Document:

Form of Stock Option Agreement

 

Exhibit 10.12

FORM OF
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

     This STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into by and between AUTONATION,
INC., a Delaware corporation (together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, the “Company”), and
_________(“Optionee”) as of this ___th day of ___, 200___. This Agreement shall not
constitute a binding obligation of the Company until it is signed by
the [AUTHORIZED OFFICER] of the
Company, and a signed copy is delivered to Optionee. This Agreement shall be of no force and
effect unless Optionee has signed this Agreement and it has been received by the Company’s Stock
Option Plan Administrator by ___, 200___.

Recitals:

     A. The Company has established the Amended and Restated [Year] Employee Stock Option
Plan (the “Plan”), a copy of which is attached as Exhibit A hereto, in order to
provide incentive to valued employees of the Company; and

     B. The Executive Compensation Subcommittee of the Board of Directors of the Company
(the “Committee”) has approved the grant to Optionee of a non-qualified employee stock
option to purchase from the Company shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $.01 per
share (“Common Stock”), on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

Terms of Agreement

     NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are
hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:

     1. Definitions. Schedule 1 sets forth a Glossary of terms that are used
herein. All capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings given
to them in the Glossary or the Plan.

     2. Grant of Option. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the
terms and conditions of the Plan, Optionee is hereby granted the right and option to purchase from
the Company all or any part of an aggregate of [SHARE AMOUNT] shares of Common Stock at the
exercise price of $____ per share (the “Option”) under the Plan. The Option shall not be treated
as an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

     3. Term. The term of the Option shall commence on the date of this Agreement and
expire ten (10) years from the date of this Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions hereof
and the terms and conditions of the Plan, as may be amended from time to time.

 

 

     4. Vesting. The Option will vest in four equal annual installments beginning on
_______, subject to continuous employment by Optionee with the Company as of each such date.

     5. Termination of Option if Employment is Terminated Due to a Change in Ownership of
Subsidiary or Affiliate or Spin-Off. If Optionee ceases to be an employee of the Company or
any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company following a Change in Ownership or Spin-Off of the
Subsidiary, Affiliate or business unit by which Optionee is employed (whether because of the
termination of employment of Optionee or because the corporation or other entity by which Optionee
was employed ceases to be a Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company or otherwise), then the Option
shall immediately terminate.

     6. Optionee Bound by Terms of Plan. Optionee hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of
the Plan and agrees to be bound by all of the terms, conditions and provisions thereof (including,
without limitation, the termination of the Option in the event of a termination of the Optionee’s
employment with the Company for Cause).

     7. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to its principles of conflict of laws. The
parties agree that any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or relative to this Agreement or
the relationship of Optionee and the Company shall be instituted only in the State or federal
courts located in Broward County in the State of Florida, and each party waives any objection that
such party may now or hereafter have to such venue or jurisdiction in any action, suit or
proceeding brought in any State or federal court located in Broward County, Florida. Optionee
affirms that he or she has sufficient contact with Florida such that Optionee would reasonably
anticipate being hailed into said courts in Florida regarding this Agreement or any other contract
or issues arising between the parties hereto. Any and all service of process and any other notice
in any such action, suit or proceeding shall be effective against Optionee if given by mail
(registered or certified where possible, return receipt requested), postage prepaid, mailed to
Optionee at the address set forth on the signature page hereof, or shall be effective against the
Company if given in accordance with Paragraph 10 hereof.

     8. No Right to Continued Employment. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall confer
on Optionee the right to continue in the employment of the Company or otherwise shall impede the
Company’s ability to terminate Optionee’s employment.

     9. Severability. The invalidity or enforceability or any one or more provisions of
this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this
Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

     10. Notices. All notices, requests, demands, claims and other communications by
Optionee with respect to the Option shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered by
certified or registered mail (first class postage prepaid), 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 address (or
to

2

 

such other addresses or telecopy numbers which the Company shall designate in writing to
Optionee from time to time):

	 	 	 
	

	 	AutoNation, Inc.

110 S.E. 6th Street

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301

Attention: Stock Option Plan Analyst

Telecopy: (954) 769-3110
	 
	 	 
	     with a copy to:

	 	AutoNation, Inc.

110 S.E. 6th Street

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301

Attention: General Counsel

Telecopy: (954) 769-6340

(no copy required for notice of Option exercise)

     11. Binding Effect. This Agreement shall not constitute a binding obligation of the
Company until it is signed by the [AUTHORIZED OFFICER] of the Company. Subject to the limitations
stated above and in the Plan, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
successors and assigns of the Company and to Optionee’s heirs, legatees, distributees and personal
representatives. No handmarked or interlineated modifications shall constitute a part of this
Agreement.

     12. Conflict with Terms of Plan. In the event that any provision of this Agreement
conflicts with any provision of the Plan and cannot reasonably be interpreted to be a clarification
of such provision of the Plan or an exercise of the authority granted to the Plan’s administrator
pursuant to the Plan, the provision of the Plan shall govern and be controlling. For purposes of
clarification, Paragraph 5 hereof shall govern notwithstanding any provisions of the Plan.

     13. Integration. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings
between the Company and Optionee relating to the grant of the Option, whether oral or otherwise.

* * * * * *

3

 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement effective as of the date
first above written.

	 	 	 
	AUTONATION, INC.

	 	OPTIONEE
	 
	 	 
	By:
	 	 
	 

	 	 
	

	 	Signature
	 
	 	 
	 
	 	 
	Its:
	 	 
	 

	 	 
	

	 	Print or Type Name
	 
	 	 
	 
	 	 
	

	 	 
	

	 	Address
	 
	 	 
	 
	 	 
	

	 	 
	

	 	City, State, Zip
	 
	 	 
	 
	 	 
	

	 	 
	

	 	Social Security Number
	 
	 	 
	 
	 	 
	

	 	 
	

	 	Date

4

 

EXHIBIT A

STOCK OPTION PLAN

 

 

SCHEDULE 1

GLOSSARY

     The terms below shall have the following meanings when used throughout the Agreement. Capitalized
terms that are used but not defined in the Agreement or this Glossary shall have the meanings given
to them in the Plan.

     “Affiliate” shall mean a Subsidiary or any other entity of which on the relevant date
at least a majority of the Voting Securities are at the time owned directly or indirectly by
the Company or any Subsidiary.

     “Cause” shall mean: (i) Optionee’s conviction for commission of a felony or other
crime; (ii) the commission by Optionee of any act against the Company constituting willful
misconduct, dishonesty, fraud, theft or embezzlement; (iii) Optionee’s failure, inability or
refusal to perform any of the material services, duties or responsibilities required by him
or her by the Company, or to materially comply with the policies or procedures established
from time to time by the Company, for any reason other than his or her illness or physical
or mental incapacity; (iv) Optionee’s dependence, as determined in good faith by the
Company, on any addictive substance, including, but not limited to, alcohol or any illegal
or narcotic drugs; (v) the destruction of or material damage to Company property caused by
Optionee’s willful or grossly negligent conduct; and (vi) the willful engaging by Optionee
in any other conduct which is demonstrably injurious to the Company or its Subsidiaries,
monetarily or otherwise.

     “Change in Ownership” A Change in Ownership shall be deemed to have occurred with
respect to an Optionee if (i) as a result of a merger, consolidation, reorganization,
business combination, sale, exchange or other disposition of Voting Securities or other
transaction, the corporation or other entity by which Optionee is employed ceases to be a
Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company and, immediately after such transaction, the persons
who were stockholders of the Company immediately before such transaction do not own at least
a majority of the Voting Securities of such corporation or other entity, or (ii) there is a
sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the trade, business,
corporation or other entity by which Optionee is employed and, immediately after such
transaction, the Company or the persons who were stockholders of the Company immediately
before such transaction do not own at least a majority of the Voting Securities of a
corporation or other entity that acquires such assets or engages in such trade or business.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Ownership shall not include a Change in Control
(as defined in the Plan) of the Company.

     “Spin-Off” A Spin-Off shall be deemed to have occurred with respect to an Optionee if
the corporation or other entity by which Optionee was employed, or the entity that succeeds
to the business unit or trade by which Optionee was employed, is not a Subsidiary or
Affiliate of the Company following a pro rata distribution or dividend of its capital stock
to the persons who were stockholders of the Company immediately before

 

 

such transaction and, immediately after such transaction, such corporation or other
entity has a class of Voting Securities that is traded publicly on a national securities
exchange.

     “Subsidiary” shall have the meaning given to it in Section 424(f) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

     “Voting Securities” shall mean securities or other ownership interest having ordinary
voting power (absolutely or contingently) for the election of directors or other persons
performing similar functions.<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1

                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

      THIS ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT made and entered into on this 31st day of
January, 2005, by and among FREEPORT BRICK COMPANY, INC. ("Freeport") KITTANNING
BRICK COMPANY ("Kittanning"), FREE-MADIE COMPANY ("Free-Madie"), FREEPORT
REFRACTORIES, INC. ("Refractories" and, together with Freeport, Kittanning and
Free-Madie, the "Sellers") and FREEPORT AREA ENTERPRISES, INC. (the
"Shareholder"), each of the Sellers and Shareholder being a Pennsylvania
corporation, on the one hand, and REFRACTORY & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY GROUP, INC., a
Tennessee corporation (the "Buyer"), and DIVERSIFIED THERMAL SOLUTIONS, INC., a
Nevada corporation ("Diversified"), on the other hand.

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

      WHEREAS, Sellers are engaged in the business of manufacturing refractory
products, including but not limited to fireclay, high alumina, ladle, barrier,
high duty, bottom pour and chemical resistant bricks; mortar, sleeves, nozzles,
industrial grade pavers; and tools and dies used in the refractory business
(collectively the "Business") at their plants located at Clay Road, Adrian,
Pennsylvania 16210, Mill Street Extension, Freeport, Pennsylvania 16229 and 114
W. Park Drive, Kittanning, Pennsylvania 16201 (the "Facilities"); and

      WHEREAS, Sellers desire to sell certain assets, as more specifically
identified herein, and Buyer desires to purchase such assets upon the terms and
conditions contained herein.

      NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants
contained herein, the parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as
follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                           PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS

      1.1 PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS. On the Closing Date, as hereinafter
defined, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement,
Sellers shall sell, and Buyer shall purchase, effective as of the close of
business on the Closing Date, the following assets owned and used by Sellers in
the ordinary course of business free from any and all liens, charges,
restrictions or encumbrances except for such liens, charges, restrictions or
encumbrances set forth in Schedule 1.1 (the "Permitted Encumbrances")
(hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Assets"):

            (a) All machinery, equipment, furniture, fixtures, vehicles, tools,
spare parts and other fixed assets owned by Sellers and used, or held for use,
exclusively in connection with the Business, including without limitation, those
items listed on Schedule 1.1(a) attached hereto (the "Fixed Assets");

<PAGE>

            (b) All inventory of finished goods, work-in-process, raw materials
and supplies of Sellers used exclusively in the Business at the close of
business on the Closing Date, including without limitation, those items listed
on Schedule 1.1(b) attached hereto (the "Inventory");

            (c) All accounts receivable owned by Sellers on the Closing Date
(the "Accounts Receivable") including without limitation, those Accounts
Receivable listed on Schedule 1.1(c);

            (d) All Sellers' right, title and interest in and to the Assigned
Contracts and the Assigned Leases (each as defined in Section 2.12) as listed on
Schedule 2.12;

            (e) The Facilities, consisting of the real property more
particularly described on Schedule 1.1 (e) attached hereto, together with all
rights and appurtenances pertaining to said property and any improvements,
fixtures and personal property situated on or attached to said real property.
The exact legal description of the Facilities shall be determined by surveys
prepared and certified as of current date, at Buyer's expense, by a qualified
person or firm acceptable to Sellers which survey shall locate all roads,
easements, utilities, burial grounds, cemeteries, church lots, rights-of-way,
drainage districts, applicable zoning districts, any flood hazard areas, parties
in possession, and other matters that affect that title or use of the Facilities
for commercial operations and use and shall further reflect the number of acres
as are contained within the exterior boundaries of the Facilities, and shall
otherwise be satisfactory to Buyer;

            (f) All data and records related to the operations of the Business
as they are currently operated, including client and customer lists and records,
referral sources, research and development reports and records, production
reports and records, service and warranty records, equipment logs, operating
guides and manuals, financial and accounting records, creative materials,
advertising materials, promotional materials, studies, reports, correspondence
and other similar documents and records and copies of all personnel records
relating to those employees who are offered, and who accept, employment with
Buyer;

            (g) All of the intangible rights and property of the Business,
subject to Section 7.5(a), including intellectual property assets, logos, going
concern value, goodwill, post office boxes, telephone, telecopy and email
addresses and listings of the Business;

            (h) All internet URL's, website contents, software and marketing
materials currently used by Sellers in connection with the Business; and

            (i) All rights of Sellers relating to claims for refunds relating to
the Assets and rights to offset in respect thereof; and

            (j) In addition to the Assets, on the Closing Date, Shareholder
shall sell, transfer and convey to Buyer certain items designated on Schedule
1.1(j).

      1.2 EXCLUDED ASSETS. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Sellers and
Shareholder are not selling, and the Buyer is not purchasing, pursuant to this
Agreement, any tangible or

                                      - 2 -

<PAGE>

intangible properties, assets or rights of the Sellers or Shareholder not
specifically included in the Assets. Without limiting the foregoing, there shall
not be sold, assigned, transferred or delivered hereunder: (a) any cash on hand
or in banks or marketable securities owned by the Sellers; (b) all minute books,
stock records and corporate seals; (c) the shares of capital stock of the
Sellers; (d) any rights or claims of the Sellers with respect to any tax refund,
carryback or carryforward or other credits to the Sellers for the period ending
on or prior to the Closing Date; (e) those rights relating to deposits and
prepaid. expenses; (f) any property, casualty, workers' compensation or other
insurance policy or related insurance services contract relating to the Sellers
and any right of the Sellers under any such insurance policy or contract
including, but not limited to, right to any cancellation value; (g) key-man life
insurance policies listed on Schedule 1.2(g); (h) all personnel records and
other records that Sellers are required by law to retain in its possession; (i)
all prepaid items; (j) all assets of Shareholder other than the assets of
Sellers as set forth in this Agreement and the assets listed on Schedule 1.1(j);
(k) any rights or claims of Sellers and Shareholder against any third party
relating to the Assets, Business or Facilities; (l) any collective bargaining
agreements, (m) any assets associated with any pension plans Sellers maintain,
contribute to, or sponsor, including, but not limited to, the Retirement Plans
for Hourly and Salaried Employees of Freeport Area Enterprises ("Hourly Pension
Plan"), and (n) other property and assets expressly designated in Schedule
1.2(l).

      1.3 ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES. On the Closing Date, Buyer shall assume,
and agrees to pay, perform and comply with, only the following debts,
obligations and liabilities of Sellers:

            (a) All debts, obligations and liabilities of Sellers accruing from
and after the Closing Date pursuant to any of the Assigned Contracts (as defined
in Section 2.12) listed on Schedule 2.12, provided that any third party to any
of the Assigned Contracts whose approval or consent is required in order for
Sellers to assign same to Buyer shall have been obtained;

            (b) All debts, obligations and liabilities of Sellers accruing from
and after the Closing Date pursuant to any of the Assigned Leases (as defined in
Section 2.12) listed on Schedule 2.12, provided that (i) any lessor named in any
of the Assigned Leases whose approval or consent is required in order for
Sellers to assign same to Buyer shall have been obtained, or (ii) Buyer shall
have renegotiated the terms of such Assigned Leases to Buyer's satisfaction; and

            (c) The Assumed Liabilities (as defined in Section 2.13) of the
Sellers as shown on Schedule 2.13, which liabilities shall include, without
limitation, all of the liabilities set forth on the Balance Sheet (as defined in
Sec. 2.11).

Provided, however, that the foregoing assumptions and undertakings of the Buyer
shall not relieve Sellers from any debt, obligation or liability resulting from
a breach by Sellers of any representations, warranty or agreement contained in
this Agreement or in any such Assigned Contract, Assigned Lease or Assumed
Liability. Further, the foregoing assumptions and undertakings of the Buyer
shall not restrain or limit Buyer's right to contest or assert defenses against
third parties with respect to any such debts, obligations or liabilities. Buyer
shall not assume any other debts, liabilities or obligations of the Sellers
other than the Assigned Contracts, Assigned Leases or Assumed Liabilities.

                                      - 3 -

<PAGE>

      1.4 PURCHASE PRICE AND PAYMENT TERMS. The purchase price for the Assets
shall be a total of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00) (the "Purchase Price").
The Purchase Price shall be allocated to the Assets, Assigned Contracts,
Assigned Leases and Assumed Liabilities in accordance with Schedule 1.4 (which
Sellers and Buyer shall prepare and deliver following the Closing), and shall be
payable as follows:

            (a) At Closing, Buyer shall assume the Assigned Contracts, Assigned
Leases and Assumed Liabilities in the amounts reflected on Schedule 1.4
representing $1,084,000 of the Purchase Price, subject to the adjustments set
forth in Section 1.5 below.

            (b) Buyer shall deliver to Sellers at Closing, in immediately
available funds, the cash portion of the Purchase Price in the amount of Three
Million Nine Hundred Sixteen Thousand Dollars ($3,916,000) (the "Cash Portion"),
subject to the adjustments set forth in Section 1.5 below, as follows:
$2,415,742.39 to Sellers in accordance with the wire transfer instructions
provided in Schedule 1.4(b)(i); $500,257.61 to National City Bank in accordance
with the wire transfer instructions provided in Schedule 1.4(b)(ii); and
$1,000,000 to JP Morgan Chase Bank in accordance with the wire transfer
instructions provided in Schedule 1.4(b)(iii).

      1.5 ADJUSTMENTS TO CASH PORTION OF PURCHASE PRICE. The Cash Portion of the
Purchase Price shall be adjusted as follows:

            (a) Preparation of Pre-Closing Date Balance Sheet and Closing Date
Balance Sheet.

                  (i) Within fifteen (15) days prior to the Closing Date, the
      Sellers will prepare and deliver to the Buyer a draft combined balance
      sheet (the "Draft Pre-Closing Date Balance Sheet") for Sellers as of the
      close of business on the last day of the month ending closest to the
      Closing Date (determined on a pro forma basis as though the Parties had
      not consummated the transactions contemplated by this Agreement). The
      Sellers will prepare the Draft Pre-Closing Date Balance Sheet in
      accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles applied on a
      basis consistent with the preparation of Schedule 1.4, the Financial
      Statements and the Balance Sheet; and

                  (ii) Within sixty (60) days after the Closing Date, the
      Sellers will prepare and deliver to the Buyer a draft combined balance
      sheet (the "Draft Closing Date Balance Sheet") for Sellers as of the close
      of business on the last business day prior to the Closing Date (determined
      on a pro forma basis as though the Parties had not consummated the
      transactions contemplated by this Agreement). The Sellers will prepare the
      Draft Closing Date Balance Sheet in accordance with U.S. generally
      accepted accounting principles applied on a basis consistent with the
      preparation of Schedule 1.4, the Financial Statements and the Balance
      Sheet.

                  (iii) If the Buyer has any objections to the Draft Pre-Closing
      Date Balance Sheet or the Draft Closing Date Balance Sheet, it will
      deliver a detailed statement describing its objections to the Sellers
      within ten (10) days after receiving either such Balance Sheet. The Buyer
      and the Sellers will use reasonable efforts to

                                      - 4 -

<PAGE>

      resolve any such objections themselves. If the parties do not obtain a
      final resolution within five (5) days after the Sellers have received a
      statement of objections, however, the Buyer and the Sellers will select an
      independent accounting firm mutually acceptable to them to resolve any
      remaining objections. If the Buyer and the Sellers are unable to agree on
      the choice of an accounting firm, they will select a nationally-recognized
      accounting firm by lot (after excluding their respective regular outside
      accounting firms). The determination of any accounting firm so selected
      will be set forth in writing within fifteen (15) days of the dispute being
      presented to it and will be conclusive and binding upon the parties. The
      Sellers will revise the Draft Pre-Closing Date Balance Sheet and/or the
      Draft Closing Date Balance Sheet as appropriate to reflect the resolution
      of any objections thereto pursuant to this Section 1.4(a)(iii). The
      "Pre-Closing Date Balance Sheet" shall mean the Draft Pre-Closing Date
      Balance Sheet together with any revisions thereto pursuant to this Section
      1.4(a)(iii). The "Closing Date Balance Sheet" shall mean the Draft Closing
      Date Balance Sheet together with any revisions there to pursuant to this
      Section 1.4(a)(iii).

                  (iv) In the event the parties submit any unresolved objections
      to an independent accounting firm for resolution as provided in Section
      1.4(a)(iii) above, the Buyer and the Sellers will share equal
      responsibility for the fees and expenses of the accounting firm.

                  (v) The Sellers will make the work papers and back-up
      materials used in preparing the Draft Pre-Closing Date Balance Sheet and
      the Draft Closing Date Balance Sheet available to the Buyer, its
      accountants, other representatives and, if necessary, the independent
      accounting firm at reasonable times and upon reasonable notice at any time
      during (A) the preparation by the Sellers of the Draft Pre-Closing Date
      Balance Sheet or the Draft Closing Date Balance Sheet, (B) the review by
      the Buyer of the Draft Pre-Closing Date Balance Sheet or the Draft Closing
      Date Balance Sheet, and (C) the resolution by the parties of any
      objections thereto.

            (b) Adjustments to Cash Portion of the Purchase Price. The Cash
Portion of the Purchase Price will be adjusted by the amount by which the value
of the Assets, Assumed Contracts, Assumed Leases and Assumed Liabilities on the
Closing Date Balance Sheet differs from the value of the Assets, Assumed
Contracts, Assumed Leases and Assumed Liabilities on the May 31, 2004 Balance
Sheet. If the value of the Assets, Assumed Contracts, Assumed Leases and Assumed
Liabilities on the Closing Date Balance Sheet exceed the value of the Assets,
Assumed Contracts, Assumed Leases and Assumed Liabilities on the May 31, 2004
Balance Sheet, Buyer shall pay the full amount of the difference to Sellers; and
if the value of the Assets, Assumed Contracts, Assumed Leases and Assumed
Liabilities on the Closing Date Balance Sheet is less than the value of the
Assets, Assumed Contracts, Assumed Leases and Assumed Liabilities on the May 31,
2004 Balance Sheet, Sellers shall pay the full amount of the difference to
Buyer. All payments due hereunder, if any, shall be made within three (3)
business days of the final determination of the Closing Date Balance Sheet.

                                   ARTICLE II

                                      - 5 -

<PAGE>

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLERS AND SHAREHOLDER

      Sellers and Shareholder, jointly and severally, make the following
representations and warranties to Buyer, which shall be true and correct on the
Closing Date:

      2.1 ORGANIZATION AND QUALIFICATION. Sellers and Shareholder are
corporations duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Sellers have all requisite corporate
power and authority to own, lease and operate their properties, and to carry on
the Business as it is now being conducted and to operate the Facilities as they
are now being operated. Sellers are duly qualified and in good standing to do
business in all other states in which they conduct business, except where the
failure to be so qualified and in good standing would not have a material
adverse effect.

      2.2 AUTHORIZATION AND CONSENTS.

            (a) Sellers and Shareholder have full corporate power and authority
to enter into this Agreement and to carry out their obligations pursuant to the
terms hereof. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by
Sellers and Shareholder have been duly authorized by all requisite corporate
actions. This Agreement constitutes valid and legally binding obligations of
Sellers and Shareholder enforceable in accordance with the terms hereof. Neither
the execution and performance of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby, will (i) violate, or conflict with, or result
in a breach of any provision of, or constitute a default (or an event which,
with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, or
result in the termination of, or accelerate the performance required by, or
result in the creation of any lien, security interest, charge or encumbrance
upon any of the properties or assets of Sellers under any of the terms,
conditions or provisions of, the Articles of Incorporation or bylaws of Sellers
and Shareholder, or any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, lease,
license, contract, lien, agreement, instrument, or other obligation to which
Sellers and Shareholder are a party or by which Sellers or any of their
properties or assets may be bound or affected, or (ii) violate any order, writ,
injunction, decree, statute, rule or regulation applicable to Sellers and
Shareholder or any of their properties or assets.

            (b) Except as set forth on Schedule 2.2 (b), Sellers have obtained
all consents or approvals, notified or registered with any governmental
authority or other third party, required on the part of Sellers in connection
with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation by Sellers
of the transactions contemplated hereby.

      2.3 TAXES AND TAX RETURNS. For all periods through the Closing Date,
Sellers shall have timely filed all federal, state, and local withholding,
social security, and unemployment tax returns; and all such tax returns are
complete and accurate in accordance with all legal requirements applicable
thereto in all material respects. Sellers have paid all taxes required to be
paid for such periods, and there is, and to the knowledge of the Sellers, there
will be, no further liability (whether disclosed on such returns or assessments)
for any such taxes, and no interest or penalties have accrued or are accruing
with respect thereto. There are no liens on any property relating to the
Business, Assets or the Facilities by reason of the delinquent payment, or
non-

                                      - 6 -

<PAGE>

payment, of any tax, assessment, fee, or other governmental charge (except for
inchoate liens for taxes not yet due and payable).

      2.4 PERMITS, ETC. Schedule 2.4 contains a listing of all material federal,
state, and local licenses, permits, franchises, certificates, approvals, and
authority held by Sellers relating to the operation of the Business and the
Facilities, all of which Sellers will assign to Buyer without charge on the
Closing Date to the extent they are assignable under applicable law. Neither the
Business nor the Facilities require any other material license, franchise,
permit, or governmental authorization from any governmental body, whether
federal, state, local, or foreign.

      2.5 TITLE AND CONDITION OF ASSETS.

            (a) Sellers collectively have good and marketable title to the
Assets, and the Assets are free and clear of any leases, security interests,
mortgages, charges, liens, claims, encumbrances, easements, restrictions,
covenants, rights of first refusal, options, or other matters affecting title
and use of the Assets, except for the Permitted Encumbrances and such leases,
security interests, mortgages, charges, liens, claims, encumbrances, easements,
restrictions, covenants, rights of first refusal, options, or other matters as
would not reasonably have a material adverse effect.

            (b) All of the Fixed Assets are in reasonably good operating
condition, subject to normal wear and tear.

            (c) None of the Assets is subject to any commitment or other
arrangement for its use by any third party.

            (d) All items included in the Inventory are being sold "as is, where
is." Sellers are not in possession of any inventory not owned by Sellers. All
Inventory was purchased or produced in the ordinary course of business of
Sellers.

            (e) All Accounts Receivable reflected in Schedule 1.1(c) or on the
accounting records of Sellers relating to the Business as of the Closing Date
represent or will represent valid obligations arising from sales actually made
or services actually performed by Sellers in the ordinary course of business.
Except to the extent paid prior to the Closing Date, the Accounts Receivable are
or will be as of the Closing Date current and collectible using commercially
reasonable efforts net of the respective reserves shown on the Financial
Statements and the Balance Sheet. There is no contest, claim, defense or right
of setoff with any account debtor of an Account Receivable relating to the
amount or validity of such Account Receivable. Schedule 1.1(c) contains a
complete and accurate list of all Accounts Receivable as of the Closing Date,
which list sets forth the aging of each such Account Receivable.

      2.6 NO VIOLATION OF STATUTE, DECREE, OR ORDER. Sellers are not in default
under or in violation of any material federal, state, municipal, or other
governmental law, ordinance, statute, or administrative or court regulations,
rule, decision, or order, or other law of any kind relating to

                                      - 7 -

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the Business and the consummation of transactions contemplated by this Agreement
will not constitute or result in any such material default or violation.

      2.7 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. Except as disclosed on Schedule 2.7, there are
no employee benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement
Security Act) or other employee benefit plans, programs, or arrangements,
including, but not limited to, pension, vacation, short term disability, dental,
life insurance, bonus, deferred compensation, profit sharing, stock purchase,
stock option, performance unit plans, or other employee benefit plans maintained
by Sellers, contributed to by Sellers, or for which Sellers contract for the
benefit of their employees (the "Plans"). Sellers have made full payment with
respect to all amounts and premiums which Sellers are required to have paid as
contributions to such Plans as of the Closing Date or accrued the same on the
Balance Sheet. Sellers are not a party to any agreement the effect of which
would be that Buyer will be required to make contributions in respect to past
services of any present or former employee of Sellers, or otherwise incur any
present or continuing liability to any employee as a result of acquiring the
Assets. Sellers do not have any obligation to provide retiree health benefits to
any employees or former employees.

      2.8 LITIGATION. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.8, there is no (a)
material suit, action, or legal, administrative, or other proceeding or
governmental investigation pending or, to the knowledge of the Sellers,
threatened against Sellers, nor is there any basis therefor known to Sellers, or
(b) writ, injunction or decree of any court or governmental instrumentality to
which the Sellers are a party or by which they are bound which could reasonably
be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Sellers' ability to
complete the transactions contemplated herein.

      2.9 ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.9, to the
knowledge of Sellers, Sellers have complied, and remain in compliance in all
material respects, with the provisions of all Environmental Laws, as hereinafter
defined, applicable to the Facilities; and neither Sellers (or any agent or
contractor of Sellers) nor, to the knowledge of the Sellers, any unrelated third
party, has disposed of or released any Hazardous Substances, as hereinafter
defined, at, from, in or on any of the Facilities in violation of applicable
Environmental Laws.

      For purposes of this Agreement, "ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS" means any and all
governmental requirements in effect as of the Closing Date, applicable to the
Facilities, and relating to the environment, including ambient air, surface
water, land surface or subsurface strata, or to emissions, discharges, releases
or threatened releases of pollutants, contaminates, chemicals or industrial
toxic or hazardous substances or wastes (including Hazardous Substances) or
noxious noise or odor into the environment, or otherwise relating to the
manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal,
recycling, removal, transport or handling of pollutants, contaminates, chemicals
or industrial toxic or hazardous substances or wastes (including petroleum,
petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing material, polychlorinated
biphenyls, chlorofluoro-carbons, or hydrochlorofluoro-carbons).

      For purposes of this Agreement, "HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES" means any material
or substance, or combination of materials or substances, that by reason of
quantity, concentration, composition or characteristic is regulated under any
Environmental Law.

                                      - 8 -

<PAGE>

      2.10 NO BROKER. No person, firm, or corporation has acted in the capacity
of broker or finder on Sellers' behalf to bring about the negotiation or
consummation of this Agreement or the purchase of any assets of Sellers.

      2.11 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Sellers previously have delivered to Buyer true
and correct copies of their compiled financial statements, as of December 31,
2001, December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2003, and for the periods then ended
(collectively, the "Sellers' Financial Statements"). The Sellers' Financial
Statements were prepared (except for the compiled financial statements as of
December 31, 2002, and for the period then ended, of which Buyers are aware) in
accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, consistently
applied, and present fairly in all material respects the financial position and
the results of operation of Sellers as of the dates and for the periods
indicated. As of the dates of the Sellers' Financial Statements, Sellers had no
material obligations, fixed or contingent, not adequately reflected in the
Seller' Financial Statements or the notes or exhibits thereto. Schedule 2.11 is
a true, correct and complete combined balance sheet of Sellers in all material
respects as of May 31, 2004 (the "Balance Sheet").

      2.12 ASSIGNED CONTRACTS AND ASSIGNED LEASES. Schedule 2.12 lists all
assigned contracts, which shall include all open customer purchase orders to be
assumed by the Buyer ("Assigned Contracts") and assigned leases (the "Assigned
Leases") that are to be assigned to, and assumed by, Buyer pursuant to Section
1.3, subject to the provisions of this Section 2.12; provided, however, that
"Assigned Contracts" and "Assigned Leases" shall only include those contracts
and leases as to which the consent of the other party has been obtained in
writing prior to Closing, if consent to assignment is required under the terms
of such contract or lease. Each Assigned Contract or Assigned Lease to which
Seller is a party is valid and in full force and effect and constitutes the
legal, valid and binding obligation of Seller and the other party or parties
thereto; there are no existing defaults thereunder and no event, act or omission
has occurred which (with or without notice, lapse of time or the happening or
occurrence of any other event) would result in a default thereunder. No default
exists or, except as set forth on Schedule 2.2, will exist under any of the
Assigned Contracts and Leases as a result of the execution and delivery or
performance of this Agreement.

      2.13 LIABILITIES OF SELLERS. Attached hereto as Schedule 2.13 is a list of
certain of the liabilities of Sellers, which Buyer has agreed to assume subject
to the provisions of this Agreement, setting forth the name, address and amount
due of each such creditor and whether any financing statements, or other
publicly recorded notice of indebtedness is on file with respect thereto (the
"Assumed Liabilities"). All liabilities listed on Schedule 2.13: (i) relate to
the purchase of goods or services made in the ordinary course of business; (ii)
include all liabilities reflected on the Balance Sheet or (iii) are otherwise
liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business.

                                      - 9 -

<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE III

             REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER AND DIVERSIFIED

      Buyer and Diversified, jointly and severally, make the following
representations and warranties to Sellers, which shall be true and correct on
the Closing Date:

      3.1 ORGANIZATION AND QUALIFICATION. Buyer is a corporation duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the law of the State of Tennessee.
Diversified is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the law of the State of Nevada. Buyer has all requisite corporate
power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to acquire the
Assets. Buyer is duly qualified and in good standing to do business as a foreign
corporation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

      3.2 AUTHORIZATION AND CONSENTS.

            (a) Buyer has full corporate power and authority to enter into this
Agreement and to carry out its obligations pursuant to the terms hereof and
thereof. The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement by Buyer
have been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action. This Agreement
constitutes valid and legally binding obligations of Buyer enforceable in
accordance with the terms hereof and thereof. Neither the execution and
performance of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, will (i) violate, or conflict with, or result in a breach
of any provision of, or constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or
lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, or result in the
termination of, or accelerate the performance required by, or result in the
creation of any lien, security interest, charge or encumbrance upon any of the
properties or assets of Buyer under any of the terms, conditions or provisions
of, the Charter or Bylaws of Buyer, or any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed
of trust, lease, license, contract, lien, agreement, instrument, or other
obligation to which Buyer is a party or by which Buyer or any of its properties
or assets may be bound or affected, or (b) violate any order, writ, injunction,
decree, statute, rule or regulation applicable to Buyer or any of its properties
or assets.

            (b) No consent or approval by, notice to, or registration with any
governmental authority or other third party is required on the part of Buyer in
connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation
by Buyer of the transactions contemplated hereby.

      3.3 LITIGATION. There is no (a) material suit, action, or legal,
administrative, or other proceeding or governmental investigation pending or, to
the knowledge of the Buyer, threatened against the Buyer, nor is there any basis
therefor known to Buyer, or (b) writ, injunction or decree of any court or
governmental instrumentality to which the Buyer is a party or by which it is
bound which could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on
the Buyer's ability to complete the transactions contemplated herein.

      3.4 NO BROKER. No person, firm, or corporation other than Riverview Group
has acted in the capacity of broker or finder on Buyer's behalf to bring about
the negotiation or

                                     - 10 -

<PAGE>

consummation of this Agreement and Buyer shall be solely responsible for the
payment of all fees and expenses owed to Riverview Group, LLC incurred on behalf
of Buyer.

      3.5 FINANCIAL CAPACITY. Buyer will have sufficient funds to deliver the
Purchase Price at Closing to Sellers in accordance with the terms and conditions
of this Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                            CLOSING AND CLOSING DATE

      4.1 CLOSING AND CLOSING DATE. The date, time, and place for the closing of
the transactions provided for herein (the "Closing") shall be 10:00 a.m. on the
31st day of January, 2005 (the "Closing Date"). Closing shall be in the offices
of Shareholder's counsel, Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, PC, Two PPG Place, Suite
400, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222, or at such other date, time or place as the
parties hereto may agree.

                                    ARTICLE V

                              CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

      5.1 BUYER'S CONDITIONS TO CLOSING. The obligation of Buyer to acquire the
Assets in accordance with the terms hereof shall be subject to fulfillment of
each of the following conditions on or before the Closing Date:

            (a) Full Investigation. Sellers shall have made available to Buyer
for inspection such records, contracts, documents and information as may be
reasonably requested by Buyer in connection with its examination of the Business
and the Facilities, and the assets thereof, and Buyer shall not have discovered
any condition or set of facts which is in material violation of one or more of
the covenants, representations and warranties of Sellers set forth herein and
which is not remedied prior to Closing.

            (b) Sellers' Corporate Authorization. Sellers shall have received
the unanimous approval of their shareholders and directors to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and shall have delivered certified
copies of duly adopted resolutions with respect thereto and such other evidence
of such approvals as Buyer may reasonably require.

            (c) Consents. Subject to Section 7.3 and the disclosures on Schedule
2.2(b), Sellers shall have obtained in writing, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Buyer, all necessary consents of any party (i) to the assignment
or transfer of any of the Assets or Assumed Liabilities and (ii) to the
execution and performance of this Agreement by Sellers.

            (d) Continued Truth of Warranties. All of the representations and
warranties made by Sellers and Shareholder shall be true and correct in all
material respects on the Closing Date as though made as of such date.

                                    - 11 -

<PAGE>

            (e) Performance of Covenants. Sellers shall have performed all
material covenants and obligations and complied with all material conditions
required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to
the Closing Date.

            (f) Absence of Litigation. There shall not be pending any litigation
that could reasonably be expected to result in an order or injunction
prohibiting or seriously inhibiting the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.

            (g) Employment Agreements. The individuals listed on Schedule 5.1(g)
shall have each executed and delivered to Buyer an Employment Agreement upon
terms and conditions acceptable to Buyer (the "Employment Agreements").

            (h) Labor Agreement. Buyer shall have entered into a labor agreement
with the United Steelworkers of America, AFL, CIO, CLC and Local Union No.
1324-11 (the "Labor Agreement"), upon terms and conditions acceptable to Buyer.

            (i) Property Agreements. Shareholder shall have caused Freeport Real
Estate, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, to execute and enter into: (i) the
lease substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the "Office
Building Lease") providing for the use by Buyer of a certain office building
used by Sellers in connection with the Business; (ii) the lease substantially in
the form attached as Exhibit C (the "Clay Storage Property Lease") providing for
the lease to Buyer of certain property used by Freeport to store clay piles; and
(ii) the agreement of purchase and sale substantially in the form attached as
Exhibit D (the "Agreement of Purchase and Sale") providing for the sale to Buyer
of certain properties used by Sellers in connection with the Business.

            (j) Water Supply Agreement. Shareholder and Sellers shall have
executed and entered into an agreement substantially in the form attached hereto
as Exhibit E (the "Water Supply Agreement"), providing for Shareholder and
Sellers to continue to supply at no cost to Buyer the current supply of water
used in Freeport's Business from its existing source until such time as Sellers,
at their sole cost and expense, cause to be designed, permitted and constructed
a proper water supply line to allow Buyer to utilize the municipal water supply
system for Buyer's Freeport Business. Such municipal water supply line shall be
installed and functional no later than twelve (12) months after the Closing and
shall be capable of supplying to Buyer's Freeport Business at least the volume
and pressure of water as the existing source.. The parties agree that, following
the Closing and subject to the foregoing sentence, the water to Freeport's
Business will be supplied on a basis consistent with past practice and that the
Shareholder and Sellers shall not be liable to Buyer or any third party for any
unintended disruption or interruption in the water supply.

            (k) Opinion of Sellers' Counsel. Sellers' counsel shall have
executed and delivered to Buyer an opinion of counsel for Sellers, dated as of
the Closing Date, reasonably acceptable to Buyer's lender.

            (l) Proceedings and Documents Satisfactory. All proceedings in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and all
certificates and documents

                                     - 12 -

<PAGE>

delivered to the Buyer in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall be satisfactory in all reasonable respects to the Buyer, and the
Buyer shall have received the originals or certified or other copies of all such
records and documents as the Buyer may reasonably request.

      5.2 SELLERS' CONDITIONS TO CLOSING.

            (a) Buyer's Corporate Authorization. Buyer shall have received the
approval of its directors to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, and shall have delivered certified copies of duly adopted resolutions
with respect thereto and such other evidence of such approvals as Sellers may
reasonably require.

            (b) Continued Truth of Warranties. All of the representations and
warranties made by Buyer shall be true and correct in all material respects on
the Closing Date as though made as of such date.

            (c) Performance of Covenants. Buyer shall have performed all
material covenants and obligations and complied with all material conditions
required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to
the Closing Date.

            (d) Absence of Litigation. There shall not be pending any litigation
that could reasonably be expected to result in an order or injunction
prohibiting or seriously inhibiting the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.

            (e) Proceedings and Documents Satisfactory. All proceedings in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and all
certificates and documents delivered to the Sellers in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be satisfactory in all
reasonable respects to the Sellers, and the Sellers shall have received the
originals or certified or other copies of all such records and documents as the
Sellers may reasonably request.

            (f) Property Agreements. Buyer shall have executed and entered into
the Office Building Lease, the Clay Storage Property Lease and the Agreement of
Purchase and Sale.

            (g) Water Supply Agreement. Buyer shall have executed and entered
into the Water Supply Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                               CLOSING DELIVERIES

      6.1 SELLERS' DELIVERIES. At the Closing, Sellers shall cause to be
delivered to Buyer:

            (a) Warranty deeds, bills of sale and assignment, and other
instruments of sale and transfer in form and substance acceptable to Buyer,
transferring and assigning to Buyer good

                                     - 13 -

<PAGE>

and marketable title to all of the Assets, free of all security interests,
mortgages, charges, liens, claims, encumbrances, easements, restrictions,
covenants, rights of first refusal, options, or other matters affecting title
and use of the Assets except for the Permitted Encumbrances.

            (b) Originals or copies, as Sellers may elect, of all tangible
documents, papers, and records reflecting, related to or included among, the
Assets.

            (c) Certificates of Good Standing, or their equivalent, issued by
the Secretary of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for each of the Sellers.

            (d) A certificate of Sellers and Shareholder to the effect that the
representations, warranties and covenants of Sellers and Shareholder are true,
accurate and complete in all material respects as of the Closing Date, and that
all material agreements and conditions to be performed or met by Sellers at or
prior to Closing have been duly performed or met.

            (e) Executed counterparts of the Employment Agreements.

            (f) Executed counterparts of the Office Building Lease.

            (g) Executed counterparts of the Clay Storage Property Lease.

            (h) Executed counterparts of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale.

            (i) Executed counterparts of the Water Supply Agreement.

            (j) The opinion of counsel for Sellers.

            (k) Executed Assignment of Registered Trademark-USA.

            (l) Executed Assignment of Registered Trademark-Canada.

            (m) Executed Bill of Sale and Assignment.

            (n) Executed Assignment and Assumption Agreement.

      6.2 BUYER'S DELIVERIES. At the Closing, Buyer shall cause to be delivered
to Sellers:

            (a) The Cash Portion of the Purchase Price, as adjusted pursuant to
Section 1.5 hereof, by wire transfer of immediately available funds.

            (b) Certificate of Good Standing, or their equivalent, issued by the
Secretary of State of their respective jurisdictions of incorporation, for the
Buyer and Diversified.

            (c) Certificate of Buyer to the effect that the representations,
warranties and covenants of Buyer are true, accurate and complete in all
material respects as of the Closing

                                     - 14 -

<PAGE>

Date, and that all material agreements and conditions to be performed or met by
Buyer at or prior to Closing have been duly performed or met.

            (d) Executed counterparts of the Employment Agreements.

            (e) Executed counterparts of the Office Building Lease.

            (f) Executed counterparts of the Clay Storage Property Lease.

            (g) Executed counterparts of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale.

            (h) Executed counterparts of the Water Supply Agreement.

            (i) Executed Bill of Sale and Assignment.

            (j) Executed Assignment and Assumption Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE VII

                                    COVENANTS

      7.1 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS BY SELLERS. Sellers and Shareholder hereby
covenant, warrant and agree that from May 31, 2004 to the Closing Date, except
for any transactions expressly approved in writing by the Buyer:

            (a) Sellers have not incurred any lien, charge or encumbrance of any
kind on any of the Assets, exclusive of liens arising as a matter of law in the
ordinary course of business as to which there is no known default;

            (b) Sellers have not sold, assigned, transferred or otherwise
disposed of any property located at the Facilities other than in the ordinary
course of business;

            (c) Sellers have not made any material changes in the salaries,
fringe benefits or perquisites of its employees, or award any bonuses or extra
compensation to its employees;

            (d) Sellers have not materially modified, amended, altered or
terminated (whether by written or oral agreement, or any manner of action or
inaction) any of its agreements and commitments;

            (e) Sellers have not entered into any collective bargaining
agreement or union contract.

            (f) Sellers have maintained insurance on the Assets in amounts and
with coverage at least as great as the amounts and coverage in effect on May 31,
2004;

                                     - 15 -

<PAGE>

            (g) Sellers have maintained, consistent with past practice, the
Assets in reasonable good repair, order and condition, reasonable wear and tear
excepted, and used its commercially reasonable efforts to preserve the
possession and control of all of the Assets, to keep in faithful service its
present key employees, and to preserve the goodwill of those having business
relations with Sellers, have maintained their books, accounts and records in a
manner consistent with past practice;

            (h) Sellers have allowed, at reasonable times, Buyer's employees,
attorneys, auditors, accountants and other authorized representatives, free and
full access to the land, plants, properties, books, records, documents and
correspondence relating to the Business, in order that Buyer may have full
opportunity to make such investigation as it may reasonably desire of the
Business of the Sellers;

            (i) Sellers have complied with all material laws applicable to
Sellers' conduct of the Business;

            (j) Sellers have used commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the
consents required in order to fulfill the closing conditions contained in
Article V hereof; and

            (k) Sellers have maintained its inventory of finished goods,
work-in-process, raw materials and supplies in a manner consistent with past
practice and have continued operating the Business in the ordinary course of
business and consistent with past practice.

      7.2 SALES OR USE TAX. Any sales, use, transfer, or documentary taxes or
similar taxes due and payable upon the transfer of the Assets shall be paid by
Sellers; provided that Sellers and Buyer shall be equally responsible for any
applicable real estate transfer tax and Buyer shall be responsible any vehicle
title transfer tax.

      7.3 FURTHER ASSURANCES. At any time and from time to time after the
Closing Date, each party shall execute, acknowledge, and deliver all such
further documents, and shall take such other actions, consistent with the terms
of this Agreement, as reasonably may be requested by the other party for the
purpose of confirming the transfer and conveyance to Buyer of the Assets or for
the purpose of carrying out the transactions contemplated herein. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, Sellers and Shareholder will use their
reasonable best efforts to assist Buyer in getting the Assigned Leases, Assigned
Contracts and permits (which are assignable) assigned to Buyer after the Closing
to the extent any Assigned Leases, Assigned Contracts or permits (which are
assignable) have not been transferred by the Closing.

      7.4 USE OF NAMES. From and after the Closing Date, Shareholder and the
Sellers will not use in any manner the names "Freeport Brick Company, Inc.,"
"Kittanning Brick Company, Inc." "Free-Madie Company," and "Freeport
Refractories, Inc.," or any other trade name, trademark, service mark or logo
used in connection with the Business.

      7.5 CERTAIN TRANSITIONAL MATTERS. Shareholder and Sellers, on the one
hand, and Buyer, on the other hand, agree to use their commercially reasonable
efforts to provide, at no cost to each other, the following:

                                     - 16 -

<PAGE>

            (a) For a period of twelve months (12) months following the Closing,
Shareholder shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to forward to or
notify Buyer of any mail, telephone or facsimile communications addressed to or
intended for Freeport received at Shareholder's post office box, telephone or
facsimile address; provided that Buyer agrees to obtain and maintain a separate
post office box, telephone and facsimile address to receive Freeport's mail,
telephone and facsimile communications promptly after the termination of the
Office Building Lease and Shareholder shall have no obligation to forward or
notify Buyer of communications addressed to or intended for Freeport after such
twelve (12) month period.

            (b) For a period of ninety (90) days following the Closing,
Shareholder agrees to provide management information system services on a basis
consistent with past practice and substantially equivalent with the services
provided by Shareholder to the Sellers' Business on the date hereof.

            (c) For a period of twelve (12) months following the Closing, Buyer
and Shareholder/Sellers each agrees to forward to the other any incoming e-mail
traffic generally addressed to the other or an employee of the other.

            (d) Until the earlier of: (i) twelve (12) months following the
Closing; (ii) the sale of all or substantially all of the Shareholder's
remaining assets; or (iii) J. Terry Medovitch's termination of employment with
Buyer, Buyer shall direct its employee, J. Terry Medovitch, to oversee certain
administrative functions performed by certain employees retained by Shareholder
so long as such oversight services do not unreasonably interfere with J. Terry
Medovitch's obligations of employment with Buyer; provided, however, Buyer shall
not be responsible for any work such employees perform while performing services
for Shareholder.

            (e) Following the Closing, Shareholder agrees to continue existing
health insurance coverage for all of its and Sellers' employees who accept
employment with Buyer (the "Buyer Employees") until February 28, 2005 or such
other time as agreed to between Buyer and Shareholder (the "Interim Coverage
Period"); provided, however, that Buyer shall promptly reimburse Shareholder the
full cost associated with providing such health insurance coverage for the Buyer
Employees during the Interim Coverage Period, up to a cap equal to the amount
that Buyer would have paid to cover those same individuals at the following
monthly rates: Individual $267.87; Employee/Children $630.56; Employee/Spouse
$714.25; and Family $830.47.

            (f) Upon termination of the Interim Coverage Period, Shareholder
shall immediately terminate all group health insurance plans and, if they do not
do so, then they shall comply with any obligations under the Consolidated
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act ("COBRA") and any implementing regulations to
offer continued health benefits coverage to any former employees who are
entitled to receive such an offer including, but not limited to, the Buyer
Employees.

            (g) Following the Closing, Sellers shall be responsible for
continuing to maintain and/or terminating all Plans, including, but not limited
to, the Defined Benefit Plans

                                     - 17 -

<PAGE>

listed on Schedule 2.7, and shall be responsible for all costs associated with
such continued operation and/or termination, including, but not limited to,
making any and all termination payments that are required to terminate the
Defined Benefit Plans under the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act, as
amended ("MPPAA").

            (h) Following the Closing, Sellers shall be responsible for any
obligations under any collective bargaining agreements to which Sellers are a
party, which agreements shall terminate as of the Closing, as well as any
effects bargaining with the United Steelworkers of America.

            (i) Until such time as separate meters are installed, but in any
event for a period not in excess of ninety (90) days following the Closing,
Buyer shall be responsible for the payment of gas and electric services at the
Sellers' campground in Reesedale, PA, near the Kittanning Facility, which gas
and electric services currently are metered at the Kittanning Facility.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                 INDEMNIFICATION

      8.1 BY SELLERS AND SHAREHOLDER. Subject to the terms and conditions of
this Article VIII, Sellers and Shareholder, jointly and severally, covenant and
agree to defend, indemnify and hold Buyer and Diversified and each of their
subsidiaries, affiliates and parent companies and the respective officers,
directors and employees of Buyer and such subsidiaries, affiliates and parent
companies (collectively, the "Buyer Indemnified Persons") harmless from and
against any and all liabilities, obligations, damages, losses, claims, demands,
recoveries, deficiencies, costs or expenses (including, without limitation,
interest, penalties, additions to tax and reasonable attorneys' fees and
expenses) (collectively, "Damages") connected with, resulting from or arising
out of any of the following:

            (a) any breach of any representation or warranty contained in this
Agreement or in any document (including, without limitation, any schedule,
certificate, exhibit or other instrument) delivered or to be delivered by
Sellers or Shareholder pursuant to this Agreement;

            (b) any failure by Sellers to perform, carry out or comply with any
of their material obligations under this Agreement, including the schedules and
exhibits hereto;

            (c) any debts, liabilities or obligations of Sellers, direct or
indirect, fixed, contingent or other wise, not specifically assumed by Buyers
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, whether existing at or as of the
Closing Date or which arise after the Closing Date, but which are based upon or
arise from any act, transaction, circumstance, sale of goods or services, state
of facts or other condition which occurred or existed on or before the Closing
Date, whether or not then known, due or payable;

            (d) any failure of Sellers to comply with any applicable bulk sales
law in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

                                     - 18 -

<PAGE>

            (e) any amounts owed by Sellers to employees or former employees of
Sellers (including those who become Buyer Employees) arising out of or related
to such employees' or former employees' current or former employment
relationship with Sellers;

            (f) any amounts or obligations arising under or with respect to the
Plans or the termination thereof, including all liabilities of a fiduciary for
breach of fiduciary duty or other failure to act or comply with applicable law
in connection with the administration or termination of such Plans under MPPAA
or otherwise;

            (g) any failure by Sellers to serve sufficient and adequate notice
in advance of the sale, related to the transfer of Sellers' employees to the
Buyer as a result of the sale, pursuant to the Worker Adjustment and Restraining
Notification Act, 29 U.S.C. Section2102 et seq. (1988), if applicable, as well
as any state statute affecting employees, or former employees, of Sellers;

            (h) Except to the extent included as a portion of the Assumed
Liabilities, any employment, personal or real property taxes accrued or based on
Sellers' ownership or the Assets or employment of employees through the Closing
Date;

            (i) all claims or demands made against Sellers or Buyer by any third
party arising out of, or related to, the Business (including but not limited to,
any labor, employment, health, or safety related claims), the Facilities or the
ownership and/or use of any of the Assets or employment of employees by Sellers
prior to the Closing Date;

            (j) the litigation listed on Schedule 2.8; or

            (j) any material violation of any of the Environmental Laws or any
disposition of or release of any Hazardous Substances arising out of, or related
to, the Business, the Facilities or the ownership and/or use of any of the
Assets by Sellers prior to the Closing Date.

      8.2 BY BUYER AND DIVERSIFIED. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Article VIII, Buyer and Diversified, jointly and severally, covenant and agree
to defend, indemnify and hold Sellers and Shareholder and each of their
subsidiaries, affiliates and parent companies and the respective officers,
directors and employees of Sellers or Shareholder and such subsidiaries,
affiliates and parent companies (collectively, the "Seller Indemnified Persons")
harmless from and against any and all Damages connected with, resulting from or
arising out of any of the following:

            (a) any breach of any representation or warranty contained in this
Agreement or in any document (including, without limitation, any schedule,
certificate, exhibit or other instrument) delivered or to be delivered by Buyer
or Diversified pursuant to this Agreement;

            (b) any failure by Buyer to perform, carry out or comply with any of
its material obligations under this Agreement, including the schedules and
exhibits hereto; and

                                     - 19 -

<PAGE>

            (c) all claims or demands made against Sellers, Shareholder or Buyer
by any third party arising out of, or related to, the Business (including but
not limited to, any labor related claims), the Facilities or the ownership
and/or use of any of the Assets by Buyer on or after the Closing Date.

            (d) any claim by any person for brokerage or finder's fees or
commissions or similar payments based upon any agreement or understanding
alleged to have been made by such person with Buyer (or any person acting on
Buyer's behalf) in connection with any of the contemplated transactions;

            (e) any obligations of Buyer with respect to bargaining with the
collective bargaining representatives of any employees hired by Buyer subsequent
to the Closing;

            (f) any claim or demand made against Sellers, Shareholder or Buyer
by any third party arising out of or related to the Assumed Contracts, Assumed
Leases or Assumed Liabilities on or after the Closing Date;

            (g) any claim or demand made against Sellers, Shareholder or Buyer
by any third party relating to the lease and use of certain properties by Buyer,
its directors, officers, employees, invitees and related persons pursuant to the
Storage Properties Lease;

            (h) any claim or demand made against Sellers or Shareholder by any
third party arising out of or relating to the access and/or use of the office
building and appurtenant property located at the Mill Street Extension in
Freeport, Pennsylvania by Buyer, its directors, officers, employees, invitees
and related persons pursuant to Section 7.5(f); or

            (i) any material violation of any of the Environmental Laws or any
disposition of or release of any Hazardous Substances arising out of, or related
to, the Business, the Facilities or the ownership and/or use of any of the
Assets by Buyer on or after the Closing Date.

      8.3   NOTICE OF AND PROCEDURES FOR COLLECTING INDEMNIFICATION.

            (a) In the event that any third person asserts any claim against a
party which, if successful, would give such party a right of indemnification
hereunder (such party, the "Indemnified Party"), such Indemnified Party will
promptly notify the party required to provide such indemnification hereunder
(the "Indemnifying Party") of such claim.

            (b) If, prior to the expiration of thirty (30) days from the
delivery of such notice, Indemnifying Party shall request in writing that such
claim not be paid, the same shall not be paid, and Indemnifying Party shall
settle, compromise, or litigate in good faith such claim, and employ attorneys
of its or their choice to do so; provided, however, that an Indemnified Party
shall not be required to refrain from paying any claim where such action would
result in the foreclosure of a lien upon any of its assets or a material default
in a lease or other contract, except a lease or other contract which is the
subject of the dispute. If Indemnifying Party elects to settle, compromise, or
litigate such claim, all reasonable expenses, including but not limited to

                                     - 20 -

<PAGE>

all amounts paid in settlement or to satisfy judgments or awards and reasonable
attorney's fees and costs, incurred by Indemnifying Party in settling,
compromising, or litigating such claim shall be secured to the reasonable
satisfaction of the Indemnified Party. The Indemnified Party shall have the
right to elect to settle or compromise, or litigate all other contested claims
with respect to which Indemnifying Party has not, within such thirty (30) day
period, acknowledged in writing to the Indemnified Party (i) liability as an
indemnitor therefor (should such claim ultimately be resolved against the
Indemnified Party) and (ii) its or their election to assume full responsibility
for the settlement, compromise, litigation and payment of such claim.

      8.4 SPECIAL DAMAGES. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth
herein, neither Buyer Indemnified Persons, on the one hand, nor Seller
Indemnified Persons, on the other hand, shall be entitled to indemnification
from Sellers or Buyer, respectively, pursuant to the indemnification provisions
of this Article 8 or otherwise, for any special, consequential, incidental,
punitive or exemplary damages that may be imposed upon, suffered or incurred by
the Buyer Indemnified Persons or the Seller Indemnified Persons, as the case may
be.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                           TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT

      9.1 METHODS OF TERMINATION. The transactions contemplated herein may be
terminated and/or abandoned at any time but not later than the Closing:

            (a) by mutual consent of the Sellers and the Buyer; or

            (b) by either party if the Closing is not completed before the close
of business on January 31, 2005; or

            (c) by Buyer if a default or breach shall be made by Sellers or
Shareholder with respect to the due and timely performance of any covenant or
agreement contained in this Agreement, or with respect to the continuing
accuracy of any representation or warranty contained in this Agreement, and such
default, breach or continuing accuracy cannot be cured in a timely fashion and
has not been waived;

            (d) by Sellers if a default or breach shall be made by Buyer or
Diversified with respect to the due and timely performance of any covenant or
agreement contained in this Agreement, or with respect to the continuing
accuracy of any representation or warranty contained in this Agreement, and such
default, breach or continuing accuracy cannot be cured in a timely fashion and
has not been waived.

      9.2 EFFECT OF TERMINATION. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to
Section 9.1, all further obligations of the parties hereunder shall terminate,
except that the obligations set forth in Section 11.2 shall survive; provided,
however, that if this Agreement is so terminated by one party pursuant to
subsection 9.1 (c) or (d) above, an aggrieved party's right to pursue all legal
remedies for breach of contract or otherwise, including with limitation, damages
relating thereto, shall also survive such termination unimpaired.

                                     - 21 -

<PAGE>

                                    ARTICLE X

                              ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

      10.1 TERMINATION OF EMPLOYEES; HIRED EMPLOYEES. Effective as of the
Closing Date, Sellers shall have terminated the employment of all of its
employees, independent contractors or agents listed on Schedule 10.1 and shall
have terminated any agreements between Sellers and any such individual
including, without limitation, any agreement that would in any way restrict
Buyer's right to employ the individual's right to work for Buyer. As of the
Closing, Buyer shall offer to employ the individuals on Schedule 10.1; provided,
however, that in the case of employees covered by a collective bargaining
agreement, Buyer shall employ them under the terms of the collective bargaining
agreement it negotiated with the United Steelworkers of America, and in the case
of salaried or union free hourly employees who do not sign a contract of
employment with Buyer, Buyer shall offer to employ those individuals on an
at-will basis, meaning that they can quit or be terminated at any time and for
any reason.

      10.2 PAYMENT OF TAXES.

            (a) Sellers will be responsible for the preparation and filing of
all tax returns of Sellers (including tax returns required to be filed after the
Closing Date), to the extent such tax returns include or relate to Sellers' use
or ownership of the Assets on or prior to the Closing Date, and Buyer will be
responsible for the preparation and filing of all tax returns that they are
required to file with respect to Buyer's ownership or use of the Assets
attributable to taxable periods (or portions thereof) commencing after the
Closing Date. The Sellers' and Buyer's tax returns, to the extent they relate to
the Assets, shall be true, complete and correct in all material respects. The
Sellers and Buyer will make all payments of taxes shown to be due on such tax
returns to the extent they relate to the Assets.

            (b) In the case of any real or personal property taxes or any
similar taxes attributable to the Assets that are reported on a tax return
covering a period commencing before the Closing Date and ending thereafter (a
"Straddle Period Tax"), any such Straddle Period Tax shall be prorated between
the Sellers and the Buyer on a per diem basis. The party required by law to pay
any such Straddle Period Tax shall provide the other party with a proof of
payment, and within ten (10) days of receipt of such proof of payment, such
other party shall reimburse the party that paid the Straddle Period Tax for its
share of such Straddle Period Tax. The party required to file a tax return with
respect to Straddle Period Taxes shall do so within the time period prescribed
by law. Sellers shall pay all employment-related taxes that are due based on
employment for Sellers through the Closing except for employment-related taxes
assumed by Buyer pursuant to the Assumed Liabilities.

      10.3 RETENTION OF AND ACCESS TO RECORDS. After the Closing Date, Buyer
shall retain for a period consistent with Buyer's record-retention policies and
practices those records of Sellers delivered to Buyer. Buyer also shall provide
Sellers and their representatives reasonable access thereto, during normal
business hours, to enable them to prepare financial statements or tax returns or
deal with tax audits.

                                     - 22 -

<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE XI

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

      11.1 SURVIVAL. The representations, warranties and covenants made by
Sellers and Buyer shall survive the Closing but shall expire and terminate
twenty-four (24) months after the Closing Date, and the rights of the Sellers
and Buyer to make claims thereon or for indemnifications hereunder shall
likewise expire and be extinguished on such date.

      11.2 EXPENSES. Each party to this Agreement shall pay its or his own costs
and expenses (including, without limitation, all legal and accounting fees)
related to this Agreement, the negotiations leading up to this Agreement and,
except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the transactions described in
this Agreement.

      11.3 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, and the Exhibits, Schedules, and
other documents referred to herein, constitute the entire understanding of the
parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. There are no
restrictions, promises, warranties, covenants, or understandings other than
those expressly set forth herein. Any previous understanding or agreement
between the parties shall be deemed merged herein. This Agreement may be amended
only by written instrument duly executed by the parties hereto.

      11.4 WAIVERS. Neither this Agreement nor any of the terms, conditions, or
other provisions hereof, nor any default or breach in connection therewith, may
be waived other than by a written instrument signed on behalf of Sellers and
Buyer. The failure to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant, term,
condition, or other provision of this Agreement or to exercise any right or
remedy hereunder will not constitute a waiver by Buyer or Sellers of any such
covenant, term, condition, or other provision thereof or any default or breach
in connection therewith. The waiver of any breach of or default under any
covenant, term, condition, or other provision hereof shall not constitute a
waiver of any subsequent breach or default with respect to such covenant, term,
condition, or provision hereof.

      11.5 SEVERABILITY AND ENFORCEABILITY. If any agreement, covenant,
warranty, or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal, or incapable
of being enforced by reasons of any rule of law or public policy, all other
agreements, covenants, warranties, and other provisions of this Agreement,
shall, nevertheless, remain in full force and effect. If any of the rights and
restrictions contained herein shall be deemed to be unenforceable by reason of
the extent, duration or geographical scope thereof, or otherwise, then the
parties contemplate that the court making such determination shall reduce such
extent, duration, geographical scope, or other provision thereof, and enforce
such rights or restrictions in their reduced form for all purposes and in the
manner contemplated hereby.

      11.6 NOTICES. Any notice or other communication required or permitted by
the terms of this Agreement shall be deemed duly given when personally
delivered, on the following day when sent by Federal Express or similar carrier
or sent by certified or registered mail, or when

                                     - 23 -

<PAGE>

confirmed by facsimile, telephone copier, or other electronic means, delivery,
or postage charges prepaid, addressed as follows:

To Sellers:                       Freeport Area Enterprises, Inc.
                                  P.O. Drawer F
                                  Freeport, PA 16229
                                  Attn:  Richard G. Laube, Sr.

With copies to:                   Jun H. Yu, Esq.
                                  Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, PC
                                  Two PPG Place
                                  Suite 400
                                  Pittsburgh, PA 15222

To Buyer:                         The Refractory & Industrial Supply Group, Inc.
                                  c/o B. Grant Hunter
                                  4126 Delp Street
                                  Memphis, TN 38118

With copies to:                   Kevin C. Cox, Esq.
                                  Glankler Brown, PLLC
                                  1700 One Commerce Square
                                  Memphis, TN 38103-2566

      11.7 BINDING EFFECT AND GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement and its terms and
conditions shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto,
and their respective successors and assigns; and shall be governed by, and
construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, without regard to the conflicts of laws rules thereof.

      11.8 ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall not be assignable by any party
without the written consent of the other parties hereto.

      11.9 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, and any number of counterparts signed in the aggregate by all
parties shall constitute a single original instrument. Delivery of executed
signature pages hereof by facsimile transmission shall constitute effective and
binding execution and delivery hereof.

                                     - 24 -

<PAGE>

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of
the date first above written.

                                            SELLERS:

                                            FREEPORT BRICK COMPANY

                                            By: ________________________________
                                            Name: ______________________________
                                            Title: _____________________________

                                            KITTANNING BRICK COMPANY

                                            By: ________________________________
                                            Name: ______________________________
                                            Title: _____________________________

                                            FREE-MADIE CO.

                                            By: ________________________________
                                            Name: ______________________________
                                            Title: _____________________________

                                            FREEPORT REFRACTORIES, INC.

                                            By: ________________________________
                                            Name: ______________________________
                                            Title: _____________________________

                                            SHAREHOLDER:

                                            FREEPORT AREA ENTERPRISES, INC.

                                            By: ________________________________
                                            Name: ______________________________
                                            Title: _____________________________

                                     - 25 -

<PAGE>

                                            BUYER:

                                            REFRACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY
                                            GROUP, INC.

                                            By: ________________________________
                                            Name: ______________________________
                                            Title: _____________________________

                                            DIVERSIFIED:

                                            DIVERSIFIED THERMAL SOLUTIONS, INC.

                                            By: ________________________________
                                            Name: ______________________________
                                            Title: _____________________________

                                     - 26 -

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