Document:

exv10w26

 

Exhibit 10.26

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     THIS AGREEMENT, dated August 7, 2007, is between CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC., a Delaware
corporation (the “Company”), and Kevin P. Musico, a resident of Harris County, Texas (the
“Employee”).

     1. Employment Term. The Company hereby continues the employment of the Employee for a
term commencing as of the date first above written and, subject to earlier termination or extension
as provided in Section 7 hereof, continuing until August 6, 2010 (such term being herein referred
to as the “term of this Agreement”). The term of this Agreement shall automatically be renewed on
an annual basis thereafter, unless terminated by either party upon sixty (60) days’ written notice
prior to the end of the term then in effect. The Employee agrees to accept such employment and to
perform the services specified herein, all upon the terms and conditions hereinafter stated.

     2. Duties. The Employee shall serve the Company and shall report to, and be subject to
the general direction and control of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Employee shall
faithfully, diligently, competently, and to the best of Employee’s ability, perform the management
and administrative duties of Vice President of Corporate Development. The Employee shall also serve
as Vice President of Corporate Development of any subsidiary of the Company as requested by the
Company, and the Employee shall perform such other duties as are from time to time assigned to him
by the Chief Executive Officer as are not inconsistent with the provisions hereof. The Employee
represents and warrants to the Company that Employee is not subject to any obligation to any third
party that would restrict or interfere with Employee’s ability to perform hereunder.

     3. Extent of Service. The Employee shall devote his full business time and attention
to the business of the Company, and, except as may be specifically permitted by the Company, shall
not be engaged in any other business activity during the term of this Agreement. The foregoing
shall not be construed as preventing the Employee (i) from making passive investments in other
businesses or enterprises, and (ii) from engaging in other civic, charitable and business
activities, provided, however, that such investments and activities will not require services on
the part of the Employee which would in any way impair the performance of his duties under this
Agreement.

     4. Compensation. During the term of this Agreement, the Company shall pay the
Employee an annual salary of not less than $210,000.00 per full calendar year of service completed
(“Base Salary”), appropriately prorated for partial months at the commencement and end of the term
of this Agreement. The Employee’s salary and benefits will be reviewed annually, and any increase
therein shall remain in the sole discretion of the Company, acting through the Compensation
Committee of its Board of Directors if required. The salary set forth herein shall not be subject
to reduction and shall be payable in bi-weekly installments in accordance with the payroll policies
of the Company in effect from time to time during the term of this Agreement. The Company shall
have the right to deduct from any payment of all
compensation to the Employee hereunder (x) any federal, state or local taxes required by law
to

 

 

be withheld with respect to such payments, and (y) any other amounts specifically authorized to
be withheld or deducted by the Employee.

     5. Benefits. In addition to the Base Salary, the Employee shall be entitled to
participate in the following benefits during the term of this Agreement:

     (i) Consideration for an annual performance-based bonus within the sole discretion of
the Company, as may be recommended by the Chief Executive Officer and approved by the
Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. A target bonus will be set by
the Company, and approved by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors,
on an annual basis.

     (ii) An Award of 20,000 shares of the Company’s Restricted Stock as of the Effective
Date of this Agreement, within the meaning of and subject to the terms and conditions of the
Company’s 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan and the related Award Agreement to be entered into
between the Company and the Employee evidencing such Award; provided that such Award shall
vest at the rate of 25% per year on June 20 in each year, commencing June 20, 2008.

     (iii) Eligibility for consideration of future Awards of Restricted Stock or other
incentive-based compensation under the terms of the Company’s 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan
or one or more of the Company’s other incentive plans, as the Chief Executive Officer in his
sole discretion may determine and subject to approval of the Company’s Compensation
Committee.

     (iv) Four weeks of paid vacation in each calendar year, subject to the Company’s
personnel policies respecting such matters.

     (v) Participation in the Company’s group health and hospitalization program, and
inclusion in such other employee benefits, as are available generally to executive-level
employees of the Company.

     (vi) Reimbursement for travel, lodging and other out-of-pocket expenses reasonably
incurred by Employee in the exercise of Employee’s duties under this Agreement which are
approved by the Company in advance and are duly substantiated in accordance with the
Company’s policies as to reimbursement. In order to assure compliance with Section 409A of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), such reimbursements shall be
made as soon as practicable, but in no event later than the last day of the calendar year
following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred.

     6. Certain Additional Matters. The Employee agrees that at all times during the term
of this Agreement and for a period of two years following any cessation of employment with the
Company:

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     (a) The Employee will not knowingly or intentionally do or say any act or thing which
will or may impair, damage or destroy the goodwill and esteem for the Company held by its
suppliers, employees, patrons, customers and others who may at any time have or have had
business relations with the Company.

     (b) The Employee will not knowingly or intentionally do any act or thing detrimental to
the Company or its business.

     Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the Employee from complying with any
requirements of law or legal process or taking such actions as the Company may consent to in
writing.

     7. Termination.

     (a) Death. If the Employee dies during the term of this Agreement and while in
the employ of the Company, this Agreement shall automatically terminate and the Company
shall have no further obligation to the Employee or his estate except that the Company shall
pay the Employee’s estate (i) that portion of the Employee’s Base Salary accrued through the
date on which the Employee’s death occurred, (ii) a pro rata amount of the annual bonus
described in Section 5(i) above, based on the number of days the Employee was employed in
the year in comparison to 365, and (iii) all benefits payable under the governing provisions
of any benefit plan or program of the Company. Such payment of Base Salary and bonus to the
Employee’s estate shall be made in the same manner and at the same times as they would have
been paid to the Employee had he not died.

     (b) Disability. If during the term of this Agreement, the Employee shall be
prevented from performing his duties hereunder by reason of disability, and such disability
shall continue for a period of six months, then the Company may terminate this Agreement at
any time after the expiration of such six-month period. For purposes of this Agreement, the
Employee shall be deemed to have become disabled when the Company, upon the advice of a
qualified physician, shall have determined that the Employee is unable to engage in any
substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental
impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a
continuous period of not less than 12 months. In the event of a termination pursuant to
this paragraph (b), the Company shall be relieved of all its obligations under this
Agreement, except that the Company shall pay to the Employee (or his estate in the event of
his subsequent death), (i) the Employee’s Base Salary through the date on which such
termination shall have occurred, reduced during such period by the amount of any benefits
received under any disability policy maintained by the Company, (ii) a pro rata amount of
the annual bonus described in Section 5(i) above, based on the number of days the Employee
was employed in the year in comparison to 365, and (iii) all benefits payable under the
governing provisions of any benefit plan or program of the Company. All such payments to
the Employee or his estate shall be made
in the same manner and at the same times as they would have been paid to the Employee

-3-

 

had he not become disabled. No such termination pursuant to this paragraph (b) will relieve
the Employee of his obligations under Sections 6, 8 and 9 hereunder.

     (c) Discharge for Cause. Prior to the end of the term of this Agreement, the
Company may discharge the Employee for Cause and terminate this Agreement. In such case
this Agreement shall automatically terminate and the Company shall have no further
obligation to the Employee or his estate other than to pay to the Employee (or his estate in
the event of his subsequent death) that portion of the Employee’s salary accrued through the
date of termination.

     For purposes of this Agreement, the Company shall have “Cause” to discharge the
Employee or terminate the Employee’s employment hereunder upon (i) the Employee’s conviction
of any felony or any other crime involving moral turpitude, (ii) the Employee’s repeated
failure or refusal to perform all of his duties, obligations and agreements herein contained
or imposed by law, including his fiduciary duties, to the reasonable satisfaction of the
Company’s Board of Directors, (iii) the Employee’s commission of acts amounting to gross
negligence or willful misconduct to the detriment of the Company, or (iv) the Employee’s
material breach of any provision of this Agreement or uniformly applied provisions of the
Company’s employee handbook or other personnel policies, including without limitation, its
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. Such determination of “Cause” shall be made by the
Company’s Board of Directors, and in the event of circumstances described in (ii) or (iv),
the Board shall give written notice to the Employee specifying such circumstances and
providing a period of 30 days in which the Employee shall be allowed to cure such
circumstances.

     Any such termination by virtue of this paragraph (c) shall not prejudice any remedy
that the Company may have at law, in equity, or under this Agreement, for breach hereof by
Employee. No such termination pursuant to this paragraph (c) will relieve the Employee of
his obligations under Sections 6, 8 and 9 hereunder.

     (d) Discharge Without Cause. Prior to the end of the term of this Agreement,
the Company may discharge the Employee without Cause (as defined in paragraph (c) above) and
terminate this Agreement. In such case this Agreement shall automatically terminate and the
Company shall have no further obligation to the Employee or his estate, except that the
Company shall continue to pay to the Employee (or his estate in the event of his subsequent
death), (i) the Employee’s Base Salary for a period of 18 months following the date of
discharge, (ii) 50% of the annual target bonus described in Section 5(i) above for the year
of termination, and (iii) all benefits payable under the governing provisions of any benefit
plan or program of the Company. In addition, if following the date of such discharge, the
Employee becomes eligible to elect continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus
Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”) and properly elects such coverage, the Company shall
reimburse the Employee or pay on the Employee’s behalf 100% of applicable medical
continuation premiums for the benefit of the Employee (and his covered dependents as of the
date of his termination, if any) under
the Employee’s then-current plan election, with such coverage to be provided under the
closest comparable plan as offered by the Company from time to time, for so long during

-4-

 

the
18-month period following termination as he remains eligible for and elects COBRA coverage,
except as otherwise provided in paragraph (e) below. All such payments to the Employee or
his estate shall be made in the same manner and at the same times as they would have been
paid to the Employee had he not been discharged. No such termination pursuant to this
paragraph (d) will relieve the Employee of his obligations under Sections 6, 8 and 9
hereunder.

     (e) Corporate Change. If following a Corporate Change (as defined in the
Company’s 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan), the Employee voluntarily terminates his employment
for Good Reason (as defined below) or the Employee is discharged without Cause, in either
case within 24 months following the Corporate Change, then this Agreement shall
automatically terminate and the Company shall have no further obligation to the Employee or
his estate, except that the Company shall pay to the Employee (or his estate in the event of
his subsequent death), (i) a lump sum payment payable following such termination equal to
one and one-half times the Employee’s Base Salary, (ii) 50% of the annual target bonus
described in Section 5(i) above for the year of termination and (iii) all benefits payable
under the governing provisions of any benefit plan or program of the Company. In addition,
if following the date of such resignation or discharge, the Employee becomes eligible to
elect continuation coverage under COBRA and properly elects such coverage, the Company shall
reimburse the Employee or pay on the Employee’s behalf 100% of applicable medical
continuation premiums for the benefit of the Employee (and his covered dependents as of the
date of his termination, if any) under the Employee’s then-current plan election, with such
coverage to be provided under the closest comparable plan as offered by the Company from
time to time, for so long during the 18-month period following the date of resignation or
discharge as he remains eligible for and elects COBRA coverage. No such termination
pursuant to this paragraph (e) will relieve the Employee of his obligations under Sections 6
and 9 hereunder.

          “Good Reason” means any of the following actions if taken without the Employee’s prior
written consent: (A) any material breach by the Company to comply with its obligations under
the terms of the Agreement; (B) any material diminution in the Employee’s responsibilities,
authority or duties, (C) a material diminution in the Employee’s Base Salary; or (D) any
material change in the permanent location at which the Employee performs services for the
Company. The Employee shall give written notice to the Board specifying such actions within
90 days of the existence of such action and providing a period of 30 days in which the
Company shall be allowed to cure such circumstances

     8. Restrictive Covenants. The Company has provided and shall provide in the future to
the Employee, confidential and proprietary information as that term is defined in Section 9 of this
Agreement (“Confidential Information”). The Employee acknowledges that in the course of his
employment with the Company as a member of the Company’s senior executive and management team, he
shall be given possession of and access to Confidential Information of the
Company and its affiliates, and will develop through such employment business systems, methods
of doing business, and contacts within the death care industry, all of which will help to

-5-

 

identify
him with the business and goodwill of the Company. Consequently, it is important that the Company
protect its interests in regard to such matters from unfair competition. In consideration of the
Confidential Information that has been received and that the Company covenants to provide the
Employee in the future, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by the Employee, the
Employee agrees to enter into the covenants contained in this Agreement. The parties therefore
agree that for so long as the Employee shall remain employed by the Company and, if the employment
of the Employee ceases for any reason (including voluntary resignation), then for a period of two
(2) years thereafter, the Employee shall not, directly or indirectly:

     (i) alone or for his own account, or as a officer, director, shareholder, partner,
member, trustee, employee, consultant, advisor, agent or any other capacity of any
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other business organization or entity,
encourage, support, finance, be engaged in, interested in, or concerned with (x) any of the
companies and entities described on Schedule I hereto, except to the extent that any
activities in connection therewith are confined exclusively outside the continental United
States, or (y) any other business within the death care industry having an office or being
conducted within a radius of fifty (50) miles of any funeral home, cemetery or other death
care business owned or operated by the Company or any of its subsidiaries at the time of
such termination;

     (ii) induce or assist anyone in inducing in any way any employee of the Company or any
of its subsidiaries to resign or sever his or her employment or to breach an employment
contract with the Company or any such subsidiary; or

     (iii) own, manage, advise, encourage, support, finance, operate, join, control, or
participate in the ownership, management, operation, or control of or be connected in any
manner with any business which is or may be in the funeral, mortuary, crematory, cemetery or
burial insurance business or in any business related thereto (x) as part of any of the
companies or entities listed on Schedule I, or (y) otherwise within a radius of fifty (50)
miles of any funeral home, cemetery or other death care business owned or operated by the
Company or any of its subsidiaries at the time of such termination.

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, the above covenants shall not prohibit the passive ownership of
not more than one percent (1%) of the outstanding voting securities of any entity within the death
care industry. The foregoing covenants shall not be held invalid or unenforceable because of the
scope of the territory or actions subject hereto or restricted hereby, or the period of time within
which such covenants respectively are operative, but the maximum territory, the action subject to
such covenants and the period of time they are enforceable are subject to any determination by a
final judgment of any court which has jurisdiction over the parties and subject matter.

     9. Confidential Information; Copyrightable Material. The Employee acknowledges that in
the course of his employment by the Company he shall receive and access certain trade secrets,
management methods, financial and accounting data (including, but not limited to, reports, studies,
analyses, spreadsheets and other materials and information), operating

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techniques, prospective
acquisitions, employee lists, training manuals and procedures, personnel evaluation procedures, and
other confidential information and knowledge concerning the business of the Company and its
affiliates (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Confidential Information”) which the Company
desires to protect. The Employee understands that the Confidential Information is confidential and
he agrees not to reveal the Confidential Information to anyone outside the Company so long as the
confidential or secret nature of the Confidential Information shall continue, except as required by
law or legal process. The Employee further agrees that he will at no time use the Confidential
Information in competing with the Company. Upon termination of this Agreement, the Employee shall
surrender to the Company all papers, documents, writings and other property produced by him or
coming into his possession by or through his employment or relating to the Confidential Information
and the Employee agrees that all such materials will at all times remain the property of the
Company. The Employee acknowledges that all materials and other copyrightable works and subject
matter (regardless of whether or not constituting “Confidential Information”) produced by the
Employee within the scope of his employment (regardless of whether or not denoted as copyrighted
material) shall be deemed “works made for hire” and shall be owned by and proprietary to the
Company and may not be used or reproduced in whole or in part without the Company’s prior written
consent.

     10. Remedies. The parties recognize that the services to be rendered under this
Agreement by the Employee are special, unique, and of extraordinary character, and that in the
event of the breach by the Employee of the covenants contained in Section 8 or Section 9 hereof,
the Company may suffer irreparable harm as a result. The parties therefore agree that, in the
event of any breach or threatened breach of any of such covenants, the Company shall be entitled to
specific performance or injunctive relief, or both, and may, in addition to and not in lieu of any
claim or proceeding for damages, institute and prosecute proceedings in any court of competent
jurisdiction to enforce through injunctive relief such covenants. In addition, the Company may, if
it so elects, suspend (if applicable) any payments due under this Agreement pending any such breach
and offset against any future payments the amount of the Company’s damages arising from any such
breach. The Employee agrees to waive and hereby waives any requirement for the Company to secure
any bond in connection with the obtaining of such injunction or other equitable relief.

     11. Notices. All notices, requests, consents and other communications under this
Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date personally
delivered or three business days after the date mailed, postage prepaid, by certified mail, return
receipt requested, or when sent by electronic means or facsimile and receipt is confirmed, if
addressed to the respective parties as follows:

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	 	If to the Employee:
	 	Kevin P. Musico
	 

	 	 	 	2 Julian Woods Place
	 

	 	 	 	The Woodlands, Texas 77382
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	If to the Company:
	 	Carriage Services, Inc.
	 

	 	 	 	3040 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 300
	 

	 	 	 	Houston, Texas 77056
	 

	 	 	 	Attn: Chief Executive Officer

Either party hereto may designate a different address by providing written notice of such new
address to the other party hereto.

     12. Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be
interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law but if any provision
of this Agreement shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be
ineffective to the extent of such provision or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of
such provision or the remaining provisions of this Agreement.

     13. Assignment. This Agreement may not be assigned by the Employee. Neither the
Employee nor his estate shall have any right to commute, encumber or dispose of any right to
receive payments hereunder, it being agreed that such payments and the right thereto are
nonassignable and nontransferable.

     14. Binding Effect. Subject to the provisions of Section 13 of this Agreement, this
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, the Employee’s
heirs and personal representatives, and the successors and assigns of the Company.

     15. Captions. The section and paragraph headings in this Agreement are for reference
purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

     16. Complete Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the
parties concerning the subject hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and arrangements between
the parties concerning the subject thereof.

     17. Governing Law; Venue. A substantial portion of the Employee’s duties under this
Agreement shall be performed at the Company’s corporate headquarters in Houston, Texas, and this
Agreement has been substantially negotiated and is being executed and delivered in the State of
Texas. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws
of the State of Texas. Any suit, claim or proceeding arising under or in connection with this
Agreement or the employment relationship evidenced hereby must be brought, if at all, in a state
district court in Harris County, Texas or federal district court in the Southern District of Texas,
Houston Division. Each party submits to the jurisdiction of such courts and agrees not to raise
any objection to such jurisdiction.

     18. Survival. The provisions of Sections 6, 8 and 9 shall survive any termination of
this Agreement or the employment relationship of the Company and Employee; provided,

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however, if
such termination is the result of Corporate Change as provided in Section 7(e) hereof, Employee
shall not thereafter be bound by the provisions of Section 8 hereof.

     19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple original counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the
same instrument.

     20. Time of Payments. All amounts payable under Sections 7(d) and (e) of this
Agreement shall be paid within 10 days after the Employee’s execution without revocation of a
release in a form satisfactory to the Company and within the time period prescribed by the Company
(which may not be less than 21 days after the date of termination of employment). If the Employee
is a “specified employee,” as such term is defined in Section 409A of the Code and related
regulations and Treasury pronouncements (“Section 409A”) and determined as described below in this
Section 20, any payments payable as a result of the Employee’s termination (other than death) shall
not be payable before the earliest of (i) the date that is six months after the Employee’s
termination, (ii) the date of the Employee’s death, or (iii) the date that otherwise complies with
the requirements of Section 409A. This Section 20 shall be applied by accumulating all payments
that otherwise would have been paid within six months of the Employee’s termination and paying such
accumulated amounts at the earliest date which complies with the requirements of Section 409A. The
Employee shall be a “specified employee” for the twelve-month period beginning on April 1 of a year
if the Employee is a “key employee” as defined in Section 416(i) of the Code (without regard to
Section 416(i)(5)) as of December 31 of the preceding year or using such dates as designated by the
Company in accordance with Section 409A and in a manner that is consistent with respect to all of
the Company’s nonqualified deferred compensation plans. For purposes of determining the identity
of specified employees, the Company may establish procedures as it deems appropriate in accordance
with Section 409A.

     21. Income, Excise or Other Tax Liability. The Company may withhold from any benefits
and payments made pursuant to this Agreement all federal, state, city and other taxes as may be
required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling and all other normal employee
deductions made with respect to the Company’s employees generally. Notwithstanding anything in this
Agreement to the contrary, in the event it shall be determined that any payment or distribution by
the Company to the Employee or for his benefit, whether paid or payable or distributed or
distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (a “Payment”), would be subject
to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, or any interest or penalties with respect to
such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest or penalties, are hereinafter
collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), the Company shall pay to the Employee an additional
payment (a “Gross-up Payment” ) in an amount such that after payment by the Employee of all taxes
(including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any Excise Tax
imposed on any Gross-up Payment, the Employee retains an amount of the Gross-up Payment equal to
the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments. All determinations required to be made under this
Section 21 shall be made by the Company’s
accounting firm (the “Accounting Firm”). The Accounting Firm shall provide detailed
supporting calculations both to the Company and the Employee. All fees and expenses of the
Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the Company. Absent manifest

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error, any determination by
the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and the Employee.

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

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	By:	 	/s/  Melvin C. Payne 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 

MELVIN C. PAYNE, Chief Executive Officer
	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	/s/  Kevin P. Musico 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	Kevin P. Musico	 	 

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SCHEDULE I

TO

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

	1.	 	The following entities, together with all Affiliates thereof:

Service Corporation International

Alderwoods Group, Inc.

Stewart Enterprises, Inc.

Keystone North America, Inc.

Meridian Mortuary Group, Inc.

StoneMor Partners LP

Saber Management LLC

Thomas Pierce & Co.

Legacy Funeral Holdings, LLC

Northstar Memorial Group, LLC

	 	 	For purposes of the foregoing, an “Affiliate” of an entity is a person that directly or
indirectly controls, is under the control of or is under common control with such entity.
	 
	2.	 	Any new entity which may hereafter be established which acquires any combination of ten or
more funeral homes and/or cemeteries from any of the entities described in 1 above.
	 
	3.	 	Any funeral home, cemetery or other death care enterprise which is managed by any entity
described in 1 or 2 above.

-11-exv10w28

 

Exhibit 10.28

EXECUTION COPY

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

BY

CARRIAGE FUNERAL SERVICES OF CALIFORNIA, INC.,

AS BUYER,

THADDEUS M. LUYBEN, SR.

AS SELLER,

AND

THADDEUS ENTERPRISES

Dated

October 10, 2007

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	 	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
	 	 	2	 
	1.1 Definitions
	 	 	2	 
	1.2 Interpretation
	 	 	8	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE II. PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS
	 	 	9	 
	2.1 Transfer of Assets by Seller and the Company
	 	 	9	 
	2.2 Retained Assets
	 	 	10	 
	2.3 Assumption of Liabilities
	 	 	11	 
	2.4 Limitations on Assumption
	 	 	11	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE III. CONSIDERATION AND CLOSING
	 	 	12	 
	3.1 Purchase Price
	 	 	12	 
	3.2 Certain Prorations
	 	 	13	 
	3.3 Taxes; Closing Costs
	 	 	13	 
	3.4 The Closing
	 	 	13	 
	3.5 Closing Deliveries
	 	 	14	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE IV. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER AND THE COMPANY
	 	 	16	 
	4.1 Incorporation and Power
	 	 	16	 
	4.2 Valid and Binding Agreement
	 	 	16	 
	4.3 No Conflicts and Consents
	 	 	17	 
	4.4 Financial Statements
	 	 	17	 
	4.5 Books and Records
	 	 	18	 
	4.6 Absence of Certain Developments
	 	 	18	 
	4.7 Inventory; Accounts Receivable
	 	 	19	 
	4.8 Tax Matters
	 	 	19	 
	4.9 Intellectual Property
	 	 	20	 
	4.10 Contracts
	 	 	20	 
	4.11 Preneed Contracts and Trust Accounts.
	 	 	21	 
	4.12 Litigation
	 	 	22	 
	4.13 Insurance and Claims
	 	 	23	 
	4.14 Governmental Authorizations
	 	 	23	 
	4.15 Compliance with Laws
	 	 	23	 
	4.16 Environmental Matters
	 	 	23	 
	4.17 Employees
	 	 	24	 

 

 

	 	 	 	 	 
	4.18 Employee Benefit Plans
	 	 	24	 
	4.19 Title to and Status of Purchased Assets
	 	 	24	 
	4.20 Real Property
	 	 	25	 
	4.21 Tangible Personal Property
	 	 	25	 
	4.22 Availability of Documents
	 	 	25	 
	4.23 Finders
	 	 	25	 
	4.24 Full Disclosure
	 	 	26	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE V. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER
	 	 	26	 
	5.1 Incorporation; Power and Authority
	 	 	26	 
	5.2 Valid and Binding Agreement
	 	 	26	 
	5.3 No Conflict and Consents
	 	 	26	 
	5.4 Finders
	 	 	26	 
	5.5 Full Disclosure
	 	 	27	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE VI. COVENANTS OF SELLER, THE COMPANY AND BUYER
	 	 	27	 
	6.1 Conduct of the Business
	 	 	27	 
	6.2 Notice of Developments
	 	 	28	 
	6.3 Access to Information
	 	 	28	 
	6.4 No Shop
	 	 	29	 
	6.5 Employee Training; Systems Installation
	 	 	29	 
	6.6 Non-Competition
	 	 	29	 
	6.7 Employee Matters
	 	 	31	 
	6.8 Further Assurances
	 	 	31	 
	6.9 Post-Closing Access
	 	 	31	 
	6.10 Buyer’s Trustee and Preneed Trust Funds
	 	 	32	 
	6.11 Unique Preneed Merchandise
	 	 	32	 
	6.12 Litigation
	 	 	32	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE VII. OTHER COVENANTS
	 	 	32	 
	7.1 Efforts
	 	 	32	 
	7.2 Further Assurances
	 	 	33	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE VIII. CONDITIONS TO CLOSING
	 	 	34	 
	8.1 Conditions to Obligation of Each Party to Close
	 	 	34	 
	8.2 Conditions to Buyer’s Obligation to Close
	 	 	34	 
	8.3 Conditions to the Company’s or Seller’s Obligation to Close
	 	 	36	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE IX. TERMINATION
	 	 	37	 

2

 

	 	 	 	 	 
	9.1 Termination
	 	 	37	 
	9.2 Effect of Termination
	 	 	38	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE X. INDEMNIFICATION
	 	 	38	 
	10.1 Indemnification by the Company and Seller
	 	 	38	 
	10.2 Indemnification by Buyer
	 	 	39	 
	10.3 Procedures for Indemnification
	 	 	40	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE XI. GENERAL
	 	 	41	 
	11.1 Press Releases and Announcements
	 	 	41	 
	11.2 Expenses
	 	 	41	 
	11.3 Amendment and Waiver
	 	 	41	 
	11.4 Notices
	 	 	42	 
	11.5 Assignment
	 	 	43	 
	11.6 No Third Party Beneficiaries
	 	 	43	 
	11.7 Severability
	 	 	43	 
	11.8 Complete Agreement
	 	 	44	 
	11.9 Schedules
	 	 	44	 
	11.10 Signatures; Counterparts
	 	 	44	 
	11.11 GOVERNING LAW
	 	 	44	 
	11.12 Specific Performance
	 	 	44	 
	11.13 Dispute Resolution
	 	 	44	 
	11.14 Construction
	 	 	45	 

	 	 	 
	EXHIBITS
	 	 
	 
	 	 
	EXHIBIT A

	 	Grant Deed
	EXHIBIT B

	 	Justin Employment Agreement
	EXHIBIT C

	 	Justin Non-Competition Agreement
	EXHIBIT D

	 	Luyben Jr. Employment Agreement
	EXHIBIT E

	 	Luyben Jr. Non-Competition Agreement
	EXHIBIT F

	 	Luyben Sr. Consulting Agreement
	EXHIBIT 3.5(a)(xii)

	 	Opinion of Seller Counsel
	EXHIBIT 3.5(a)(xvi)

	 	Right of First Refusal Agreement
	EXHIBIT 3.5(b)(vi)

	 	Opinion of Buyer Counsel
	EXHIBIT G

	 	Substitution of Trustor Agreement

SELLER DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE

	 	 	 
	SECTION 4.4

	 	Disposition Contracts
	SECTION 4.6

	 	Certain Developments

3

 

	 	 	 
	SECTION 4.9

	 	Intellectual Property
	SECTION 4.10

	 	Contracts
	SECTION 4.11

	 	Preneed Contracts & Trust Accounts
	SECTION 4.14

	 	Governmental Authorizations
	SECTION 4.16

	 	Environmental Matters
	SECTION 4.17

	 	Employees
	SECTION 4.18

	 	Employee Benefit Plans
	SECTION 4.20

	 	Real Property
	SECTION 4.21

	 	Tangible Personal Property

4

 

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

     This ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made as of October 10, 2007, by Carriage
Funeral Services of California, Inc., a California corporation (“Buyer”), Thaddeus M. Luyben, Sr.,
an individual (“Seller”), and Thaddeus Enterprises (d/b/a Evans Brown Mortuary and Hemet Valley
Mortuary), a California corporation (the “Company”). Buyer, Seller and the Company shall each be
referred to herein as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”

Recitals

     WHEREAS, through the Company, Seller owns and operates (i) a funeral business, a cremation
business (together, the “Sun City Business”) and funeral home located at 27010 Encanto Drive, Sun
City, Riverside County, California (the “Sun City Home”); (ii) a funeral business, cremation
business (together, the “Perris Business”), funeral home and funeral home real estate located at
385 West 4th Street, Perris, Riverside County, California (the “Perris Home”); (iii) a
funeral business, cremation business (together, the “Lake Elsinore Business”), funeral home and
funeral home real estate located at 126 East Graham Avenue, Lake Elsinore, Riverside County,
California (the “Lake Elsinore Home”); and (iv) a funeral business, cremation business (together,
the “Hemet Business” and together with the Sun City Business, the Perris Business and the Lake
Elsinore Business, collectively, the “Businesses”), funeral home and funeral home real estate
(d/b/a Hemet Valley Mortuary) located at 403 North San Jacinto Street, Hemet, Riverside County,
California (the “Hemet Home” and, together with the Sun City Home, the Perris Home and the Lake
Elsinore Home, collectively, the “Facilities”);

     WHEREAS, as of the date of this Agreement the Seller owns the funeral home real estate and
improvements of the Perris Home, the Lake Elsinore Home and the Hemet Home;

     WHEREAS, Seller owns a valid leasehold interest in the Sun City Lease, and the Company owns
the improvements located at the Sun City Home; and

     WHEREAS, the Parties desire that (i) Buyer acquire substantially all of the assets, rights,
and properties of the Businesses and the Facilities, including the real estate of each of the
Perris Home, the Lake Elsinore Home, and the Hemet Home, from both Seller and the Company; (ii)
Buyer acquire the improvements located at the Sun City Home from Company; (iii) Seller cause the
Sun City Lease (as hereinafter defined) to be terminated; and (iv) Seller facilitate the execution
of the New Sun City Ground Lease (as hereinafter defined) with New Lessor (as hereinafter defined)
and that the Parties enter into certain related transactions on the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth herein.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual representations, warranties and agreements
contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

 

 

ARTICLE I.

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

     1.1 Definitions. In this Agreement, the following capitalized terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

     “AAA” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.13(a).

     “Adverse Consequences” means all suits, proceedings, hearings, investigations, charges,
complaints, Claims, injunctions, judgments, orders, decrees, rulings, damages, dues, penalties,
fines, costs, amounts paid in settlement, Liabilities, taxes, Encumbrances, Losses, expenses, and
fees, including court costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses.

     “Affiliate” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person who or which,
directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such specified
Person, including any partner, officer, director, member or employee of such Person. For purposes
of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, “controlling”, “controlled
by”, and “under common control with”) means the power to direct or cause the direction of the
management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of
voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

     “Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

     “Ancillary Agreements” means the General Bill of Sale, the General Assignment and Assumption
Agreement, the Deeds and the Transaction Documents.

     “Annual Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4(a).

     “Assigned Contracts” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).

     “Assumed Liabilities” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.

     “Businesses” has the meaning set forth in the recitals of this Agreement.

     “Business Day” means a day (excluding Saturday and Sunday) on which banks generally are open
for the transaction of business in the State of California.

     “Buyer” has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

     “Buyer Indemnified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1(a).

     “Buyer’s Trustee” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.10.

     “CERCLA” means the Comprehensive Environmental Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as
amended.

     “Claim” means any demand, claim, action, investigation, legal proceeding or arbitration,
whether or not ultimately determined to be valid.

2

 

     “Claim Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.3(a).

     “Closing” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(a).

     “Closing Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(a).

     “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

     “Consent” means any authorization, consent, approval, filing, waiver, exemption or other
action by or notice to any Person.

     “Contract” means a contract, agreement, commitment or binding understanding, whether oral or
written, that is in effect as of the date of this Agreement or any time after the date of this
Agreement.

     “Deeds” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a)(iv).

     “Direct Claim” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.3(a).

     “Dispute” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.13(a).

     “Encumbrance” means any charge, Claim, community property interest, condition, equitable
interest, tax lien, lien, mortgage, deed of trust, option, pledge, security interest, right of
first refusal or restriction of any kind, including any restriction on use, voting, transfer,
receipt of income or exercise of any other attribute of ownership.

     “Environmental Laws” means all Laws, Governmental Authorizations or Governmental Orders, and
any judicial interpretation of any of the foregoing relating to health, any Hazardous Material, or
the environment (including ground or air or water or noise pollution or contamination, and
underground or aboveground tanks) and shall include the Solid Waste Disposal Act, 42 U.S.C. § 6901
et seq.; the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
of 1980, 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq. (“CERCLA”), as amended by the Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (“SARA”); the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 42
U.S.C. § 1801 et seq.; the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1251
et seq.; the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq.; the Toxic
Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq.; the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42
U.S.C. § 300f et seq.; California Health and Safety Code § 25100 et
seq.; and any other applicable state or federal environmental statutes, and all rules,
regulations, orders and decrees now or hereafter promulgated under any of the foregoing, as any of
the foregoing now exist or may be changed or amended or come into effect in the future.

     “Environmental Permits” means licenses, permits, registrations, governmental approvals,
agreements and consents which are required under or are issued pursuant to Environmental Law.

     “Environmental Requirement” means any Environmental Law, written agreement or restriction
(including any condition or requirement imposed by any insurance or surety company) applicable to
the Real Property, as the same now exists or may be changed or amended or come into effect in the
future, which pertains to health, any Hazardous Material, or the environment,

3

 

including ground,
air, water or noise pollution or contamination, and underground or aboveground tanks.

     “ERISA” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.18.

     “Excluded Liabilities” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4.

     “Facilities” has the meaning set forth in the recitals of this Agreement.

     “Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4(a).

     “GAAP” means United States generally accepted accounting principles, as in effect from time to
time.

     “Goodwill” means with respect to the Businesses, without limitation and by way of example, the
intangible asset held by the Businesses that is associated with, related to or arising out of (i)
the reputation of the Businesses, (ii) the relationship with its customers, (iii) the know-how of
its employees, (iv) the contacts with its vendors, public officials, banking relationships and
regulatory agencies, (v) the unrealized appreciation of its contracts (including contracts of
employment) and rights in law or in equity not reflected in its accounting records (or reflected in
its accounting records in part or in whole as “goodwill”), and (vi) the unrealized depreciation,
amortization or abatement of the its liabilities to a value less than those reflected in its
accounting records (or reflected in its accounting records in part or in whole as “goodwill”).

     “Governmental Authorization” means any approval, consent, license, permit, waiver,
registration or other authorization issued, granted, given, made available or otherwise required by
any Governmental Entity or pursuant to Law.

     “Governmental Entity” means any federal, state, local, foreign, international or multinational
entity or authority exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, administrative or
taxing functions of or pertaining to government.

     “Governmental Order” means any judgment, injunction, writ, order, ruling, award or decree by
any Governmental Entity or arbitrator.

     “Grant Deed” means the Grant Deed in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.

     “Hazardous Material” means any substance, whether solid, liquid or gaseous: (i) which is
listed, defined or regulated as a “hazardous waste,” “industrial waste,” “solid waste,” “hazardous
substance,” “toxic substance,” “pollutant,” or “contaminant” as those or similar terms are defined,
identified, or regulated under any Environmental Regulation; or (ii) which is or which contains
asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon, urea formaldehyde, foam insulation, explosive or
radioactive material, or motor fuel or other petroleum, petroleum hydrocarbon or petroleum
products; or (iii) which causes or poses a threat to cause a contamination or nuisance
on the Real Property or any adjacent property or a hazard to the environment or to the health
of persons on the Real Property; or (iv) any substance that, whether by its nature or its use, is
subject to regulation under any Environmental Laws or Governmental Entity that requires
environmental investigation, remediation, or monitoring.

4

 

     “Hemet Business” has the meaning set forth in the recitals of this Agreement.

     “Hemet Home” has the meaning set forth in the recitals of this Agreement.

     “Indemnified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.3.

     “Indemnifying Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.3.

     “Intellectual Property Rights” means (i) rights in patents, patent applications and patentable
subject matter, whether or not the subject of an application, (ii) rights in trademarks, service
marks, trade names, trade dress and other designators of origin, registered or unregistered, (iv)
trade secrets, (v) rights in Internet domain names, uniform resource locators and e-mail addresses
and (vi) all other intellectual and industrial property rights of every kind and nature and however
designated, whether arising by operation of Law, Contract, license or otherwise.

     “Justin Employment Agreement” means the Employment Agreement between Justin Luyben and
Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit
B.

     “Justin Non-Competition Agreement” means the Non-Competition Agreement between Justin Luyben
and Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit C.

     “Knowledge,” means, when used with respect to Seller and the Company, the knowledge Seller and
of the Company or any officer or director of the Company, including Seller, or any knowledge that
would have been acquired by any such Person upon appropriate inquiry and investigations.

     “Lake Elsinore Business” has the meaning set forth in the recitals of this Agreement.

     “Lake Elsinore Home” has the meaning set forth in the recitals of this Agreement.

     “Law” means (i) all federal, state or local laws, regulations and rules (to the extent having
the force of law) of any Governmental Entity, and (ii) all orders, decrees, rulings, awards, writs,
judgments, statutes, ordinances, codes, rules, regulations and license of any Governmental Entity.

     “Liabilities” means all indebtedness, obligations and other liabilities of the Businesses of
any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, matured or unmatured, absolute, accrued,
contingent (or based on any contingency), known or unknown, fixed or otherwise, or whether due or
to become due.

     “Litigation” means any Claim, action, arbitration, mediation, audit, hearing, investigation,
proceeding, litigation or suit (whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or informal)
commenced, brought, conducted or heard by or before, or otherwise involving, any Governmental
Entity or arbitrator or mediator.

5

 

     “Loss” means any Litigation, Governmental Order, complaint, Claim, demand, damage, deficiency,
penalty, fine, cost, amount paid in settlement, Liability, Tax, Encumbrance, loss, expense or fee,
including court costs and attorneys’ fees and expenses.

     “Luyben Jr. Employment Agreement” means the Employment Agreement between Thaddeus M. Luyben,
Jr. and Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit D.

     “Luyben Jr. Non-Competition Agreement” means the Non-Competition Agreement between Thaddeus M.
Luyben, Jr. and Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit E.

     “Luyben Sr. Consulting Agreement” means the Consulting and Non-Competition Agreement between
Thaddeus M. Luyben, Sr. and Carriage Funeral Services of California, Inc., a California
corporation, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F.

     “Luyben Sr. Goodwill” means, as it relates to or affects the Businesses, without limitation
and by way of example, the intangible asset owned or possessed by Thaddeus M. Luyben, Sr. that is
associated with, related to or arising out of (i) his name and reputation as it relates to each of
the Businesses and (ii) his relationships with its customers.

     “Material Adverse Effect” means any change, effect, event or condition, individually or in the
aggregate, that has had, or, with the passage of time, could have, a material adverse effect on (i)
the business, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, prospects or customer,
supplier or employee relationships of each of the Businesses or (ii) the ability of Seller or the
Company to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or to perform its or his obligations
hereunder.

     “Material Contract” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.10.

     “New Lessor” means The Fleming Family Limited Partnership, a California limited partnership.

     “New Sun City Ground Lease” means that certain Ground Lease to be executed at or before
Closing by and between New Lessor (or one of its Affiliates) and Buyer, as lessee, in form and
substance acceptable to Buyer, in Buyer’s sole discretion.

     “Notice Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.10.

     “Ordinary Course of Business” means, with respect to each Business, the ordinary course of
business of such Business consistent with past custom and practice.

     “Organizational Documents” means (i) the articles or certificate of incorporation and the
bylaws of a corporation, (ii) any charter or similar document adopted or filed in connection with
the creation, formation or organization of a Person and (iii) any amendment to any of the
foregoing.

     “Outside Closing Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(e).

6

 

     “Party” or “Parties” has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

     “Permitted Encumbrances” means the list of permitted encumbrances to be determined prior to
Closing that are mutually acceptable to Buyer and Seller.

     “Perris Business” has the meaning set forth in the recitals of this Agreement.

     “Perris Home” has the meaning set forth in the recitals of this Agreement.

     “Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint
venture, estate, trust, association, organization, labor union, Governmental Entity or other
entity.

     “Plans” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.18.

     “Preneed Trust Funds” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.10.

     “Purchase Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.

     “Purchased Asset” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

     “Real Property” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.20.

     “Release” has the meaning set forth in CERCLA.

     “Remedies Exception,” means, when used with respect to any Person, performance of such
Person’s obligations except to the extent enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights
generally and by general equitable principles.

     “Restricted Business” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.6(a).

     “Retained Assets” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

     “Retained At-Need Funeral Receivables” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

     “ROFR Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a)(xvi).

     “Rules” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.13(b).

     “Seller” has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

     “Seller Disclosure Schedule” has the meaning set forth in Article IV.

     “Seller Indemnified Parties” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2.

     “Sun City Business” has the meaning set forth in the recitals of this Agreement.

     “Sun City Home” has the meaning set forth in the recitals of this Agreement.

7

 

     “Sun City Lease” means that certain Contract for Erection and Lease of Mortuary Building and
Facilities, dated August 12, 1969, made and entered into by and between Benjamin Fleming and
Genevieve Gloria Fleming (collectively “Lessor”) and John D. Flanagan and Honorine T. Flanagan
(collectively “Lessee”), as amended by that certain Addendum to Lease, dated March 10, 1974, as
ratified by that certain Modification and Ratification of Lease, dated July 1, 1994, as assigned by
Lessee to Seller pursuant to that certain Sublease Agreement, dated September 17, 2002, as the same
may have been further amended and/or modified.

     “Tangible Personal Property” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.21.

     “Taxes” means all taxes, charges, fees, levies or other assessments, including all net income,
gross income, gross receipts, sales, use, ad valorem, transfer, franchise, profits, license,
withholding, payroll, employment, social security, unemployment, excise, estimated, severance,
stamp, occupation, property or other taxes, customs duties, fees, assessments or charges of any
kind whatsoever, including all interest and penalties thereon, and additions to tax or additional
amounts imposed by any Governmental Entity upon the Businesses.

     “Tax Return” means any return, report or statement required to be filed with respect to any
Tax (including any attachments thereto), including any information return, Claim for refund,
amended return or declaration of estimated Tax.

     “Territory” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.6(a).

     “Third Party Claim” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.3(a).

     “Title Company” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2(h).

     “Transaction Documents” means the Justin Employment Agreement, Justin Non-Competition
Agreement, the Luyben Jr. Employment Agreement, the Luyben Jr. Non-Competition Agreement, and the
Luyben Sr. Consulting Agreement.

     “Treasury Regulations” means the rules and regulations under the Code.

     1.2 Interpretation. Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise requires:

          (a) words of any gender include each other gender;

          (b) words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number,
respectively;

          (c) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby”, “hereto,” and similar words refer to this entire
Agreement and not to any particular Article, Section, Clause, Exhibit or Schedule or any
subdivision of this Agreement;

          (d) references to “Article,” “Section”, “Clause,” “Exhibit” or “Schedule” are to the Articles,
Sections, Clauses, Exhibits and Schedules, respectively, of this Agreement;

8

 

          (e) the words “include” or “including” shall be deemed to be followed by “without limitation”
or “but not limited to” whether or not such words are followed by such phrases or phrases of like
import; and

          (f) references to “this Agreement” or any other agreement or document shall be construed as a
reference to such agreement or document as amended, modified or supplemented and in effect from
time to time and shall include a reference to any document which amends, modifies or supplements
it. Whenever this Agreement refers to a number of days, such number shall refer to calendar days
unless Business Days are specified.

ARTICLE II.

PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS

     2.1 Transfer of Assets by Seller and the Company. In reliance upon the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein
and upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth and except as set forth in
Section 2.2, at the Closing, Seller shall, and shall cause the Company to, sell, assign, transfer,
convey and deliver to Buyer, and Buyer shall purchase and accept from Seller and the Company (as
the case may be), free and clear of any Encumbrances whatsoever (except for Permitted Encumbrances)
all of Seller’s and the Company’s rights, benefits, title and interests in and to the properties,
assets, rights, claims and contracts principally relating to, or principally used in or necessary
for the conduct of, the Businesses (the “Purchased Assets”), including the following:

          (a) all preneed accounts and notes receivable of the Businesses, and all at-need accounts
receivables of the Businesses, other than the accounts receivable of the Businesses arising from
the at-need sale of funeral services and merchandise to the extent services have been performed or
merchandise has been delivered in which the date of death has occurred prior to the Closing Date,
whether such receivables are payable from insurance proceeds, trust funds or other form of payment
(collectively, “Retained At-Need Funeral Receivables”);

          (b) inventories of caskets, vaults, urns, accessories and monuments of the Businesses and all
other goods and inventories of the Businesses;

          (c) fee simple title to all of the Real Property and valid leasehold interest in the New Sun
City Ground Lease;

          (d) machinery, equipment, motor vehicles, furniture, fixtures, supplies, tools and other fixed
assets and property, plant and equipment, including those described on Section 4.21 of the Seller
Disclosure Schedule;

          (e) all preneed Contracts of the Businesses, all cash, securities and other investments to
fund preneed Liabilities, and all rights under policies of insurance available to fund preneed
Liabilities;

          (f) to the extent transferable and subject to any required Consents, all rights and benefits
in and under the Contracts principally relating to, or principally used in or necessary for the
conduct of the Businesses to which the Company or any of its Affiliates are bound or by

9

 

which the
Purchased Assets are bound, including the Contracts described on Section 4.10 of the Seller
Disclosure Schedule, the Sun City Lease and the New Sun City Ground Lease;

          (g) all rights under warranties from suppliers of the Businesses, except to the extent related
to Excluded Liabilities;

          (h) all rights as trustor of each trust account and pursuant to each related trust agreement,
as further described on Section 4.11 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule;

          (i) all of the Goodwill of the Businesses;

          (j) all rights to the names “Evans Brown Mortuaries,” “Hemet Valley Mortuary,” and all other
trade names used in the Businesses, together with all derivatives thereof, and all trademarks,
trade names, service marks, service names, patents, processes, copyrights, know-how and similar
intangible rights, and all Goodwill associated with the foregoing and otherwise with the
Businesses;

          (k) all permits and licenses of the Businesses and/or Facilities, to the extent transferable;

          (l) all books, records, brochures and literature of the Businesses (whether in tangible or
electronic format), customer lists, computers and computer software, the telephone and fax numbers
and listings for the Businesses, and all internet domain names;

          (m) to the extent transferable, and subject to any required consents, all Governmental
Authorizations;

          (n) all of the Luyben Sr. Goodwill;

          (o) all rights, privileges, claims, demands, chooses in action, prepayments, deposits,
refunds, claims in bankruptcy, indemnification agreements with, and indemnification rights against,
third parties, offsets and other claims;

          (p) all Tangible Personal Property; and

          (q) all other assets, rights and properties owned or leased by the Company that are
principally used in or necessary for conduct of the Businesses at the time of Closing.

     2.2 Retained Assets. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, Seller, the Company and their
respective Affiliates shall retain, and Buyer shall not acquire, the following assets, properties,
rights and interests of Seller, the Company or their respective Affiliates, which shall not be
included in the Purchased Assets (collectively referred to hereinafter as the “Retained Assets”):

          (a) all cash on hand or on deposit, including bank account balances, certificates of deposit
and marketable securities, excluding, however, cash, securities and other investments to fund
preneed Liabilities;

10

 

          (b) all Retained At-Need Funeral Receivables;

          (c) the personal vehicles of Seller set forth on Section 2.2(c) of the Seller Disclosure
Schedule; and

          (d) any other assets and properties that are not principally relating to, or principally used
in or necessary for the conduct of, the Businesses, including those items set forth on Section
2.2(d) of the Seller Disclosure Schedules.

     2.3 Assumption of Liabilities. Simultaneously with the Closing, Buyer shall assume and be liable for in accordance with
their respective terms only the following Liabilities of Seller or the Company, as the case may be,
as they relate to the Businesses (collectively, the “Assumed Liabilities”):

          (a) all Liabilities under those preneed Contracts of the Businesses that are included in the
Purchased Assets, provided that as of the Closing such Liabilities are funded by trust or insurance
to the full extent required under applicable Law;

          (b) subject to Section 7.1, all Liabilities of Seller or the Company, as the case may be,
arising after the Closing Date under the Contracts constituting Purchased Assets;

          (c) all Liabilities in respect of employee reserves and residuals of the Company, as further
described on Section 4.17 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule;

          (d) all Liabilities of the Company under any Governmental Authorization constituting a
Purchased Asset to the extent arising after the Closing Date;

          (e) all Liabilities of the Company as trustor of each trust account (preneed) and pursuant to
each related trust agreement, as further described on Section 4.11 of the Seller Disclosure
Schedule; and

          (f) vacation and sick leave of employees of the Businesses accrued in the Ordinary Course of
Business, subject to proration as described in Section 3.2 below.

          The assumption by Buyer of the Assumed Liabilities shall not enlarge any rights or remedies of
any third parties under any contracts or arrangements so assumed. Nothing herein shall prevent
Buyer from contesting in good faith any of the Assumed Liabilities.

     2.4 Limitations on Assumption. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Buyer has not agreed to pay or discharge,
shall not be required to assume and shall not have any Liability, of Seller, the Company or any
other Person, the assumption of which by Buyer is not expressly provided for in this Agreement.
Without limiting the foregoing, Buyer shall not assume under this Agreement, there shall be
excluded from the Assumed Liabilities and Seller, the Company and their respective Affiliates shall
retain, pay and discharge, the following (the “Excluded Liabilities”):

          (a) any notes or accounts payable or other Liabilities for borrowed money;

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          (b) any trade payables of any kind, regardless of whether entered into in the Ordinary Course
of Business, non-compete payments, and amounts payable to any employee benefit plan or to any
preneed trust;

          (c) the Liabilities under any warranties to customers with respect to goods or products sold
or services provided by Seller, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates prior to the
Closing Date;

          (d) all Liabilities of Seller, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates for income
Taxes and all deficiencies, assessments, charges, interest and penalties associated therewith
imposed by the United States, any taxing authority outside the United States or any state or local
instrumentality or authority within the United States relating to or accrued in any period prior to
the Closing;

          (e) any Liabilities related to or arising in connection with the Retained Assets, whether
arising before, on or after the Closing Date;

          (f) any Liability of Seller, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates, or any of
their respective directors, officers, employees, stockholders or agents, arising out of, or
relating to, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby;

          (g) any Liability based in whole or in part on events or conditions occurring or existing in
connection with, or arising out of, the ownership or operation of, or any act, omission or
circumstances relating to, any of the Businesses, the Purchased Assets or Assumed Liabilities prior
to the Closing Date;

          (h) any Liabilities in respect of Claims or Litigation, pending or threatened, and Claims,
whether or not presently asserted, arising out of, relating to or otherwise in any way in respect
of the ownership or operation of, or of any act, omission or circumstances relating to, any of the
Businesses or the Purchased Assets prior to the Closing Date, including personal injury Claims,
product liability Claims, Claims of environmental damage, Claims of hazards to health, strict
liability, toxic torts, enforcement proceedings, cleanup orders and other similar Claims instituted
by private parties or any Governmental Entity; and

          (i) any other Liability not specifically included within the Assumed Liabilities.

ARTICLE III.

CONSIDERATION AND CLOSING

     3.1 Purchase Price. At Closing, the purchase price for the Purchased Assets shall be $10,000,000.00 (the
"Purchase Price”) in cash or certified funds by wire transfer by Buyer to the Title Company on or
before the Closing Date, of which (a) $3,000,000.00 shall be paid by Buyer to the Company with
respect to certain of the Purchased Assets and the covenants of the Company contained in Article VI
and (b) $7,000,000.00 shall be paid by Buyer to Seller with respect to the Real Property and the
Luyben Sr. Goodwill.

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     3.2 Certain Prorations . All prepaid expenses and deposits, and all expenses for which Liability has accrued by
whose payment is not yet due as of Closing (including (a) utility deposits and charges, including
electricity, water and sewer charges; (b) transferable business and license fees, including any
retroactive adjustments thereof; (c) real and personal property Taxes in connection with the
Purchased Assets; (d) employee wages and operating expenses; and (e) similar prepaid and deferred
items), together with all revenues and expenses arising from the operation of the Businesses, shall
be prorated and adjusted between Seller (as the case may be) and Buyer in accordance with the
principle that Seller and the Company shall retain all revenues and shall be responsible for all
expenses allocable to the conduct of the Businesses up to 11:59 p.m. on the day before the Closing
Date, and Buyer shall be entitled to all revenues and shall be responsible for all expenses
allocable to the conduct of the Businesses after 12:01 a.m. on the Closing Date. Utility services
will be transferred to Buyer’s name on the Closing Date. The apportionments set forth in this
Section 3.2 owed by Seller or the Company shall be deducted from the Purchase Price. The
provisions of this Section 3.2 shall survive the Closing. If the actual amounts to be prorated are
not known as of the Closing Date, the prorations shall be made on the basis of the best evidence
then available, and thereafter, within 30 days after actual figures are received, a cash settlement
will be made between Seller and Buyer.

     3.3 Taxes; Closing Costs. Any sales or transfer Taxes that may be payable in connection with the sale of the
Purchased Assets under this Agreement shall be borne by the Company. Buyer is hereby authorized to
conduct any environmental audits or assessments on the Real Property, the same will be at Buyer’s
expense; provided, however, that subject to Section 8.2(g), Seller shall cause the Company to
perform the remedial action recommended pursuant to such audits and assessments. All such remedial
action will be performed to Buyer’s satisfaction and, subject to Section 8.2(g), Seller and the
Company shall pay for all expenses of such remedial actions to the extent such expenses do not
exceed $25,000.00. Seller and Buyer further agree to split equally all fees and costs for the Real
Property survey(s) provided for in Section 8.2(i) and all premiums
and other costs associated with issuing the title policy provided for in Section 8.2(h). The
provisions of this Section 3.3 shall survive the Closing.

     3.4 The Closing.

          (a) Except as herein provided, the Closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
(the “Closing”) will take place at the offices of Greenberg Traurig, LLP at 1000 Louisiana Street,
Suite 1800 Houston, Texas and/or the Title Company, as necessary, on the third Business Day
following the date on which all of the conditions contained in Article VII (other than those
conditions relating to actions to be taken at the Closing) have been satisfied or, in the case of
Sections 8.1 and 8.2, waived by Buyer, or, in the case of Sections 8.1 and 8.3, waived by Seller
(the “Closing Date”), or at such other place and on such other date as may be mutually agreed upon
in writing by Buyer and Seller, in which case “Closing Date” means the date so agreed.

          (b) All proceedings to be taken and all documents to be executed and delivered by all Parties
at the Closing shall be deemed to have been taken and executed simultaneously, and no proceedings
shall be deemed taken nor any documents executed or delivered until all have been taken, executed
and delivered.

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     3.5 Closing Deliveries.

          (a) Closing Deliveries of Seller and the Company. At the Closing, Seller shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to Buyer, the following:

               (i) General Bill of Sale. A general bill of sale (the “General Bill of Sale”), duly executed
by the Company.

               (ii) General Assignment and Assumption Instrument. A general assignment and assumption
instrument (the “General Assignment and Assumption Instrument”), duly executed by the Company.

               (iii) Grant Deeds. Grant Deeds (in substantially the same form as the Grant Deed attached
hereto as Exhibit A) with respect to each parcel of Real Property, duly executed and
notarized by Seller, vesting fee simple title in Buyer, together with releases of all Encumbrances
(other than Permitted Encumbrances) on such property and in recordable form as determined by the
Title Company (collectively, the “Deeds”).

               (iv) Deed of Improvements. A deed conveying all rights, title and interests in and to the
improvements located at the Sun City Home, duly executed by the Company, together with releases of
all Encumbrances (other than Permitted Encumbrances) on
such property duly executed and notarized by the appropriate party, and in recordable form as
determined by the Title Company.

               (v) Termination of Sun City Lease. A termination of the Sun City Lease, duly executed by and
among Lessor, Lessee and Seller, in form and substance acceptable to Buyer.

               (vi) New Sun City Ground Lease. The New Sun City Ground Lease, duly executed by New Lessor.

               (vii) Releases of Encumbrances. Releases of liens evidencing the discharge and removal of all
Encumbrances on the Purchased Assets, other than Permitted Encumbrances.

               (viii) Code § 1445 Affidavit. A certificate from each of Seller and the Company, if required,
in form described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.1445-2(b)(iii)(B), certifying its compliance
with Treasury Regulation Section 1.445-2(b) that, as of the Closing Date, such person is not a
“foreign person” within the meaning of Section 1445.

               (ix) Delivery of Records and Contracts. All of the leases, contracts, commitments and rights
of the Businesses constituting a portion of the Purchased Assets, with such assignments thereof and
consents to assignment as Buyer shall deem necessary to assure Buyer of their full benefit; actual
possession and operating control of the Purchased Assets and all of the records, books and other
data of the Businesses, including customer lists and customer contact information.

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               (x) Delivery of Pre-Need Trust Funds and Accounts. Subject to Section 6.10, all documents,
deeds, endorsements, assignments or other instruments transferring and assigning all of the preneed
trust accounts and funds referred to in Section 4.11, including the obtaining of Governmental
Authorization and third party Consents and the substitution of trustors.

               (xi) Title Policy. The irrevocable commitment from the Title Company to issue (A) an owner’s
title policy for the Perris Home, the Lake Elsinore Home, and the Hemet Home and (B) a leasehold
title policy for the Sun City Home, each in an amount and form determined by Buyer.

               (xii) Opinion of Seller Counsel. An opinion of Stephens & Kray, counsel for Seller, dated the
Closing Date, in substantially the form of Exhibit 3.5(a)(xii);

               (xiii) Justin Agreements. An executed counterpart of each of the Justin Employment Agreement
and the Justin Non-Competition Agreement, duly executed by Justin Luyben;.

               (xiv) Luyben Sr. Agreements. An executed counterpart of the Luyben Sr. Consulting Agreement,
duly executed by Seller.

               (xv) Luyben Jr. Agreements. An executed counterpart of each of the Luyben Jr. Employment
Agreement and the Luyben Jr. Non-Competition Agreement, duly executed by Thaddeus M. Luyben, Jr.

               (xvi) ROFR Agreement. An executed counterpart of the Right of First Refusal and Deed
Restriction Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit 3.5(a)(xvi) (the “ROFR
Agreement”), duly executed by Seller. Other Instruments. All such other deeds, endorsements, assignments or other
instruments, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer, as shall be necessary to vest
in Buyer fee simple title to the Purchased Assets.

          (b) Closing Deliveries of Buyer. At the Closing, Buyer shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to Seller, the following:

               (i) Payment of Purchase Price. Payment to Seller and the Company of the Purchase Price in same day funds (in U.S. dollars)
by wire transfer based on wiring instructions given by Seller to Buyer at least three Business Days
prior to the Closing Date.

               (ii) Bill of Sale. The General Bill of Sale, duly executed by Buyer.

               (iii) General Assignment and Assumption Instrument. The General Assignment and Assumption
Instrument, duly executed by Buyer.

               (iv) New Sun City Ground Lease. The New Sun City Ground Lease, duly executed by Buyer.

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               (v) Opinion of Buyer Counsel. An opinion of Greenberg Traurig, LLP, special counsel for
Buyer, dated the Closing Date, in substantially the form of Exhibit 3.5(b)(vi).

               (vi) Luyben Family Agreements. An executed counterpart of each of the Luyben Sr. Consulting
Agreement, the Luyben Jr. Employment Agreement, the Luyben Jr. Non-Competition Agreement, the
Justin Employment Agreement, and the Justin Non-Competition Agreement, each duly executed by
Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc. or Carriage Funeral Services of California, Inc., as required.

               (vii) ROFR Agreement. An executed counterpart of the ROFR Agreement, duly execute by Buyer.

ARTICLE IV.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER AND THE COMPANY

     Except as set forth in the disclosure schedules (the “Seller Disclosure Schedule”) delivered
by Seller to Buyer prior to or concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, Seller and the
Company hereby jointly and severally represent and warrant to Buyer as follows:

     4.1 Incorporation and Power.

          (a) Seller has all necessary power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this
Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which he is a party, to carry out its obligations
hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

          (b) The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, and has all necessary power and authority to
execute, deliver and perform the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party, to carry out its
obligations thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby. the Company is
duly licensed and qualified to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which
the properties owned or leased by it or the operation of its business makes such licensing or
qualification necessary.

     4.2 Valid and Binding Agreement. The execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement and each Seller and the Company
of the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party, the performance by each of Seller and the
Company of its obligations hereunder and thereunder and the consummation by each of Seller and the
Company of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all
requisite action on the part of Seller and the Company, as the case may be. This Agreement has
been, and upon their execution, the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party shall have been,
duly executed and delivered by Seller or the Company, as the case may be, and (assuming due
authorization, execution and delivery by Buyer) this Agreement constitutes, and upon its execution
the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party shall constitute, legal, valid and binding
obligations of Seller and the Company, as the case may be, enforceable against Party in accordance
with their respective terms, subject to the Remedies Exception.

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     4.3 No Conflicts and Consents. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements by
each of Seller and the Company do not and will not:

          (a) violate, conflict with or result in the breach of any provision of the Organizational
Documents of the Company;

          (b) conflict with or violate (or cause an event which would have a Material Adverse Effect as
a result of) any Law or Governmental Order applicable to such Party, or any of its assets,
properties or businesses, including the Businesses;

          (c) conflict with, result in any breach of any of the provisions of, constitute a default (or
any event that would, with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both, constitute a
default) under, result in a violation of, increase the burdens under, result in the termination,
amendment, suspension, modification, abandonment or acceleration of payment (or any right to
terminate) or require a Consent under any Contract or Governmental Authorization that is either
binding upon or enforceable against such Party;

          (d) result in the creation of any Encumbrance upon the Facilities or any of the Purchased
Assets; or

          (e) require any Governmental Authorization.

     4.4 Financial Statements.

          (a) Seller has delivered to Buyer unaudited (compiled) statements of assets, liabilities and
stockholders’ equity-income tax basis of the Businesses at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 and the
related unaudited (compiled) statements of revenues, expenses and retained earnings and cash
flows-income tax basis for the respective 12-month periods of operations of Businesses then ended,
together with the footnotes thereto (the “Annual Financial Statements” or the “Financial
Statements”). All of such Financial Statements are true and correct, have been prepared on an
accrued income tax basis of accounting, which is a comprehensive basis of accounting other than
GAAP, and are true and correct and present fairly the respective financial position, results of
operations and cash flows of the Businesses at the respective dates and for the respective periods
indicated.

          (b) Except as set forth in such Financial Statements, the Businesses have no, and none of
their assets or properties are subject to any, Liabilities other than unsecured trade accounts,
payable and accrued expenses arising in the Ordinary Course of the Business, and there is no known
basis for any present or future Litigation, charge, complaint, Claim or demand against any of the
assets or properties giving rise to any Liability, except Liabilities that have arisen after the
date of the Financial Statements in the Ordinary Course of Business, none of which is a Liability
for breach of Contract, breach of warranty, tort, infringement, Litigation or violation of
Governmental Order, Governmental Authorization or Law.

          (c) Section 4.4 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule accurately sets forth for the 12-month
periods ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 and for the eight months ended August 31, 2007, for
each of the Businesses, the number of contracts entered into in which

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human remains have been
prepared for final disposition or delivery, and among such contracts, the number or percentage in
which disposition is by burial, cremation or other means.

     4.5 Books and Records. All books and records of the Businesses are true, correct and complete, have been
maintained in accordance with sound business practice, including the maintenance of an adequate
system of internal controls, and in accordance with all Laws and other requirements applicable to
the Businesses.

     4.6 Absence of Certain Developments. Except as set forth on Section 4.6 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, since August 31, 2007
the Company has operated each Business in the Ordinary Course of Business and, without limiting the
foregoing, since August 31, 2007, there has not been:

          (a) any Material Adverse Effect;

          (b) any sale, lease, transfer or assignment of properties or assets (real, personal or mixed
or tangible or intangible), other than sales of inventory in the Ordinary Course of Business;

          (c) any Contract (or series of related Contracts) entered into outside the Ordinary Course of
Business;

          (d) any material Loss (whether or not covered by insurance) of or to the Purchased Assets;

          (e) any acceleration, suspension, termination, modification or cancellation of any Contract or
permits (or series of related Contracts or permits) by any party (including Seller or the Company)
outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

          (f) any Encumbrance imposed on any Purchased Assets;

          (g) any capital expenditure (or series of related capital expenditures) outside the Ordinary
Course of Business;

          (h) any capital investment in, any loan to, or any acquisition of the securities or assets of,
any other Person (or series of related capital investments, loans and acquisitions) outside the
Ordinary Course of Business or acquired (by merger, exchange, consolidation, acquisition of stock
or assets or otherwise) any Person;

          (i) any note, bond or other debt security issued, or any indebtedness created, incurred,
assumed or guaranteed for borrowed money (including advances on existing credit facilities) or
capitalized lease obligation;

          (j) any delay, postponement, or acceleration of any payment of accounts payable or other
liabilities or the receipt of any accounts receivable, in each case outside the Ordinary Course of
Business;

18

 

          (k) any cancellation, compromise, waiver or release of any right or Claim (or series of
related rights or Claims);

          (l) any discharge or satisfaction of any Encumbrance or payment of any Liability, other than
current liabilities paid in the Ordinary Course of Business;

          (m) to the Knowledge of Seller and the Company, any new competitor that has built, commenced
to build or announced intentions to establish or build a funeral home, mortuary, crematory or
cemetery in direct competition with the Businesses;

          (n) in connection with the Businesses, created, incurred or assumed any indebtedness or other
material Liability, other than in the Ordinary Course of Business;

          (o) written-down any inventory or written-off of any receivable, except for write-downs and
write-offs in the Ordinary Course of Business;

          (p) increased the wages, salaries, benefits or other compensation of any employee (except for
customary increases based on term of service or promotion of non-salaried employees or other
increases in the ordinary course of business);

          (q) made or changed any express or deemed election for Tax purposes or any offer to settle or
compromise or any settlement or compromise of any liability with respect to Taxes;

          (r) any change in accounting principles or practices from those utilized in the preparation of
the Financial Statements; and

          (s) any Contract to take any of the actions described in this Section 4.6.

     4.7 Inventory; Accounts Receivable. All inventories of the Businesses are saleable or usable in the Ordinary Course of Business
at usual and customary prices, subject to normal returns and markdowns consistent with past
practice. All accounts receivable of the Businesses are valid and legally enforceable obligations
of the account parties and are not subject to any Claim of offset or deduction. At the Closing,
Seller shall deliver to Buyer lists, certified by them to be complete and correct, of all of the
inventory and accounts receivable of each of the Businesses as of the Closing Date.

     4.8 Tax Matters.

          (a) Each of the Company and Seller (i) has filed (or there has been filed on its behalf) with
the appropriate Governmental Entity all Tax Returns required to be filed, and all such Tax Returns
are true and correct and (ii) has paid all Taxes due and payable.

          (b) There are no outstanding waivers in writing or comparable consents regarding the
application of any statute of limitations in respect of Taxes of the Businesses.

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          (c) There is no Claim or assessment pending or proposed in writing with respect to Taxes of
the Businesses, and no facts exist that would constitute grounds for any such actions.

          (d) There are no Encumbrances for Taxes upon the assets or the properties, except for
Encumbrances relating to current Taxes not yet due.

          (e) All Taxes that Seller or the Company is required by Law to withhold or to collect for
payment have been duly withheld and collected, and have been paid or accrued, reserved against and
entered on the books of the Businesses in accordance with GAAP.

          (f) True and correct copies of Tax Returns filed by Seller and Seller, as the case may be, for
each of the last three years have been furnished to Buyer.

     4.9 Intellectual Property. Section 4.9 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth, for the Intellectual Property
owned by the Businesses and included in the Purchased Assets, a complete and accurate list of all
material U.S. and foreign:

          (a) patented or registered Intellectual Property Rights;

          (b) pending patent applications and applications for other registrations of Intellectual
Property Rights filed by or on behalf of the Businesses;

          (c) material licenses and other rights granted by Seller or the Company to any third party
with respect to any Intellectual Property Rights; and

          (d) all material licenses and other rights granted by any third party to the Businesses with
respect to any Intellectual Property Rights. To the Knowledge of Seller and the Company, each of
the Businesses owns and possesses or has the right to use, pursuant to a valid and enforceable
license, all Intellectual Property Rights necessary for the operation of the Businesses as
presently conducted, free and clear of all Encumbrances. Neither Business is charged with
infringement or misappropriation of any Intellectual Property Rights of any other Person, nor, to
Seller’s and the Company’s Knowledge, has any Person infringed upon, misappropriated or conflicted
with any Intellectual Property Rights owned by Seller or the Company and used in the Businesses.

     4.10 Contracts.

          (a) Section 4.10 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete description of:

               (i) all Contracts evidencing any money borrowed by the Businesses or the creation or existence
of any Encumbrance against any of the Purchased Assets of the Businesses, and all Contracts
relating to any debt secured in whole or in part by any such Encumbrances;

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               (ii) all collective bargaining agreements, employment contracts, noncompetition agreements and
other Contracts relating to any present or former owners or employees of the Businesses;

               (iii) all Contracts involving the sharing of profits involving Seller, the Company or any of
the Businesses;

               (iv) all (i) Contracts for capital expenditures for the Businesses involving obligations
aggregating in excess of $4,000; (ii) Contracts under which personal property is leased by the
Businesses and which are not cancelable by either party thereto without penalty upon notice of 30
days or less or pursuant to which rentals exceed $1,000 per annum or $4,000 in the aggregate; or
(iii) Contracts of the Businesses that do not terminate or are not terminable by the Businesses
upon notice of 30 days or less or which involves an obligation on its part in excess of $1,000 per
annum or $4,000 in the aggregate; and

               (v) all other Contracts of the Businesses entered into outside the Ordinary Course of
Business.

          (b) Each Contract required to be described in Section 4.10 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule
is a “Material Contract”. Each Material Contract is valid and binding, currently in force and
enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the Remedies Exception. Seller or the Company,
as the case may be, has performed all obligations required to be performed by it in connection with
each Material Contract. Neither Seller nor the Company has received any notice of any Claims of
default under or termination of any Material Contract. Neither Seller nor the Company has any
present expectation or intention of not fully performing any obligation pursuant to any Material
Contract, and there is no breach, anticipated breach or default by any other party to any Material
Contract. There are no renegotiations of, attempts to renegotiate or outstanding rights to
renegotiate any material terms of any Material Contract, and no Person has made written demand for
such renegotiation. A true and correct copy of each document listed on Section 4.10 of the Seller
Disclosure Schedule has been made available to Buyer by Seller.

     4.11 Preneed Contracts and Trust Accounts.

          (a) Section 4.11 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule accurately lists:

               (i) all preneed agreements of each of the Businesses, including contract number, customer
name, sale date, contract price and other data normally included in the Company’s internal records
in a compilation of preneed agreements;

               (ii) a list of all insurance policies used to fund preneed agreements, including policy
number, insured and owner names, issue date, current and face amount of insurance, and other data
normally included in the Company’s internal records in a compilation of insurance policies (and for
each carrier providing such insurance benefits, the contact information for the carrier, including
contact person, address and phone number); and

               (iii) a list and summary of each trust account relating to the Businesses, with information
including (A) name of such trust account, (B) type of such trust account, (C)

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trustee of such trust account, (D) trustor of such trust account, (E) date of the controlling
trust agreement for such account, (F) account number(s) for such trust account, (G) tax
identification number for such trust account, (G) balance of each trust account (at cost and market
value) [and (H) the amounts of such trust account allocated to (1) service and other items and (2)
merchandise]. Seller has separately provided to Buyer true and complete copies of the trust
agreements for such trusts, as amended and currently in effect; and copies of the following as of
the most recent date available (but in no event older than 45 days) and for each of 2005 and 2006:
bank statements or other periodic report of the trustee for each trust, Tax Returns, and the audit
or other reports furnished to or prepared by the state regulatory agency which oversees such
trusts, and all work papers supporting such reports.

               (iv) a trust detail report that itemizes by each trust agreement for the trust accounts set
forth in Section 4.11 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule information including (A) principal amount
for such trust account, (B) income and earnings for such trust account, (C) withdrawals from such
trust account and (D) total contract liability with respect to such trust account.

          (b) All preneed agreements required to be listed on Section 4.11 of the Seller Disclosure
Schedule:

               (i) have been entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business at regular retail prices, or
pursuant to a sales promotion program, solely for use by the named customers and members of their
families on terms not more favorable than shown on the specimen contracts which have been delivered
to Buyer;

               (ii) are subject to the rules and regulations of the Businesses as now in force (copies of
which have been delivered to Buyer); and

               (iii) are in full force and effect, subject to no offsets, claims or waivers, and neither the
Company nor such customer is in default thereunder. All funds received by the Company under
preneed agreements have been deposited in the appropriate accounts and are fully funded,
administered and reported in accordance with the terms thereof and as required by applicable Laws.
The aggregate market value of such preneed accounts, trusts and other deposits is equal to or
greater than the aggregate preneed Liability related thereto. The services heretofore provided by
the Businesses have been rendered in a professional and competent manner consistent with prevailing
professional standards, practices and customs.

          (c) Seller or the Company, as the case may be, has all rights as trustor of each trust account
listed in Section 4.11 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule and under each trust agreement related to
each such trust accounts.

     4.12 Litigation. No Litigation is pending or, to the Knowledge of Seller or the Company, threatened by or
against Seller or the Company or otherwise affecting the Businesses, or any of the Purchased
Assets, at Law or in equity or before or by any Governmental Entity. The Company is not subject
to, and its assets and properties are not affected by, any continuing Governmental Order nor is the
Company in default with respect to any Governmental Order.

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     4.13 Insurance and Claims. The Company maintains such policies of insurance in such amounts, and which insure against
such losses and risks, as are generally maintained for comparable businesses and properties. There
are no currently pending Claims under any such policies, and no insurer has denied any material
Claim of the Company under any policy of insurance within the preceding three years. Valid
policies for such insurance will be outstanding and duly in force at all times prior to the
Closing.

     4.14 Governmental Authorizations. Section 4.14 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule lists all Governmental Authorizations
currently held by or issued to the Company, and by each employee of the Company in connection with
the Businesses which are all that are necessary or appropriate for the operation of the Businesses.
All such items are in full force and effect, and the Company has complied in all material respects
with all Governmental Authorizations applicable to it.

     4.15 Compliance with Laws. The Company has complied in all material respects with all applicable Laws and Governmental
Orders (including all occupational safety and health rules, regulations and Laws, and Laws and
regulations applicable to preneed contracts and trust accounts, including the so-called “FTC
Funeral Rule”). The Company is not relying on any exemption from or deferral of any Law,
Governmental Order or Governmental Authorization that would not be available to the Buyer after the
Closing.

     4.16 Environmental Matters.

          (a) Each of Seller and the Company is not in violation of any Environmental Laws and/or
Environmental Permits, which violation would have a Material Adverse Effect. The Businesses
possesses all Environmental Permits that are required for the operation of business, where the
failure to possess such Environmental Permits would have a Material Adverse Effect, and is in
compliance with the provisions of all such Environmental Permits, except where the failure to so
comply would not have a Material Adverse Effect. A copy of any notice, citation, inquiry or
compliant which Seller or the Company has received in the past three years of any alleged violation
of any Environmental Law or Environmental Permit is contained in Section 4.16 of the Seller
Disclosure Schedule.

          (b) Neither Seller nor the Company has received any notice, report or other information
regarding any Liabilities relating to the Businesses or any of the Real Property arising under
Environmental Laws.

          (c) None of the following exists on any portion of the Real Property:

               (i) underground storage tank or surface impoundments;

               (ii) asbestos-containing material in any form or condition; or

               (iii) materials or equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyls.

          (d) Neither Seller nor the Company has treated, stored, disposed of, arranged for or permitted
the disposal of, transported, handled, or Released any substance, including any Hazardous
Materials, or owned or operated any facility or property, so as to give rise to liabilities

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for response costs, natural resource damages or attorneys fees pursuant to CERCLA or similar
state Environmental Laws, except for formaldehyde and other chemicals used in the Ordinary Course
of Business, which the Company has obtained, used, stored, handled and disposed of in accordance
with all Environmental Laws. Neither this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement will result in any obligations for site investigation or cleanup, or
notification to or consent of any governmental authority or third parties, pursuant to any
so-called “transaction-triggered” or “responsible property transfer” Environmental Laws. Without
limiting the foregoing, no facts, events or conditions relating to the past or present facilities,
properties or operations of the Company will prevent, hinder or limit continued compliance with
Environmental Laws, give rise to any investigatory, remedial or corrective obligations pursuant to
Environmental Laws, or give rise to any other liabilities (whether accrued, absolute, contingent,
unliquidated or otherwise, whether due or to become due, whether known or unknown, and regardless
of whether asserted) pursuant to Environmental Laws, including any relating to onsite or offsite
Releases or threatened Releases of Hazardous Materials, substances or wastes, personal injury,
property damage or natural resource damage.

     4.17 Employees. Section 4.17 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule correctly and completely lists (a) the names
and annual or hourly rates of salary and other compensation of all the employees and agents of the
Businesses, and (b) the outstanding balance of and method for calculating employee reserves and
residuals. There are not any pending, or to the Knowledge of Seller or the Company, threatened
against the Businesses general labor disputes, strikes or concerted work stoppages, and there are
no discussions, negotiations, demands or proposals that are pending or have been conducted or made
with or by any labor union or association with respect to any employees of the Businesses. Neither
the Company nor Seller has Knowledge of the existence of any serious health condition of any key
management personnel of the Businesses that might impair any such Person’s ability to carry on the
essential functions of his or her position into the foreseeable future after the Closing. The
relations between the Company, Seller and the employees of the Businesses are good. Neither the
Company, Seller nor the Businesses have made any loans (except advances against accrued salaries or
for business travel, lodging or other expenses in the Ordinary Course of Business) to any employee
of the Businesses.

     4.18 Employee Benefit Plans. Section 4.18 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule lists all plans, contracts, commitments,
programs and policies (including pension, profit sharing, thrift, bonus, deferred compensation,
severance, retirement, disability, medical, life, dental and accidental insurance, vacation, sick
leave, death benefit and other similar employee benefit plans and policies) providing benefits to
any employee or former employee of the Businesses (collectively, the “Plans”). Seller has
delivered to Buyer true and correct copies of all documents embodying the Plans. All obligations
of the Company under the Plans have been fully paid or fully funded in accordance with applicable
Law. No Plan constitutes a defined benefit plan or defined contribution plan within the meaning of
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”).

     4.19 Title to and Status of Purchased Assets. All of the property, rights and assets, real and personal or mixed, tangible and
intangible, necessary for the operation of the Businesses, including the Real Property,
Intellectual Property Rights and Tangible Personal Property, as and to the extent to which it is
presently conducted and contemplated to be conducted by Buyer, are owned or validly leased by
Businesses. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by

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this Agreement will not impair Buyer’s ability to so operate the Businesses, except for such
impairment or impairments as would not have or reasonably be expected to have, individually or in
the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. The Company and/or Seller is in actual possession and
control of all assets, rights and properties owned or leased by it that are required in the
operation of the Businesses. Seller has good and marketable fee simple title to the Perris Home,
the Lake Elsinore Home, and the Hemet Home, free and clear of all Encumbrances except for Permitted
Encumbrances. Seller has a valid leasehold interest in the Sun City Home, free and clear of all
Encumbrances except for Permitted Encumbrances. Seller and/or the Company have good and valid
title to all other assets and rights of the Businesses, free and clear of all Encumbrances other
than Permitted Encumbrances.

     4.20 Real Property.Section 4.20 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a legal description of all parcels
of real property (collectively, the “Real Property”), and also briefly describes each building and
major structure and improvement thereon that comprise the Facilities. No Person other than the
Company or Seller has any interest in, or other right to occupy any portion of, the Real Property.
The Real Property is the only interest in real property required for the conduct of the business of
the Businesses as presently conducted. None of the buildings, structures and improvements located
on the Real Property, or the operation or maintenance thereof as now operated or maintained,
contravenes any zoning ordinance, set back, or Law, or Environmental Laws, the effect of which
would interfere with or prevent their continued use for the purposes for which they are now being
used. There is not pending nor, to the Knowledge of Seller or the Company, threatened any
proceeding for the taking or condemnation of the Real Property or any portion thereof. All bills,
taxes and other payments due with respect to the Company’s or Seller’s, as the case may be,
operation and maintenance of the Real Property are paid, and no Encumbrances or other claims for
the same have been filed or asserted against any part of the Real Property. The Real Property has
physical and legal access to an open and publicly dedicated street. No portion of the Real
Property is located within an area that has been designated by the Federal Insurance
Administration, the Army Corp of Engineers, or any other governmental agency or body as being
subject to special flooding hazards.

     4.21 Tangible Personal Property. Section 4.21 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule lists all equipment, motor vehicles and
other tangible personal property owned or leased by Seller and/or the Company and principally
related to, or principally used in or necessary for the conduct of the Businesses, including all
vehicles, office furniture, and operating and other supplies, tools, repair parts and spare parts
located at the Businesses (collectively, “Tangible Personal Property”).

     4.22 Availability of Documents. Seller has delivered or made available to Buyer correct and complete copies of the items
referred to in the Disclosure Schedule or in this Agreement (and in the case of any items not in
written form, a written description thereof).

     4.23 Finders. Neither Seller nor the Company is a party to or in any way obligated under any Contract or
other agreement, and there are no outstanding Claims against it, for the payment of any broker’s or
finder’s fee in connection with the origin, negotiation, execution or performance of this
Agreement.

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     4.24 Full Disclosure. The representations and warranties made by Seller and the Company hereunder or in any
Schedules or certificates furnished to Buyer pursuant hereto do not and will not contain any untrue
statement of a fact or omit to state a fact required to be stated herein or therein or necessary to
make the representations or warranties herein or therein, in light of the circumstances in which
they are made.

ARTICLE V.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER

     Buyer hereby represents and warrants to Seller and the Company as follows:

     5.1 Incorporation; Power and Authority. Buyer is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws
of its jurisdiction of organization and has all necessary power and authority to execute, deliver
and perform this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which it will become a party, to carry
out its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby
and thereby.

     5.2 Valid and Binding Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements by Buyer, the
performance by Buyer of its obligations hereunder and thereunder and the consummation by Buyer of
the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all requisite action
on the part of Buyer. This Agreement has been, and upon their execution, the Ancillary Agreements
shall have been, duly executed and delivered by Buyer, and (assuming due authorization, execution
and delivery by Seller and the Company) this Agreement constitutes, and upon their execution the
Ancillary Agreements shall constitute, legal, valid and binding obligations of Buyer, enforceable
against Buyer in accordance with their respective terms, subject to the Remedies Exception.

     5.3 No Conflict and Consents. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to
which it will become a party by Buyer will not:

          (a) violate, conflict with or result in the breach of any provision of the Organizational
Documents of Buyer;

          (b) conflict with or violate any Law or Governmental Order applicable to Buyer;

          (c) conflict with, result in any breach of any of the provisions of, constitute a default (or
any event that would, with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both, constitute a
default) under, result in a violation of, increase the burdens under, result in the termination,
amendment, suspension, modification, abandonment or acceleration of payment (or any right to
terminate) or require a Consent, including any Consent under any Contract or Governmental
Authorization that is either binding upon or enforceable against Buyer; or

          (d) require any Governmental Authorization.

     5.4 Finders. Buyer is not a party to or in any way obligated under any Contract or other agreement, and
there are no outstanding Claims against it, for the payment of any broker’s

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or finder’s fee in connection with the origin, negotiation, execution or performance of this
Agreement.

     5.5 Full Disclosure. The representations and warranties made by Buyer hereunder or in any certificates furnished
to Seller and the Company pursuant hereto do not and will not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated herein or therein or necessary
to make the representations or warranties herein or therein, in light of the circumstances in which
they are made.

ARTICLE VI.

COVENANTS OF SELLER, THE COMPANY AND BUYER

     6.1 Conduct of the Business. From the date of this Agreement to the Closing Date, (a) the Businesses shall be operated
only in the Ordinary Course of Business and in accordance with applicable Law and (b) each of the
Company and Seller shall use its best efforts to preserve the Goodwill of the Businesses, keep
available the services of the employees and maintain satisfactory relationships with vendors,
customers or others having business relationships with the Businesses. In particular, without the
prior written consent of Buyer, Seller shall not, and shall cause the Company to not:

               (i) (A) modify, amend, cancel or terminate any contract in respect of the Businesses to which
Seller or any of its Affiliates is a party, other than in the Ordinary Course of Business, except
that notwithstanding the foregoing in no event shall Seller or any of its Affiliates be permitted
to modify, amend, cancel or terminate any of the Material Contracts or (B) enter into any Contract
that would have been a Material Contract if such Contract had been in effect on the date of this
Agreement, except that Seller or the Company may enter into Contracts with vendors or customers in
the Ordinary Course of Business;

               (ii) (A) sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any Purchased Assets, other than inventory in
the Ordinary Course of Business or (B) create, incur or assume any new Encumbrance, other than a
Permitted Encumbrance, on the Purchased Assets;

               (iii) (A) declare, set aside or pay any dividend or other distribution payable in cash, stock
or property with respect to its capital stock or (B) redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire directly
or indirectly any of its capital stock or other securities;

               (iv) make any capital expenditure in excess of $4,000 or make capital expenditures in the
aggregate in excess of $4,000; provided, however, that any capital expenditures in excess of $4,000
or in the aggregate in excess of $4,000 for structural improvements to the Facilities shall require
the prior approval of Buyer;

               (v) enter into any Contract or other commitment that, individually or in the aggregate,
constitutes an Assumed Liability involving aggregate payments in excess of $4,000 or that has a
term of, or requires the performance of any obligations by Seller or any of its Affiliates over a
period in excess of, one year, or incur any indebtedness for money borrowed that would constitute
an Assumed Liability;

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               (vi) change any of its methods of accounting other than changes required by GAAP;

               (vii) waive, cancel or compromise any material right or claim of Seller or any of its
Affiliates in respect of the Purchased Assets or the Businesses;

               (viii) cancel or permit any insurance to lapse or terminate, unless renewed or replaced by
like coverage;

               (ix) commit any act or permit the occurrence of any event or the existence of any condition of
the type described in Section 4.6;

               (x) hire, fire, reassign or make any other change in key personnel of the Businesses, or
increase the rate of compensation of or declare or pay any bonuses to any employee in excess of
that listed on Section 4.18 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule;

               (xi) take any other action that would cause any of the representations and warranties made in
Article IV hereof not to be true and correct in all material respects, on and as of the Closing
Date, with the same force and effect as if the same had been made on and as of the Closing Date;
and

               (xii) enter into any commitment to take any of the actions prohibited by any of the foregoing
clauses.

     6.2 Notice of Developments. Seller shall notify Buyer of any emergency or other change in the Ordinary Course of
Business of the Businesses or the commencement or threat of Litigation. Seller shall promptly
notify Buyer in writing if he or the Company should discover that any representation or warranty
made by either him or the Company in this Agreement was made, or has subsequently become, untrue in
any respect. No disclosure pursuant to this Section 6.2 will be deemed to amend or supplement the
Seller Disclosure Schedule or to prevent or cure any inaccuracy, misrepresentation, breach of
warranty or breach of agreement.

     6.3 Access to Information.

          (a) Upon reasonable advance notice, Seller and the Company shall afford the officers,
employees, accountants, counsel and other representatives of Buyer, access, during normal business
hours during the period prior to the Closing, to all of the properties, Real Property, books,
Contracts, commitments, records, officers, employees, accountants and counsel and other
representatives during such period. Seller and the Company shall make available to Buyer all
information concerning each of the Businesses, properties and personnel as Buyer may reasonably
request. Neither Seller nor the Company shall be required to provide access to or to disclose
information where such access or disclosure would violate or prejudice the rights of its customers,
jeopardize any attorney-client privilege or contravene any Law, rule, order, judgment, decree,
fiduciary duty or binding agreement entered into prior to the date of this Agreement. The Parties
will make appropriate substitute disclosure arrangements under circumstances in which the
restrictions of the preceding sentence apply.

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          (b) After the Closing Date, each of Seller and the Company will afford to Buyer, its officers,
employees, accountants, counsel and other representatives, during normal business hours, upon
reasonable request, reasonable access to the books and records of Seller or the Company, as the
case may be, pertaining to the Businesses to the extent that such access may be requested at no
cost to Seller or the Company for a legitimate business purpose. Any information provided in
accordance with terms of this Section 6.5 will be subject to the terms of a confidentiality
agreement with terms substantially similar to terms of the confidentiality provisions in the Luyben
Sr. Consulting Agreement.

     6.4 No Shop. For so long as this Agreement remains in effect, neither Seller nor the Company shall, and
shall not cause any other Person to, directly or indirectly, enter into any Contracts, or initiate,
solicit or encourage any offers, proposals or expressions of interest, or otherwise hold any
discussions with any potential buyers, investment bankers or finders, with respect to the possible
sale or other disposition of all or any portion of the assets, rights and properties of the
Businesses, the sale of all or a controlling interest in the stock of the Company, or the merger or
consolidation of the Company, other than to or with Buyer. If Seller or the Company receives from
any third party any inquiry regarding such a transaction, Seller shall promptly notify Buyer.

     6.5 Employee Training; Systems Installation. To help prepare for and facilitate the transition of the Businesses to Buyer’s ownership at
and following the Closing, Buyer intends, prior to Closing, to begin providing certain training to
select employees of the Businesses and to begin installation of certain of Buyer’s management
information systems. Seller agrees to, and agrees to cause the Company to, cooperate in Buyer’s
efforts in providing such training and installation. All training modules and all such systems
shall remain the sole and exclusive property of Buyer, but Buyer’s training and installation shall
be at its sole cost, expense and risk. Neither Seller nor the Company shall be required to incur
any out-of-pocket expenses in connection with such training and installation, and neither the
Company nor Seller makes any representation or warranty whatsoever regarding the compatibility of
each Business’s system with those of Buyer. If this Agreement is terminated for any reason, Buyer
will be entitled to remove, at its sole cost, expense and risk, all training modules and systems so
provided or installed by it.

     6.6 Non-Competition. If the Closing occurs, the Company agrees that it shall not, directly or indirectly, for a
period commencing on the Closing Date and ending 10 years thereafter, do any of the following:

          (a) engage, as principal, agent, trustee or through the agency of any entity, anywhere within
a 50-mile radius of any of the Facilities (the “Territory”), in the funeral, mortuary, crematory,
burial insurance, cemetery or any related line of business (the “Restricted Business”);

          (b) own or hold any beneficial interest in one percent or more of the voting securities in any
entity which conducts its operations, in whole or in part, in the Restricted Business within the
Territory;

29

 

          (c) become an employee of or consultant to, or otherwise serve in any similar capacity with,
any corporation, partnership or other business entity that conducts its business, in whole or in
part, in the Restricted Business within the Territory;

          (d) cause or induce any present or future employee of Buyer or any of its Affiliates to leave
the employ of Buyer or any such Affiliate to accept employment with the Company or with any Person
with which the Company may be or become affiliated; or

          (e) make any public statements recommending the use of any competitor of Buyer or criticizing
Buyer or its business, operations, practices or policies, or otherwise knowingly or intentionally
do or say any act or thing which will or may impair, damage or destroy the goodwill of Buyer within
the Territory.

          (f) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company shall be deemed directly or
indirectly engaged in the Restricted Business if the Company:

               (i) acts as a funeral director for any funeral establishment within the Territory;

               (ii) engages in the sale or marketing of preneed contracts for services to be performed or
merchandise to be sold within the Territory;

               (iii) promotes or finances (by loan, guaranty or otherwise) any family member or Affiliate to
operate a Restricted Business or engage in any of the foregoing activities within the Territory;

               (iv) direct or indirect use or disclosure of Protected Information (as defined in the Luyben
Sr. Consulting Agreement) related to the Restricted Business; or

               (v) lends or licenses its name or likeness to any Restricted Business within the Territory,
with or without compensation.

          (g) Reformation. The above covenants shall not be held invalid or unenforceable
because of the scope of the Territory or actions subject thereto or restricted thereby, or the
period of time within which such covenants are operative; but any judgment of a court of competent
jurisdiction may define the maximum territory and actions subject to and restricted thereby and the
period of time during which such covenants are enforceable.

          (h) Remedies. Each of the Company, Seller and Buyer agree that Buyer shall have all
available legal and equitable remedies and rights, and the specific inclusion of any remedy in this
Agreement shall not constitute a whole or partial election or waiver of any other available remedy
or right. The Company agrees that a violation of the terms, provisions, covered obligations,
duties and conditions described in this Section 6.6 will give rise to Buyer’s or its Affiliate’s
causes of action (including breach of the Employment Agreement) against Seller and the Company for,
among other relief, issuance of injunctive relief, issuance of a temporary restraining order,
specific performance, recovery of damages, and recovery of Buyer’s costs, attorney’s fees, and
expert witness fees. The Company further agrees that it is difficult to calculate the amount and
extent of any damages caused by such a violation and such a violation

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threatens to injure or actually does injure Buyer and the Businesses. The Company agrees that
Buyer shall have the non-exclusive right to apply for and to receive a temporary restraining order,
a temporary or preliminary and a permanent injunction to enforce the terms, provisions, covenants,
obligations, duties and conditions described in this Section 6.6. The Company further agrees that
Buyer, in applying for or receiving any restraining order or injunctive relief, need only post, and
shall only be required to post, a bond of not more than $1,000.00. In addition, the ten-year term
of this Section 6.6 shall be extended by the period of time during which the Company is in material
breach hereof as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.

          (i) Representations. Each of Seller and the Company represents and warrants to and
agrees with Buyer that (i) it understands that the foregoing restrictions are being made incident
to and as a condition of the purchase and sale of the Purchased Assets hereunder, and that such
covenants are necessary in order to protect the Businesses and Goodwill being acquired thereby;
(ii) such covenants are not oppressive to the Company in any respect; and (iii) the consideration
for such restrictions is included in the Purchase Price, which consideration each of the Company
and Seller acknowledges is fair and adequate for the giving of the covenants herein and for which
each of the Company and Seller acknowledges a direct and valuable benefit.

          (j) Purchase Price Allocation. The Parties agree to allocate $50,000.00 of the
Purchase Price paid to the Company to certain of the covenants of the Company set forth in Section
6.6. Such allocation is not intended to be a measure of the amount or range of damages that Buyer
may suffer or recover as a result of any breach of the foregoing covenants, and each of Seller and
the Company acknowledges that in case of any such breach, Buyer shall be entitled to seek in excess
of such amount as it may otherwise be able to demonstrate itself justly entitled to.

     6.7 Employee Matters. On the Closing Date, Buyer may (but shall not be required to) offer employment to each
employee of the Businesses listed on Schedule 4.18. Each such employee so offered employment who
accepts shall, effective as of the Closing Date, cease to be an employee of the Company and shall
thereupon become an employee of Buyer. The Company shall be responsible for satisfying all claims,
if any, of such employees as to health benefits, workers compensation claims, termination and
severance benefits, and any withdrawal liability and vested rights under any pension or profit
sharing plans, all arising and accrued through the Closing Date, and in no event shall Buyer have
any liability or responsibility in respect thereof.

     6.8 Further Assurances. Each of Seller and the Company shall from time to time after the Closing, without further
consideration, execute and deliver such instruments and documents, and shall take such other action
as Buyer may reasonably request to more effectively carry out the provisions of this Agreement.

     6.9 Post-Closing Access. After the Closing Date, Buyer will afford to Seller and Seller’s accountants, counsel and
other representatives, during normal business hours, upon reasonable request, reasonable access to
the books and records of Buyer pertaining to the Businesses to the extent that such access may be
requested at no cost to Buyer for a legitimate business purpose. Any information provided in
accordance with terms of this Section 6.9 will be subject to the terms of a confidentiality
agreement with terms substantially similar to the confidentiality provisions set forth in the
Luyben Sr. Consulting Agreement.

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     6.10 Buyer’s Trustee and Preneed Trust Funds. Prior to the Closing, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, Seller shall have directed
all trustees of the trust accounts set forth on Section 4.11 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule to
liquidate any and all marketable securities and other assets, and to retain trust assets in cash
and cash equivalents only.

     6.11 Unique Preneed Merchandise. If any preneed Contracts call for the delivery of products not available to Buyer
because of exclusivity arrangements with the Company or its Affiliates, the Company will make
arrangements with Buyer to enable Buyer to purchase that merchandise, either from the Company or
directly from the Company’s vendor, to enable Buyer to fulfill those preneed Contracts, at
prevailing commercial prices and terms.

     6.12 Litigation . During the period from the date of this Agreement to the Closing, each of the Company,
Seller and Buyer shall promptly notify the other upon learning of any claims or actions threatened
or commenced against such party or any of its Affiliates (including any Claims filed against any
parcel of Real Property) that would have a material adverse effect on the ability of such Party or
any of their respective Affiliates (as the case may be) to consummate the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement.

ARTICLE VII.

OTHER COVENANTS

     7.1 Efforts.

          (a) Without prejudice to Section 7.2, each of the Parties agrees to use its reasonable
commercial efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all
things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective as promptly as practicable
the transactions contemplated hereby and to cooperate with the other Party in connection with the
foregoing, including using its commercially reasonable efforts (i) to obtain all necessary waivers,
consents and approvals from other parties to the Contracts; (ii) to obtain all Consents that are
required to be obtained under any applicable Law; (iii) to lift or rescind any injunction or
restraining order or other order adversely affecting the ability of the Parties to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (iv) to effect all registrations and filings, if any,
necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; and (v) to fulfill all conditions to
the Closing (including those conditions set forth in Article VIII).

          (b) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, this Agreement shall not
constitute an agreement to assign any Contract or Governmental Authorization that would otherwise
be a Purchased Asset (the “Assigned Contracts”) if an attempted assignment thereof, without the
Consent of another party thereto or any Governmental Entity, would constitute a breach of any such
Assigned Contracts or in any way violate any applicable Law or other legal requirement of any
Governmental Entity, and such Consent is not obtained prior to the Closing.

          (c) If, with respect to an Assigned Contract, such Consents are not obtained, or if an
attempted assignment would be ineffective, the beneficial interest in and to such Assigned
Contracts shall in any event pass to Buyer at the Closing, and each of Seller and the

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Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide to Buyer all of Seller’s or the
Company’s, as the case may be, entire interest in the benefits under any such Assigned Contract.
Each of Seller and the Company shall exercise or exploit its rights and options under any such
Assigned Contract (including the right to elect to terminate such Assigned Contract in accordance
with the terms thereof) only as directed by Buyer. If Buyer receives an economic benefit under any
such Assigned Contract, Buyer shall accept the burdens and perform the obligations under such
Assigned Contract as subcontractor of Seller or the Company, as the case may be, to the extent of
the benefit received, and to the extent such burdens and obligations would have constituted an
Assumed Liability if such Assigned Contract had been transferred to Buyer at the Closing.
Furthermore, if the other party(ies) to such an Assigned Contract subsequently consent to the
assignment of such contract to Buyer, Buyer shall thereupon agree to assume and perform all
liabilities and the obligations arising thereunder after the date of such consent, at which time
such Assigned Contract shall be deemed a Purchased Asset, without the payment of further
consideration, and the obligations so assumed thereunder shall be deemed Assumed Liabilities.

          (d) The Parties further covenant and agree, with respect to any threatened or pending
preliminary or permanent injunction or other order, decree or ruling or statute, rule, regulation
or executive order that would adversely affect the ability of the Parties to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, to use commercially reasonable efforts to prevent the
entry, enactment or promulgation thereof, as the case may be; provided, however, that the foregoing
shall not be deemed to require the parties to accept or agree to any requirement to divest or hold
separate or in trust (or the imposition of any other condition or restriction with respect to) any
assets or operations of such Party or the Businesses.

     7.2 Further Assurances.

          (a) Each of the Parties agrees to execute and deliver such instruments, and take such other
actions, as may reasonably be required whether prior to, at or following the Closing, to (i) carry
out the terms of this Agreement and the other documents contemplated hereby and (ii) consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other documents contemplated by this Agreement.

          (b) In the event that, following the Closing, the Parties discover that one or more of the
Purchased Assets or Assumed Liabilities was not transferred to, or assumed by, as the case may be,
Buyer hereunder, each of the Company, Buyer and Seller agree to use their commercially reasonable
efforts to cause such Purchased Assets to be transferred to Buyer or Assumed Liability to be
assumed by Buyer, as the case may be, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

          (c) Tax Parcel ID. Each of the Parties agrees to execute and deliver such
instruments, and to take such other actions, as may reasonably be required, to cause the proper
Governmental Entity to provide a new tax parcel identification number for each of Lot 1 and Lot 2
on the Perris Home, which lots are currently both identified under the current tax parcel
identification number 313-132-043.

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ARTICLE VIII.

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

     8.1 Conditions to Obligation of Each Party to Close . The respective obligations of each Party to effect the transactions contemplated hereby
shall be subject to the satisfaction or waiver at or prior to the Closing Date of the following
conditions:

          (a) no preliminary or permanent injunction or other Governmental Order shall have become
effective restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of any
of the transactions contemplated hereby;

          (b) all Consents of other Persons and Governmental Entities to the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement shall have been obtained;

          (c) a termination of the Sun City Lease shall have been delivered in accordance with the
provisions of Article III; and

          (d) the New Sun City Ground Lease shall have been delivered in accordance with the provisions
of Article III.

     8.2 Conditions to Buyer’s Obligation to Close . Buyer’s obligation to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be
subject to the satisfaction or waiver on or prior to the Closing Date of all of the following
conditions (it being understood and agreed that no such waiver of any condition set forth herein
shall constitute a waiver of any rights or remedies that Buyer may have under this Agreement with
respect to the facts and circumstances giving rise to the failure of such condition to be
satisfied):

          (a) Representations and Warranties True. (i) The representations and warranties of
Seller and the Company set forth in Section 4.19 shall be true and correct as of the date of this
Agreement and (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier
date) as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date; and (ii) the
representations and warranties of Seller and the Company set forth in this Agreement (other than
the representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.19 of this Agreement) shall be true and
correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and (except to the extent such
representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date) as of the Closing Date as though made
on and as of the Closing Date; provided, however, that for purposes of determining
the satisfaction of the condition contained in this clause (ii), no effect shall be given to any
exception in such representations and warranties relating to materiality or a Material Adverse
Effect; and provided further, however, that, for purposes of this clause (ii), such
representations and warranties shall be deemed to be true and correct in all material respects
unless the failure or failures of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct,
individually or in the aggregate, represent or would reasonably be expected to represent a Material
Adverse Effect.

          (b) Covenants. The covenants and agreements of each of Seller and the Company to be
performed on or prior to the Closing Date in accordance with this Agreement shall have been duly
performed in all material respects.

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          (c) Certificate of Officer. Buyer shall have received a certificate dated the Closing
Date and duly executed by Seller, certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in
Sections 8.2(a) and 8.2(b) herein.

          (d) No Loss or Damage. After the date of this Agreement, there shall not have
occurred a Material Adverse Effect. In the event of any Loss to any substantial portion of the
assets, rights or properties of Seller or the Company, Seller shall promptly inform Buyer, and each
of the Company and Seller shall be allowed a reasonable time thereafter (not to exceed 60 days
after the Outside Closing Date) within which to repair or replace such Loss. Neither the Company
nor Seller, however, shall be under any obligation to repair or replace such Loss. In the event
neither the Company nor Seller promptly begins such repair or replacement or does not complete such
repair or replacement within said 60-day period, Buyer may (in its sole discretion) either (i)
complete the sale contemplated by this Agreement (with such assets or property in their damaged
condition) and receive an assignment of the Company’s or Seller’s insurance claim or claims, as the
case may be, relating to such loss or damage, or (ii) terminate this Agreement without any
obligation to pay any amounts to Seller or the Company

          (e) Approval by Counsel. All actions, proceedings, instruments and documents required
to carry out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or incidental thereto, and all other
related legal matters shall have been approved by counsel for Buyer, and such counsel shall have
been furnished with such certified copies of actions and proceedings and other instruments and
documents as they shall have been reasonably requested.

          (f) Pre-Acquisition Review. Buyer and its representatives shall have completed a
pre-acquisition review of the financial information, books and records, and properties and assets
of the Businesses (including the Real Property) and shall have discovered no change in the
Business, assets, operations, financial condition or prospects of the Businesses that could, in the
sole determination of Buyer, have Material Adverse Effect.

          (g) Environmental, OSHA and Structural Reports. There shall have been conducted, at
Buyer’s expense, (i) a Phase I (and, if deemed necessary by Buyer, a Phase II) environmental
inspection of the Businesses and the Real Property by an environmental consulting firm selected by
Buyer, (ii) a health and safety inspection of the Businesses by a Person (who may be an employee of
Buyer) or firm selected by Buyer and who is qualified and experienced in such matters in the
funeral industry, and (iii) a structural inspection of the Businesses by an engineering firm
selected by Buyer. If any remedial or corrective actions are recommended as a result of such
inspections, then the cost thereof in an amount not to exceed $25,000 in the aggregate shall be
deducted from the Purchase Price; if the cost of such actions exceeds $25,000, then Buyer may (in
its sole discretion) either (x) proceed with Closing and deduct $25,000 from the Purchase Price, or
(y) terminate this Agreement without any obligation to pay any amounts to Seller or the Company.
In any event, it shall be a condition to Buyer’s obligations under this Agreement that the results
of the reports of such firms or Persons shall be satisfactory to Buyer in its sole discretion.

          (h) Title Insurance. Buyer shall have received a current owner’s policy of title
insurance issued to Buyer insuring its fee simple ownership interest (or valid leasehold interest
with respect to the Sun City Home with adequate legal access) in each parcel of Real

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Property. Such policies shall have been issued in an agreed-upon amount by Chicago Title
Insurance Company or another title company reasonably acceptable to the parties (the “Title
Company”) and shall be subject only to Permitted Encumbrances; provided, however,
that such policy shall have deleted any exceptions regarding restrictions or be limited to
restrictions that are Permitted Encumbrances, any standard exceptions pertaining to discrepancies,
conflicts or shortages in area shall be deleted except for “shortages in area”, and any standard
exceptions for taxes shall be limited to subsequent years.

          (i) Survey. Buyer shall have received an ALTA/ACSM survey prepared by a licensed
surveyor approved by Buyer and acceptable to the Title Company, with respect to each parcel of the
Real Property and the Sun City Home, which survey shall comply with any applicable standards under
California law, be properly certified to Buyer and its successors and/or assigns and the Title
Company, be sufficient for Title Company to delete any survey exception contained in the owner’s
policy of title insurance referred to in Section 8.2(h), and otherwise be in form and content
acceptable to Buyer.

          (j) Lien Releases. The holders of any Encumbrances against any of the assets, rights
and properties of the Businesses and/or Real Property shall have executed and delivered written
releases of such Encumbrances, all in recordable form and otherwise acceptable to Buyer or the
Title Company.

          (k) Other Management Arrangements. Seller shall have identified to Buyer such
personnel of the Businesses as may be key to the continued effective management and operation of
the Businesses after the Closing, and Buyer shall have entered into mutually satisfactory
arrangements regarding the continued employment of such personnel at the Businesses following the
Closing.

          (l) Closing Deliveries. Buyer shall have received the documents referred to in
Section 3.5.

     8.3 Conditions to the Company’s or Seller’s Obligation to Close. Each of Seller’s and the Company’s obligation to effect the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement shall be subject to the satisfaction or waiver on or prior to the Closing Date of
all of the following conditions (it being understood and agreed that no such waiver of any
condition set forth herein shall constitute a waiver of any rights or remedies that Buyer may have
under this Agreement with respect to the facts and circumstances giving rise to the failure of such
condition to be satisfied):

          (a) Representations and Warranties True. Each of the representations and warranties
of Buyer contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct, as of the Closing Date (except to
the extent such representation and warranty speaks as of an earlier date), as though made on and as
of the Closing Date, except where the failure to be so true and correct would not, individually or
in the aggregate, have or be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Buyer’s ability
to effect the transactions contemplated herein.

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          (b) Covenants. The covenants and agreements of Buyer to be performed on or prior to
the Closing Date in accordance with this Agreement shall have been duly performed in all material
respects.

          (c) Certificate of Officer. Seller and the Company shall have received a certificate
dated the Closing Date and executed on behalf of Buyer, certifying as to the matters specified in

Sections 8.3(a) and 8.3(b).

          (d) Closing Deliveries. Each of Seller and the Company shall have received the
payment and the documents referred to in 

Section 3.5(a)(i).

          (e) Approval by Counsel. All actions, proceedings, instruments and documents required
to carry out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or incidental thereto and all other
related legal matters shall have been approved by counsel for Seller, and such counsel shall have
been furnished with such certified copies of actions and proceedings and other instruments and
documents as they shall have reasonably requested.

ARTICLE IX.

TERMINATION

     9.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated prior to the Closing Date only, and then only by any of
the following:

          (a) by written agreement of Seller and Buyer;

          (b) at the election of Buyer if any condition set forth in Sections 8.1 and 8.2 (other than
Sections 8.2(d) and 8.2(g)) becomes incapable of fulfillment and is not waived by Buyer, unless the
failure of the Closing to occur shall be due to the failure of Buyer to perform or observe the
covenants and agreements of Buyer set forth herein; provided, however, that any
such condition relating to a breach or a failure to perform a representation, warranty, covenant or
other agreement prior to the Closing Date shall be a cause for termination of this Agreement only
if such breach or failure cannot be or has not been cured within 30 days after the giving of
written notice of such breach or failure to Seller, such notice to be given promptly after Buyer
becomes aware of such breach or failure;

          (c) at the election of Seller if any condition set forth in Sections 8.1 and 8.3 becomes
incapable of fulfillment and is not waived by Seller, unless the failure of the Closing to occur
shall be due to the failure of Seller to perform or observe the covenants and agreements of Seller
set forth herein; provided, however, that any such condition relating to a breach
or a failure to perform a representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement prior to the
Closing Date shall be a cause for termination of this Agreement only if such breach or failure
cannot be or has not been cured within 30 days after the giving of written notice of such breach or
failure to Buyer, such notice to be given promptly after Seller becomes aware of such breach or
failure;

          (d) under the circumstances described in Section 8.2(d) or 8.2(g); or

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          (e) at the election of Seller or Buyer, if the Closing shall have not occurred by the earlier
of November 15, 2007 (the “Outside Closing Date”) (other than as a result of a breach of this
Agreement by the Party seeking termination).

     9.2 Effect of Termination. Upon termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1, no Party, or its shareholders,
directors, officers and employees shall thereafter have any further liability or obligation
hereunder; provided, however, that such termination shall not relieve (a) any Party of any
liability for any breach of this Agreement prior to the date of such termination; and (b) the
obligations of the Parties set forth in Sections 11.1, 11.2, 11.11 and 11.13 and such Sections
11.1, 11.2, 11.11 and 11.13 shall not be affected by a termination or abandonment of this
Agreement.

ARTICLE X.

INDEMNIFICATION

     10.1 Indemnification by the Company and Seller.

          (a) General. Subject to the express provisions of this Article X, the Company and
Seller jointly and severally shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Buyer, its Affiliates and
the respective officers, directors, employees and agents of Buyer and its Affiliates (collectively,
the “Buyer Indemnified Parties”) from and against all Losses incurred or suffered by a Buyer
Indemnified Party, arising from or related to:

               (i) any inaccuracy or breach of any representation or warranty made by Seller or the Company
in this Agreement, any Schedule to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement;

               (ii) any breach by Seller or the Company of any of its covenants, obligations or agreements
contained in this Agreement; and

               (iii) any Excluded Liability.

          (b) Certain Limitations.

               (i) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, for purposes of this Section 10.1, (A) a
breach of a representation or warranty shall be deemed to exist either if such representation or
warranty is actually inaccurate or breached or would have been inaccurate or breached if such
representation or warranty had not contained any limitation or qualification as to materiality,
Material Adverse Effect or similar language, and (B) the amount of Losses in respect of any breach
of a representation or warranty, including any deemed breach resulting from the application of
clause (A), shall be determined as if such representation and warranty had not contained any
limitation or qualification as to materiality, Material Adverse Effect or similar language set
forth in such representation or warranty.

               (ii) The representations and warranties of Seller and the Company contained in this Agreement
shall survive the Closing until the first anniversary of the Closing Date; provided, however, that
(A) the representations and warranties made pursuant to Sections

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4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.19, 4.20 and 4.23 shall survive indefinitely and (B) the representations and
warranties made pursuant to Section 4.8 shall survive until 60 days after the expiration of the
relevant statute of limitations, including any extension thereof, for the assessment or collection
of any Tax. Neither the period of survival nor the liability of Seller with respect to Seller’s
representations and warranties shall be reduced by any investigation made at any time by or on
behalf of Buyer. If written notice of a claim, which sets forth the facts that Buyer believes, in
good faith, constitute a reasonable basis for indemnification, has been given prior to the
expiration of the applicable representations and warranties by Buyer to Seller or the Company, then
the relevant representations and warranties shall survive as to such claim, until such claim has
been finally resolved.

               (iii) No indemnification pursuant to Section 10.1(a)(i) shall be required with respect to any
individual Loss of Buyer, unless the aggregate of all Losses of Buyer described in Section
10.1(a)(i) with respect to of this Agreement shall exceed $25,000.00, in which case Seller shall be
liable only for the Losses in excess of $25,000.00.

               (iv) Except in the case of actual fraud, the maximum aggregate amount of Losses against which
Buyer shall be entitled to be indemnified under (A) Section 10.1(a)(i) with respect to all claims
thereunder (other than with respect to claims for breach of a representation or warranty (x) that
pursuant to Section 10.1(b)(ii) survive the Closing indefinitely and (y) in Section 4.8) shall be
equal to 10% of the Purchase Price and (B) Section 10.1(a)(i) with respect to all claims for
breaches of representation and warranty (x) that pursuant to Section 10.1(b)(ii) survive the
Closing indefinitely and (y) in Section 4.8, shall be equal to the Purchase Price.

               (v) For purposes of this Article X, all Losses shall be computed net of any insurance coverage
with respect thereto; provided, however, that, in all cases, the timing of the receipt or
realization of insurance proceeds shall be taken into account in determining the amount of
reduction of Losses. If the Indemnified Party elects to do so, the costs and expenses (including
reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) reasonably incurred by the Indemnified Parties in
pursuing any insurance proceeds or indemnity, contribution or other similar payment from any
insurer shall reduce the total amount of insurance coverage received in connection with such
Losses, except to the extent such costs and expenses are paid or reimbursed by such insurer or
other third party.

     10.2 Indemnification by Buyer. Subject to the express provisions of this Article X, Buyer shall indemnify and hold
harmless Seller, the Company and their respective Affiliates, and the respective officers,
directors, employees and agents of Seller, the Company and their respective Affiliates
(collectively, the “Seller Indemnified Parties”) from and against all Losses incurred or suffered
by a Seller Indemnified Party arising from or related to:

          (a) any inaccuracy or breach of any representation or warranty made by Buyer in this
Agreement, any Schedule to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement;

          (b) any breach by Buyer of any of its covenants, obligations and agreements contained in this
Agreement; and

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          (c) any Assumed Liabilities.

     10.3 Procedures for Indemnification. The Buyer Indemnified Parties or Seller Indemnified Parties, as the case may be, making a
claim for indemnification under Section 10.1 or Section 10.2 shall be, for the purposes of this
Agreement, referred to as the “Indemnified Party” and the Party or Parties against whom such claims
are asserted under this Article X shall be, for the purposes of this Agreement, referred to as the
"Indemnifying Party.” All claims by any Indemnified Party under this Article X shall be asserted
and resolved as follows:

          (a) Notice. In the event that (i) any Claim is asserted or instituted by any person
other than Buyer, the Company or Seller or their respective Affiliates that could give rise to
Losses for which an Indemnifying Party could be liable to an Indemnified Party under this Agreement
(such claim, demand or proceeding, a “Third Party Claim”) or (ii) any Indemnified Party under this
Agreement shall have a claim to be indemnified by any Indemnifying Party under this Agreement that
does not involve a Third Party Claim (such claim, a “Direct Claim”), the Indemnified Party shall
promptly send to the Indemnifying Party a written notice specifying the nature of such claim,
demand or proceeding and the amount or estimated amount thereof if known (which amount or estimated
amount shall not be conclusive of the final amount, if any, of such claim, demand or proceeding) (a
"Claim Notice”); provided, however, that the failure to provide such notice shall
not release the Indemnifying Party from any of its obligations under this Article X except to the
extent that the Indemnifying Party is materially prejudiced by such failure. In the event of a
Direct Claim, the Indemnifying Party shall notify the Indemnified Party within 60 Business Days of
receipt of a Claim Notice whether or not the Indemnifying Party disputes such claim.

          (b) Right to Contest Third Party Claims. In the event of a Third Party Claim, if the
Indemnifying Party acknowledges in writing its obligations to indemnify the Indemnified Party
hereunder against any Losses that may result from such Third Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party
shall be entitled to appoint counsel of the Indemnifying Party’s choice at the expense of the
Indemnifying Party to represent the Indemnified Party and any others the Indemnifying Party may
reasonably designate in connection with such claim, demand or proceeding (in which case the
Indemnifying Party shall not thereafter be responsible for the fees and expenses of any separate
counsel retained by any Indemnified Party except as set forth below). Notwithstanding an
Indemnifying Party’s election to appoint counsel to represent an Indemnified Party in connection
with a Third Party Claim, an Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel, and
the Indemnifying Party shall bear the reasonable fees, costs and expenses of such separate counsel
if (i) the Indemnified Party reasonably believes that there exists a conflict of interest that,
under applicable principles of legal ethics, could prohibit a single legal counsel from
representing both the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party in such claim, demand or
proceeding or (ii) the Indemnifying Party has failed or is failing to prosecute or defend
vigorously such claim, demand or proceeding. If requested by the Indemnifying Party, the
Indemnified Party agrees to cooperate with the Indemnifying Party and its counsel in contesting any
claim, demand or proceeding which the Indemnifying Party defends, or, if appropriate and related to
the claim, demand or proceeding in question, in making any counterclaim against the Person
asserting the Third Party Claim, or any cross-complaint against any Person.

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          (c) Settlement. No Third Party Claim may be settled or compromised (i) by the
Indemnified Party without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party, which consent shall
not be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed, or (ii) by the Indemnifying Party without the
prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably
conditioned, withheld or delayed; provided that if the Indemnifying Party submits to the
Indemnified Party a bona fide settlement offer from a third party claimant of any Third Party Claim
(which settlement offer will include as an unconditional term of it the full and unconditional
release by the claimant or the plaintiff to the Indemnified Party from all liability in respect of
such claim) and the Indemnified Party refuses to consent to such settlement, then thereafter the
Indemnifying Party’s liability to the Indemnified Party with respect to such Third Party Claim will
not exceed the settlement amount included in such bona fide settlement offer, and the Indemnified
Party will either assume control and responsibility for the payment of the defense of such Third
Party Claim or pay the attorneys’ fees and other out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by the
Indemnifying Party thereafter in continuing the defense of such Third Party Claim. In the event
any Indemnified Party settles or compromises or consents to the entry of any judgment with respect
to any Third Party Claim without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party, such
Indemnified Party shall be deemed to have waived all rights against the Indemnifying Party for
indemnification under this Article X with respect to such Third Party Claim.

ARTICLE XI.

GENERAL

     11.1 Press Releases and Announcements. Any public announcement, including any announcement to employees, customers or suppliers
and others having dealings with the Businesses, or similar publicity with respect to this Agreement
or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, will be issued, if at all, at such time and in
such manner as Buyer determines and approves. Buyer will have the right to be present for any
in-person announcement. Unless consented to by Buyer or required by Law, each of the Company and
Seller shall keep this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement confidential.

     11.2 Expenses. Except as otherwise expressly provided for in this Agreement, the Company and Seller, on
the one hand, and Buyer, on the other hand, will each pay all expenses incurred by each of them in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including legal, accounting,
investment banking and consulting fees and expenses incurred in negotiating, executing and
delivering this Agreement and the other agreements, exhibits, documents and instruments
contemplated by this Agreement (whether the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are
consummated or not).

     11.3 Amendment and Waiver. This Agreement may not be amended, nor may any provision of this Agreement or any default,
misrepresentation, or breach of warranty or agreement under this Agreement be waived, except in
writing executed by the party against which such amendment or waiver is sought to be enforced.
Neither the failure nor any delay by any Person in exercising any right, power or privilege under
this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, power or privilege, and no single or partial
exercise of any such right, power or privilege will preclude any other or further exercise of such
right, power or privilege or

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the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. In addition, no course of dealing
between or among any Persons having any interest in this Agreement will be deemed effective to
modify or amend any part of this Agreement or any rights or obligations of any Person under or by
reason of this Agreement. The rights and remedies of the parties to this Agreement are cumulative
and not alternative.

     11.4 Notices. All notices, demands and other communications to be given or delivered under or by reason
of the provisions of this Agreement will be in writing and will be deemed to have been given (a)
when delivered, if personally delivered by hand (with written confirmation of receipt), (b) when
received, if sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier service (receipt requested), (c)
five Business Days after being mailed, if sent by first class mail, return receipt requested, or
(d) when receipt is acknowledged by an affirmative act of the Party receiving notice, if sent by
facsimile, telecopy or other electronic transmission device (provided that such an acknowledgement
does not include an acknowledgment generated automatically by a facsimile or telecopy machine or
other electronic transmission device). Notices, demands and communications to Buyer, the Company
and Seller will, unless another address is specified in writing, be sent to the address indicated
below:

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               If to Buyer:

Carriage Funeral Services of California, Inc.

3040 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 300

Houston, Texas 77056

Attention: VP of Corporate Development

Facsimile No. (713) 332-8401

               With a copy to:

Greenberg Traurig, LLP

1000 Louisiana, Suite 1800

Houston, TX 77002

Attn: William Sultemeier

Facsimile No: (713) 374-3505

               If to Seller and the Company:

27010 Encanto Drive

Sun City, California 92585

Attn: Thaddeus M. Luyben, Sr.

Facsimile No.: (949) 476-9320

               With a copy to:

Stephens & Kray

5000 Birch Street, Suite 400

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Attn: Lon T. Stephens

Facsimile No.: (949) 476-9320

     11.5 Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder may be
assigned by any Party without the prior written consent of the other Parties to this Agreement,
except that Buyer may assign any of its rights under this Agreement to any of its Affiliates.
Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement and all of the provisions of this Agreement will be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties to this Agreement and their respective
successors and permitted assigns.

     11.6 No Third Party Beneficiaries. Nothing expressed or referred to in this Agreement confers any rights or remedies upon any
Person that is not a Party or permitted assign of a Party.

     11.7 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to
be effective and valid under applicable Law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be
prohibited by or invalid under applicable Law, such provision will be ineffective only to the
extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or
the remaining provisions of this Agreement.

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     11.8 Complete Agreement. This Agreement and when executed and delivered the Ancillary Agreements, the Luyben Sr.
Consulting Agreement and the Luyben Sr. Assignment Agreement, contain the complete agreement
between the Parties and supersede any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or
between the Parties, written or oral.

     11.9 Schedules. The Seller Disclosure Schedule contains a series of schedules corresponding to the sections
contained in Article IV. The schedules in the Seller Disclosure Schedule relate only to the
representations and warranties in the section and subsection of this Agreement to which they
correspond and not to any other representation or warranty in this Agreement. In the event of any
inconsistency between the statements in this Agreement and statements in the Seller Disclosure
Schedule, the statements in this Agreement will control and the statements in the Seller Disclosure
Schedule will be disregarded.

     11.10 Signatures; Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, any one of which need not
contain the signatures of more than one Party, but all such counterparts taken together will
constitute one and the same instrument. A facsimile signature will be considered an original
signature.

     11.11 GOVERNING LAW. THE DOMESTIC LAW, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS AND PRINCIPLES, OF THE STATE OF
CALIFORNIA WILL GOVERN ALL QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE CONSTRUCTION, VALIDITY AND INTERPRETATION OF
THIS AGREEMENT AND THE PERFORMANCE OF THE OBLIGATIONS IMPOSED BY THIS AGREEMENT.

     11.12 Specific Performance. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that the subject matter of this Agreement,
including the assets and properties of the Businesses and the Real Property, is unique, that the
other Party would be damaged irreparably in the event any of the provisions of this Agreement are
not performed in accordance with their specific terms or otherwise are breached, and that the
remedies at Law would not be adequate to compensate such other Parties not in default or in breach.
Accordingly, each of the Parties agrees that the other Party will be entitled to an injunction or
injunctions to prevent breaches of the provisions of this Agreement and to enforce specifically
this Agreement and the terms and provisions of this Agreement in addition to any other remedy to
which they may be entitled, at Law or in equity. The Parties waive any defense that a remedy at
Law is adequate and any requirement to post bond or provide similar security in connection with
actions instituted for injunctive relief or specific performance of this Agreement.

     11.13 Dispute Resolution.

          (a) Every controversy, Claim, or dispute arising from or relating to this Agreement
(“Dispute”) shall be resolved in accordance with this Section 11.13. The Parties will attempt in
good faith to resolve promptly any Dispute by negotiations between Seller and an officer of Buyer.
If the Parties so agree, such individuals may be assisted by a mediator supplied by the American
Arbitration Association (“AAA”), and the costs and fees of the mediation will be borne equally by
the Parties. If the Dispute is not resolved within 30 days of a Party’s written request for
negotiation, either Party may initiate arbitration as hereinafter provided.

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          (b) A Party initiating arbitration shall file a demand in accordance with the Commercial
Arbitration Rules of the AAA then in effect, except as modified herein (the “Rules”). The
arbitration shall be held, and the award shall be rendered, in Boston, Massachusetts, in the
English language. There shall be three arbitrators, one of whom shall be nominated by each Party
in accordance with the Rules. The two Party-appointed arbitrators shall have 30 days from the
confirmation of the nomination of the second arbitrator by the AAA to agree on the nomination of a
third arbitrator, who will act as Chairman of the Arbitral Tribunal. If the two arbitrators fail
to reach an agreement on the third arbitrator within 30 days of their confirmation by the AAA, the
Manager of the AAA for its offices located in Boston, Massachusetts shall appoint the third
arbitrator, who will act as the Chairman of the Arbitral Tribunal. The Parties shall use their
best efforts to conclude any arbitral proceeding within 180 days from the date that the last
arbitrator accepts his or her appointment; provided that if the arbitral award is not issued within
such 180 days, then the arbitration proceeding shall continue until an award is made. Each Party
shall bear its own costs and attorneys’ fees arising out of the arbitration, except under
circumstances in which such costs and fees are otherwise recoverable under applicable law and
awarded by the arbitrators. Each Party shall be solely responsible for any filing fees which that
Party owes to the AAA on account of any claims and/or counterclaims asserted by such Party during
the proceedings. Each Party agrees that any award rendered by the arbitrators shall be final,
conclusive and binding on the Parties (including their Affiliates and third parties joined in such
arbitration) and may be entered and enforced by any court of competent jurisdiction.

     11.14 Construction. The Parties and their respective counsel have participated jointly in the negotiation and
drafting of this Agreement. In addition, each of the Parties acknowledges that it is sophisticated
and has been advised by experienced counsel and, to the extent it deemed necessary, other advisors
in connection with the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or
question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement will be construed as if drafted jointly
by the Parties and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any Party
by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement. The Parties intend that
each representation, warranty and agreement contained in this Agreement will have independent
significance. If any Party has breached any representation, warranty or agreement in any respect,
the fact that there exists another representation, warranty or agreement relating to the same
subject matter (regardless of the relative levels of specificity) that the Party has not breached
will not detract from or mitigate the fact that the Party is in breach of the first representation,
warranty or agreement. Any reference to any Law will be deemed to refer to all rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder, unless the context requires otherwise.

45

 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company, Buyer and Seller have executed this Asset Purchase
Agreement as of the date first above written.

	 	 	 	 	 
	BUYER:

	 	THE COMPANY:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	CARRIAGE FUNERAL SERVICES OF CALIFORNIA, INC.

	 	THADDEUS ENTERPRISES	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	By:
/s/ Kevin P. Musico

	 	By: /s/ Thaddeus Luyben, Sr.	 	 
	 

Name: Kevin P. Musico

	 	 

Name: Thaddeus Luyben, Sr.
	 	 
	Title: Vice President

	 	Title: President	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	SELLER:
	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	By: /s/ Thaddeus M. Luyben, Sr.
	 	 	 	 
	 

Thaddeus M. Luyben, Sr.

	 	 	 	 

Signature
Page to Thaddeus Asset Purchase Agreement

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