees of Blue Marble, nor the conduct of
        Blue Marble's business as proposed, will, to the MacManus Parties'
        knowledge, conflict with or result in a breach of the terms, conditions,
        or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any contract, covenant
        or instrument under which any such employee is now obligated. Blue
        Marble does not believe it is or will be necessary to use any inventions
        of any of its employees (or persons it currently intends to hire) made
        prior to their employment by Blue Marble.

                                       23
<PAGE>   24

                (b) No claims have been asserted against Blue Marble, and to the
        knowledge of the MacManus Parties (actual knowledge in the case of
        common law trademarks and tradenames and patents) there are no claims
        which are reasonably likely to be asserted against Blue Marble or which
        have been asserted against others by any person challenging Blue
        Marble's use or distribution of any trademarks, tradenames, copyrights,
        works of authorship, trade secrets, software, technology, know-how or
        processes utilized by Blue Marble or challenging or questioning the
        validity or effectiveness of any license or agreement relating thereto.
        The use of any trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, works of authorship,
        software, technology, know-how or processes by Blue Marble in its
        business does not infringe on the rights of, constitute misappropriation
        of, or in any way involve unfair competition with respect to, any
        proprietary information or intangible property right of any third person
        or entity, including, without limitation, any patent, trade secret,
        copyright, trademark or tradename; provided, however, that such
        representation is made only to the MacManus Parties' actual knowledge
        with respect to common law trademarks and tradenames, technology, patent
        or similar intangible property right where infringement is possible
        without wrongful taking.

                (c) To the best knowledge of the MacManus Parties, all designs,
        drawings, specifications, source code, object code, documentation, flow
        charts and diagrams incorporated in any of Blue Marble's proprietary
        rights constitute original creations of and were written, developed and
        created solely and exclusively by employees of Blue Marble without the
        assistance of any third party or entity, were public domain or were
        created by, or with the assistance of, third parties who assigned
        ownership of or licensed their rights to Blue Marble in valid and
        enforceable agreements. Blue Marble has at all times used commercially
        reasonable efforts to treat its trade secrets as confidential and has
        not disclosed or otherwise dealt with such items in such a manner as to
        cause the loss of such trade secrets by release into the public domain.

                (d) To the best knowledge of the MacManus Parties, no employee
        of Blue Marble is in violation of any term of any employment contract,
        patent disclosure agreement, confidentiality agreement or any other
        contract or agreement relating to the relationship of any such employee
        with Blue Marble or, to the knowledge of the MacManus Parties, any
        other party because of the nature of Blue Marble's business.

        3.25 CONTRACTS. Blue Marble has made available to, or given copies of,
each Blue Material Contract to the Novo, and such Blue Material Contracts are
the true, correct and complete documents regarding each such Blue Material
Contract (defined below). Each Blue Marble Material Contract furnished or made
available to the Novo is true and complete and reflects all amendments thereto
made through the date of this Agreement and the list of such Blue Marble
Material Contracts attached hereto as Schedule 3.25 is a true and complete list
of the Blue Marble Material Contracts. Blue Marble has not violated any of the
terms or conditions of any Material Contract or any term or condition which
would permit termination or modification of any Material Contract; all of the
covenants to be performed pursuant to any Blue Marble Material Contract by any
other party thereto have been fully performed; there are no claims for breach or
indemnification or notice of default or termination under any Blue Marble
Material Contract; and each of the Blue Marble Material Contracts is enforceable
in accordance with its terms. To the knowledge of the MacManus Parties, no event
has occurred which

                                       24
<PAGE>   25

constitutes, or after notice or the passage of time, or both, would constitute a
default by Blue Marble under any Blue Marble Material Contract, and to the
knowledge of the MacManus Parties no such event has occurred which constitutes
or would constitute a default by any other party. Blue Marble is not subject to
any liability or payment resulting from renegotiation of amounts paid under any
Material Contract.

        As used in this Section 3.25, "Blue Marble Material Contracts" shall
include, without limitation, formal or informal, all written or oral (a) loan
agreements, indentures, mortgages, pledges, hypothecations, deeds of trust,
conditional sale or title retention agreements, security agreements, equipment
financing obligations or guaranties, or other sources of contingent liability in
respect of any indebtedness or obligations of Blue Marble to any other Person,
or letters of intent or commitment letters with respect to same (other than
those which individually provide for annual payments of less than $50,000); (b)
contracts obligating Blue Marble to provide products or services which generated
revenue to Blue Marble of more than $200,000 (c) leases of the Leased Premises
to or from third parties and Blue Marble; (d) leases of personal property by
Blue Marble (other than those which individually provide for annual payments of
less than $20,000); (e) employment agreements, management service agreements,
consulting agreements, confidentiality agreements, non-competition agreements,
employee handbooks, policy statements and any other agreements relating to any
employee, officer or director of or partner in Blue Marble (except for routine
NDAs and noncompete provisions applicable to, standard employment agreements and
initial business development introductory meetings and discussions); (f)
licenses, assignments or transfers of trademarks, trade names, service marks,
patents, copyrights, trade secrets or know how, or other agreements regarding
proprietary rights or intellectual property with respect to which Blue Marble is
a party, (g) any contract relating to pending capital expenditures by Blue
Marble; (h) any contracts obligating Blue Marble to make payments in excess of
$50,000 over the remaining terms of such contract, and (i) all other material
Contracts or understandings outside of the ordinary course of business with
respect to which Blue Marble is a party or pursuant to which any of its assets
is bound, irrespective of subject matter and whether or not in writing, and not
otherwise disclosed on the Schedules.

        3.26 ACCURACY OF INFORMATION FURNISHED. No representation, statement or
information contained in this Agreement (including, without limitation, the
various Schedules attached hereto) or any agreement executed in connection
herewith or in any certificate delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or made or
furnished to Novo or its representatives by the MacManus Parties contains or
shall contain any untrue statement of a fact or omits or shall omit any fact
necessary to make the information contained therein not misleading. The MacManus
Parties have provided Novo with true, accurate and complete copies of all
documents listed or described in the various Schedules attached hereto.

        3.27 NO COMMISSIONS. The MacManus Parties have not incurred any
obligation for any finder's or broker's or agent's fees or commissions or
similar compensation in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby

        3.28 CLIENT RELATIONS. The MacManus Parties have previously provided
Novo with a written schedules setting forth Blue Marble's clients as of the date
of the Blue Marble Current Balance Sheet Date, and the revenues from each client
for the calendar year ended December 31,

                                       25
<PAGE>   26

1998 and the six months ended June 30, 1999, and the estimated revenues for each
client for the twelve months ending December 31, 1999. The MacManus Parties do
not warrant that the estimated revenues set forth on such schedule will prove to
be accurate; provided, however, The MacManus Parties do represent that they
were made in good faith and on a reasonable basis.

                                   ARTICLE 4

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
                                  OF MACMANUS

        As a material inducement to Novo to enter into this Agreement and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, MacManus makes the following
representations and warranties to Novo:

        4.1 PURCHASE ENTIRELY FOR OWN ACCOUNT. MacManus hereby confirms, that
the Series C Common Stock to be acquired by MacManus will be acquired for
investment for MacManus' own account, not as a nominee or agent, and not with a
view to the resale or distribution of any part thereof, and that MacManus has no
present intention of selling, granting any participation in, or otherwise
distributing the same. MacManus further represents that MacManus does not
presently have any contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement with any
person to sell, transfer or grant participations to such person or to any third
person, with respect to any of the Series C Common Stock.

        4.2 DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION. MacManus has had an opportunity to
discuss Novo's business, management, financial affairs and the terms and
conditions of the offering of the Series C Common Stock with Novo's management
and has had an opportunity to review Novo's facilities. MacManus understands
that such discussions, as well as the other written information delivered by
Novo to MacManus, were intended to describe the aspects of Novo's business which
it believes to be material.

        4.3 RESTRICTED SECURITIES. MacManus understands that the Series C Common
Stock have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act, by
reason of a specific exemption from the registration provisions of the
Securities Act which depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of
the investment intent and the accuracy of MacManus' representations as expressed
herein, MacManus understands that the shares of Series C Common Stock are
"restricted securities" under applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws
and that, pursuant to these laws, MacManus must hold the Series C Common Stock
indefinitely unless they are registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and qualified by state authorities, or an exemption from such
registration and qualification requirements is available. MacManus acknowledges
that Novo has no obligation to register or qualify the Series C Common Stock.
MacManus further acknowledges that if an exemption from registration or
qualification is available, it may be conditioned on various requirements
including, but not limited to, the time and manner of sale, the holding period
for the Series C Common Stock, and on requirements relating to Novo which are
outside of MacManus' control, and which Novo is under no obligation and may not
be able to satisfy.

                                       26
<PAGE>   27

        4.4 NO PUBLIC MARKET. MacManus understands that no public market now
exists for any of the securities issued by Novo, and that Novo has made no
assurances that a public market will ever exist for the Series C Common
Stock.

        4.5 LEGENDS. MacManus understands that the Series C Common Stock may
bear one or all of the following legends:

                (a) "THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN
        REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND HAVE BEEN
        ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH,
        THE SALE OR DISTRIBUTION THEREOF. NO SUCH SALE OR DISTRIBUTION MAY BE
        EFFECTED WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATED THERETO OR
        AN OPINION OF COUNSEL IN A FORM SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH
        REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS
        AMENDED."

                (b) Any legend set forth in the Ancillary Agreements.

                (c) Any legend required by the Blue Sky laws of any state to the
        extent such laws are applicable to the shares represented by the
        certificate so legended.

        4.6 REMOVAL OF LEGEND AND TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS. Any legend endorsed on
a certificate pursuant to subsection 4.5(a) and the stop transfer instructions
with respect to such legended Securities shall be removed, and Novo shall issue
a certificate without such legend to the holder of such Securities if such
Securities are registered under the Securities Act and a prospectus meeting the
requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act is available or if such holder
satisfies the requirements of Rule 144.

        4.7 ACCREDITED INVESTOR. MacManus is an accredited investor as defined
in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.

        4.8 PERMITTED TRANSFERS. MacManus may transfer the Series C Common
Stock without the need of a registration statement or opinion of counsel to the
effect that no registration statement is required if the transferee is an
affiliate of MacManus and the transferee agrees in writing to be bound by the
terms of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to the same extent as if
such Affiliate were the original purchaser of the Series C Common Stock
hereunder, provided that Novo shall receive written notice of such transfer
within thirty (30) days of its completion.

                                       27
<PAGE>   28

                                   ARTICLE 5

                                    RESERVED

                                   ARTICLE 6

                             ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

        6.1 FURTHER ASSURANCES. Each party shall execute and deliver such
additional instruments and other documents and shall take such further actions
as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate, carry out and comply with all
of the terms of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

        6.2 RESERVED.

        6.3 COOPERATION. Each of the parties agrees to cooperate with the other
in the preparation and filing of all forms, notifications, reports and
information, if any, required or reasonably deemed advisable pursuant to any
law, rule or regulation in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and to use their respective reasonable best efforts to agree jointly
on a method to overcome any objections by any Governmental Authority to any such
transactions.

        6.4 OTHER ACTIONS. Each of the parties hereto shall use its reasonable
best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all appropriate actions, and to do,
or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable
laws and regulations to consummate and make effective the transactions
contemplated herein, including, without limitation, using its reasonable best
efforts to obtain all licenses, permits, consents, approvals, authorizations,
qualifications and orders of any Governmental Authority and parties to Contracts
with Blue Marble and Novo as are necessary for the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby. Each of the parties shall make on a prompt and
timely basis all governmental or regulatory notifications and filings required
to be made by it for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
The parties also agree to use reasonable best efforts, consistent with a
mutually acceptable litigation strategy, to defend all lawsuits or other legal
proceedings challenging this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby and to lift or rescind any injunction or restraining order
or other order adversely affecting the ability of the parties to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby. The parties will coordinate their efforts to
pursue legal remedies as contemplated above in order to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and to obtain appropriate relief.

        6.5 ACCESS TO INFORMATION. The parties hereto shall, and shall cause
their directors, officers, employees, auditors, counsel and agents to, afford
the other party's officers, employees, auditors, counsel and agents reasonable
access at all reasonable times to their respective properties, offices and other
facilities, to its officers and employees and to all books and records, and
shall furnish such persons with all financial, operating and other data and
information as may be requested as necessary to effectuate the transactions
described in this Agreement. Novo shall be entitled to conduct prior to Closing
a due diligence review of the assets, properties, books and records of Blue
Marble, including the Leased Premises. The MacManus Parties shall be entitled

                                       28
<PAGE>   29

to conduct prior to Closing a due diligence review of the assets, properties,
books and records of Novo, including the Leased Premises. All parties hereto
shall use reasonable efforts to avoid or minimize the disturbance or disruption
of the operations of the other parties during such investigation. No information
provided to or obtained by the other shall affect any representation or warranty
in this Agreement except as provided for herein.

        6.6 RESERVED.

        6.7 CONFIDENTIALITY; PUBLICITY. Except as may be required by law or as
otherwise permitted or expressly contemplated herein, no party hereto or their
respective Affiliates, employees, agents and representatives shall disclose to
any third party this Agreement, the subject matter or terms hereof or any
confidential information or other proprietary knowledge concerning the business
or affairs of any other party which it may have acquired from such party in the
course of pursuing the transactions contemplated by this Agreement without the
prior consent of the other parties hereto; provided, that (i) any information
that is otherwise publicly available, without breach of this provision, or has
been obtained from a third party without a breach of such third party's duties,
shall not be deemed confidential information and (ii) that either party hereto
shall be able to disclose such information to its employees and agents and to
such other third parties as necessary as part of the operation of its business,
including disclosure to existing or potential investors, lenders, acquirors or
joint-venture candidates or as required by law or court order. No press release
or other public announcement related to this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby shall be issued by any party or their respective Affiliates
without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto.

        6.8 RESERVED.

        6.9 RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER. The parties hereto acknowledge the existing
Right of First Offer entered into between MacManus, Seller and Novo pursuant to
that certain Investor Rights' Agreement dated August 31, 1999 and the
applicability of such Right of First Offer to the Series C Common Stock being
exchanged hereto.

        6.10 RESERVED.

        6.11 RESERVED.

        6.12 RESERVED.

        6.13 SHAREHOLDER AND DIRECTOR VOTE. MacManus, in executing this
Agreement, consents as the ultimate parent company of Seller and Blue Marble to
the Share Exchange and other transactions contemplated hereby, and waive notice
of any meeting in connection therewith and hereby release and waives (a) all
rights it may possess with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby under
any agreements relating to the sale, purchase or voting of stock in Blue Marble,
and (b) effective as of the Closing, all rights or options of any kind relating,
directly or indirectly, to stock or other equity interests in Blue Marble,
subject to the terms of this Agreement.

        6.14 TAX MATTERS.

                                       29
<PAGE>   30
                (a) Tax Returns. The MacManus Parties shall duly prepare, or
        cause to be prepared, and file, or cause to be filed, on a timely basis,
        all Tax Returns for Blue Marble for any period ending on or before the
        Closing Date. The MacManus Parties shall provide such Tax Returns to
        Novo for review at least 20 days prior to their due date (including
        extensions where applicable). The MacManus Parties shall not file any
        amended Tax Returns with respect to Blue Marble without the prior
        written consent of Novo.

                (b) Tax Cooperation. The MacManus Parties and Novo shall provide
        the other party with such information and records and access to such of
        its officers, directors, employees and agents as may be reasonably
        requested by the other party in connection with the preparation of any
        tax return or any audit or other proceeding relating to Blue Marble.
        From and after the Closing, Novo shall cause Blue Marble to obtain the
        prior consent of MacManus before entering into any binding agreement
        with any tax authority in respect of any audit or other proceeding
        relating to a tax return of any such entity filed prior to the Closing
        where the effect of such action would adversely affect MacManus'
        liabilities hereunder, provided that such consent shall not be
        unreasonably withheld or delayed.

                (c) Tax Refunds. MacManus shall be entitled to receive all
        refunds with respect to Taxes paid with respect to Blue Marble for
        taxable periods ending on or prior to the Closing Date.

        6.15 WORKING CAPITAL; LONG TERM INDEBTEDNESS.

             Working Capital. Each of the MacManus Parties covenants and
        agrees that the aggregate Working Capital Deficit of Blue Marble on the
        Closing Date, after giving effect to all of the transactions
        contemplated by this Agreement, the aggregate Working Capital Deficit
        shall not be greater than Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000).
        Should such Working Capital Deficit on the Closing Date be greater than
        Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000), Novo shall be entitled to the
        amount that such deficit exceeds Three Hundred Thousand ($300,000) as
        Indemnifiable Damages as defined in Article 8 herein. For purposes of
        this Agreement, (i) "Working Capital" shall mean the amount, if any, by
        which the aggregate of the Current Assets of Blue Marble exceeds the
        aggregate of the Current Liabilities of Blue Marble; (ii) "Current
        Assets" shall mean on a combined basis all current assets of Blue Marble
        determined in accordance with GAAP; and (iii) "Current Liabilities"
        shall mean on a combined basis the current liabilities of Blue Marble
        determined in accordance with GAAP.

        6.16 BLUE MARBLE RECEIVABLES PURCHASE. In the event that any accounts
receivable more than 90 days past due on the books of Blue Marble on the Closing
Date have not been collected within 90 days after the Closing, then MacManus
agrees to purchase such receivables from Blue Marble as requested by Novo. Any
such repurchase shall be in lieu of any indemnity obligation of Seller or
MacManus hereunder in respect of the non-collectibility of such accounts
receivable. Upon such repurchase, Novo shall transfer all rights and interests
in such accounts receivable to MacManus or its designee.

                                       30
<PAGE>   31

                                   ARTICLE 7

                     CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF NOVO

        The obligations of Novo to effect the Share Exchange and the other
transactions contemplated hereby shall be subject to the fulfillment at or prior
to the Closing Date of the following conditions, any or all of which may be
waived in whole or in part by Novo:

        7.1 ACCURACY OF - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The representations
and warranties of the MacManus Parties in this Agreement shall be true and
correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing Date.

        7.2 CORPORATE CERTIFICATE. The MacManus Parties shall have delivered to
Novo (i) a copy of the Articles of Incorporation of Blue Marble, certified by
the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware no longer than fifteen (15) days
prior to the Closing Date, (ii) a copy of the Bylaws of Blue Marble in effect
immediately prior to the Closing Date, (iii) a copy of resolutions adopted by
the Board of Directors and shareholders of Blue Marble authorizing the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (iv) a certificate of good
standing of Blue Marble, issued by the State of Delaware and each other state in
which it is qualified to do business as of a date not more than five days prior
to the Closing Date, and all of such documents as to Blue Marble shall be
certified as of the Closing Date by the Secretary (or general partner) of Blue
Marble as being true, correct and complete.

        7.3 OPINION OF COUNSEL. Novo shall have received an opinion, dated as of
the Closing Date, from counsel for the MacManus Parties, in form and substance
acceptable to Novo.

        7.4 CONSENTS. The MacManus Parties and Novo shall have received consents
to the Share Exchange and other transactions contemplated hereby and waivers of
rights to terminate or modify any rights or obligations of the MacManus Parties
from any Person from whom such consent or waiver is required.

        7.5 NO ADVERSE LITIGATION. There shall not be pending or threatened any
action or proceeding by or before any court or other governmental body which
shall seek to restrain, prohibit, invalidate or collect damages arising out of
the Share Exchange, or other transactions hereunder, or which, in the reasonable
judgment of Novo, makes it inadvisable to proceed with the transactions
contemplated hereby.

        7.6 VOTING AGREEMENT. MacManus and each of Kelly Rodriques, Anthony
Westreich and Harry Schlough shall have executed the Voting Agreement.

        7.7 RESTATED CERTIFICATE. Novo shall have filed the Restated Articles
with the Secretary of State of California on or prior to the Closing Date, which
shall continue to be in full force and effect as of the Closing Date.

        7.8 TRANSITION AGREEMENT AND SUBLEASE. Novo shall receive an executed
Sublease acceptable to Novo between Blue Marble and MacManus, and MacManus shall
have executed a

                                       31
<PAGE>   32

Transition Agreement addressing the continuing service arrangements and
treatment and termination of service fees and expense fees between MacManus and
Blue Marble.

                                   ARTICLE 8

                               CONDITIONS TO THE
                      OBLIGATIONS OF THE MACMANUS PARTIES

        The obligations of the MacManus Parties to effect the Share Exchange and
the other transactions contemplated hereby shall be subject to the fulfillment
at or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions, any or all of which
may be waived in whole or in part by the MacManus Parties.

        8.1 ACCURACY OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AND COMPLIANCE WITH
OBLIGATIONS. The representations and warranties of Novo contained in this
Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the
Closing Date.

        8.2 NO ORDER OR INJUNCTION. There shall not be issued and in effect by
or before any court or other governmental body an injunction or other similar
court or administrative order restraining or prohibiting the transactions
contemplated hereby.

        8.3 VOTING AGREEMENT. Novo and each of Kelly Rodriques, Anthony
Westreich and Harry Schlough shall have executed the Voting Agreement.

        8.4 OPINION OF COMPANY COUNSEL. The MacManus Parties shall have received
from Britton Silberman & Cervantez LLP, counsel for the Company, an opinion,
dated as of the Closing, in form and substance acceptable the MacManus.

        8.5 RESTATED CERTIFICATE. Novo shall have filed the Restated Articles
with the Secretary of State of California on or prior to the Closing Date,
which shall continue to be in full force and effect as of the Closing Date.

        8.6 NO ADVERSE LITIGATION. There shall not be pending or threatened any
action or proceeding by or before any court or other governmental body which
shall seek to restrain, prohibit, invalidate or collect damages arising out of
the Share Exchange, or other transactions hereunder, or which, in the reasonable
judgment of MacManus, makes it inadvisable to proceed with the transactions
contemplated hereby.

        8.7 TRANSITION AGREEMENT AND SUBLEASE. MacManus shall receive an
executed Sublease acceptable to MacManus between Blue Marble and MacManus, and
Novo and MacManus shall have executed a Transition Agreement acceptable to
MacManus addressing the continuing service arrangements and the treatment and
termination of service fees and expense fees between MacManus and Blue Marble.

                                       32
<PAGE>   33

                                    ARTICLE 9

                                 INDEMNIFICATION

        9.1(a) AGREEMENT BY MACMANUS FOR INDEMNIFICATION.

                (i) MacManus agrees to and hereby does indemnify, defend,
        protect and hold Novo and its stockholders, directors, officers,
        employees, attorneys, agents and Affiliates harmless from and against
        the aggregate of, all expenses, losses, costs, deficiencies, liabilities
        and damages (including, without limitation, related counsel and
        paralegal fees and expenses) incurred or suffered by Novo arising out
        of, relating to, or resulting, from (1) any breach of a representation
        or warranty made by the MacManus Parties in or pursuant to this
        Agreement, (2) any breach of the covenants or agreements made by the
        MacManus Parties, in or pursuant to this Agreement, or (3) any
        inaccuracy in any certificate, instrument or other document delivered by
        the MacManus Parties, as required by this Agreement or (4) any items on
        Schedule 3.12 (collectively, "Indemnifiable Damages"). Without limiting
        the generality of the foregoing, with respect to the measurement of
        Indemnifiable Damages, Novo shall have the right to be put in the same
        pretax consolidated financial position as it would have been in if the
        breach or inaccuracy referenced in the foregoing clauses (1), (2), (3)
        or (4) that caused such Indemnifiable Damages had not occurred.

                (ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in
        Sections 9.1(a), no claim for Indemnifiable Damages, other than claims
        with respect to Nonthreshold Liabilities (as hereinafter defined), shall
        be asserted by Novo until the aggregate of all Indemnifiable Damages
        exceeds the sum of $100,000.00 (the "Indemnification Threshold"), in
        which case Novo shall be entitled to all Indemnifiable Damages. All
        Nonthreshold Liabilities may be asserted and collected by Novo without
        regard to the Indemnification Threshold. For the purposes hereof, the
        term "Nonthreshold Liabilities" shall mean (1) claims under clause (2)
        of Section 9.1(a), (2) Environmental Costs and Litigation Costs to the
        extent attributable to or arising from any of the items set forth on
        Schedule 3.12 and Schedule 3.13, (3) claims under Sections 3.1, 3.2,
        3.4, 3.5, and 3.19, and (4) claims arising from the fraud or intentional
        misrepresentation of any of the MacManus Parties, and (5) any shortfall
        in Working Capital in excess of that permitted by Section 6.15.

                (iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this
        Agreement, the total Indemnifiable Damages payable by the MacManus
        Parties pursuant to this Section 9.1 shall not exceed the Exchange
        Consideration, except to the extent such Indemnifiable Damages are due
        to the fraud or intentional misrepresentation of any of the MacManus
        Parties.

        9.1(b) AGREEMENT BY NOVO FOR INDEMNIFICATION.

                (i) Novo agrees to and hereby does indemnify, defend, protect
        and hold the MacManus Parties and their stockholders, directors,
        officers, employees, attorneys, agents and Affiliates harmless from and
        against the aggregate of, all expenses, losses,

                                       33
<PAGE>   34

        costs, deficiencies, liabilities and damages (including, without
        limitation, related counsel and paralegal fees and expenses) incurred or
        suffered by MacManus arising out of, relating to, or resulting, from (1)
        any breach of a representation or warranty made by the Novo in or
        pursuant to this Agreement, (2) any breach of the covenants or
        agreements made by Novo, in or pursuant to this Agreement, or (3) any
        inaccuracy in any certificate, instrument or other document delivered
        by the Novo, as required by this Agreement (collectively, "Indemnifiable
        Damages"). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, with
        respect to the measurement of Indemnifiable Damages, MacManus shall have
        the right to be put in the same pretax consolidated financial position
        as it would have been in if the breach or inaccuracy referenced in the
        foregoing clauses (1), (2), and (3) that caused such Indemnifiable
        Damages had not occurred.

                (ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in
        Sections 9.1(b), no claim for Indemnifiable Damages, other than claims
        with respect to Nonthreshold Liabilities (as hereinafter defined), shall
        be asserted by MacManus until the aggregate of all Indemnifiable Damages
        exceeds the sum of $100,000.00 (the "Indemnification Threshold"), in
        which case MacManus shall be entitled to all Indemnifiable Damages. All
        Nonthreshold Liabilities may be asserted and collected by Novo without
        regard to the Indemnification Threshold. For the purposes hereof, the
        term "Nonthreshold Liabilities" shall mean (1) claims under clause (2)
        of Section 9.1(b), (2) Environmental Costs and Litigation Costs to the
        extent attributable to or arising from any of the items set forth on
        Schedule 2.12 and Schedule 2.13, (3) claims under Sections 2.1, 2.2,
        2.4, 2.5, and 2.19 and (4) claims arising from the fraud or intentional
        misrepresentation of Novo.

                (iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this
        Agreement, the total Indemnifiable Damages payable by Novo pursuant to
        this Section 9.1 shall not exceed the Exchange Consideration, except to
        the extent such Indemnifiable Damages are due to the fraud or
        intentional misrepresentation of Novo.

        9.2 SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Each of the
representations and warranties made by the MacManus Parties and Novo in this
Agreement or pursuant hereto shall survive for two (2) years following the
Closing Date, except that the representations and warranties in Section 2.12,
Section 2.17 and Section 2.18 by Novo and Section 3.13, Section 3.18 and Section
3.19 by the MacManus Parties shall survive for the respective statute of
limitations and the representations and warranties in Section 2.3, Section 2.4,
Section 3.4 and Section 3.5 shall survive indefinitely. No claim for the
recovery of Indemnifiable Damages arising from a breach of such representations
and warranties may be asserted by the applicable party after the applicable
period has expired; provided, however, that claims for Indemnifiable Damages
first asserted within such period shall not thereafter be barred.
Notwithstanding any knowledge of facts determined or determinable by any party
by investigation, each party shall have the right to fully rely on the
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of the other parties
contained in this Agreement or in any other documents or papers delivered in
connection herewith. Each representation, warranty, covenant and agreement of
the parties contained in this Agreement is independent of each other
representation, warranty, covenant and agreement.

                                       34
<PAGE>   35

        9.3 REMEDIES CUMULATIVE; WAIVER. The remedies provided herein shall be
cumulative and shall not preclude either party hereto from asserting any other
right, or seeking any other remedies against the other party. MacManus hereby
waive any right to contribution or any other similar right they may have against
Blue Marble as a result of their agreement to indemnify in this Article 9.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, however, the indemnity procedures
provided herein shall be the sole remedy with respect to any party's breaches of
representations and warranties in connection with the transactions contemplated
in this Agreement, excluding breaches as a result of such party's fraud or
intentional misrepresentations.

        9.4 INDEMNIFICATION PROCEDURES. In the event that any Person entitled to
indemnification under this Agreement (an "Indemnified Party") asserts a claim
for indemnification or receives notice of the assertion of any claim or of the
commencement of any action or proceeding by any Person who is not a party to
this Agreement or an affiliate of a party to this Agreement (a "Third Party
Claim") against such Indemnified Party, against which a party to this Agreement
is required to provide indemnification under this Agreement (an "Indemnifying
Party"), the Indemnified Party shall give written notice together with a
statement of any available information (other than privileged information)
regarding such claim to the Indemnifying Party within 30 days after learning of
such claim (or within such shorter time as may be necessary to give the
Indemnifying Party a reasonable opportunity to respond to such claim). The
Indemnifying Party shall have the right, upon written notice to the Indemnified
Party (the "Defense Notice") within 15 days after receipt from the Indemnified
Party of notice of such claim, which notice by the lndemnifying Party shall
specify the counsel it will appoint to defend such claim ("Defense Counsel"),
to conduct at its expense the defense against such claim in its own name, or if
necessary in the name of the Indemnified Party, provided, however, that the
Indemnified Party shall have the right to approve the Defense Counsel, which
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, and in the event the
Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party cannot agree upon such counsel
within 10 days after the Defense Notice is provided, then the Indemnifying
Party shall propose an alternate Defense Counsel, which shall be subject again
to the Indemnified Party's approval which approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld or delayed. If the parties still fail to agree on the Defense Counsel,
then, at such time, they shall mutually agree in good faith on a procedure to
determine the Defense Counsel.

        (a) In the event that the Indemnifying Party shall fail to give the
Defense Notice within such 15 day period, it shall be deemed to have elected not
to conduct the defense of the subject claim, and in such event the Indemnified
Party shall have the right to conduct the defense and to compromise and settle
the claim without prior consent of the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnifying
Party will be liable for all reasonable costs, expenses, settlement amounts or
other Losses paid or incurred in connection therewith.

        (b) In the event that the Indemnifying Party does deliver a Defense
Notice and thereby elects to conduct the defense of the subject claim, the
Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to have the exclusive control over the
defense and settlement of the subject claim and the Indemnified Party will
cooperate with and make available to the Indemnifying Party such assistance and
materials as it may reasonably request, all at the expense of the Indemnifying
Party; the Indemnified Party shall have the right at its expense to participate
in the defense assisted by counsel of its own choosing. In such an event, the
Indemnifying Party will not settle the subject claim without the prior written
consent of the Indemnified Party, which consent will not be unreasonably
withheld or delayed.

                                       35
<PAGE>   36

        (c) Without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, the
Indemnifying Party will not enter into any settlement of any Third Party Claim
or cease to defend against such claim, if pursuant to or as a result of such
settlement or cessation, (i) injunctive relief or specific performance would be
imposed against the Indemnified Party, or (ii) such settlement or cessation
would lead to liability or create any financial or other obligation on the part
of the Indemnified Party for which the Indemnified Party is not entitled to
indemnification hereunder.

                (d) If an Indemnified Party refuses to consent to a bona fide
        offer of settlement which provides for a full release of the Indemnified
        Party and its affiliates and solely for a monetary payment which the
        Indemnifying Party wishes to accept, the Indemnified Party may continue
        to pursue such matter, free of any participation by the Indemnifying
        Party, at the sole expense of the Indemnified Party. In such an event,
        the obligation of the Indemnifying Party shall be limited to the amount
        of the offer of settlement which the Indemnified Party refused to
        accept plus the costs and expenses of the Indemnified Party incurred
        prior to the date the Indemnifying Party notified the Indemnified Party
        of the offer of settlement.

                (e) Notwithstanding clause (b) above, the Indemnifying Party
        shall not be entitled to control, but may participate in, and the
        Indemnified Party shall be entitled to have sole control over, the
        defense or settlement of any claim (i) that seeks a temporary
        restraining order, a preliminary or permanent injunction or specific
        performance against the Indemnified Party, (ii) to the extent such claim
        involves criminal allegations against the Indemnified Party, (iii) that
        if unsuccessful, would set a precedent that would materially interfere
        with, or have a material adverse effect on, the business or financial
        condition of the Indemnified Party, (iv) that, in the event any MacManus
        Party is the Indemnified Party, involves any client or supplier of
        MacManus or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries (each, a "MacManus
        Company") if, in the sole discretion of MacManus, the handling of such
        client or supplier dispute could have a material adverse effect on the
        business relationships of any MacManus Company or (v) if such claim
        would impose liability on the part of the Indemnified Party for which
        the Indemnified Party is not entitled to indemnification hereunder. In
        such an event, the Indemnifying Party will still have all of its
        obligations hereunder provided that the Indemnified Party will not
        settle the subject claim without the prior written consent of the
        Indemnifying Party, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or
        delayed.

                (f) Any final judgment entered or settlement agreed upon in the
        manner provided herein shall be binding upon the Indemnifying Party, and
        shall conclusively be deemed to be an obligation with respect to which
        the Indemnified Party is entitled to prompt indemnification hereunder.

                (g) A failure by an Indemnified Party to give timely, complete
        or accurate notice as provided in this Section 9.4 will not affect the
        rights or obligations of any party hereunder except and only to the
        extent that, as a result of such failure, any party entitled to receive
        such notice was deprived of its right to recover any payment under its

                                       36
<PAGE>   37

        applicable insurance coverage or was otherwise directly and materially
        damaged as a result of such failure to give timely notice.

        9.5 BLUE MARBLE EMPLOYEE CLAIMS. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary above, in the event that any claim is made against Novo or Blue Marble
by any current or former employee of Blue Marble in respect of undisclosed
promises or agreements made or actions taken by Blue Marble prior to the
Closing, which claims Novo asserts in good faith constitute Indemnifiable
Damages under Section 9.1 (a) above, but in respect of which MacManus disputes
its indemnity obligation hereunder, MacManus agrees nonetheless to bear the full
financial burden and take direct financial responsibility for any such claims,
including the defense costs and related expenses thereof, until a final
resolution of such matter. If it is ultimately determined that such employee
claims do not constitute Indemnifiable Damages hereunder, Novo agrees to
immediately reimburse MacManus for any such amounts paid by it under this
paragraph.

                                   ARTICLE 10

                                  DEFINITIONS

        10.1 DEFINED TERMS. As used herein, the following terms shall have the
following meanings:

                "Affiliate" shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Rule 12b-2
        of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act, as in
        effect on the date hereof

                "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

                "Contract" means any agreement, contract, lease, note, mortgage,
        indenture, loan agreement, franchise agreement, covenant, employment
        agreement, license, instrument, purchase and sales order, commitment,
        undertaking, obligation, whether written or oral, express or implied.

                "Environmental Costs' shall mean any and all expenses, costs,
        damages, liabilities or obligations, including, without limitation, fees
        and expenses of counsel, (whether arising before, on or after the
        Closing Date) incurred by, under or pursuant to any Environmental Laws
        or related to the Discharge, Handling, presence or clean Up of Hazardous
        Substances arising as a result of events occurring or facts or
        circumstances arising or existing on or prior to the Closing Date
        (whether or not in the ordinary course of business and whether or not
        reflected on Schedule 3.13(a) or (b).

                "ERISA' means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
        1974, as amended.

                "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
        amended.

                "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in effect
        in the United States of America from time to time.

                                       37
<PAGE>   38
                "Governmental Authority" means any nation or government, any
        state, regional, local or other political subdivision thereof, and any
        entity or official exercising executive, legislative, judicial,
        regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government.

                "Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, security interest,
        encumbrance, lien or charge of any kind (including, but not limited
        to, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement any lease in
        the nature thereof, and the filing of or agreement to give any financing
        statement under the Uniform Commercial Code or comparable law or any
        jurisdiction in connection with such mortgage, pledge, security
        interest, encumbrance, lien or charge).

                "Litigation Costs" shall mean any and all expenses, costs,
        damages, liabilities, or obligations, including, without limitation,
        fees and expenses of counsel, (whether arising before, on or after the
        Closing Date) incurred in connection with any action, suit, or other
        legal or administrative proceeding or governmental investigation arising
        as a result of events occurring or facts or circumstances arising or
        existing on or prior to the Closing Date (whether or not in the ordinary
        course of business and whether or not set forth on Schedule 3.12).

                "Material Adverse Change (or Effect)" means with respect to a
        person or entity a change (or effect), in the financial condition,
        properties, assets, liabilities, rights, obligations, operations,
        business or prospects which change (or effect), in the aggregate, is
        materially adverse to the business or operations of such business as a
        whole.

                "Novo Transaction Fees" means all legal, accounting, tax,
        consulting and financial advisory and other fees and expenses (including
        any filing fees in connection with filings by Novo) incurred, paid, or
        payable by Novo in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

                "Person" means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited
        liability company, business trust, joint stock company, estate, trust,
        unincorporated association, joint venture, Governmental Authority or
        other entity, of whatever nature.

                "Principal Transaction Fees" means all legal, accounting, tax,
        consulting and financial advisory and other fees and expenses (including
        any transfer taxes, fees and expenses incurred by any of the MacManus
        Parties in connection with any of the transactions contemplated hereby
        or the performance by any of the foregoing of any of the covenants set
        forth herein and all prepayment fees or penalties incurred by the
        MacManus Parties arising from or due to the transactions contemplated
        hereby) incurred by the MacManus Parties in connection with the
        transactions contemplated hereby.

                "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

                "Tax Return" means any tax return, filing or information
        statement required to be filed in connection with or with respect to any
        Tax.

                                       38
<PAGE>   39

                "Taxes" means all taxes, fees or other assessments, including,
        but not limited to, income, excise, property, transfer, sales, use,
        franchise, intangible, payroll, withholding, social security and
        unemployment taxes imposed by any federal, state, local or foreign
        government agency, and any interest or penalties related thereto.

        10.2 Other Definitional Provisions.

                (a) All terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined
        meanings when used in any certificates, reports or other documents made
        or delivered pursuant hereto or thereto, unless the context otherwise
        requires.

                (b) Terms defined in the singular shall have a comparable
        meaning when used in the plural, and vice versa.

                (c) All matters of an accounting nature in connection with this
        Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be determined
        in accordance with GAAP applied on a basis consistent with prior
        periods, where applicable.

                (d) As used herein, the neuter gender shall also denote the
        masculine and feminine, and the masculine gender shall also denote the
        neuter and feminine, where the context so permits.

                (e) "Knowledge" with respect to the MacManus Parties shall mean
        the actual knowledge of the executive officers of MacManus directly
        involved in the transactions under this Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE 11

                                    RESERVED

                                   ARTICLE 12

                               GENERAL PROVISIONS

        12.1 NOTICES. All notices, requests, demands, claims, and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if
delivered by certified or registered mail (first class postage pre-paid),
guaranteed overnight delivery or facsimile transmission if such transmission is
confirmed by delivery by certified or registered mail (first class postage
pre-paid) or guaranteed overnight delivery, to the following addresses and
telecopy numbers (or to such other addresses or telecopy numbers which any party
shall designate in writing to the other parties):

        (a) IF TO NOVO TO:

        Novo MediaGroup, Inc.
        222 Sutter Street, 6th Floor

                                       39
<PAGE>   40

        San Francisco CA 94108
        Attn: Kelly Rodriques
        Telecopy: (415) 646-7001

        with a copy to:

        Britton Silberman & Cervantez LLP
        461 Second Street, Suite 332
        San Francisco, CA 94107
        Attn: Thomas J. Cervantez, Esq.
        Telecopy (415) 538-9000

       (b) IF TO THE MACMANUS PARTIES TO,

        The Macmanus Group Inc
        1675 Broadway
        New York, NY 10019
        Attn: Craig D. Brown
        Telecopy: (212) 468-3085

        with a copy to:

        Davis & Gilbert LLP
        1740 Broadway
        New York, NY 10019
        Attention: Lewis A. Rubin, Esq.
        Telecopy: (212) 468-4888

        12.2 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement (including the Schedules attached
hereto) and other documents delivered at the Closing pursuant hereto, contain
the entire understanding of the parties in respect of its subject matters and
supersedes all prior agreements and understanding (oral or written) between or
among the parties with respect to such subject matter. The Schedules constitute
a part hereof as though set forth in full above.

        12.3 EXPENSES. MacManus shall pay the Principal Transaction Fees. Novo
shall pay the Novo Transaction Fees.

        12. 4 AMENDMENT, WAIVER. This Agreement may not be modified, amended,
supplemented, canceled, or discharged, except by written instrument executed by
all parties. No failure to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right,
power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver, nor shall any
single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder preclude
the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. No waiver of any breach of
any provision shall be deemed to be a waiver of any preceding or succeeding
breach of the same any other provision, nor shall any waiver be implied from any
course of dealing between the parties. No extension of time for performance of
any obligations or other acts hereunder or under any other agreement shall be
deemed to be an extension of the time for performance of any other obligations
or any other acts.

                                       40
<PAGE>   41

        12.5 BINDING EFFECT; ASSIGNMENT. The rights and obligations of this
Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties and their
respective successors and assigns. Nothing expressed or implied herein shall be
construed to give any other person any legal or equitable rights hereunder.
Except as expressly provided herein, the rights and obligations of this
Agreement may not be assigned or delegated by the any party hereunder without
the prior written consent of the other parties, provided that any party hereto
may assign its rights hereunder to any successor that acquires all or
substantially all of the assets or stock of such assigning party. In addition,
the MacManus Parties may assign this Agreement to any of their affiliated
entities, provided that with respect to assignments by MacManus to its affiliate
entities, MacManus will remain liable for any obligations not satisfied by such
affiliate entity under this Agreement.

        12.6 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be an original but all of which together shall
constitute one and the same instrument.

        12.7 INTERPRETATION. When a reference is made in this Agreement to an
article, section, paragraph, clause, schedule or exhibit, such reference shall
be deemed to be to this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The headings
contained herein and on the schedules are for reference purposes only and shall
not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or the
schedules. Whenever, the words "include," includes" or "including" are used in
this Agreement they shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without
limitation." Time shall be of the essence in this Agreement.

        12.8 GOVERNING LAW; INTERPRETATION. This Agreement shall be construed in
accordance with and governed for all purposes by the laws of the state of
California applicable to contracts executed and to be wholly performed with such
state.

        12.9 JURISDICTION.

                (a) The parties to this Agreement agree that any suit, action or
        proceeding arising out of, or with respect to, this Agreement or any
        judgment entered by any court in respect thereof shall be brought in the
        courts of San Francisco, California or New York, New York or in the U.S.
        District Court for the Northern District of California or the Southern
        District of New York, as the commencing party may elect, and all parties
        hereby accept the exclusive jurisdiction of those courts for the,
        purpose of any suit, action or proceeding.

                (b) In addition, each of the parties hereby irrevocably waives,
        to the fullest extent permitted by law , any objection which it may now
        or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or
        proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any judgment
        entered by any court in respect thereof brought in San Francisco County,
        California or New York County, New York, or the U.S. District Court for
        the Northern District of California or Southern District of New York, as
        selected by the commencing party, and hereby further irrevocably waives
        any claim that any suit, action or proceedings brought in San Francisco
        County, California or New York County, New York or in such District
        Courts has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

                                       41
<PAGE>   42

        12.10 ARM'S LENGTH NEGOTIATIONS. Each party herein expressly represents
and warrants to all other parties hereto that (a) before executing this
Agreement, said party has fully informed itself of the terms, contents,
conditions, and effects of this Agreement; (b) said party has relied solely and
completely upon its own judgment in executing this Agreement; (c) said party has
had the opportunity to seek and has obtained the advise of counsel before
executing this Agreement; (d) said party has acted voluntarily and of its own
free will in executing this Agreement; (e) said party is not acting under
duress, whether economic or physical, in executing this Agreement; and (f) this
Agreement is the result of arm's length negotiations conducted by and among the
parties and their respective counsel. The foregoing does not limit the
representations, warranties or agreements of the parties hereto in any respect.

        The parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and
delivered as of the day and year first above written.

NOVO MEDIAGROUP, INC.                   THE MACMANUS GROUP, INC.

By:  /s/ KELLY RODRIQUES                By: /s/ DAVID WINCLECHTER
   ------------------------------          -------------------------------
Name: Kelly Rodriques                   Name: David Winclechter
     ----------------------------            -----------------------------
Title:  CEO                             Title: VP/Secretary
      ---------------------------             ----------------------------

Address:                                Address:

Facsimile:                              Facsimile:

N.W. AYER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

By: /s/ DAVID WINCLECHTER
   ------------------------------
Name: David Winclechter
     ----------------------------
Title: VP/Secretary
      ---------------------------

Address:

Facsimile:

                                       42

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