Document:

exv10w20

 

Exhibit 10.20

SERIES A PREFERRED SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is dated as of the 7th day of October, 2006

AMONG:

NACG HOLDINGS INC., a corporation incorporated under the laws of Canada
(“Holdings”)

AND:

NACG PREFERRED CORP., a corporation incorporated under the laws of Canada
(“Preferred Corp.”)

AND:

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP INC., a corporation incorporated under the
laws of Alberta (“Guarantor”)

AND:

NORAMA LTD., a corporation incorporated under the laws of Alberta (“Norama”)

WHEREAS:

A. Norama owns 35,000 Series A Preferred Shares (the “Purchased Shares”) in the capital of
Preferred Corp.;

B. Norama wishes to sell and Holdings wishes to purchase the Purchased Shares on the terms and
conditions set out in this Agreement (the “Transaction”);

C. the Guarantor has agreed to guarantee the payment obligations of Holdings under the Promissory
Note;

     NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, and
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged
by each of the parties to this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:

	1.	 	Interpretation

	1.1	 	The division of this Agreement into sections and other portions and the insertion of headings
are for convenience of reference only and should not affect the construction or interpretation
of this agreement. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to a “section” followed by a
number and/or a letter refer to the specified section of this Agreement. The terms “this
Agreement”, “hereof”, “herein” and “hereunder” and similar expressions refer to this Agreement
and not to any particular section or other portion of this Agreement and include any agreement
or instrument supplementary or ancillary to this Agreement or entered into or provided in
accordance with this Agreement.

 

 

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	1.2	 	Words importing the singular number only shall include the plural and vice versa. Words
importing gender shall include all genders. Where the word “including” or “includes” is used
in this Agreement it means “including without limitation” or “includes without limitation”,
respectively. Any reference to any document shall include a reference to any schedule,
amendment or supplement thereto or any agreement in replacement thereof, all as permitted
under such document.

	1.3	 	Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the following
meanings:

	 	(a)	 	"Claim” means any suit, action, dispute, investigation, claim, arbitration,
order, summons, citation, directive, ticket, charge, demand or prosecution, whether
legal or administrative; any other proceeding; or any appeal or application for review;
in each case at law or in equity before or by any governmental authority, court, or
regulatory body;
	 
	 	(b)	 	"Closing” means the completion of the Transaction;
	 
	 	(c)	 	"Credit Agreement” means the First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated
as of July 19, 2006 among NAEP, as borrower, the lenders party thereto, and BNP Paribas
(Canada), as administrative agent and collateral agent;
	 
	 	(d)	 	"Effective Time” means immediately prior to the amalgamation of Holdings,
Preferred Corp. and NAEP;
	 
	 	(e)	 	"Encumbrance” means any encumbrance, lien, charge, hypothec, pledge, mortgage,
title retention agreement, security interest of any nature, adverse claim, exception,
reservation, easement, right of occupation, option, right of pre-emption, privilege or
any matter capable of registration against title or any contract or agreement (written
or oral) to create any of the foregoing;
	 
	 	(f)	 	"Gouin Action” means Action No. 050302298 commenced in the Court of Queen’s
Bench of Alberta by Renée Gouin and Elaine Busch as plantiffs pursuant to a Statement
of Claim filed February 4, 2005;
	 
	 	(g)	 	“Gouin Guarantees” means the separate guarantees of each of Martin Gouin and
Roger Gouin in respect of certain liabilities of Norama under this Agreement in the
form of the guarantee attached hereto as Exhibit 7;
	 
	 	(h)	 	"Guarantee” means the guarantee of the Guarantor in respect of the payment
obligations of Holdings under the Promissory Note in the form of the guarantee attached
hereto as Exhibit 2;
	 
	 	(i)	 	"Holdings Shares” means shares of Holdings or of the continuing entity formed
upon the amalgamation of Holdings, Preferred Corp. and NAEP;
	 
	 	(j)	 	"IPO” means the initial public offering of Holdings Shares contemplated by (i)
the preliminary prospectus of Holdings dated July 21, 2006 and filed with the

 

 

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securities regulatory authorities in each of the Provinces and Territories of
Canada; or (ii) the registration statement dated July 21, 2006 and filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission in the United States, in each case as it may be
amended or replaced;

	 	(k)	 	"Losses” means, in respect of any matter, all Claims, demands, losses, damages,
liabilities, deficiencies, costs and expenses (including all legal and other
professional fees and disbursements, interest, penalties and amounts paid in
settlement) arising as a consequence of that matter.
	 
	 	(l)	 	"NAEP” means North American Energy Partners Inc., a corporation incorporated
under the laws of Canada;
	 
	 	(m)	 	"Original Purchase Agreement” means the Purchase Agreement dated October 31,
2003 entered into among Norama, North American Equipment Ltd., Martin Gouin, Roger
Gouin, Preferred Corp. and NACG Acquisition Inc.;
	 
	 	(n)	 	"Preferred Corp. Documents” means the corporate articles of Preferred Corp. and
the Preferred Corp. Shareholders Agreement;
	 
	 	(o)	 	"Preferred Corp. Shareholders Agreement” means the Shareholders Agreement -
Preferred Shares in respect of Preferred Corp. dated November 26, 2003;
	 
	 	(p)	 	"Promissory Note” means an interest free, demand promissory note in the
principal amount of $27,000,000 in favour of Norama, in the form of the promissory note
attached hereto as Exhibit 1;
	 
	 	(q)	 	"Purchase Price” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.2;
	 
	 	(r)	 	"Purchased Shares” has the meaning given to such term in the Recitals; and
	 
	 	(s)	 	"Transaction” has the meaning given to such term in the Recitals.

	2.	 	Purchase and Sale

	2.1	 	Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the Effective Time, Norama shall
sell to Holdings and Holdings shall purchase from Norama, all of the Purchased Shares, free
and clear of all Encumbrances.

	2.2	 	The aggregate purchase price (the “Purchase Price”) to be paid by Holdings to Norama for the
Purchased Shares shall be $27,000,000.

	2.3	 	Holdings shall pay and satisfy the Purchase Price by the delivery of the Promissory Note
together with the Guarantee.

 

 

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	2.4	 	Immediately upon the completion of the IPO, Norama shall present to Holdings the Promissory
Note and Holdings shall pay in full the Promissory Note upon which the Promissory Note shall
be cancelled and the Guarantee shall terminate.

	3.	 	Closing

	3.1	 	Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set out in Section 4, the Closing
shall take place at the Effective Time at the offices of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP in Toronto,
Ontario, or at such other place as may be agreed to by Holdings and Norama.

	3.2	 	At the Closing, Norama shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Holdings the following:

	 	(a)	 	a certificate or certificates representing the Purchased Shares, accompanied by
a stock transfer power duly executed in blank or duly executed instrument of transfer,
and all such other assurances, consents and other documents as Holdings may request to
effectively transfer to Holdings title to the Purchased Shares free and clear of all
Encumbrances;
	 
	 	(b)	 	a written resignation of Martin Gouin as a director of Holdings, Preferred
Corp., NAEP and any subsidiary of NAEP in respect of which Martin Gouin acts as a
director effective as of the Closing, together with a release by Martin Gouin in the
form attached as Exhibit 3;
	 
	 	(c)	 	in respect of Norama:

	 	(i)	 	a certificate of status;
	 
	 	(ii)	 	a certificate of incumbency; and
	 
	 	(iii)	 	a copy, certified by one of its senior officers, of the resolutions of the board of
directors and (if required by applicable law) shareholders of Norama authorizing the
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and of all contracts, agreements,
instruments, certificates and other documents required by this Agreement to be delivered by
Norama;

	 	(d)	 	a certificate of Norama in respect of its representations and warranties set
out in Section 5.1 in the form of Exhibit 4; and
	 
	 	(e)	 	the Gouin Guarantees.

	3.3	 	At the Closing, Holdings shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Norama the following:

	 	(a)	 	the Promissory Note;
	 
	 	(b)	 	the Guarantee;
	 
	 	(c)	 	a receipt for the certificate or certificates representing the Purchased
Shares;

 

 

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	 	(d)	 	a release by Holdings, Preferred Corp., NAEP and any subsidiary of NAEP in
respect of which Martin Gouin acts as a director in the form attached as Exhibit 4;
	 
	 	(e)	 	in respect of each of Holdings, Preferred Corp. and the Guarantor:

	 	(i)	 	a certificate of status;
	 
	 	(ii)	 	a certificate of incumbency; and
	 
	 	(iii)	 	a copy, certified by one of its senior officers, of the resolutions of the board of
directors and (if required by applicable law) shareholders of each of Holdings, Preferred
Corp. and the Guarantor authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
and of all contracts, agreements, instruments, certificates and other documents required by
this Agreement to be delivered by Holdings, Preferred Corp. and the Guarantor;

	 	(f)	 	a certificate of each of Holdings, Preferred Corp. and the Guarantor in respect
of their representations and warranties set out in Section 5.2 in the form of Exhibit
6; and
	 
	 	(g)	 	the certificate of Holdings contemplated by Section 4.1(c).

	4.	 	Closing Conditions

	4.1	 	Holdings shall be obliged to complete the Transaction only if each of the following
conditions precedent has been satisfied in full or waived by Holdings at or before the
Effective Time (each of which conditions precedent is acknowledged to be for the exclusive
benefit of Holdings):

	 	(a)	 	all of the representations and warranties of Norama made in this Agreement
shall be true and correct as at the Effective Time with the same effect as if made at
and as of the Effective Time;
	 
	 	(b)	 	Norama shall have complied with or performed all of the obligations, covenants
and agreements under this Agreement to be complied with or performed by it at or before
the Effective Time, including Norama’s Closing deliveries specified in Section 3.2;
	 
	 	(c)	 	the Vice-President, Corporate of Holdings, acting reasonably, is satisfied that
the completion of the IPO will occur on the same date as the Effective Time, such
belief to be evidenced by a certificate delivered to the parties to such effect; and
	 
	 	(d)	 	the consent of the lenders under the Credit Agreement to the Transaction shall
have been obtained.

	4.2	 	Norama shall be obliged to complete the Transaction only if each of the following conditions
precedent has been satisfied in full or waived by Norama at or before the

 

 

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Effective Time (each of which conditions precedent is acknowledged to be for the exclusive
benefit of Norama):

	 	(a)	 	all of the representations and warranties of Holdings made in this Agreement
shall be true and correct as at the Effective Time with the same effect as if made at
and as of the Effective Time;
	 
	 	(b)	 	Holdings shall have complied with or performed all of the obligations,
covenants and agreements under this Agreement to be complied with or performed by it at
or before the Effective Time, including the Holdings’ Closing deliveries specified in
Section 3.3;
	 
	 	(c)	 	the Vice-President, Corporate of Holdings, acting reasonably, is satisfied that
the completion of the IPO will occur on the same date as the Effective Time or another
transaction will occur on the same date as the Effective Time which transaction would
provide Holdings sufficient funds to repay the Promissory Note, such belief to be
evidenced by a certificate delivered to the parties to such effect; and
	 
	 	(d)	 	the consent of the lenders under the Credit Agreement to the Transaction shall
have been obtained.

	5.	 	Representations and Warranties
	 
	5.1	 	Norama represents and warrants to Holdings as follows and acknowledges that Holdings is
relying on these representations and warranties in connection with its purchase of the
Purchased Shares and that Holdings would not purchase the Purchased Shares without these
representations and warranties:

	 	(a)	 	It is a corporation duly incorporated and organized, and is validly subsisting
in and up-to-date in the filing of all corporate and similar returns under, the laws of
Alberta.
	 
	 	(b)	 	It has all necessary corporate power and authority to own or lease or dispose
of its undertakings, property and assets (including the Purchased Shares), to enter
into this Agreement and the contracts, agreements and instruments required by this
Agreement to be delivered by it, and to perform its obligations hereunder and
thereunder.
	 
	 	(c)	 	All necessary corporate action has been taken by it or on its part to authorize
its execution and delivery of this Agreement and the contracts, agreements and
instruments required by this Agreement to be delivered by it and the performance of its
obligations hereunder and thereunder.
	 
	 	(d)	 	This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by it and (assuming due
execution and delivery by the other parties) is a legal, valid and binding obligation
of it enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as that enforcement
may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting

 

 

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the rights of creditors generally and except that equitable remedies may be granted
only in the discretion of a court of competent jurisdiction. Each of the contracts,
agreements and instruments required by this Agreement to be delivered by it will at
the Effective Time have been duly executed and delivered by it and (assuming due
execution and delivery by the other parties thereto) will be enforceable against it
in accordance with its terms, except as that enforcement may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights of creditors generally
and except that equitable remedies may be granted only in the discretion of a court
of competent jurisdiction.

	 	(e)	 	It is the registered and beneficial owner of the Purchased Shares, with good
and marketable title thereto, free and clear of all Encumbrances, except such
Encumbrances as may exist under the Preferred Corp. Documents, and has the exclusive
right to dispose of the Purchased Shares as provided in this Agreement. Except as may
be contained in the Preferred Corp. Documents, none of the Purchased Shares is subject
to (i) any contract (written or oral) or restriction which in any way limits or
restricts the transfer to Holdings of the Purchased Shares, or (ii) any voting trust,
pooling agreement, shareholder agreement, voting agreement or other contract (written
or oral), arrangement or understanding with respect to the voting of the Preferred
Shares (or any of them). On completion of the Transaction, it will have no ownership
interest in Preferred Corp., whether direct or indirect, actual or contingent, and
Holdings shall have good title to the Preferred Shares, free and clear of all
Encumbrances other than Encumbrances under the Preferred Corp. Documents and
Encumbrances granted by Holdings.
	 
	 	(f)	 	Except as may be contained in the Preferred Corp. Documents, no person other
than Holdings has any contract (written or oral) or any right or privilege (whether by
law, pre-emptive or contractual) capable of becoming a contract or agreement for the
purchase or acquisition from Norama of any of the Purchased Shares.
	 
	 	(g)	 	It is not an insolvent person within the meaning of the Bankruptcy and
Insolvency Act (Canada) and has not made an assignment in favour of its creditors or a
proposal in bankruptcy to its creditors or any class thereof, and no petition for a
receiving order has been presented in respect of it. It has not initiated proceedings
with respect to a compromise or arrangement with its creditors or for its winding up,
liquidation or dissolution. No receiver or interim receiver has been appointed in
respect of it or any of its undertakings, property or assets (including the Purchased
Shares) and no execution or distress has been levied on any of its undertakings,
property or assets (including the Purchased Shares), nor have any proceedings been
commenced in connection with any of the foregoing.
	 
	 	(h)	 	Except as may be contained in the Preferred Corp. Documents, the execution,
delivery and performance by it of this Agreement and the completion of the Transaction
will not (whether after the passage of time or notice or both) result in:

	 	(i)	 	the breach or violation of any of the provisions of, or constitute a default under, or
conflict with or cause the acceleration of, any of its obligations, under:

 

 

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	 	A.	 	any contract (written or oral) to which it is a
party or by which any of its undertakings, property or assets is bound
or affected;
	 
	 	B.	 	any provision of its articles of incorporation
or by-laws or resolutions of its board of directors (or any committee
thereof) or shareholders; or
	 
	 	C.	 	any applicable law; or

	 	(ii)	 	the creation or imposition of any Encumbrance on any of the Purchased Shares; or
	 
	 	(iii)	 	the requirement of any approval or consent from any of its creditors.

	 	(i)	 	Except for the Gouin Action, there are no Claims (whether or not purportedly on
its behalf) pending or outstanding or, to its knowledge, threatened against it which
could affect the Purchased Shares or its ability to perform its obligations under this
Agreement. To its knowledge there is not any factual or legal basis on which any other
Claim might be commenced with any reasonable likelihood of success.
	 
	 	(j)	 	It is not a non-resident of Canada for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

	5.2	 	Each of Holdings, Preferred Corp. and the Guarantor represents and warrants to Norama as
follows and acknowledges that Norama is relying on these representations and warranties in
connection with the sale by Norama of the Purchased Shares:

	 	(a)	 	It is a corporation duly incorporated and organized, is validly subsisting in
and up-to-date in the filing of all corporate and similar returns under, the laws of
its jurisdiction of incorporation.
	 
	 	(b)	 	Holdings has all necessary corporate power and authority to acquire the
Purchased Shares, to enter into this Agreement and the contracts, agreements and
instruments required by this Agreement to be delivered by it (including the Promissory
Note), and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder.
	 
	 	(c)	 	Each of Preferred Corp. and the Guarantor have all necessary corporate power
and authority to enter into this Agreement and the contracts, agreements and
instruments required by this Agreement to be delivered by it (including the Guarantee
in the case of the Guarantor), and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder.
	 
	 	(d)	 	All necessary corporate action has been taken, or will be taken prior to
Closing, by it or on its part to authorize its execution and delivery of this Agreement
and the contracts, agreements and instruments required by this Agreement to be
delivered by it and the performance of its obligations hereunder and thereunder.
	 
	 	(e)	 	This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by it and (assuming due
execution and delivery by the other parties) is a legal, valid and binding obligation
of it enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as that

 

 

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enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the
rights of creditors generally and except that equitable remedies may be granted only
in the discretion of a court of competent jurisdiction. Each of the contracts,
agreements and instruments required by this Agreement to be delivered by it
(including the Promissory Note in the case of Holdings and the Guarantee in the case
of the Guarantor) will at the Effective Time have been duly executed and delivered
by it and (assuming due execution and delivery by the other parties thereto) will be
enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as that enforcement may
be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights of
creditors generally and except that equitable remedies may be granted only in the
discretion of a court of competent jurisdiction.

	 	(f)	 	It is not an insolvent person within the meaning of the Bankruptcy and
Insolvency Act (Canada) and has not made an assignment in favour of its creditors or a
proposal in bankruptcy to its creditors or any class thereof, and no petition for a
receiving order has been presented in respect of it. It has not initiated proceedings
with respect to a compromise or arrangement with its creditors or for its winding up,
liquidation or dissolution. No receiver or interim receiver has been appointed in
respect of it or any of its undertakings, property or assets and no execution or
distress has been levied on any of its undertakings, property or assets, nor have any
proceedings been commenced in connection with any of the foregoing.
	 
	 	(g)	 	Subject to the consent contemplated by Section 4.1(d) being obtained, the
execution, delivery and performance by it of this Agreement and the completion of the
Transaction will not (whether after the passage of time or notice or both) result in:

	 	(i)	 	the breach or violation of any of the provisions of, or constitute a default under, or
conflict with or cause the acceleration of, any of its obligations, under:

	 	A.	 	any contract (written or oral) to which it is a
party or by which any of its undertakings, property or assets is bound
or affected; or
	 
	 	B.	 	any provision of its articles or by-laws or
resolutions of its board of directors (or any committee thereof) or
shareholders; or

	 	(ii)	 	any applicable law; or
	 
	 	(iii)	 	the requirement for any approval or consent from any of its creditors.

	 	(h)	 	Except for the Gouin Action, there are no Claims (whether or not purportedly on
its behalf) pending or outstanding or, to its knowledge, threatened against it which
could affect its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement. To its
knowledge there is not any factual or legal basis on which any other such Claim might
be commenced with any reasonable likelihood of success.

	5.3	 	The representations and warranties of Norama, and, to the extent that they have not been
fully performed at or prior to the Effective Time, the covenants and other obligations of

 

 

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Norama, contained in this Agreement and in any contract, agreement, instrument, certificate
or other document executed or deliver pursuant to this Agreement shall survive Closing and
shall continue in full force and effect for a period of seven (7) years following the
Effective Time.

	5.4	 	The representations and warranties of Holdings, Preferred Corp. and the Guarantor, and, to
the extent that they have not been fully performed at or prior to the Effective Time, the
covenants and other obligations of Holdings, Preferred Corp. and the Guarantor, contained in
this Agreement and in any contract, agreement, instrument, certificate or other document
executed or delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall survive Closing and shall continue in
full force and effect for a period of seven (7) years following the Effective Time.
	 
	6.	 	Additional Acknowledgements and Representations and Indemnity
	 
	6.1	 	Norama agrees to vote the Purchased Shares in favour of any matters proposed by the board of
directors of Preferred Corp., provided that such proposed matter does not adversely affect
Norama, including by lessening any of its rights under the Preferred Corp. Documents or
hereunder.
	 
	6.2	 	Norama acknowledges and agrees that no dividends are payable by Preferred Corp. or have
accrued on the Purchased Shares from the date of issuance of such shares to the Effective
Time.
	 
	6.3	 	Effective at the Effective Time, Norama releases and forever discharges Holdings and
Preferred Corp. and all of their subsidiaries, and the officers, directors, employees and
shareholders of Holdings, Preferred Corp. and their subsidiaries from any and all actions,
causes of action, claims, demands, covenants, obligations, contracts, liabilities, costs and
damages, whether absolute or contingent and of any nature whatsoever, which Norama has or
hereafter can, shall or may have, for or by reason of or in any way arising out of the
issuance, ownership and sale of the Purchased Shares (other than arising pursuant to this
Agreement or as a creditor or claimant pursuant to the Promissory Note or the Guarantee),
including for or by reason of or in any way arising out of any claim for indebtedness of
Holdings or Preferred Corp. to Norama, moneys advanced, expenses, fees, participation in
profits or earnings or dividends whether authorized by law, agreement, resolution or
otherwise. For greater certainty, the foregoing release and discharge shall not affect any
liabilities or obligations of Holdings, Preferred Corp. or any of their subsidiaries under the
Original Purchase Agreement.
	 
	6.4	 	Effective at the Effective Time, each of Holdings and Preferred Corp., on their own behalf
and on behalf of their subsidiaries, release and forever discharge Norama, and the officers,
directors, employees and shareholders of Norama from any and all actions, causes of action,
claims, demands, covenants, obligations, contracts, liabilities, costs and damages, whether
absolute or contingent and of any nature whatsoever, which any of Holdings, Preferred Corp. or
their subsidiaries has or hereafter can, shall or may have, for or by reason of or in any way
arising out of the issuance, ownership and sale of the Purchased Shares (other than arising
pursuant to this Agreement). For greater certainty,

 

 

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the foregoing release and discharge shall not affect any liabilities or obligations of
Norama, Martin Gouin or Roger Gouin under the Original Purchase Agreement.

	6.5	 	Norama shall indemnify and save harmless Holdings and the continuing entity formed upon the
amalgamation of Holdings, Preferred Corp. and NAEP and their officers, directors and employees
(each an “Indemnified Person”) from any and all Losses suffered or incurred as a result of or
arising directly or indirectly out of or in connection with the Gouin Claim. Notwithstanding
anything contained herein to the contrary, the amount of any Losses incurred or suffered by an
Indemnified Person shall:

	 	(a)	 	be limited to Losses relating to or arising directly or indirectly out of or in
connection with the Purchased Shares, the Transaction or this Agreement; and
	 
	 	(b)	 	be calculated after giving effect to any right of indemnification in favour of
the Indemnified Person under the Original Purchase Agreement in respect of the same
Losses, such that the Indemnified Person shall be entitled to recover only once in
respect of any such Loss.

	7.	 	Termination
	 
	7.1	 	This Agreement shall terminate if the Transaction has not been completed by March 31, 2007.
	 
	8.	 	Notices
	 
	8.1	 	All notices, requests, demands or other communications required or permitted to be given or
made hereunder to Holdings and/or Preferred Corp. shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
be well and sufficiently given if hand delivered or sent by facsimile to Holdings and/or
Preferred Corp., as the case may be, as follows:

Zone 3, Acheson Industrial Area,

2-53016 Highway 60,

Acheson, Alberta,

T7X 5A7

Attention: Vice-President, Corporate

Fax: (780) 960-7167

	8.2	 	All notices, requests, demands or other communications required or permitted to be given or
made hereunder to Norama shall be in writing and shall be deemed to be well and sufficiently
given if hand delivered or sent by facsimile to Norama as follows:

Norama Inc.

c/o Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP

2900, 10180 — 101 Street

Edmonton, Alberta

T5J 3V5

Attention: Robert Roth

Fax: (780) 423-7276

 

 

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	8.3	 	Any notice or other communication so given or made shall be conclusively deemed to have been
given and received when delivered personally, if delivered personally, and when transmitted by
facsimile during normal business hours on a business day, on the day of transmission, or if
not transmitted during business hours, on the next business day following transmission.
	 
	8.4	 	Any party hereto may change its address for notice as aforesaid.
	 
	9.	 	Time of the Essence
	 
	9.1	 	Time shall be of the essence of this Agreement.
	 
	10.	 	Applicable Law
	 
	10.1	 	This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province
of Alberta and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.
	 
	11.	 	Attornment
	 
	11.1	 	Each of the parties agrees that any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Agreement may be instituted in the courts of Alberta, waives any objection which it may have
now or later to the venue of that action or proceeding, irrevocably submits to the
jurisdiction of those courts in that action or proceeding, agrees to be bound by any judgement
of those courts and agrees not to seek, and hereby waives, any review of the merits of any
judgment by the court of any other jurisdiction.
	 
	12.	 	Severability
	 
	12.1	 	If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being
enforced by any rule of law, or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this
Agreement will nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal
substance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is not affected in any manner
materially adverse to any party. Upon any determination that any term or other provision is
invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties to this Agreement will negotiate
in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as
closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that the Transaction is fulfilled to
the fullest extent possible.
	 
	13.	 	Further Assurances
	 
	13.1	 	Each party will, on the request of any other party, execute and deliver such further
agreements, deeds, instruments and documents and do such further acts and things as that other
party may reasonably request in order to evidence, carry out or give full force and effect to
the terms, intent and meaning of this Agreement.

 

 

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	14.	 	No Assignment
	 
	14.1	 	This Agreement may not be assigned by any party without the prior written consent of all
other parties.
	 
	15.	 	Enurement
	 
	15.1	 	This Agreement will enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their
respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and permitted assigns from time to
time.
	 
	16.	 	Amendments
	 
	16.1	 	This Agreement may not be modified, amended, rescinded, cancelled, altered or supplemented,
in whole or in part, except upon the execution and delivery of a written instrument executed
by a duly authorized representative of each of the parties to this Agreement.
	 
	17.	 	Counterparts
	 
	17.1	 	This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed
to be an original and all of which taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the
same instrument. Counterparts may be executed either in original or faxed form and the parties
adopt any signatures received by a receiving fax machine as original signatures of the
parties; provided, however, that any party providing its signature in such manner shall
promptly forward to the other parties an original of the signed copy of this Agreement which
was so faxed.

[signature page follows]

 

 

14

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have caused these presents to be executed as of the date
first written above.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	NACG HOLDINGS INC.

 	 
	 	By:  	/s/ V. J. GALLANT
 	 
	 	 	Name:  	V. J. Gallant 	 
	 	 	Title:  	Vice President, Corporate 	 
	 
	 	NACG PREFERRED CORP.

 	 
	 	By:  	/s/ V. J. GALLANT
 	 
	 	 	Name:  	V. J. Gallant 	 
	 	 	Title:  	Vice President, Corporate 	 
	 
	 	NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP INC.

 	 
	 	By:  	/s/ V. J. GALLANT
 	 
	 	 	Name:  	V. J. Gallant 	 
	 	 	Title:  	Vice President, Corporate 	 
	 
	 	NORAMA LTD.

 	 
	 	By:  	/s/
MARTIN P. GOULIN
 	 
	 	 	Name:  	Martin P. Goulin	 
	 	 	Title:  	President	 
	 

 

 

Execution Copy

EXHIBIT 1

PROMISSORY NOTE

     PRINCIPAL SUM: $27,000,000

     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, NACG Holdings Inc. (the “Borrower”) promises to pay immediately on demand
to or to the order of Norama Ltd., its successors and assigns (the “Lender”), the principal sum of
twenty seven million ($27,000,000) dollars in lawful money of Canada at such place as the Lender
may designate by notice in writing to the Borrower. No interest shall accrue or be payable on the
said principal sum prior to demand. Following demand, interest shall accrue on the said principal
sum on a daily basis at a rate equal to two percent (2%) per annum above the prime interest rate of
the Royal Bank of Canada (“prime interest rate” means the annual rate of interest announced from
time to time by the Royal Bank of Canada as a reference rate then in effect for determining
interest rates on Canadian-dollar commercial loans in Canada) calculated from the date of demand up
to the date that the principal sum is repaid in full. Interest shall be calculated and compounded
on a monthly basis both before and after default or judgment.

     NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING HEREIN TO THE CONTRARY, NO DEMAND SHALL OR MAY BE MADE BY THE
LENDER IN RESPECT OF ANY AMOUNTS OWING UNDER THIS NOTE UNTIL THE EARLIER OF: (1) CONSUMMATION OF
THE INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING OF THE BORROWER’S COMMON SHARES, AS CONTEMPLATED BY ITS PRELIMINARY
PROSPECTUS DATED JULY 21, 2006 FILED WITH THE SECURITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITIES IN EACH OF THE
PROVINCES AND TERRITORIES OF CANADA OR THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT DATED JULY 21, 2006 AND FILED
WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IN THE UNITED STATES, IN EACH CASE AS IT MAY BE AMENDED
OR REPLACED, OR (2) SEVEN (7) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF ISSUANCE OF THIS NOTE.

     The principal amount owing under this note or any part thereof may be repaid at any time
without notice or bonus.

     The Borrower hereby waives presentment, notice of dishonour, protest and notice of protest.

     This note shall be binding upon the Borrower and its successors, including without limitation,
the corporation to be formed upon the intended amalgamation of the Borrower, NACG Preferred Corp.
and North American Energy Partners Inc.

     This note shall be governed by the laws of the Province of Alberta.

     DATED as of the ___day of ________________, 2006.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	NACG HOLDINGS INC.

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 
	 

- i -

 

 

EXHIBIT 2

GUARANTEE

TO: NORAMA INC.

     FOR VALUABLE CONSIDERATION, receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned hereby
guarantees payment to NORAMA INC. (“Norama”) of all debts and liabilities, present or future,
direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, matured or not, at any time owing by NACG HOLDINGS INC.
(“Holdings”) to Norama or remaining unpaid by Holdings to Norama, incurred pursuant to or arising
from the promissory note dated • in the principal amount of $27,000,000 issued by Holdings in
favour of Norama (together with unpaid interest on such promissory note) pursuant to the terms of
the Series A Preferred Share Purchase Agreement dated • among Holdings, NACG Preferred Corp., North
American Construction Group Inc. and Norama (such debts and liabilities being hereinafter called
the “liabilities”).

     This guarantee shall be a continuing guarantee and shall cover all the liabilities, and it
shall apply to and secure any ultimate balance due or remaining unpaid to Norama up to an unlimited
amount, plus interest thereon from date of demand for payment at the rate of interest indicated
above.

     Norama shall not be bound to exhaust its recourse against Holdings or others or any securities
it may at any time hold before being entitled to payment from the undersigned of the liabilities.
The undersigned renounces all benefits of discussion and division.

     This guarantee and agreement shall not be affected by any change in the name of Holdings or by
Holdings being amalgamated with one or more other parties or by the acquisition of Holdings, but
shall notwithstanding the happening of any such event, continue to apply to all the liabilities
whether theretofore or thereafter incurred or arising and in this instrument the word “Holdings”
shall include every entity resulting from any such event.

     Upon an event of default of Holdings in payment of the liabilities, the Guarantor shall
postpone to Norama all debts and liabilities, present and future, of Holdings to the Guarantor.
This postponement is independent of the guarantee herein and remains in full force until all of the
liabilities have been paid in full.

     This guarantee and agreement shall remain in effect until the payment in full of the
liabilities.

     This guarantee and agreement shall extend and to enure to the benefit of Norama and its
successors and assigns, and every reference herein to the undersigned shall be construed as
including the undersigned and its successors and assigns, upon all of whom this guarantee and
agreement shall extend and be binding. This guarantee and agreement may not be assigned by the
Guarantor without the prior written consent of Norama, which consent may be given or withheld by
Norama for any reason in its absolute discretion.

- ii -

 

 

     It is agreed that Norama, without the consent of the undersigned and without exonerating in
whole or in part the undersigned, may grant time, renewals, extensions, indulgences, releases and
discharges to, may take securities from, may abstain from taking securities from, may accept
compositions from, and may otherwise change the terms of any of the liabilities hereby guaranteed
and otherwise deal with Holdings as Norama may see fit.

     This guarantee shall be governed by the laws of the Province of Alberta.

DATED as of the _____ day of _____________________________, 2006.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP INC.

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 
	 

- iii -

 

 

EXHIBIT 3

RELEASE

			
	TO:	 	NACG Holdings Inc.

NACG Preferred Corp.

North American Energy Partners

North American Construction Group Inc.

(collectively the “Corporations”)

 

In consideration of the sum of Ten Dollars now paid to the undersigned and for other good and
valuable consideration (the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged), the undersigned
hereby releases and forever discharges the Corporations from any and all actions, causes of action,
claims, demands, covenants, obligations, contracts, liabilities, costs and damages, whether
absolute or contingent and of any nature whatsoever, which the undersigned, as a director of the
Corporations now has or hereafter can, shall or may have, for or by reason of or in any way arising
out of or in connection with the undersigned’s position as a director of the Corporations up to the
date of this release and, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, for or by
reason of or in any way arising out of any claim for indebtedness of the Corporations to the
undersigned, moneys advanced, salary, wages, bonuses, expenses, retirement or pension allowances,
fees, participation in profits or earnings, dividends or other remuneration by or of every nature
and kind whether authorized by law, agreement, resolution or otherwise.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, this release shall not apply and the provisions hereof
shall not release or discharge the Corporations in respect of any rights that the undersigned now
has or hereafter can, shall or may have pursuant to: (1) insurance policies maintained by or on
behalf of the Corporations with respect to director liabilities in connection with events arising
on or before the date hereof, (2) any agreement or corporate resolution or by-law authorizing the
Corporation to indemnify the undersigned in respect of any liability which the undersigned may
incur by reason of acting or having acted as a director of the Corporations, or (3) the Purchase
Agreement dated October 31, 2003 entered into among Norama Ltd., North American Equipment Ltd.,
Martin Gouin, Roger Gouin, NACG Preferred Corp. and NACG Acquisition Inc.

The undersigned acknowledges that the undersigned has read the terms of this release and
understands that it represents a full and final release and discharge of all claims which the
undersigned may have against the Corporations arising out of any of the foregoing matters.

The undersigned declares that the undersigned has executed this release voluntarily after having
been given sufficient time to consider the undersigned’s actions and to seek such independent legal
or other advice as the undersigned deems appropriate with respect to this matter and the terms of
this release and that the undersigned fully appreciates the nature, extent and consequences of this
release.

- iv -

 

 

The provisions of this release shall enure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the successors
and assigns of the Corporations and shall be binding on the heirs, administrators, executors and
legal representatives of the undersigned. This release shall be governed by and interpreted and
enforced in accordance with the laws of the province of Alberta and the federal laws of Canada
applicable in the province of Alberta.

DATED as of the ___day of ___, 2006

SIGNED and DELIVERED

in the presence of:

 

 

	 	 	 
	 

Witness:

	 	 

Name: Martin P. Gouin

- v -

 

 

EXHIBIT 4

CERTIFICATE

			
	TO:	 	NACG Holdings Inc.

NACG Preferred Corp.

(collectively the "Corporations")

 

This certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 3.2(d) of the Series A Preferred Share Purchase
Agreement entered into as of September •, 2006 (the “Share Purchase Agreement”) among the
Corporations and Norama Ltd. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this certificate shall have
the meanings attributed to them in the Share Purchase Agreement.

Each of the individuals signing this certificate certifies, as an officer of Norama Ltd. (“Norama”)
and not in any personal capacity, and without personal liability, that all of the representations
and warranties of Norama made in or pursuant to Section 5.1 of the Share Purchase Agreement are
true and correct as at the Effective Time with the same effect as if made at and as of the
Effective Time.

      

	 	 	 
	 

	 	 

Name:
	 

	 	Title:
	 

	 	Company:

 

	 	 	 
	 

	 	 

Name:
	 

	 	Title:
	 

	 	Company:

- vi -

 

 

EXHIBIT 5

RELEASE

			
	TO:	 	Martin Gouin

(the “Director”)

 

In consideration of the sum of Ten Dollars now paid to the undersigned and for other good and
valuable consideration (the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged), the undersigned,
and each of them, hereby release and forever discharge the Director from any and all actions,
causes of action, claims, demands, covenants, obligations, contracts, liabilities, costs and
damages, whether absolute or contingent and of any nature whatsoever, which the undersigned, or any
of them, now have or hereafter can, shall or may have, for or by reason of or in any way arising
out of or in connection with the Director’s position or the execution of his duties as a director
of the undersigned, or any of them, up to the date of this release.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, this release shall not apply and the provisions hereof
shall not release or discharge the Director in respect of any rights that the undersigned, or any
of them, now have or hereafter can, shall or may have pursuant to the Purchase Agreement dated
October 31, 2003 entered into among Norama Ltd., North American Equipment Ltd., Martin Gouin, Roger
Gouin, NACG Preferred Corp. and NACG Acquisition Inc.

The undersigned acknowledge that each of the undersigned has read the terms of this release and
understands that it represents a full and final release and discharge of all claims which the
undersigned, or any of them, may have against the Director arising out of any of the foregoing
matters.

Each of the undersigned declare that it has executed this release voluntarily after having been
given sufficient time to consider the undersigned’s actions and to seek such independent legal or
other advice as the undersigned deems appropriate with respect to this matter and the terms of this
release and that the undersigned fully appreciates the nature, extent and consequences of this
release.

The provisions of this release shall enure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the heirs,
administrators, executors and legal representatives of the Director and shall be binding on the
successors and assigns of each of the undersigned. This release shall be governed by and
interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the province of Alberta and the federal
laws of Canada applicable in the province of Alberta.

- vii -

 

 

DATED as of the _____ day of __________________, 2006

SIGNED and DELIVERED

	 	 	 
	 

	 	 

Name:
	 

	 	Title:
	 

	 	Company:

 

	 	 	 
	 

	 	 

Name:
	 

	 	Title:
	 

	 	Company:

- viii -

 

 

EXHIBIT 6

CERTIFICATE

			
	TO:	 	Norama Inc.

(the "Corporation")

 

This certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 3.3(f) of the Series A Preferred Share Purchase
Agreement entered into as of September •, 2006 (the “Share Purchase Agreement”) among NACG Holdings
Inc., NACG Preferred Corp., North American Construction Group Inc. and the Corporation.
Capitalized terms used but not defined in this certificate shall have the meanings attributed to
them in the Share Purchase Agreement.

Each of the individuals signing this certificate certifies, as an officer of each of NACG Holdings
Inc., NACG Preferred Corp. and North American Construction Group Inc. and not in any personal
capacity, and without personal liability, that all of the representations and warranties of each of
NACG Holdings Inc., NACG Preferred Corp. and North American Construction Group Inc. made in or
pursuant to Section 5.2 of the Share Purchase Agreement are true and correct as at the Effective
Time with the same effect as if made at and as of the Effective Time.

 

	 	 	 
	 

	 	 

Name:
	 

	 	Title:
	 

	 	Company:

 

	 	 	 
	 

	 	 

Name:
	 

	 	Title:
	 

	 	Company:

- ix -

 

 

EXHIBIT 7

GUARANTEE

TO: NACG HOLDINGS INC.

     FOR VALUABLE CONSIDERATION, receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned (the
“undersigned” or the “Guarantor”), a direct or indirect shareholder of NORAMA INC. (“Norama”),
hereby guarantees payment to NACG HOLDINGS INC. and the continuing entity formed on the
amalgamation of NACG Holdings Inc., NACG Preferred Corp. and North American Energy Partners Inc.
(collectively, “Holdings”) of one-half of all debts and liabilities, present or future, direct or
indirect, absolute or contingent, matured or not, at any time owing by Norama to Holdings or
remaining unpaid by Norama to Holdings, resulting from or arising out of any breach of or failure
to perform by Norama of Sections 5.1 or 6.5 of the Series A Preferred Share Purchase Agreement
dated • among Norama, NACG Preferred Corp., North American Construction Group Inc. and Holdings
(such debts and liabilities being hereinafter called the “liabilities”).

     This guarantee shall be a continuing guarantee and shall cover all the liabilities, and it
shall apply to and secure any ultimate balance of liabilities due or remaining unpaid to Holdings,
plus interest thereon from date of demand for payment at the rate equal to two percent (2%) per
annum above the prime interest rate of the Royal Bank of Canada (“prime interest rate” means the
annual rate of interest announced from time to time by the Royal Bank of Canada as a reference rate
then in effect for determining interest rates on Canadian-dollar commercial loans in Canada)
calculated from the date of demand up to the date that the amount owing hereunder is repaid in
full. Interest shall be calculated and compounded on a monthly basis both before and after default
or judgment.

     This guarantee is in addition to any other guarantees or securities otherwise held by Holdings
from time to time relating to the liabilities. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the
contrary, if and to the extent the liabilities are covered by any other guarantees or securities
granted by the undersigned, Holdings shall be entitled to recover only once in respect of any such
liabilities. Holdings shall not be bound to exhaust its recourse against Norama or others or any
securities it may at any time hold before being entitled to payment from the undersigned of the
liabilities. The undersigned renounces all benefits of discussion and division.

     This guarantee and agreement shall not be affected by any change in the name of Norama or by
Norama being amalgamated with one or more other parties or by the acquisition of Norama, but shall
notwithstanding the happening of any such event, continue to apply to all the liabilities whether
theretofore or thereafter incurred or arising and in this instrument the word “Norama” shall
include every entity resulting from any such event.

     Upon an event of default of Norama in payment of the liabilities, the Guarantor shall postpone
to Holdings all debts and liabilities, present and future, of Norama to the Guarantor. This
postponement is independent of the guarantee herein and remains in full force until all of the
liabilities have been paid in full.

- x -

 

 

     This guarantee and agreement shall remain in effect until the extinguishment or payment or
satisfaction in full of the liabilities.

     This guarantee and agreement shall extend to and enure to the benefit of Holdings and its
successors and assigns, and every reference herein to the undersigned shall be construed as
including the undersigned and its successors and assigns, upon all of whom this guarantee and
agreement shall extend and be binding. This guarantee and agreement may not be assigned by the
Guarantor without the prior written consent of Holdings, which consent may be given or withheld by
Holdings for any reason in its absolute discretion.

     It is agreed that Holdings, without the consent of the undersigned and without exonerating in
whole or in part the undersigned, may grant time, renewals, extensions, indulgences, releases and
discharges to, may take securities from, may abstain from taking securities from, may accept
compositions from, and may otherwise change the terms of any of the liabilities hereby guaranteed
and otherwise deal with Norama as Holdings may see fit.

     This guarantee shall be governed by the laws of the Province of Alberta.

DATED as of the _____ day of _____________________________, 2006.

 

	 	 	 
	WITNESS:
	 	 
	 
	 	 
	 
	 	 
	 

	 	 

Name:

- xi -exv10w1

 

Exhibit 10.1

6401 SOUTHWEST FREEWAY

LEASE AGREEMENT

Between

ALLSTAR EQUITIES, INC.,

A TEXAS CORPORATION

(Landlord)

And

INX INC.

A DELAWARE CORPORATION

(Tenant)

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOR OFFICE BUILDING LEASE

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	Page	 
	ARTICLE 1
	 	Leased Premises and Basic Terms 	 	 	4	 
	ARTICLE 2
	 	Term 	 	 	4	 
	ARTICLE 3
	 	Use 	 	 	5	 
	ARTICLE 4
	 	Rent 	 	 	6	 
	ARTICLE 5
	 	Services Provided by Landlord 	 	 	6	 
	ARTICLE 6
	 	Quiet Enjoyment 	 	 	7	 
	ARTICLE 7
	 	Repairs and Maintenance 	 	 	7	 
	ARTICLE 8
	 	Adjustment of Base Rent 	 	 	8	 
	ARTICLE 9
	 	Alterations and Improvements 	 	 	10	 
	ARTICLE 10
	 	Assignment and Subletting 	 	 	10	 
	ARTICLE 11
	 	Compliance with Laws 	 	 	12	 
	ARTICLE 12
	 	Fire or Other Casualty 	 	 	12	 
	ARTICLE 13
	 	Eminent Domain 	 	 	12	 
	ARTICLE 14
	 	Indemnity and Insurance 	 	 	13	 
	ARTICLE 15
	 	Waiver of Subrogation 	 	 	13	 
	ARTICLE 16
	 	Subordination 	 	 	14	 
	ARTICLE 17
	 	Access by Landlord 	 	 	14	 
	ARTICLE 18
	 	Landlord’s Lien 	 	 	14	 
	ARTICLE 19
	 	Defaults and Remedies 	 	 	14	 
	ARTICLE 20
	 	Nonwaiver 	 	 	16	 
	ARTICLE 21
	 	Holding Over 	 	 	17	 
	ARTICLE 22
	 	Notice 	 	 	17	 
	ARTICLE 23
	 	Limitation of Landlord’s Liability 	 	 	17	 
	ARTICLE 24
	 	Parking 	 	 	17	 
	ARTICLE 25
	 	Estoppel Certificate 	 	 	17	 
	ARTICLE 26
	 	Attorneys' Fees and Jury Trial 	 	 	18	 
	ARTICLE 27
	 	Administrative Charge for Late Payment 	 	 	18	 
	ARTICLE 28
	 	Relocation and Substitution of Premises 	 	 	18	 
	ARTICLE 29
	 	Miscellaneous 	 	 	19	 
	ARTICLE 30
	 	Special Provisions 	 	 	22	 

 

 

EXHIBITS

	 	 	 
	EXHIBIT “A”

	 	Legal Description of Building
	 
	 	 
	EXHIBIT “B”

	 	Floor Plan Showing Leased Premises
	 
	 	 
	EXHIBIT “C”

	 	Construction Work to be Performed In Leased Premises
	 
	 	 
	EXHIBIT “D”

	 	Rules and Regulations
	 
	 	 
	EXHIBIT “E”

	 	Parking
	 
	 	 
	EXHIBIT “F”

	 	Certificate of Corporate Resolution
	 
	 	 
	EXHIBIT “G”

	 	Lease Guarantee
	 
	 	 
	LEASE ADDENDUM
	 	 

 

 

LEASE AGREEMENT

     THIS LEASE AGREEMENT (the “Lease”) is made and entered into as of the 11th
day of October, 2006, by and between Allstar Equities, Inc., a Texas corporation (hereinafter
called “Landlord”) and INX Inc., A Delaware Corporation (hereinafter called
“Tenant” whether one or more).

WITNESSETH:

     1. Leased Premises and Basic Terms

          1.1. Subject to and upon the terms, provisions and conditions hereinafter set forth, Landlord
hereby leases to Tenant and Tenant takes and leases from Landlord certain space within the building
located at 6401 Southwest Freeway in Houston, Harris County, Texas (herein after called the
“Building”). The Building is situated on that certain tract of land described on Exhibit
“A” attached hereto and made a part hereof for all purposes. The term “Building” includes
related driveways, parking areas and similar improvements. The area hereby leased in the Building
is hereafter called the “Leased Premises” and is shown outlined on the floor plan drawing
which is attached hereto marked Exhibit “B” and made a part hereof for all purposes.

          1.2. As used throughout this Lease, its Exhibits, and the Lease Addendum (if any) the
following terms shall have the meaning set forth below in this section 1.2.

“Base Rent” shall mean fourteen and 50/100 dollars ($14.50) per year per
square foot of NRA (defined below), or nineteen thousand nine hundred twenty-three and
00/100 dollars ($19,923) per month.

“Buildout Allowance” shall mean thirty thousand nine hundred thirty-seven and
50/100 dollars ($30,937.50), or zero and 37.5/100 dollars ($0.375) per year per sq.
ft. of NRA, which Buildout Allowance has been taken into consideration by reducing the
Base Rent payable under this lease by $0.375 per year per sq. ft. of NRA to $14.50 per
square foot of NRA.

“Commencement Date” shall mean February 1, 2007.

“End Date” shall mean January 31, 2014.

“Expense Stop” shall mean six and 00/100 dollars ($6.00) per year per square
foot of NRA.

“Initial Term” shall mean a period of eighty four (84) months commencing on
the Commencement Date

“Maximum Occupancy” shall mean one person for every 250 square feet of NRA
(defined below).

“Net Rentable Area” or “NRA” shall mean sixteen thousand four hundred
eighty-eight (16,488) square feet.

“Maximum Parking Spaces” shall mean sixty-one (61) parking spaces.

“Permitted Use” shall mean the use of the Leased Premises solely for the
purpose of general, administrative, sales, engineering and other professional purpose
office.

“Security Deposit” shall mean the amount of nineteen thousand nine hundred
twenty-three and 00/100 dollars ($19,923).

     2. Term

          2.1. Subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, or in any exhibit or
addendum hereto, this Lease is for the term set forth as the Initial Term in section 1.2 hereof, to
commence on the Commencement Date and end on the End Date, or on such date as the Term of this
Lease shall sooner cease and terminate as hereinafter provided. The definition of (or references
to) the “Term” of this Lease shall include the Initial Term as set out above, and all
renewals or extensions thereof, unless the context indicates to the contrary.

          2.2. The Leased Premises shall be completed and prepared for Tenant’s occupancy in the manner,
and subject to the terms, conditions and covenants set forth in Exhibit “C” which is attached
hereto and made a part hereof for all purposes. The installations, facilities, materials and work
to be furnished, installed and performed in the Leased Premises by Landlord are hereinafter (and in
Exhibit “C”) referred to as “Landlord’s Improvement Work.” All other installations,
facilities, materials, construction and work which may be undertaken by or for the account of
Tenant to improve, prepare, equip, decorate or furnish the Leased Premises for Tenant’s occupancy,
are hereinafter (and in Exhibit “C”) called “Tenant’s Improvement Work.” The installation
of all of Tenant’s telephone equipment, computer equipment, network equipment, office equipment,
access systems, security systems, and all associated

 

 

wiring and cabling (the “Tenant Equipment”) shall be considered Tenant’s Improvement Work
hereunder, including the monthly monitoring costs thereof. All Tenant’s Improvement Work, which
must be approved in writing in advance by Landlord, is to be contracted for by Tenant, at Tenant’s
sole expense, including any monthly monitoring of such systems. Any approval by Landlord or
Landlord’s architects and/or engineers of any of Tenant’s drawings, plans and specifications which
are prepared in connection with any construction of improvements in the Leased Premises shall not
in any way be construed or operate to bind Landlord or to constitute a representation or warranty
of Landlord as to the adequacy or sufficiency of such drawings, plans and specifications or the
improvements to which they relate, for any use, purpose, or condition, but such approval shall
merely be the consent of Landlord as may be required hereunder in connection with Tenant’s
construction or improvements in the Leased Premises in accordance with such drawings, plans and
specifications.

          2.2.1. In connection with Landlord’s Improvement Work and/or Tenant’s Improvement Work,
Landlord and Tenant further covenant as follows:

               2.2.1.1. The Leased Premises shall be deemed ready for occupancy on the date that Landlord’s
Improvement Work in the Leased Premises shall have been substantially completed as certified to by
Landlord, or Landlord’s architect; and it shall be so deemed, notwithstanding the fact that minor
or insubstantial details of construction, mechanical adjustment or decoration remain to be
performed, the noncompletion of which do not materially interfere with Tenant’s use of the Leased
Premises.

               2.2.1.2. If the making of the Leased Premises ready for occupancy shall be delayed due to any
act or omission of Tenant or any of its employees, agents or contractors, or any failure to plan or
execute Landlord’s Improvement Work or Tenant’s Improvement Work diligently and expeditiously, the
Leased Premises shall be deemed ready for occupancy on the date when they would have been ready but
for such delay.

               2.2.1.3. If and when Tenant shall take actual possession of the Leased Premises, it shall be
conclusively presumed that the same were in satisfactory condition (subject to latent defects) as
of the date of such taking of possession, unless, within seven (7) days after such date Tenant
shall give Landlord written notice specifying with particularity the respects in which the Leased
Premises were not in satisfactory condition. After taking possession of the Leased Premises, any
such notice from Tenant shall in no manner whatsoever relieve Tenant from the payment of rent, or
allow a delay in the payment of rent by Tenant, or otherwise excuse Tenant from performance of its
obligations under this Lease.

          2.3. The effective date of this Lease shall be the date of execution of this Lease by Landlord
and Tenant.

          2.4. Notwithstanding the fact that the Commencement Date of this Lease shall be a date
subsequent to the effective date of this Lease, Landlord and Tenant intend and agree that each
shall have vested rights immediately upon execution of this Lease and it is intended that this
Lease shall be fully binding upon the parties hereto and shall be in full force and effect from and
after execution hereof by both Tenant and Landlord.

          2.5. Tenant covenants and agrees to pay Landlord the Security Deposit upon execution of this
Lease to be held by Landlord to secure performance of Tenant’s obligations under this Lease. Upon
the occurrence of any Event of Default (hereinafter described) by Tenant under this Lease, Landlord
may, from time to time and without prejudice to any other remedy, apply said Security Deposit to
the extent necessary to pay any arrears of Base Rent (defined in Section 4.1 below) or any other
damages, injury, expense or liability caused to Landlord by such Event of Default. Landlord shall,
subject to the terms of this Lease, return to Tenant any remaining balance of such Security Deposit
within thirty (30) days after the termination of this Lease. The Security Deposit shall not be
considered an advance payment of Base Rent or a measure of Landlord’s damages in case of default by
Tenant. If at any time during the Term hereof, the Security Deposit, or any portion thereof, is
applied by Landlord as provided by the terms of this Lease, Tenant shall, not later than ten (10)
days after written notice from Landlord, restore the Security Deposit to its original amount as set
out in the first sentence of this Article 2.5. In addition to the foregoing, Tenant shall forfeit
the Security Deposit to Landlord should Tenant enter into any type of bankruptcy proceeding. It
is intended that this paragraph and the provisions herein contained shall supersede and be
paramount to any conflicting provisions of the Texas Property Code, as well as any statute
governing the rights of landlords regarding the return and retention of security deposits. Tenant
herein voluntarily and knowingly waives any and all statutory provisions regarding the return and
retention of security deposits. This paragraph shall control.

     3. Use

          3.1. The Leased Premises are to be used and occupied by Tenant solely for the Permitted Use,
and the Tenant shall not use the Leased Premises for any other purpose without the express prior
written consent of Landlord, which consent Landlord may deny at Landlord’s sole discretion.

 

 

     4. Rent

          4.1. As rental for the use and occupancy of the Leased Premises, Tenant shall pay (and Tenant
hereby agrees to pay) to Landlord, at the Building office (or at such other address as designated
by Landlord), in advance, without demand, deduction, set-off or abatement the Base Rent, which
amount shall be payable on the first day of each calendar month for each and every month during the
Term of this Lease, in lawful money of the United States of America. If the Commencement Date is
not the first day of a calendar month, or the Lease terminates on a day other than the last day of
a calendar month, Tenant will pay a pro rata part of such monthly amount as rental for the first or
last partial month, as the case may be. Tenant shall also pay to Landlord all other sums of money
as shall become due from and payable by Tenant to Landlord under the terms of this Lease
(“Additional Rent”). Subject to notice and cure periods as expressly provided for in
Article 19.1.1 of this Lease, Landlord shall have the same remedies for default for the payment of
Additional Rent as are available to Landlord in the case of a default in the payment of Base Rent.

          4.2. Any payment of Base Rent received after the fifth (5th) day of the month, or any payment
of Additional Rent, or any other sums due to Landlord hereunder received later than five (5) days
after the due date, shall be considered a late payment, and such amounts shall bear interest from
the due date until paid at the lesser of: (1) twelve percent (12%) per annum; or (2) the highest
nonusurious interest rate permitted by applicable law. Any such interest shall be payable as
Additional Rent hereunder and shall be payable to Landlord immediately on demand.

     5. Services Provided by Landlord

          5.1. Subject to the terms of this Lease, Landlord agrees to furnish to Tenant:

               5.1.1. Air conditioning and heating in season, Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 5:30
p.m., and from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays (except on days defined as a Holiday as
defined below) at such temperatures as are considered to be standard for comparable office
buildings in Houston, Texas; provided, however, air conditioning and heating services during normal
business hours of the Building on Saturdays shall only be provided upon written request of Tenant
made in accordance with the rules and regulations for the Building. Landlord will provide air
conditioning and heating service outside of the above referenced hours at the hourly cost thereof
to Landlord, which cost shall in no case be less than $35.00 per hour. “Holiday” as used
herein shall mean New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the
Day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. In the event that any Holiday shall be observed on a day
other than the actual day on which such Holiday occurs, then the day which such Holiday is observed
shall constitute the Holiday under this Lease.

               5.1.2. Water at those points of general supply provided on the floor on which the Leased
Premises are located.

               5.1.3. Janitor service on a five (5) day week basis; provided however, if Tenant’s floor
covering or other improvements in the Leased Premises is other than Building standard, Tenant shall
pay the additional cleaning costs attributable thereto as Additional Rent hereunder.

               5.1.4. Building standard fluorescent bulb and ballast replacement in all areas and all
incandescent bulb replacement in public areas, restrooms, parking areas and stairwells.

               5.1.5. Electrical facilities to furnish sufficient power for personal computers and other
machines of similar low electrical consumption, including electricity required for duplicating
equipment; but not including special lighting in excess of the Building standard, or any other item
of electrical equipment, the electrical power requirement of which singly consumes more than 0.25
kilowatts per hour at rated capacity or requires a voltage other than 120 volts single phase; and
provided further that if any installation of said electrical equipment requires additional air
conditioning capacity above that provided by the Building’s standard system, then such additional
air conditioning installation and operating costs shall be the sole obligation of Tenant, which
additional electrical costs and related metering and engineering costs shall be deemed to be excess
electrical cost (“Excess Electrical Cost”) hereunder. Tenant shall pay to Landlord, as
Additional Rent billed monthly, any Excess Electrical Cost. Excess Electrical Cost hereunder may
be determined by Landlord by either (1) separately metering the electrical consumption of the
subject equipment and related air conditioning; or (2) by the use of an estimate, which method
choice shall be at the sole discretion of Landlord. If the estimate method is used, Landlord’s
engineer will compute the estimate. If the separate metering method is used, the cost of required
metering equipment and its installation will be borne by Tenant. The charges for Excess Electrical
Cost and related metering shall be billed as often as monthly, at Landlord’s discretion, by
Landlord to Tenant as Additional Rent hereunder.

               5.1.6. Tenant shall pay Additional Rent provided for in this Subarticle 5.1 not later than ten
(10) days after presentation of a statement therefor by Landlord, and Tenant’s failure to timely
pay such amount shall constitute a default under this Lease.

 

 

          5.2. Failure by Landlord to any extent furnish these defined services, or any cessation or
interruption thereof, resulting from causes beyond the reasonable control of Landlord, shall not
render Landlord liable in any respect for damages to either persons or property, nor shall the same
be construed as an eviction of Tenant, nor work an abatement of rent, nor relieve or excuse Tenant
from fulfillment or performance of any covenant or agreement hereof including specifically, but not
limited to, payment of rent. Should any of the equipment or machinery break down, or for any
reason or cause cease to function properly, Tenant shall have no claim for rebate of rent or
damages on account of an interruption of services occasioned thereby or resulting therefrom. In
the event of any such interruption of such services, Landlord shall use reasonable diligence,
during normal business hours, to restore such service in any circumstance in which such restoration
is within reasonable control of Landlord.

               5.2.1. In the event the Landlord fails to provide any of the services described herein
(through no fault of Tenant, Tenant’s agents, representatives, successors, assigns, shareholders,
employees, contractors, directors or officers), and such failure (i) is the result of conditions
within Landlord’s control, (ii) renders the Leased Premises untenable (i.e., Tenant cannot
reasonably conduct its business therein), and (iii) continues for more than five (5) consecutive
days after written notice from Tenant, then the Tenant shall be entitled to have Landlord abate
rentals proportionately as to that portion of the Leased Premises rendered untenable for original
use under the Lease until such services are restored or the Leased Premises are otherwise rendered
tenable again.

          5.3. Should Tenant desire any additional services beyond those described in Subarticle 5.1
above, or desire rendition of such services outside the normal times such services are provided by
Landlord, then Landlord may (at Landlord’s option), upon reasonable advance notice from Tenant to
Landlord, furnish such services and Tenant agrees to pay Landlord such charges as may be agreed
upon between Landlord and Tenant, but in no event at a charge more than Landlord’s actual cost,
plus five percent (5%) thereof as overhead for the additional services provided, it being agreed
that the cost to Landlord of such additional services shall be excluded from the Basic Cost (as
that term is defined in Article 8 of this Lease).

          5.4. Landlord shall furnish Tenant sixty one (61) 24-hour access cards for the main Building
entry and the main corridor door entering the Leased Premises. Additional access cards (or keys
for other spaces within the Leased Premises) will be furnished at a charge of $5.00 each for keys
and $10.00 each for access cards. Requests for additional keys or access cards shall be on a
written order signed by Tenant or Tenant’s duly authorized representative. All keys and cards
shall remain the property of Landlord. Replacement of lost, stolen, or broken access cards will be
at the costs set forth above. No additional locks shall be allowed on any door of the Leased
Premises without the express written permission of Landlord first received, and Tenant shall not
make or permit to be made any duplicated keys. Upon termination of this Lease, Tenant shall
deliver to Landlord all keys and cards to the Leased Premises and shall give to Landlord a full
explanation of any combinations for all locks for safes, and vault doors, if any, in the Leased
Premises. Failure to return keys and cards will result in a debit from the security deposit to
cover the lost items.

          5.5. Landlord shall provide and install the initial door signage for the entry door to the
Leased Premises. All such letters and numerals shall be in Building’s standard graphics, and no
others shall be used or permitted on the Leased Premises. Landlord shall also provide and install
the initial listing for Tenant’s business on the Building directory board in the main lobby of the
first floor of the Building.

          5.6. All installations now or hereafter placed on the Leased Premises in excess of Building
standard items, as reasonably determined by Landlord, shall be for Tenant’s account and at Tenant’s
cost (and Tenant shall pay all ad valorem taxes and increases in insurance thereon), which costs
shall be payable by Tenant to Landlord as Additional Rent hereunder promptly upon being invoiced
therefor; and failure by Tenant to pay the same in full within thirty (30) days after receipt of a
statement therefor shall constitute an Event of Default by Tenant hereunder, giving rise to all
remedies available to Landlord under this Lease and at law for nonpayment of rent.

     6. Quiet Enjoyment

          6.1. Provided Tenant complies with its covenants, duties, agreements and obligations
hereunder, Tenant shall quietly have, hold and enjoy the Leased Premises subject to the terms and
provisions of this Lease.

     7. Repairs and Maintenance

          7.1. Landlord shall, at Landlord’s expense (except as may be otherwise provided for herein)
make the necessary repairs of damage to the Building corridors, lobby, roof, foundation, exterior
curtain wall and all other structural members of the Building, and equipment used to provide
services referred to herein, unless any such damage (excluding ordinary wear and tear) is caused by
the acts or omissions of Tenant, its agents, employees, representatives or invitees, in which event
Tenant agrees to pay the costs of such repairs as Additional Rent hereunder. Tenant will promptly
give Landlord written notice of any damage requiring repair by Landlord as provided above.

 

 

          7.2. Tenant shall not injure the Leased Premises or the Building. Tenant shall maintain and
keep the Leased Premises in a clean, attractive condition, and in good repair, excepting only
damage to be repaired by Landlord as provided for above. Upon termination of this Lease, Tenant
will surrender and deliver the Leased Premises to Landlord in the same condition in which they
existed at the commencement of the Lease, excepting only ordinary wear and tear and damage arising
from any cause not required to be repaired by Tenant.

               7.2.1. Tenant will not permit any mechanic’s lien or liens to be placed upon the Leased
Premises or the Building or improvements thereon during the Lease Term caused by or resulting from
any work performed, materials furnished or obligation incurred by or at the request of Tenant, and
in the case of the filing of any such lien Tenant will promptly pay same. If default in payment
thereof shall continue for twenty (20) days after written notice thereof from Landlord to Tenant,
Landlord shall have the right and privilege at Landlord’s option of paying the same or any portion
thereof without inquiry as to the validity thereof, and any amounts so paid, including expenses and
interest, shall be so much additional indebtedness hereunder due by Tenant to Landlord and shall be
paid to Landlord immediately on rendition of a bill therefor.

     8. Adjustment of Base Rent

          8.1. The Base Rent provided for herein includes the Basic Cost up to the level of the Expense
Stop.

          8.2. The term “Basic Cost,” as used herein, shall mean all operating expenses incurred
and/or paid with respect to ownership, maintenance and operation of the Building. All operating
expenses shall be determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applicable
to the real estate industry. The term “operating expenses” as used herein shall mean all
expenses, costs and disbursements (not including specific costs especially billed to and paid by
specific tenants, nor rental commissions) of every kind and nature which Landlord shall pay or
become obligated to pay because of, or in connection with, the ownership, maintenance and operation
of the Building, including, but not limited to, the following:

               8.2.1. Wages and salaries of all employees directly engaged in the operation and maintenance
of the Building up to the level of Building Manager, or access control to and from the Building,
including taxes, insurance, and benefits relating thereto.

               8.2.2. All supplies, tools, equipment, and material used in operation and maintenance of the
Building.

               8.2.3. Management fees relating to the management of the Building, which management fees shall
not exceed five percent (5%) of the Landlord’s gross receipts related to the Building.

               8.2.4. Costs of all utilities for the Building, including but not limited to, costs of water
and power, heating, lighting, air conditioning, and ventilating for the Building.

               8.2.5. Costs of all maintenance, cleaning, janitorial, landscaping maintenance, including
service agreements relating to the Building and all equipment and systems therein (including,
without limitation service agreements for the maintenance of the elevator and HVAC systems and for
security); and including the costs of window cleaning.

               8.2.6. Costs of all insurance relating to the Building including but not limited to, the cost
of casualty and liability insurance and rent insurance and insurance covering Landlord’s personal
property used in connection therewith including the cost of any deductibles.

               8.2.7. All taxes and assessments and other governmental charges whether federal, state, county
or municipal and whether they be by taxing districts or authorities presently taxing the Leased
Premises or by others subsequently created or otherwise, and any other taxes and improvement
assessments attributable to the Building (and the parcel of land on which it is erected) or its
operation, excluding, however, federal and state taxes on Landlord’s income. It is agreed and
understood that Tenant will be responsible for all taxes on its personal property and on the value
of leasehold improvements to the extent that the same exceed Building standard allowances.

               8.2.8. All costs of repairs, replacements, improvements and general maintenance which are
appropriate for the continued operation of the Building as a first-class office building.

               8.2.9. The cost of capital expenditures made to the Building by reason of the laws and
requirements of any public authorities or the requirements of any insurance companies or bodies
which become effective after the date hereof.

               8.2.10. If Landlord shall purchase any item of capital equipment or make any capital
expenditure designed to result in savings or reductions in operating expenses amortized over the
life of such equipment in accordance with

 

 

generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied, then the cost thereof shall be
included in operating expenses but only to the extent of the actual cost savings. The costs of any
such capital equipment or capital expenditures are to be included in operating expenses (for each
year during the Term of this Lease) on a straight line basis, to the extent that such items are
amortized over such period of time as reasonably can be estimated as the time in which such savings
or reductions in operating expenses are expected to equal Landlord’s costs for such capital
equipment or capital expenditure, with an interest factor equal to the prime interest rate then
quoted in The Wall Street Journal, plus one percent (1%), at the time of Landlord’s having incurred
said costs. If Landlord shall lease any such item of capital equipment designed to result in
savings and reductions in operating expenses, then the rentals and other costs paid or incurred in
connection with such leasing shall be included in operating expenses for the year in which they
were incurred but only to the extent of the actual cost savings.

          8.3. At the end of each calendar year during the Term of this Lease, Landlord shall compute
the Basic Cost (calculated as herein provided) for such calendar year or portion thereof. The
Expense Stop shall then be subtracted from the Basic Cost for the applicable year, and the
remainder shall be multiplied by the Tenant’s proportionate share calculated in accordance with
Section 8.6 and 8.7 below, the product of such multiplication being herein called the
“Escalation Payment.” Tenant shall thereupon be obligated to pay to Landlord such
Escalation Payment as Additional Rent within ten (10) days after Landlord shall have submitted to
Tenant a bill or invoice therefore accompanied by a reasonable itemization of the Basic Cost.

          8.4. After Landlord has determined and submitted to Tenant a bill or invoice for the
Escalation Payment due as provided for under Subarticle 8.3 above, Landlord shall have the right to
make a good faith estimate of the Escalation Payment to be due and payable by Tenant for any
calendar year or part thereof during the Term, and Tenant shall pay to Landlord, on the first day
of each calendar month thereafter, together with the payment of Base Rent, an amount equal to the
estimated Escalation Payment for such calendar year (or part thereof) divided by the number of
months therein. Any amounts paid based on any such estimate shall be subject to adjustment as
herein provided when the actual amounts constituting Tenant’s Escalation Payment are available for
each calendar year. In the event of such billing or invoicing procedure by Landlord, then Tenant
shall be bound and obligated (and hereby agrees) to pay such indicated amounts contemporaneously
with each required payment of rental hereunder, on the first day of each calendar month, monthly in
advance, for each and every month in the Term of this Lease in lawful money of the United States of
America.

          8.5. Once each calendar year, Landlord shall perform such computations as are necessary to
determine the Escalation Payment properly payable by Tenant under this Article 8, whereupon, if
Tenant shall have overpaid pursuant to the monthly estimates referred to above, Landlord shall
refund to Tenant within thirty (30) days the amount of the excess (less any sums due and owing by
Tenant to Landlord); but if Tenant shall have underpaid, Landlord shall invoice Tenant for the
amount of the underpayment and such underpayment shall be paid by Tenant to Landlord within thirty
(30) days thereafter.

          8.6. Each calendar year an adjustment shall be made in computing the Basic Cost for such year
so that Basic Cost shall be computed for such year as though the Building had been ninety five
percent (95%) occupied during the entirety of such year and as though ninety five percent (95%)
percent of the Building had been provided with Building standard services during the entirety of
such year. If the occupancy level in the Building for any calendar year equals or exceeds ninety
five percent (95%), there shall be no such upward adjustment but the actual costs shall be used to
determine Basic Cost for such year.

          8.7. Whenever the term “Tenant’s share” or “Tenant’s proportionate share” is
used herein, it shall be deemed (and it is agreed by Tenant) that such share or proportion is the
percentage of NRA square feet under this Lease as compared to fifty thousand one hundred seventy
two (50,172) square feet; provided, however, that such share shall be adjusted accordingly if said
Leased Premises are hereafter expanded or reduced.

          8.8 Tenant shall have the right, during business hours, upon reasonable prior notice, and
within one (1) month after receipt of an Escalation Payment invoice from Landlord, to notify
Landlord of Tenant’s intent to inspect Landlord’s books and records relating to operating expenses
and/or have such books and records audited at Tenant’s expense by a certified public accountant or
other party designated by Tenant. If any audit discloses a discrepancy of more than ten percent
(10%) in the amount of Tenant’s operating expense payment for any calendar year, the cost of the
audit, if done by a party outside the direct employment of Tenant, shall be paid for by Landlord,
which cost to be born by Landlord shall not under any circumstance exceed the amount of the
discrepancy in the Tenant’s operating expense payment for such calendar year. Such audit must be
performed no later than thirty (30) days following Tenant’s notice to Landlord of intent to audit.
This audit right in if exercised by Tenant, shall in no way relieve Tenant from submitting payment
the Escalation Payment when due in accordance with Article 8.3 of this Lease.

          8.9 Landlord shall have the right, but not an obligation, to estimate increases in operating
costs during any particular calendar year and to bill Tenant periodically during such calendar year
at a rate of ninety percent (90%) of Landlord’s estimate of the annual Escalation Payment for such
calendar year, in which case the annual Escalation Payment referenced above shall be reduced by the
amount of such previously billed periodic estimated Escalation Payments.

 

 

     9. Alterations and Improvements

          9.1. Tenant will make no alteration, change, improvement, repair, replacement or addition to
the Leased Premises without the prior written consent of Landlord which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed. If Landlord grants such prior written consent, then the work to
be done in connection therewith shall be done at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, but by Landlord’s
or qualified contractors reasonably approved in advance, in writing, by Landlord and in a manner
and upon terms and conditions and at a time satisfactory to Landlord. In any instance where
Landlord grants such consent, Landlord may grant such consent contingent and conditioned upon
Tenant’s contractors, laborers, materialmen and others furnishing labor or materials for Tenant’s
job working in harmony and not interfering with any labor utilized by Landlord, Landlord’s
contractors or mechanics or by any other tenant or such tenant’s contractors or mechanics; and if
at any time such entry by one or more persons furnishing labor or materials for Tenant’s work shall
cause disharmony or interference, the consent granted by Landlord to Tenant may be withdrawn
immediately upon notice to Tenant.

          9.2. Any and all permitted alterations, additions, improvements, or changes (when made to the
Leased Premises by Tenant) shall at once become property of Landlord and shall be surrendered to
Landlord upon termination of this Lease by lapse of time or otherwise; provided, however, this
clause shall not apply to moveable equipment or furniture owned by Tenant. Tenant hereby expressly
waives all rights to any payment or compensation for any alterations, additions, changes or
improvements to the Leased Premises. Notwithstanding the provision that such alterations,
additions, improvements and changes will remain in the Leased Premises upon termination of this
Lease, if Landlord so requests in writing, Tenant, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, shall prior
to termination of this Lease, remove any and all alterations, additions, improvements, changes,
cabling, fixtures and other property placed or installed by Tenant in the Leased Premises and will
promptly repair any damages caused by such removal. In the event Tenant fails to remove the
aforesaid described property, than Landlord may remove the same and demand from Tenant and Tenant
herein agrees to pay cost and expense incurred by Landlord to remove said property. This paragraph
shall survive the termination of this Lease.

          9.3. Tenant may remove its trade fixtures, moveable office furniture, and equipment not
attached to the Building provided:

               9.3.1 Such removal is made not later than two (2) days following termination of this Lease.

               9.3.2. Tenant is not in default beyond any applicable cure period of any obligation or
covenant of this Lease at the time of such removal.

               9.3.3. Tenant shall promptly repair all damage caused by such removal.

          9.4. If any property not belonging to Landlord remains at the Leased Premises after expiration
of the Term of this Lease, Tenant hereby authorizes Landlord to make such disposition of such
property as Landlord may desire without liability for compensation or damages to Tenant in the
event that such property is property of Tenant; and in the event that such property is the property
of someone other than Tenant, Tenant agrees to expressly indemnify, defend and hold Landlord
harmless from any and all claims, damages, suits, liability, loss and expenses in connection
therewith or incident to any such removal, exercise or dominion over and/or disposition of such
property by Landlord.

     10. Assignment and Subletting

          10.1. Tenant may not assign this Lease or sublet the Leased Premises or any part thereof
without prior written approval of Landlord.

          10.2 In the event Tenant should desire to assign this Lease or sublet the Leased Premises or
any part thereof or allow same to be used or occupied by anyone other than Tenant, Tenant shall
give Landlord written notice (which shall specify the duration of said desired sublease or
assignment, the date same is to occur, the exact location of the space affected thereby and the
proposed rentals on a square footage basis chargeable thereunder) of such desire at least thirty
(30) days in advance of the date on which Tenant desires to make such assignment or sublease or
allow such a use or occupancy. Landlord shall then have a period of twenty (20) days following
receipt of such notice within which to notify Tenant in writing that Landlord elects:

               (a) in the event such assignee or sublease fails to meet the conditions set forth in
Subarticle 10.2(d) below, to refuse to permit Tenant to assign this Lease or sublet such space, and
in such case this Lease shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with the terms and
conditions hereof; or

               (b) to terminate this Lease as to the space so affected as of the date so specified by Tenant
in which event Tenant shall be relieved of all obligations hereunder as to such space arising from
and after such date; or

 

 

               (c) to suspend this Lease as to the space so affected as of the date and for the duration so
specified by Tenant in its notice, in which event Tenant will be relieved of all obligations
hereunder as to such space during said suspension, including a suspension of the Base Rent and
Additional Rent in proportion to the portion of the Leased Premises affected thereby (but after
said suspension, if the suspension is not for the full term hereof, Tenant shall once again become
liable hereunder as to the applicable space); or

               (d) permit Tenant to assign this Lease or sublet such space for the duration specified in such
notice, subject to Landlord’s subsequent written approval of the proposed assignee or sublessee,
which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld if (i) the proposed assignee or sublessee is a
respectable party of substantial financial worth (as determined solely by Landlord, and in any case
with a financial worth and credit worthiness equal to or greater than that of Tenant) and Tenant
shall have provided Landlord with proof thereof, (ii) the nature and character of the proposed
assignee or sublessee, its business and activities and intended use of the Leased Premises are in
Landlord’s reasonable judgment consistent with the standards of the Building and the floor or
floors on which the Leased Premises are located, (iii) neither the proposed assignee or sublessee
(nor any party which, directly or indirectly, controls or is controlled by or us under common
control with the proposed assignee or sublessee) is currently a tenant in the Building or any
property owned and operated by Landlord, or any partners, associates, officers, directors,
shareholders, affiliates, or employees of any current tenant in the Building or in any building
owned and operated by Landlord, (iv) the form and substance of the proposed sublease or instrument
of assignment is acceptable to Landlord and is expressly subject to all of the terms and provisions
of this Lease and to any matters to which this Lease is subject, (v) the proposed occupancy would
not increase the office cleaning requirements or impose an extra burden upon the services to be
supplied by Landlord to Tenant hereunder and (vi) the granting of such consent will not constitute
a default under any other agreement to which Landlord is a party or by which Landlord is bound.

          10.3 No assignment or subletting by Tenant shall be effective unless Tenant shall have
executed, acknowledged and delivered to Landlord, and caused each sublessee or assignee to have
executed, acknowledged and delivered to Landlord, an instrument in form and substance acceptable to
Landlord in which (i) such sublessee or assignee adopts this Lease and assumes and agrees to
perform jointly and severally with Tenant, all of the obligations of Tenant under this Lease, as to
the space transferred to it, (ii) such sublessee or assignee grants Landlord an express first and
prior contract lien and security interest in its personal property brought into the transferred
space to secure its obligations to Landlord thereunder, (iii) Tenant subordinates to Landlord’s
statutory lien, contract lien and security interest any liens, security interests to other rights
which Tenant may claim with respect to any property of such sublessee or assignee, (iv) Tenant and
such sublessee or assignee agree to provide to Landlord, at their expense, direct access from a
public corridor in the Building to the transferred space, (v) such sublessee or assignee agrees to
use and occupy the transferred space solely for the purpose specified in Article 3.1 of the Lease
and otherwise in strict accordance with this Lease and (vi) Tenant acknowledges and agrees that,
notwithstanding such subletting or assignment, Tenant remains directly and primarily liable for the
performance of all obligations of Tenant hereunder (including, without limitation, the obligation
to pay Base Rent and Additional Rent hereunder), and Landlord shall be permitted to enforce this
Lease against Tenant or such sublessee or assignee, or both, without prior demand upon or
proceeding in any way against any other person. Tenant also agrees to reimburse Landlord for any
attorneys’ fees or other direct costs incurred by Landlord in connection with any approved sublease
or assignment, and any agreements or documents related thereto, including any commissions that
Landlord becomes liable to pay to any broker or agent as a result of any such assignment or
subletting by Tenant.

          10.4 No consent by Landlord to an assignment of sublease shall be deemed in any manner to be a
consent to a use not permitted under Article 3.1 of this Lease. Any consent by Landlord to a
particular assignment or sublease shall not constitute Landlord’s consent to any other or
subsequent assignment or sublease, and any proposed sublease or assignment by any assignee or
sublessee shall be subject to the provisions of this Article 10 as if it were a proposed sublease
or assignment by Tenant. The prohibition against an assignment or sublease described in this
Article 10 shall be deemed to include a prohibition against Tenant’s mortgaging or otherwise
encumbering its leasehold estate, as well as against an assignment or sublease which may occur by
operation of law, each of which shall be ineffective and void and shall constitute an event of
default under this Lease unless consented to by Landlord in writing in advance.

          10.5 In any situation in which Landlord consents to an assignment or sublease hereunder,
Tenant shall promptly deliver to Landlord a fully executed copy of the final sublease agreement or
assignment instrument and all ancillary agreements relating thereto.

          10.6 Landlord shall have the right to transfer and assign, in whole or in part, all of its
rights and obligations hereunder and in the Building and Leased Premises, and in such event and
upon such transfer, no further liability or obligation shall thereafter accrue against Landlord
hereunder.

     11. Compliance With Laws

 

 

          11.1 Tenant, at its own cost and expense, shall comply with all federal, state, municipal and
other laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations applicable to the Leased Premises and the business
conducted therein by Tenant (including specifically, without limitation, any temperature control
restrictions, or environmental requirements); and Tenant shall not engage in any activity which
would cause Landlord’s fire and extended coverage insurance to be canceled or the rate therefor to
be increased (or, at Landlord’s option, Tenant will pay such increase on demand). Further, Tenant
shall not commit any act which is a nuisance or annoyance to Landlord or to other tenants, or which
might, in the exclusive judgment of Landlord, appreciably damage Landlord’s goodwill or reputation
or tend to injure or depreciate the Building (ordinary wear and tear excepted), and Tenant will not
commit or permit waste in the Leased Premises or the Building and will comply with all rules and
regulations applicable to the Building from time to time promulgated by Landlord. The initial
Rules and Regulations of the Building are attached hereto as Exhibit “D” and made a part hereof for
all purposes and such Rules and Regulations shall be uniformly applied to all tenants in the
Building. Tenant hereby agrees to notify Tenant’s employees of the Rules and Regulations of the
Building. Tenant will not paint, erect or display in any manner any advertisement, placard, or
lettering that is visible in the corridors or in the lobby of the Building or from the exterior of
the Building without Landlord’s express prior written approval.

          11.2. Landlord represents to the best of its knowledge that the Building is in compliance with
all laws, rules, regulations and ordinances as of the date hereof. If the Building is determined
not to be in compliance, Landlord shall be responsible for all costs and expenses arising in
connection with such non-compliance and in making modifications and improvements to bring the
Building into compliance.

     12. Fire Or Other Casualty

          12.1 If at any time during the Term of this Lease, the Leased Premises or any portion of the
Building shall be damaged or destroyed by fire or other casualty, then Landlord shall have the
election to terminate this Lease or to repair and reconstruct the Leased Premises and Building to
the condition in which they existed immediately prior to such damage or destruction and Landlord
shall give Tenant notice of such election within ninety (90) days from the date of such damage or
destruction. Should Landlord fail, for any reason other than Tenant delays or another casualty at
the Building, to repair the damage caused by such casualty within 180 days after the date of
election to repair and the damage was not caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of Tenant,
then, at any time after the 180 day period but prior to the completion of the repair of such damage
(but not thereafter), Tenant shall have the right and as its sole remedy, at Tenant’s election, to
terminate this Lease effective as of 10 days after the date of such written notice to Landlord.

          12.2 In any of the circumstances provided for in Article 12.1 above, Base Rent shall abate
proportionately during the period and to the extent that the Leased Premises are unfit for use by
Tenant in the ordinary conduct of its business. If Landlord has elected to repair and restore the
Leased Premises, this Lease shall continue in full force and effect and such repairs will be made
within a reasonable time thereafter, subject to delays arising from shortages of labor or material,
acts of God, war, terrorism or other conditions beyond Landlord’s reasonable control. In the event
this Lease is terminated as herein permitted, Landlord shall refund to Tenant any prepaid rent
(unaccrued as of the date of damage or destruction) less any sum then owing to Landlord by Tenant.
If Landlord has elected to repair and reconstruct the Leased Premises, then the Lease Term shall be
extended by a period of time equal to the period of repair and reconstruction, and during which
Tenant was unable to occupy the Leased Premises and conduct its business therein.

     13. Eminent Domain

          13.1 If any part of the Leased Premises or the Building shall be taken by the exercise of the
power of eminent domain during the Term of this Lease, Landlord may elect to terminate this Lease
or to continue the same in effect. If Landlord elects to continue this Lease, the rental shall be
reduced in proportion to the area of the Leased Premises so taken and the Landlord shall repair any
damage to the Leased Premises or Building resulting from such taking. Landlord shall be entitled
to receive the entire award or payment in connection therewith, except that Tenant shall have the
right to file any separate claim available to Tenant for any taking of Tenant’s personal property
and fixtures belonging to Tenant and removable by Tenant upon expiration of the Term, and for
moving expenses (so long as such claim does not diminish the award available to Landlord or any
mortgagee, and such claim is payable separately to Tenant). If this Lease should be terminated
under any provision of this Article 13.1, rental shall be payable to the date that possession is
taken by the condemning authority, and Landlord will refund to the Tenant any prepaid unaccrued
rent less any sum then owing by Tenant to Landlord.

     14. Indemnity and Insurance

          14.1. EXCEPT FOR INJURY, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE RESULTING FROM THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OF
LANDLORD, TENANT AGREES TO EXPRESSLY INDEMNIFY, DEFEND AND HOLD LANDLORD HARMLESS FROM ALL CLAIMS
(INCLUDING REASONABLE COSTS AND EXPENSES OF DEFENDING AGAINST SUCH CLAIMS, WHICH SHALL INCLUDE, BUT
SHALL NOT BE LIMITED TO,

 

 

LANDLORD’S REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND RELATED COSTS) ARISING OR ALLEGED TO ARISE FROM ANY
ACT OR OMISSION OF TENANT OR TENANT’S AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, OR INVITEES, OR RESULTING
FROM ANY INJURY TO ANY PERSON OR DAMAGE TO ANY PROPERTY OCCURRING IN OR AROUND THE BUILDING OR IN
THE LEASED PREMISES. TENANT AGREES TO USE AND OCCUPY THE LEASED PREMISES AND OTHER FACILITIES OF
THE BUILDING AT ITS OWN RISK AND HEREBY RELEASES LANDLORD, ITS AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES, FROM ALL
CLAIMS FOR ANY DAMAGE OR INJURY TO THE FULL EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, UNLESS SUCH DAMAGE RESULTS
FROM THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILFUL MISCONDUCT OF LANDLORD.

          14.2. TENANT AGREES THAT LANDLORD SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE TO TENANT, ITS EMPLOYEES,
AGENTS, CUSTOMERS OR INVITEES FOR BODILY INJURY (FATAL OR NONFATAL) OR PROPERTY DAMAGE OCCASIONED
BY THE ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF ANY OTHER TENANT OR SUCH OTHER TENANT’S EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, CONTRACTORS,
CUSTOMERS, OR INVITEES WITHIN THE BUILDING.

          14.3. Tenant shall, at its sole cost and expense, procure and maintain throughout the Term of
this Lease, a policy of commercial general liability insurance form CG 0001 or its equivalent,
insuring Landlord as an additional insured, against any and all liability for injury to or death of
a person or persons and for damage to or destruction of property occasioned by or arising out of or
in connection with the use or occupancy of the Leased Premises or by the condition of the Leased
Premises.

               14.3.1. Such insurance policy shall contain a blanket contractual liability endorsement
(including the contractual liability of Tenant to indemnify and defend Landlord) and shall contain
combined single limits of liability for bodily injury and property damage as follows:

	 	•	 	$2,000,000 General Aggregate (per location)
	 
	 	•	 	$2,000,000 Products & Completed Operations Aggregate
	 
	 	•	 	$2,000,000 Personal and Advertising Injury
	 
	 	•	 	$2,000,000 Each Occurrence
	 
	 	•	 	$1,000,000 Fire Legal Liability
	 
	 	•	 	$5,000,000 Excess Liability, following form of the commercial liability policy
term, including follow form fire legal liability and aggregate limits.

               14.3.2. Said insurance shall be written by an insurance company or companies satisfactory to
Landlord and licensed to do business in the state of Texas, with the Landlord named as an
additional insured. Tenant shall obtain a written obligation on the part of the insurance company
issuing such policy to notify Landlord at least thirty (30) days prior to cancellation, non-renewal
or material change, or modification, change or alteration, of such insurance. Such policy or duly
executed certificates of insurance relating thereto including all of the above insurance
requirements, shall be promptly delivered to Landlord and renewals thereof shall be delivered to
Landlord at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the term of such policy. If Tenant
shall fail to comply with the foregoing requirements, or any of them, Landlord may, but shall not
have the obligation to, obtain such insurance for Tenant and Tenant shall pay to Landlord, upon
demand, the premium cost thereof as Additional Rent hereunder.

          14.4. Landlord agrees to carry “Causes of loss — special form” property insurance on real
property as commonly available and on a replacement cost basis.

     15. Waiver of Subrogation

          15.1. In the event that either Landlord or Tenant sustains a loss by reason of fire or other
casualty which is a type of risk covered by such parties causes of loss — special form property
insurance with extended coverage and such fire or casualty is caused in whole or in part by acts or
omissions of the other party, its agents, servants, or employees, then the party sustaining such
loss agrees that to the extent that the party sustaining such loss is compensated for such loss by
its aforesaid insurance proceeds, the party sustaining such loss shall have no right of recovery
against the other party, or the agents, servants, or employees of the other party; and no third
party shall have any right of recovery by way of subrogation or assignment or otherwise.

     16. Subordination

          16.1. This Lease is and shall be subject and subordinate to all ground or underlying leases
which may now or hereafter affect the real property of which the Leased Premises is a part, and to
all deeds of trust and mortgages which may now or hereafter affect any such leases or such real
property, and to all renewals, modifications, replacements, and extensions thereof. Tenant agrees
that any such ground lessor or any mortgagee and/or beneficiary of any deed of trust or other lien
shall have the right at any

 

 

time to subordinate such ground lease, mortgage, deed of trust or other lien to this Lease on such
terms and subject to such conditions as they shall deem appropriate, in their sole discretion.
Tenant further agrees that upon a conveyance of the property of which the Leased Premises form a
part, by foreclosure, power of sale or deed in lieu thereof, it will attorn to the successor owner
of such property as landlord under this Lease. Upon demand, Tenant agrees to execute any further
instruments subordinating this Lease or evidencing its attornment as Landlord, or any ground lessor
or mortgagee or beneficiary of any deed of trust affecting the Leased Premises or any successor
owner of the land described on Exhibit “A” may request. The provisions of this Article 16 shall be
self-operative and no further instrument of subordination shall be required.

     17. Access By Landlord

          17.1 Landlord, its agents, representatives and employees shall have access to and the right to
enter upon the Leased Premises with prior notice to Tenant, if possible, (except in the case of
emergencies or Tenant requested services) at any reasonable time during business hours to examine
the condition thereof, to make any repairs or alterations required to be made by Landlord
hereunder, to show the Leased Premises to prospective purchasers or tenants (during the last 12
months of the Term), and for any other purpose deemed reasonable by Landlord. Landlord shall use
reasonable efforts not to unreasonably interfere with the daily operation of Tenant’s business with
regard to Landlord access as described in this Article 17.1.

     18. Landlord’s Lien

          18.1. TO SECURE THE PAYMENT OF ALL RENT DUE AND TO BECOME DUE HEREUNDER, AND THE FAITHFUL
PERFORMANCE OF ALL OF THE OTHER COVENANTS OF THIS LEASE REQUIRED BY TENANT TO BE PERFORMED, TENANT
HEREBY GIVES TO LANDLORD AN EXPRESS CONTRACT LIEN ON AND A SECURITY INTEREST IN, ALL PROPERTY,
FIXTURES, EQUIPMENT, FURNISHINGS AND MERCHANDISE WHICH MAY BE PLACED IN THE LEASED PREMISES
(EXCLUDING TENANT’S CLIENT FILES AND WORK PAPERS) AND ALSO UPON ALL PROCEEDS OF ANY INSURANCE WHICH
MAY ACCRUE TO TENANT BY REASON OF DAMAGE TO OR DESTRUCTION OF ANY SUCH PROPERTY. THE PROVISIONS OF
THIS PARAGRAPH RELATING TO SAID LIEN AND SECURITY INTEREST SHALL CONSTITUTE A SECURITY AGREEMENT
UNDER THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE SO THAT THE LANDLORD SHALL HAVE AND MAY ENFORCE A SECURITY
INTEREST ON ALL PROPERTY OF TENANT NOW OR HEREAFTER PLACED IN OR ON THE LEASED PREMISES, INCLUDING,
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT, FIXTURES, FURNISHINGS, AND OTHER ARTICLES OF PERSONAL
PROPERTY NOW OR HEREAFTER PLACED IN OR UPON THE LEASED PREMISES BY TENANT. TENANT AGREES TO
EXECUTE, AS DEBTOR, SUCH FINANCING STATEMENTS AS LANDLORD MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER REASONABLY REQUEST
IN ORDER THAT SUCH SECURITY INTEREST OR INTERESTS MAY BE PROTECTED PURSUANT TO THE UNIFORM
COMMERCIAL CODE. LANDLORD MAY, AT ITS ELECTION AT ANY TIME, FILE A COPY OF THIS LEASE AS A
FINANCING STATEMENT. LANDLORD, AS SECURED PARTY, SHALL BE ENTITLED TO ALL OF THE RIGHTS AND
REMEDIES AFFORDED A SECURED PARTY UNDER THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE IN ADDITION TO AND CUMULATIVE
OF THE LANDLORD’S LIENS AND RIGHTS PROVIDED BY LAW OR BY THE OTHER TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS
LEASE. TENANT HEREBY WAIVES ALL EXEMPTION LAWS.

     19. Default and Remedies

          19.1. Each of the following occurrences shall be an “Event of Default”:

               19.1.1. Tenant’s failure to pay Base Rent due hereunder within five (5) days after Landlord
has delivered notice to Tenant that the same is due; however, an Event of Default shall occur
hereunder without any obligation of Landlord to give any notice if Landlord has given Tenant
written notice under this Article 19.1.1. on more than one occasion during the twelve (12) month
interval preceding such failure by Tenant;

               19.1.2. Tenant fails to provide any estoppel certificate as called for in this Lease and such
failure shall continue for five (5) days after written notice thereof from Landlord to Tenant;

               19.1.3. Tenant’s failure to perform, comply with, or observe any other agreement or obligation
of Tenant under this Lease and the continuance of such failure for a period of more than thirty
(30) days after Landlord has delivered to Tenant written notice thereof; and

               19.1.4. The filing of a petition by or against Tenant (i) in any bankruptcy or other
insolvency proceeding; (ii) seeking any relief under any state or federal debtor relief law; (iii)
for the appointment of a liquidator or receiver for all or substantially all of Tenant’s property
or for Tenant’s interest in this Lease; or (iv) for the reorganization or modification of Tenant’s
capital structure; however, if such a petition is filed against Tenant, then such filing shall not
be an Event of Default unless Tenant fails to have the proceedings initiated by such petition
dismissed within sixty (60) days after the filing thereof.

 

 

               19.1.5 Tenant vacating the Leased Premises during the term of the Lease, unless Tenant
continues to pay Base Rent and Additional Rent in accordance with the Lease.

          19.2. Upon the occurrence of any one or more of such Events of Default, Landlord shall have
the option to pursue any one or more of the following remedies, or any other remedy set forth in
this Lease or otherwise permitted by law, or in equity, without any notice or demand whatsoever
(except as expressly required by the terms of this Lease) and Tenant shall be responsible for
Landlord’s reasonable attorneys’ fees:

               19.2.1. Terminate this Lease in which event Tenant shall immediately surrender the Leased
Premises to Landlord, and if Tenant fails to do so, Landlord may, without prejudice to any other
remedy which it may have for possession or arrearages in rental, enter upon and take possession of
the Leased Premises and expel or remove Tenant and any other person who may be occupying the Leased
Premises or any part thereof, by any lawful means.

               19.2.2. Terminate Tenant’s right of possession, without terminating this Lease, and enter upon
and take possession of the Leased Premises and expel or remove Tenant and any other person who may
be occupying the Leased Premises or any part thereof, by any lawful means.

               19.2.3. Enter upon the Leased Premises by force and do whatever Tenant is obligated to do
under the terms of this Lease, and Tenant agrees to reimburse Landlord on demand for any reasonable
expenses which Landlord may incur, thus affecting compliance with Tenant’s obligations under this
Lease, and Tenant further agrees that Landlord shall not be liable for any damages resulting to the
Tenant from such action.

               19.2.4. Exercise by Landlord of any one or more remedies hereunder granted or otherwise
available shall not be deemed to be an acceptance of surrender of the Leased Premises, whether by
agreement or by operation of law, it being understood that such surrender can be effected only by
the written agreement of Landlord and Tenant.

          19.3. Upon Termination of Tenant’s right to possess the Leased Premises, Landlord shall, to
the extent required by applicable law, use reasonable efforts to mitigate Landlord’s damages by
reletting the Premises. Landlord shall not be deemed to have failed to relet if Landlord refuses
to lease the Leased Premises to a prospective new tenant who is (i) an affiliate, parent or
subsidiary of Tenant, (ii) is not acceptable to Landlord’s mortgagee, (iii) requires improvements
to the Leased Premises to be made at Landlord’s cost, or (iv) unwilling to accept lease terms then
proposed by Landlord, including, (a) leasing for a shorter or longer term than remains under the
Lease, (b) reconfiguring or combining the Leased Premises with other space, or (c) taking all or
part of the Leased Premises and/or (d) changing the use of the business conducted in the Leased
Premises.

          19.4. In the event Tenant fails or refuses to make timely and punctual payment of any Base
Rent, Escalation Payments, Additional Rent or other sums payable or charges due under this Lease as
and when the same shall become due and payable, or in the event of any breach of any of the terms
or provisions of this Lease by Tenant, in addition to the other remedies available to Landlord,
Landlord at its option, shall be entitled, and is hereby authorized, without any notice to Tenant
whatsoever, to enter into and upon the Leased Premises by use of a master key, a duplicate key or
any other peaceable means, and to change, alter and/or modify the door locks on all entry doors of
the Leased Premises, permanently excluding Tenant and its officers, principals, agents, employees,
representatives and invitees therefrom. It is intended that this paragraph, and the provisions
herein contained, shall supersede and be paramount to any conflicting provisions of the Texas
Property Code, as well as any successor statute governing the rights of landlords to change locks
of commercial tenants.

          19.5. In the event Landlord elects to terminate this Lease by reason of an Event of Default,
then notwithstanding such termination, Tenant shall be liable for and shall pay to Landlord, at the
address specified for notice to Landlord herein, the sum of all rental and other indebtedness
accrued to date of such termination, pus, as damages, an amount equal to the net present value
using a discount rate of ten percent (10%) of the difference between (1) the total rental due plus
Tenant’s Escalation Payments hereunder for the remaining portion of the Lease Term (had such Term
not been terminated by Landlord prior to the date of expiration stated in Article 2), and (2) the
reasonable cash market value of the Leased Premises for such period.

          19.6. In the event that Landlord elects to repossess the Leased Premises without terminating
this Lease, then Tenant shall be liable for and shall pay to Landlord at the address specified for
notice to Landlord herein all rental and other indebtedness accrued to the date of such
repossession, plus rental required to be paid by Tenant to Landlord during the remainder of the
Lease Term until the date of expiration of the Term as stated in Article 2 hereof, diminished by
any net sums thereafter received by Landlord through reletting the Leased Premises during said
period (after deducting expenses incurred by Landlord as provided in Article 19.6 hereof). In no
event shall Tenant be entitled to any excess of any rental obtained by reletting over and above the
rental herein reserved.

 

 

          19.7. In case of any Event of Default or breach by Tenant, Tenant shall also be liable for and
shall pay to Landlord, at the address specified for notice to Landlord herein, in addition to any
sum provided to be paid above, broker’s fees incurred by Landlord in connection with reletting the
whole or any part of the Leased Premises; the costs of removing and storing Tenant’s or other
occupant’s property; the costs of repairing, altering, remodeling or otherwise putting the Leased
Premises into condition acceptable to a new tenant or tenants, and all reasonable expenses incurred
by Landlord in enforcing or defending Landlord’s rights and/or remedies hereunder including
reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by Landlord.

          19.8. If Tenant should fail to make any payment or cure any default hereunder within the time
expressly permitted herein, Landlord, without being under any obligation to do so and without
thereby waiving such default, may make such payment and/or remedy such other default for the
account of Tenant (and enter the Leased Premises for such purpose), and thereupon Tenant shall be
obligated to, and hereby agrees, to pay Landlord, upon demand, all costs, expenses and
disbursements (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by Landlord in taking such remedial
action.

          19.9. In the event of any default by Landlord or Landlord’s breach of any material term of
this Lease, Tenant shall be entitled to initiate an action for damages, but prior to any such
action Tenant will give Landlord written notice specifying such default with particularity, and
Landlord shall thereupon have thirty (30) days in which to cure any default unless a shorter cure
period is prescribed elsewhere in the terms of this Lease; provided, however, Landlord shall not be
considered in default under this Lease if such curative action cannot be completed within such cure
period, and Landlord has commenced efforts to cure within such period and is diligently pursuing
the cure of such default and, to the extent such default is capable of being cured within 60 days,
such default or breach is cured within 60 days of the such notice. All obligations of Landlord
hereunder will be construed as covenants, not conditions; and all such obligations will be binding
upon Landlord only during the period of its ownership and possession of the Building and not
thereafter.

          19.10. In the event that Landlord shall have taken possession of the Leased Premises pursuant
to the authority herein granted, then Landlord shall also have the right to remove from the Leased
Premises (without the necessity of obtaining a distress warrant, writ of sequestration or other
legal process) all or any portion of such furniture, fixtures, equipment and other property located
thereon and place same in storage at any premises within the county in which the Leased Premises is
located; and in such event, Tenant shall be liable to Landlord for all costs incurred by Landlord
in connection with such removal and storage. Landlord shall also have the right to relinquish
possession of all or any portion of such furniture, fixtures, equipment and other property to any
person (“Claimant”) claiming to be entitled to possession thereof who presents to Landlord
a copy of any instrument represented to Landlord by Claimant to have been executed by Tenant (or
any predecessor of Tenant) granting Claimant the right to take possession of such furniture,
fixtures, equipment or other property, without the necessity on the part of Landlord to inquire
into the authenticity of said instrument’s copy or Tenant’s or Tenant’s predecessor’s signature
thereon and without the necessity of Landlord’s making any nature of investigation or inquiring as
to the validity of the factual or legal basis upon which Claimant purports to act; and Tenant
agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Landlord harmless from all cost, expense, loss, damage and
liability incident to Landlord’s relinquishment of possession of all or any portion of such
furniture, fixtures, equipment or other property to Claimant.

     20. Nonwaiver

          20.1. Neither acceptance of rent by Landlord nor failure by Landlord to complain of any
action, nonaction or default of Tenant shall constitute a waiver of any of Landlord’s rights
hereunder. Waiver by Landlord of any right for any default of Tenant shall not constitute a waiver
of any default of any right for either a subsequent default of the same obligation or any other
default.

          20.2 Failure by Tenant to complain of any action, nonaction or default of Landlord shall not
constitute a waiver of any of Tenant’s rights hereunder. Waiver by Tenant of any right for any
default of Landlord shall not constitute a waiver of any default of any right for either a
subsequent default of the same obligation or any other default.

     21. Holding Over

          21.1. If Tenant should remain in possession of the Leased Premises after the expiration or
termination of the Term of this Lease, without the execution by Landlord and Tenant of a new Lease,
then Tenant shall be deemed to be occupying the Leased Premises as a tenant-at-sufferance, subject
to all the covenants and obligations of this Lease and at a daily rental of two (2) times the per
day rental provided hereunder (and which is applicable for the month preceding the month in which
the date of expiration or termination occurs), computed on the basis of a thirty (30) day month.

     22. Notice

          22.1. Any notice which may or shall be given under the terms of this Lease shall be in writing
and shall be delivered by United States Registered or Certified Mail, postage prepaid, with return
receipt requested, to the address indicated below.

 

 

Such addresses may be changed from time to time by either party by giving notice in the manner
provided above. Notice shall be deemed given when the U.S. Postal Service delivers the notice to
the party to whom notice was sent.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	If to Landlord:
	 	If to Tenant:
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Allstar Equities, Inc.
	 	INX Inc.
	 

	 	Attn: President
	 	Chief Financial Officer
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	6401 Southwest Freeway
	 	6401 Southwest Freeway
	 

	 	Houston, Texas 77074
	 	Houston, TX 77074
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	  With a copy to:
	 	  With a copy to:
	 

	 	     Michael Narsete
	 	     Joseph E. Horzepa
	 

	 	     5433 Westheimer, Suite 950
	 	     Horzepa Spiegel & Associates PC
	 

	 	     Houston, Texas 77056
	 	     988 Patterson Street
	 

	 	 	 	     Houston, Texas 77007

     23. Limitation of Landlord’s Liability

          23.1. Tenant agrees to look solely to Landlord’s estate and interest in the Building and the
parcel of land on which it is erected and the Leased Premises, for the satisfaction of any right or
remedy of Tenant or the collection of any judgment (or other judicial process) requiring the
payment of money by Landlord, in the event of any liability by Landlord; and no other property or
assets of Landlord (or any shareholder, officer or director of Landlord) shall be subject to levy,
execution or attachment or other enforcement procedure for the satisfaction of Tenant’s remedies
under or with respect to this Lease, the relationship of Landlord and Tenant hereunder, or Tenant’s
use and occupancy of the Leased Premises or the Building, or any other liability of Landlord to
Tenant. The term “Landlord” as used in this Lease means only the owner, or the mortgagee in
possession, for the time being, of the Building and the parcel of land on which it is erected so
that in the event of any transfer of title to Building and the parcel of land on which it is
erected, upon notification to Tenant of such transfer, said transferor Landlord shall be and hereby
is entirely freed and relieved of any and all covenants, obligations and liabilities of Landlord
hereunder, and it shall be deemed and construed as a covenant running with the land upon which the
Building is erected without further agreement between the parties or their successors in interest,
or between the parties or any transferee of title to the Building and the parcel of land on which
it is erected that the transferee in such transfer has assumed and agreed to carry out any and all
such covenants, obligations, and liabilities of Landlord hereunder.

     24. Parking

          24.1. Parking shall be provided as set out in Exhibit “E” which is attached hereto and made a
part hereof for all purposes.

     25. Estoppel Certificate

          25.1. At Landlord’s request, Tenant shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to Landlord (or any
third party designated by Landlord), within five (5) business days after such request, a statement
in writing certifying that this Lease is unmodified and in full force and effect (or if there has
been any modifications, that the same is in full force and effect, as modified, and stating with
particularity the nature of each modification) and the dates to which rent and other charges may
have been paid in advance and such other matters as may be reasonably requested by any prospective
purchaser, assignee or lender of the Building and/or the land on which it is situated, it being
intended that any such statement delivered pursuant to this Article 25 may be relied upon by any
prospective purchaser, assignee or encumbrancer of the Building and/or the Leased Premises. Any
such statement shall contain, in addition to matters set forth above, and upon the designation by
Landlord, the following:

               25.1.1. Any rent deposits, security deposits, or advance rentals paid.

               25.1.2. The fact that no default exists hereunder by either Landlord or Tenant, or if any
default is claimed, specify the nature of such default.

     26. Attorneys’ Fees and Jury Trial

          26.1. In the event of any litigation between the parties, the prevailing party shall be
entitled to obtain, as part of the judgment, all reasonable attorneys’ and consultants’ fees, costs
and expenses incurred in connection with such litigation, except as may be limited by applicable
Law. In addition to the foregoing, Landlord shall be entitled to reimbursement from Tenant of its

 

 

reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by Landlord in any Tenant bankruptcy proceeding including, but
not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by Landlord in connection with the rejection or
assumption of this Lease by Tenant. In the interest of obtaining a speedier and less costly
hearing of any dispute, Tenant and Landlord each hereby irrevocably waive the right to trial by
jury.

     27. Administrative Charge for Late Payment

          27.1. Any payment of Base Rent received by Landlord after the fifth (5th) day of the month
shall be considered a late payment, and an administrative charge of one hundred dollars ($100.00)
per late payment shall become due and payable to Landlord on demand, to compensate Landlord for the
cost, time, and inconvenience of collecting late rents, which administrative charge shall be deemed
Additional Rent due hereunder. The date the payment is received, in good and sufficient funds,
shall be considered the effective date for purposes of determining the administrative charge. Any
payments made by check shall be considered late, and the terms of this Lease shall be considered
breached by Tenant, should such check not be paid upon the first presentation to Tenant’s indicated
bank. Acceptance by Landlord of late rent and administrative charges due therefor shall not
constitute a waiver of Landlord’s rights and remedies available in connection with any subsequent
failure of Tenant to pay the Base Rent (or any Additional Rent due hereunder) or to make any other
payment due Landlord hereunder in the manner or time provided for herein. Landlord shall have the
same remedies for default for the payment of Additional Rent as are available to Landlord in the
case of a default in payment of Base Rent.

     28. Relocation and Substitution of Premises

          28.1. Landlord shall have the right to relocate Tenant into other space within the Building no
more than one (1) time during the Initial Term of this Lease, provided that such space is
comparable in size and sufficient for Tenant’s intended use in Landlord’s reasonable judgment. In
the event Landlord shall elect to relocate Tenant pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph,
Landlord shall give Tenant not less than thirty (30) days’ written notice, indicating the location
of Tenant’s new space and the date on which Tenant shall move to Tenant’s new space in the Building
(“Relocation Space”). Upon receipt of notice from Landlord that Landlord elects to
relocate Tenant pursuant to the provisions hereof, Tenant shall notify Landlord, not later than
twenty (20) days after receipt of such notice, that Tenant will move to the Relocation Space or
will not accept such move and elects to terminate this Lease, such termination to be effective
sixty (60) days after Tenant so notifies Landlord. If Tenant does not so notify Landlord that
Tenant either accepts the Relocation Space or terminates this Lease, all within twenty (20) days
after receipt of notice from Landlord that Landlord has elected to relocate Tenant, then this Lease
shall terminate effective sixty (60) days after Tenant receives notice from Landlord to relocate.
Should Tenant elect to move to the Relocation Space, Landlord shall agree to pay all reasonable
costs associated with relocating Tenant, Tenant’s furniture and equipment, including but not
limited to the replacement of Tenant’s existing stock of stationary and business cards and any
unforeseen, reasonable expenses related to the relocation which shall be pre-approved by Landlord
and evidenced by the submission to Landlord from Tenant, Tenant’s paid invoices to vendors or
contractors, which shall support such relocation expenses. In the event Tenant elects not to
relocate to the Relocation Space and to terminate this Lease, Landlord shall have no liability to
Tenant for earlier termination of this Lease or for any cost or expense of moving from the Leased
Premises. When Tenant has moved to the Relocation Space, the same shall be considered to be the
Leased Premises which is the subject of this Lease for all purposes herein. Otherwise, neither the
terms and provisions hereof nor Tenant’s duties and obligations hereunder shall be affected by
relocation of Tenant to the Relocation Space.

     29. Miscellaneous

          29.1. In any circumstance where Landlord is permitted to enter upon the Leased Premises during
the lease Term, whether for the purpose of curing any default of Tenant, repairing damage resulting
from fire or other casualty or an eminent domain taking or is otherwise permitted hereunder or by
law to go upon the Leased Premises, no such entry shall constitute an eviction or disturbance of
Tenant’s use and possession of the Leased Premises or a breach by Landlord of any of its
obligations hereunder or render Landlord liable for damages for loss of business or otherwise or
entitle Tenant to be relieved from any of its obligations hereunder or grant Tenant any right of
set-off or recoupment or other remedy; and in connection with any such entry incident to
performance of repairs, replacements, maintenance or construction, all of the aforesaid provisions
shall be applicable notwithstanding that Landlord may elect to take building materials in, to or
upon the Leased Premises that may be required or utilized in connection with such entry by
Landlord.

          29.2. Landlord or Tenant may restrain or enjoin any breach or threatened breach of any
covenant, duty, or obligation of the other party herein contained without the necessity of proving
the inadequacy of any legal remedy or irreparable harm. The remedies of each party hereunder shall
be deemed cumulative and no remedy of either party, whether exercised by such party or not, shall
be deemed to be in exclusion of any other.

          29.3. Except as may be otherwise herein expressly provided, in all circumstances under this
Lease where prior consent or permission of one party (the “first party”) is required before the
other party (the “second party”) is authorized to take any

 

 

particular type of action, the matter of whether to grant such consent or permission shall be
within the sole and exclusive judgment and discretion of the first party; and it shall not
constitute any nature or breach by the first party hereunder or any defense to the performance of
any covenant, duty, or obligation of the second party hereunder that the first party delayed or
withheld the granting of such consent or permission, whether or not the delay or withholding of
such consent or permission was prudent or reasonable or based on good cause.

          29.4. In all instances where Tenant is required hereunder to pay any sum or Landlord or Tenant
is required to do any act at a particular indicated time or within an indicated period, except as
expressly otherwise provided herein, it is understood that time is of the essence.

          29.5. The obligation of Tenant to pay all rent and other sums hereunder provided to be paid by
Tenant and the obligation of Tenant to perform Tenant’s other covenants and duties hereunder
constitute independent, unconditional obligations to be performed at all times provided for
hereunder, save and except only when an abatement thereof or reduction therein is hereinabove
expressly provided for and not otherwise. Tenant waives and relinquishes all rights which Tenant
might have to claim any nature of lien against or withhold, or deduct from or offset against any
rent and other sums provided hereunder to be paid Landlord by Tenant. Tenant waives and
relinquishes any right to assert, either as a claim or as a defense, that Landlord is bound to
perform or is liable for the nonperformance on any implied covenant or implied duty of Landlord not
expressly herein set forth.

          29.6. Under no circumstances whatsoever shall Landlord or Tenant ever be liable for
consequential damages or special damages, except in the event Tenant is a holdover Tenant, in which
case Landlord may seek such consequential or special damages.

          29.7. Tenant agrees that no food, drink, or other vending machine will be installed within the
Leased Premises without the written consent of Landlord first received.

          29.8. All monetary obligations of Landlord and Tenant (including, without limitation, any
monetary obligation of Landlord or Tenant for damages for any breach of the respective covenants,
duties or obligations of Landlord or Tenant hereunder) are performable exclusively in Houston,
Harris County, Texas.

          29.9. If any provision of this Lease shall ever be held to be invalid or unenforceable, such
invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of the Lease, but such other
provisions shall continue in full force and effect; AND IN THE EVENT OF ANY LITIGATION BETWEEN THE
PARTIES, TEXAS LAW SHALL APPLY AND VENUE SHALL BE EXCLUSIVELY IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS.

          29.10. Landlord shall have the right, at any time and from time to time, to change the name of
the Building.

          29.11. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed or construed by the parties hereto, or by any
third party, as creating the relationship of principal and agent or of a partnership or joint
venture between the parties hereto, it being understood and agreed that neither the provisions
hereof nor the acts of the parties shall be deemed to create any relationship between the parties
hereto other than the relationship of Landlord and Tenant.

          29.12. TENANT HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT LANDLORD HAS NOT MADE AND DOES NOT MAKE WARRANTIES OF
ANY KIND OR NATURE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, NOT SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH IN THIS LEASE, WHETHER WITH
RESPECT TO THE PHYSICAL CONDITION OF THE LEASED PREMISES OR THE BUILDING OR ANY OTHER MATTER
WHATSOEVER. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, LANDLORD DISCLAIMS ANY SUCH WARRANTIES,
SPECIFICALLY INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTY OF SUITABILITY.

          29.13. If there be more than one person or entity named as “Tenant” in this Lease, the
obligations imposed upon Tenant shall be joint and several. If there shall be any guarantor(s) of
Tenant’s obligations hereunder, the obligations hereunder imposed upon Tenant shall be joint and
several obligations of Tenant and such guarantor(s); and Landlord need not first proceed against
Tenant hereunder before proceeding against any such guarantor(s) nor shall any such guarantor(s) be
released from its, or their, guarantee for any reason whatsoever.

          29.14. This Lease and any work letter, exhibits and/or addenda attached hereto constitute the
entire agreements between Landlord and Tenant. No prior written or prior contemporaneous oral
promises or representations shall be binding.

          29.15. This Lease shall not be amended, changed or extended except by written instrument
signed by Landlord and Tenant.

 

 

          29.16. The provisions of this Lease shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
permitted heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns of the parties hereto, provided
however this provision shall in no way whatsoever alter the restriction herein (Article 10)
regarding prohibition of assignment and subletting by Tenant.

          29.17. Paragraph captions herein are for convenience only, and shall neither limit nor amplify
the provisions of this Lease.

          29.18. If any guaranty of this Lease by a third party approved by Landlord is required by
Landlord, such designated third party guaranty shall be of the form and substance of Exhibit “G”
attached hereto and made a part hereof for all purposes. Landlord may terminate this Lease at any
time after Landlord requests such guaranty to be delivered by Tenant until Landlord receives such
guaranty fully executed by the third party guarantors designated by Landlord. If there be more
than one Tenant, the obligations hereunder imposed upon Tenant shall be joint and several. If
there be a guarantor of Tenant’s obligations hereunder, the obligations hereunder imposed upon
Tenant shall be the joint and several obligations of Tenant and such guarantor and Landlord need
not first proceed against Tenant before proceeding against such guarantor nor shall any such
guarantor be released form its guaranty for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation, in
case of any amendments hereto, waivers hereof or failure to give such guarantor any notices
hereunder.

          29.19. The parties hereto acknowledge that the parties and their respective attorneys have
reviewed this Lease and each party negotiated the terms hereof and that the normal rule of
construction to the effect that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party shall
not be employed in the interpretation of this Lease or any exhibits hereto or any amendments
hereof.

          29.20. DTPA WAIVER. As a material consideration for Landlord’s entering into this Lease,
Tenant acknowledges and agrees as follows:

               29.20.1 IT IS THE UNDERSTANDING AND INTENTION OF THE PARTIES THAT TENANT’S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES
WITH RESPECT TO THE TRANSACTIONS PROVIDED FOR AND CONTEMPLATED IN THIS LEASE (COLLECTIVELY, THIS
“TRANSACTION”) AND WITH RESPECT TO ALL ACTS OR PRACTICES OF LANDLORD, PAST, PRESENT, OR FUTURE, IN
CONNECTION WITH THIS TRANSACTION, ARE AND SHALL BE GOVERNED BY LEGAL PRINCIPLES OTHER THAN THE
TEXAS DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES – CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT (THE “DTPA”). ACCORDINGLY, TENANT HEREBY
(A) AGREES THAT UNDER ARTICLE 17.49 (F) OF THE DTPA THIS TRANSACTION IS NOT GOVERNED BY THE DTPA
AND (B) CERTIFIES, REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS TO LANDLORD THAT (I) TENANT HAS BEEN REPRESENTED BY
LEGAL COUNSEL IN CONNECTION WITH THIS TRANSACTION WHO HAS NOT BEEN DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY
IDENTIFIED, SUGGESTED OR SELECTED BY THE LANDLORD AND TENANT HAS CONFERRED WITH TENANT’S COUNSEL
CONCERNING ALL ELEMENTS OF THIS LEASE (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THIS ARTICLE 29.20) AND THIS
TRANSACTION AND (II) THE LEASED PREMISES WILL NOT BE OCCUPIED BY TENANT AS TENANT’S FAMILY
RESIDENCE. TENANT EXPRESSLY RECOGNIZES THAT THE TOTAL CONSIDERATION AS AGREED TO BY LANDLORD HAS
BEEN PREDICATED UPON THE INAPPLICABILITY OF DTPA TO THIS TRANSACTION AND THAT LANDLORD, IN
DETERMINING TO PROCEED WITH THE ENTERING INTO OF THIS LEASE, HAS EXPRESSLY RELIED ON THE
INAPPLICABILITY OF THE DTPA TO THIS TRANSACTION.

          29.21. The term “Hazardous Substances”, as used in this Lease shall mean pollutants,
contaminates, toxic or hazardous wastes, or any other substances, the removal of which is required
or the use of which is restricted, prohibited or penalized by any federal, state or local law or
ordinance relating to pollution or protection of the environment (an “Environmental Law”).
Tenant hereby agrees that (i) no activity will be conducted on the Leased Premises that will
produce any Hazardous Substances, and that all activity will consist of Permitted Uses, provided
such permitted activities are conducted in accordance with all Environmental Law and have been
approved in advance in writing by Landlord (the “Permitted Activities”); (ii) the Lease
Premises will not be used in any manner for the storage of any Hazardous Substances except for the
temporary storage of such materials that are used in the ordinary course of Tenant’s business,
provided such materials are properly stored in a manner and location meeting all Environmental Laws
and approved in advance in writing by Landlord (the “Permitted Materials”); (iii) Tenant
will not permit any Hazardous Substances to be brought onto the Leased Premises, except in strict
compliance with applicable laws, and if so brought or found located thereon, the same shall be
immediately removed, with proper disposal, and all required clean-up procedures shall be diligently
undertaken pursuant to all Environmental Laws. If at any time during or after the Term of the
Lease, the Leased Premises are found to be so contaminated or subject to said conditions, Tenant
agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Landlord harmless from all claims, demands, actions,
liabilities, costs, expenses, damages and obligations of any nature arising from or as a result of
the use of the Leased Premises by Tenant. The foregoing indemnification shall survive the
termination or expiration of this Lease.

 

 

          29.22. The submission and negotiation of this Lease shall not be deemed an offer to enter into
a binding lease by the Landlord, but merely solicitation of such an offer by Tenant; and this Lease
shall not be deemed a binding lease unless and until this Lease is fully executed by both Landlord
and Tenant.

          29.23. This Lease and any Addendums and Exhibits attached hereto have been mutually negotiated
by Landlord and Tenant, and any ambiguity shall not be interpreted in favor of either party.

          29.24 Whenever a period of time is herein prescribed for action to be taken by Landlord,
Landlord shall not be liable or responsible for, and there shall be excluded from the computation
for any such period of time, any delays due to strikes, riots, acts of God, shortages of labor or
materials, war, terrorism, governmental laws, regulations or restrictions or any other causes of
any kind whatsoever which are beyond the reasonable control of Landlord.

          29.25 It is agreed and understood that mold spores are present essentially everywhere. Tenant
acknowledges and understands that mold can grow in any moist location, including within the Leased
Premises. Tenant acknowledges the necessity of good housekeeping, ventilation, and moisture
control (especially in kitchens, bathrooms, beneath cabinets and around outside walls) for mold
prevention. Tenant agrees to immediately notify Landlord if Tenant observes mold/mildew and/or
moisture conditions (from any source, including leaks), and allow Landlord to evaluate and make
recommendations and/or take appropriate corrective action. Tenant relieves Landlord from any
liability for any personal injury or damages to property related to moisture or the growth of or
occurrence of mold or mildew on or in the Leased Premises caused by Tenant’s action or inaction.

          29.26 To best of the Landlord’s Knowledge, there are no Hazardous Substances inside the
Building. In the event Hazardous Substances are found in the Leased Premises or structural
partitions inside the Building, and the presence of such Hazardous Substances were not due to any
act of Tenant, Tenant’s agent, employees, representatives or contractors, Landlord shall be
responsible for all costs incurred with the removal of such Hazardous Substances if such removal is
required by Environmental Law. Landlord’s actual knowledge shall be defined as the actual
knowledge of the President of Allstar Equities, Inc. (“Landlord Knowledge”).

          29.27 Landlord and Tenant acknowledge and agree that the terms of this Lease are confidential
and constitute proprietary information of Landlord and Tenant. Disclosure of the terms hereof
could adversely affect the ability of Landlord to negotiate other leases with respect to the
Building and impair Landlord’s relationship with other tenants of the Building. Landlord and
Tenant each separately covenant and agree that they, and their respective partners, officers,
directors, employees and attorneys shall not disclose the terms and conditions of this Lease to any
other person without the prior written consent of the other party hereto. The foregoing shall not
extend to disclosure by Landlord of the terms of this Lease to the holder of any mortgage on the
Building, or any portion thereof, or to any prospective purchaser of the Building, or any interest
therein, nor to the disclosure by either party to the independent accountants who audit their
respective financial statements or the parties’ other professional advisors on a “need to know”
basis. It is understood and agreed that damages would be an inadequate remedy for the breach of
this provision by any party hereto and each of the parties hereto shall have the right to specific
performance of this provision and to injunctive relief to prevent its breach or continued breach.

     29.28 Tenant agrees that at all times during the term of this Lease, the ratio of all persons
occupying the Leased Premises at any time shall not exceed the Maximum Occupancy within the Leased
Premises. In the event the occupancy rate within the Leased Premises shall exceed the Maximum
Occupancy, the same shall constitute a default by Tenant under the terms of this Lease.

     29.29 Landlord and Tenant are knowledgeable and experienced in commercial transactions and
agree the provisions of this Lease for determining the Base Rent, Additional Rent, other charges
and other payments payable by Tenant to Landlord under this Lease are commercially reasonable and
valid even though such methods may not state the precise mathematical formula for determining such
charges. ACCORDINGLY, TENANT VOLUNTARILY AND KNOWINGLY WAIVES ALL RIGHTS AND BENEFITS OF TENANT
UNDER ARTICLE 93.012 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY CODE, AS ENACTED BY HOUSE BILL 2186, 77TH LEGISLATURE,
AS SUCH ARTICLE NOW EXISTS OR AS MAY BE HEREAFTER AMENDED OR SUCCEEDED.

     29.30. Tenant hereby covenants that neither Tenant nor any of its affiliates, nor any of their
respective partners, members, shareholders or other equity owners, and none of their respective
employees, officers, directors, representatives or agents, is a person or entity with whom U.S.
persons or entities are restricted from doing business under regulations of the Office of Foreign
Asset Control (“OFAC”) of the Department of the Treasury (including those named on OFAC’s
Specially Designated and Blocked Persons List) or under any statute, executive order (including the
September 24, 2001, Executive Order Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions with Persons Who
Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism), or other governmental action.

 

 

     30. Special Provisions

          30.1. For certain special provision, and other terms, provisions and conditions of this Lease,
see the Addendum, which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference and made a part
hereof for all purposes. (If there are no additional or special provisions to this Lease, no
Addendum will be attached).

          30.2 In the event of any conflict between the Lease and the Landlord’s Rules and Regulations,
the Lease shall prevail.

     EXECUTED on this 11TH day of October, 2006.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	LANDLORD:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	ALLSTAR EQUITIES, INC, A TEXAS CORPORATION
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	BY:
	 	/s/ James H. Long	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	     James H. Long, President	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	TENANT:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	INX INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	BY:
	 	/s/ Brian Fontana	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	     Brian Fontana, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

EXHIBIT “A”

LEGAL DESCRIPTION

2.251 acres of land, and being part of Lot(s) ONE (1) and THREE (3), Block FIVE (5) of the REPLAT
OF BLOCK FIVE (5), SHARPSTOWN INDUSTRIAL PARK, SECTION TWO (2), in Harris County, Texas, as
recorded in Volume 70, Page 48 of the Map Records of Harris County, Texas, said tract being more
particularly described by metes and bounds as follows:

BEGINNING at a 5/8 inch iron rod in the Northwest line of said Block FIVE (5) and the Southeast
line of U. S. Highway 59, said point being North 45 deg. 15 min. 48 sec. East 230.00 feet from the
West corner of said Block 5;

THENCE North 45 deg. 15 min. 48 sec. East, with the Northwest line of said Block FIVE (5) and the
Southeast line of said U. S. Highway 59, a distance of 227.18 feet to a 1/2 inch iron rod for the
North corner of said Lot ONE (1) and the West corner of Lot TWO (2), Block FIVE (5);

THENCE South 44 deg. 44 min. 12 sec. East, with the common line of said Lot(s) ONE (1) and TWO (2),
a distance of 268.18 feet to a 5/8 inch iron rod for the Northeast corner of Lot ONE (1) and the
West corner of said Lot THREE (3) said corner lying in the Southerly line of said Lot TWO (2);

THENCE East, with the common line of said Lots TWO (2) and THREE (3), a distance of 69.70 feet to a
1/2 inch iron rod in the North line of Lot THREE (3) and the South line of Lot TWO (2);

THENCE South, a distance of 157.73 feet to a 5/8 inch iron rod for a corner;

THENCE South 45 deg. 15 min. 48 sec. West, at 98.12 feet past the common line of said Lot(s) ONE
(1) and THREE (3), and continuing a total distance of 165.67 feet to a 5/8 inch iron rod for a
corner;

THENCE North 44 deg. 44 min. 12 sec. West, a distance of 429.28 feet to the PLACE OF BEGINNING, and
containing 98,060 square feet or 2.251 acres, more or less.

 

 

EXHIBIT “B”

FLOOR PLAN SHOWING LEASED PREMISES

 

 

EXHIBIT “C”

CONSTRUCTION WORK TO BE PERFORMED IN LEASED PREMISES

I — Improvements To Be Provided At Landlord’s Cost:

     1. None.

II — Improvements To Be Provided At Tenant’s Cost:

     1. The Base Rent of $14.50 per square foot per year includes a discount for the Buildout
Allowance provided by Landlord as an allowance for Tenant-provided improvements to the Leased
Premises and the common areas of the first floor.

     2. On or before December 31, 2006 Tenant will complete all currently planned improvement work
on the first floor of the Building, including painting and installing new carpet in the Leased
Premises and installing new flooring material in the main lobby of the first floor as well as new
front and back glass doors to the main first floor lobby, which improvements and any other
improvements or modifications made by the Tenant after December 31, 2006 are referred to herein as
“Tenant’s Improvement Work.”

     3. If, after December 31, 2006, Tenant desires to make additional modifications or
improvements to the Leased Premises, Tenant shall make a request, in writing, to Landlord setting
forth in detail the request, and providing Landlord with detailed plans for such modifications or
improvements (the “Tenant’s Plans”). Landlord shall notify Tenant of its approval or
disapproval of Tenant’s Plans within ten (10) business days after delivery thereof to Landlord. If
Landlord disapproves of Tenant’s Plans, or any portion thereof, Landlord shall promptly notify
Tenant thereof, in writing, and shall indicate the revisions Landlord requires before approving
Tenant’s Plans. Tenant shall then revise Tenant’s Plans and resubmit the same to Landlord for
Landlord’s review and approval. All revisions must be approved by Landlord in writing.

     4. After the Tenant’s Plans have been approved in writing by Tenant and Landlord, or their
duly appointed representatives, Tenant shall select a contractor to perform the Tenant’s
Improvement Work in the Leased Premises according to the Landlord-approved Tenant’s Plans, which
contractor must be approved in writing by Landlord before work commences. Within a reasonable time
after selection of the general contractor, Tenant shall cause commencement of construction of the
work and such work shall be considered to be “Tenant’s Improvement Work” hereunder.

     5. Tenant shall, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, take whatever action is necessary to
obtain and maintain all authorizations, approvals and permits required by any governmental
authority for the Tenant’s Improvement Work. Tenant and Landlord shall cooperate in obtaining such
authorizations, approvals or permits.

     6. All progress payments to contractors performing the Tenant’s Improvement Works shall be at
no more than ninety percent (90%) of the amount certified to be due. Ten percent (10%) retainage
shall be held pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 53 of the Texas Property Code. All supporting
invoices and executed partial release and waivers of mechanic’s lien for work performed from each
of the major subcontractors, materialmen, and the contractors shall be included in every
construction draw request. Once Tenant’s Improvement Work is completed, the contractor must submit
a certificate certifying that all work (including punch list items) under the construction contract
with the contractor has been completed and that the materials have been physically incorporated
into the Tenant’s Improvement Work free of liens and encumbrances, that all subcontractors and
materialmen have been paid in full, and that the work conforms to Tenant’s Plans and the Tenant’s
Improvement Work has been constructed in a good and workmanlike manner. Provided that all of the
above terms are met, Tenant shall pay such submitted invoices. The final payment (retainage) of
the progress payment shall be made no sooner than ten (10) days and no later than forty-five (45)
days after all of the construction has been completed and all work performed is satisfactory to
both Landlord and Tenant and after receipt of all executed full releases and waivers of lien.

     7. Tenant is responsible for notifying and identifying to Landlord, prior to occupancy, and
prior to installation, if any of Tenant’s furniture, fixtures, or equipment are considered to have
excessive weight, including, but not limited to a high density filing system or floor safe, to
verify the floor load of same. If the load of such furniture, fixtures or equipment exceeds the
existing floor load capacity, and if it is possible to increase the floor load capacity in
Landlord’s sole discretion, then Landlord may elect to increase such floor load capacity in
accordance with terms and conditions determined by Landlord in Landlord’s sole discretion, and in
such case Tenant shall be responsible for the cost of increasing the floor load capacity.

     8. Tenant, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, upon vacating the Leased Premises or upon
termination of the Lease, shall remove all telephone equipment, computer equipment, networking
equipment, and all associated wiring and cabling from the Leased Premises, including any mounting
surfaces, within the Leased Premises. Tenant at Tenant’s sole cost and expense shall promptly
repair all damages caused by said removal. In the event Tenant fails to remove the aforesaid
described property, then Landlord may remove the same and demand from Tenant and Tenant herein
agrees to pay all cost and expense incurred by Landlord to perform such removal. This paragraph
shall survive the termination of the Lease.

 

 

EXHIBIT “D”

RULES AND REGULATIONS

	1.	 	Tenant will refer all contractors, contractor’s representatives and installation technicians
rendering any service for Tenant to Landlord’s supervision and/or approval before performance
of any installation of telephone equipment, network equipment, telegraph equipment, electrical
devices and attachments, and installations of any and every nature affecting floors, walls,
woodwork, trim, windows, ceiling, equipment or any other physical portion of the Building.
None of this work will be done by Tenant without Landlord’s prior written approval.

	2.	 	The work of the janitor or cleaning personnel shall not be hindered by Tenant after 6:00
p.m., and such work may be done at any time when the offices are vacant. The windows, doors,
and fixtures may be cleaned at any time. Tenant shall provide adequate waste and rubbish
receptacles, cabinets, bookcases, map cases, etc., necessary to prevent unreasonable hardship
to Landlord in discharging its obligation regarding cleaning service. Tenant must keep all
Tenant space that is visible from public areas neat and clean at all times. Tenant shall lock
all office doors leading to corridors and turn out all lights at the close of their working
day. The disposal of trash or storage of materials in the hallways, elevator lobbies,
stairways and other common areas of the Building is prohibited.

	3.	 	Movement in or out of the Building of furniture or office equipment, or dispatch or receipt
by tenants of any bulky or heavy material or merchandise, or materials which require use of
elevators or stairways, or movement through the Building entrances or lobby, shall be
conducted under Landlord’s supervision and direction and in such manner as Landlord may
reasonably require, and if required by Landlord, after normal operating hours of the other
tenants occupying the Building. Advance written notice of intent to move such items must be
made to the Building manager’s office. Each tenant assumes all risks of and shall be liable
for all damage to property, articles moved and injury to persons or public engaged or not
engaged in such movement, including equipment, property and personnel of Landlord if damaged
or injured as a result of acts in connection with carrying out this service for such tenant.

	4.	 	No sign or signs in any form will be allowed on the exterior of the Building or on any window
or windows inside or outside of the Building; and no sign or signs will be permitted in any
hallway, public corridor or on corridor doors or entrances to the Leased Premises, except for
those signs which receive the prior written approval of Landlord; and no signs shall be
permitted on the interior of the Leased Premises that are visible from the exterior of the
Leased Premises, without the express, prior written approval of Landlord. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, it is understood by Tenant that all signage in the Leased Premises or on any
portion of the Leased Premises must first receive the written approval of Landlord.

	5.	 	Tenant shall not place, install or operate on the Leased Premises or in any part of the
Building, any engine, stove or machinery, or conduct mechanical operations or cook thereon or
therein (with the exception of the use of microwave ovens for heating purposes only), or place
or use in or about the Leased Premises any explosives, gasoline, kerosene, oil, acids,
caustics, or any other flammable, explosive, or hazardous material, or conduct activities that
produce loud or obnoxious sounds, or cause any odors whatsoever without the prior written
consent of Landlord.

	6.	 	No portion of any of Tenant’s leased area shall at any time be used for cooking (with the
exception of the use of microwave ovens for heating purposes only), sleeping, or lodging
quarters. No birds, animals or pets of any type, with the exception of guide dogs
accompanying visually handicapped persons, shall be brought into or kept in, on or about the
Building or the Leased Premises.

	7.	 	Landlord may permit entrance to Tenant’s offices by use of pass keys and/or access cards
controlled by Landlord or employees, contractors, or service personnel supervised or employed
by Landlord.

	8.	 	None of the entries, passage doors, elevators, elevator doors, hallways, sidewalks, doorways,
vestibules, or stairways shall be blocked or obstructed, or any rubbish, litter, trash or
material of any nature placed, emptied or thrown into these areas, or such areas be used any
time except for access or egress by Tenant’s agents, employees or invitees.

	9.	 	Tenant shall obtain Landlord’s and mortgagee’s approval for structural changes and/or
alterations of the Leased Premises or for any alterations of the electrical supply to the
Leased Premises.

	10.	 	The location, weight and supporting devices for any safes and/or other heavy equipment shall
in all cases be approved, in writing, by Landlord prior to initial installation or relocation.

	11.	 	Corridor doors, when not in use, shall be kept closed in accordance with City of Houston
Building and Fire Codes.

 

 

	12.	 	To insure orderly operation of the Building, Landlord reserves the right to approve all
concessionaires, vending machine operators or other distributors of cold drinks, coffees,
foods or other concessions, water, towels, or newspapers.

	13.	 	Landlord shall not be responsible to the Tenant, its agents, employees or invitees for any
loss of money, jewelry or other personal property from the Leased Premises or public areas or
for any damages to any property therein from any cause whatsoever whether or not such loss or
damage occurs when an area is locked against entry.

	14.	 	Tenant shall exercise reasonable precaution in the protection of its personal property from
loss or damage by keeping doors leading to corridors or unattended areas locked. Tenant shall
also report any thefts or losses to the Building Manager and security personnel as soon as
reasonably possible after discovery. It is expressly understood that Tenant shall have the
obligation to insure Tenant’s furniture, fixtures, improvements and personal property in the
Leased Premises and Landlord shall have no obligation therefor.

	15.	 	Tenant, its employees, guests, visitors and invitees may be called to show suitable
identification and sign a building register when entering or leaving the Building at times
other than normal building operating hours and all tenants shall cooperate fully with building
security personnel in complying with such requirements. Tenant will comply with any and all
security procedures established from time to time by Landlord.

	16.	 	Tenant shall not solicit or circulate advertising material among other tenants of the
Building except through the regular use of United States Mail Service. Tenant shall notify
the Building Manager or the building security personnel promptly if it comes to Tenant’s
attention that any unauthorized persons are soliciting from or causing annoyance to tenants,
their employees, guests or invitees.

	17.	 	Landlord reserves the right to deny entrance to the Building or remove any person or persons
from the Building in any case, where the conduct of such person or persons, in the sole
opinion of Landlord, involves a hazard or nuisance to any tenant or occupant of the Building
or to the general public.

	18.	 	Landlord shall not be liable for any damages from the stoppage of elevators for necessary or
desirable repairs, maintenance or improvements, or delays of any duration in connection with
the elevator service. Temporary inconvenience occasioned in connection with construction
shall not be deemed a breach of Landlord’s covenants and obligations hereunder.

	19.	 	Tenant shall not alter any lock or install any new locks or bolts on any doors or windows of
the Leased Premises, without the prior written consent of the Landlord.

	20.	 	The toilet rooms, urinals, wash bowls, water fountains, and other apparatus shall not be used
for any purpose other than that for which they were constructed and no foreign substance of
any kind whatsoever, shall be thrown therein and the expense, stoppage or damage resulting
from the violation of this rule shall be borne by Tenant who, or whose agents, officers,
employees, contractors, servants, invitees or guests, shall have caused such damage.

	21.	 	Tenant shall not use, keep or permit to be used or kept any foul or noxious gas or substance
in the Leased Premises, or permit to suffer the Leased Premises to be occupied or used in a
manner offensive or objectionable to the Landlord or other occupants of the Building by reason
of noise, odors, and/or vibrations, or interfere in any way with other tenants or those having
business therein.

	22.	 	All requests of the Landlord to start the air conditioning or heating at Tenant’s expense
(other than the Tenant’s occupant starting the HVAC system themselves from within the Building
using their access card) must be submitted in writing to the management office by 2:00 p.m. on
the day desired for weekday requests and by 2:00 p.m. on Friday for weekend requests
(including Saturday mornings) and 2:00 p.m. on the preceding day for holiday requests.

	23.	 	All tenant modifications resulting from remodeling in or to the Leased Premises must conform
to the City of Houston Building and Fire Codes.

	24.	 	Tenants shall not tamper with or attempt to adjust temperature control thermostats in the
Leased Premises. Landlord shall adjust thermostats, as necessary, to maintain the Building
standard temperature.

	25.	 	Rules concerning parking:

	 	(a)	 	All of Tenant’s employees and other occupants of the Building must park in the
area designated for Tenant’s occupants in this Lease.
	 
	 	(b)	 	Vehicles must be parked within the marked spaces.

 

 

	 	(c)	 	Persons using the parking area do so at their own risk. The Landlord
specifically disclaims all liability, except when caused solely by its gross negligence
or willful misconduct, for any personal injury incurred by users of the parking area,
their agents, employees, family, friends or guests, or as a result of damage to, theft
of, or destruction of, any vehicle or any contents thereof as a result of the operations
of parking vehicles in the parking area.
	 
	 	(d)	 	All vehicles are to be currently licensed, in good operating condition, parked
for business purposes having to do with Tenant’s business operated in the Leased
Premises, parked within designated parking spaces, one vehicle to each space. No
vehicle that leaks motor oil or transmission fluid or other vehicle fluids that might
damage the asphalt parking lot shall be parked in the Parking Lot at any time. No
vehicle shall be parked as a “billboard” vehicle in the parking lot. Any vehicle parked
improperly may be towed away. Tenant, Tenant’s agents, employees, vendors and customers
who do not operate or park their vehicles as required shall subject the vehicle to being
towed at the expense of the owner or driver. Landlord may place a “boot” on the vehicle
to immobilize it and may levy a charge to remove the “boot.”

	26.	 	Tenant agrees that at all times during the term of this Lease, the ratio of all persons
occupying the Leased Premises at any time shall not exceed the Maximum Occupancy. In the event
the occupancy rate within the Leased Premises shall exceed the Maximum Occupancy, the same
shall constitute a default by Tenant under the terms of this Lease.

	27.	 	Landlord reserves the right to rescind any of these rules and regulations in whole or in part
and to make such other and further rules and regulations as in its judgment shall from time to
time be necessary for the safety, protection, care and cleanliness of the Building, the
operation thereof, the preservation of good order therein and the protection and comfort of
the tenants and their guests, employees and invitees, which rules and regulations, when made
and written notice thereof is given to the Tenant, shall be binding upon Tenant in like manner
as if originally herein prescribed.

	28.	 	THE BUILDING IS A SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT AND SMOKING INSIDE THE BUILDING IS NOT PERMITTED AT
ANY TIME. AN AREA OUTSIDE THE BUILDING WILL AT ALL TIMES BE DESIGNATED BY LANDLORD AS A
SMOKING AREA FOR THE USE OF BUILDING OCCUPANTS THAT SMOKE, AND ALL SMOKING OUTSIDE THE
BUILDING IS TO BE CONFINED TO THIS AREA.

 

 

EXHIBIT “E”

PARKING

     1. It is understood and agreed that Landlord shall provide Tenant with a maximum number of
parking spaces as set forth in the definition of “Maximum Parking Spaces” in Section 1.2 of
the Lease and that these parking spaces shall be unassigned parking spaces in the parking lot of
the Building (the “Parking Lot”). During the Initial Term of the Lease all parking shall
be at no charge.

     2. Landlord reserves the right to restrict parking in the Parking Lot by means of parking
permits, stickers, or access cards. In the event Landlord restricts parking, Tenant shall notify
Landlord in writing of the number of parking permits, stickers or access cards desired by Tenant
(up to the maximum number permitted under the Lease) and Tenant may change said number on fifteen
(15) days prior written notice to Landlord. Only Tenant and Tenant’s employees shall be permitted
to use the parking permits, stickers or access cards and park in the Parking Lot.

     3. All vehicles are to be currently licensed, in good operating condition, parked for business
purposes having to do with Tenant’s business operated in the Leased Premises, parked within
designated parking spaces, one vehicle to each space. No vehicle that leaks motor oil or
transmission fluid or other vehicle fluids that damages the asphalt parking lot shall be parked in
the Parking Lot at any time. No vehicle shall be parked as a “billboard” vehicle or other
advertising mechanism in the parking lot. Any vehicle parked improperly may be towed away by
Landlord at Tenant’s or vehicle owner’s expense. Tenant, Tenant’s agents, employees, vendors and
customers who do not operate or park their vehicles as required shall subject the vehicle to being
towed at the expense of the owner or driver. Landlord may place a “boot” on the vehicle to
immobilize it and may levy a charge to remove the “boot.” Tenant shall indemnify, defend, hold and
save harmless Landlord of any liability arising from the towing or “booting” of any vehicles
belonging to Tenant, its employees, agents, officers, partners, representatives or invitees.

 

 

EXHIBIT “F”

CERTIFICATE OF CORPORATE RESOLUTIONS

OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

INX INC.

I, Joseph Horzepa, Secretary of INX Inc., (hereinafter called the “Corporation”), do hereby
certify that the Corporation is duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of
Delaware; that all franchise and other taxes required to maintain its corporate existence have been
paid when due and that no such taxes are delinquent; that no proceedings are pending for the
forfeiture of its Certificate of Incorporation or for its dissolution, voluntarily or
involuntarily; that it is fully qualified and in good standing to do business in all jurisdictions
in which the nature of its requires it to be qualified; that there is no provision of the Articles
of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Corporation limiting the power of the Board of Directors to pass
the resolutions set forth below; that such resolutions were duly adopted by the Board of Directors
of the Corporation on September 8, 2006, and that such resolutions have not been altered, amended,
rescinded or repealed and are now in full force and effect.

RESOLVED, that Brian Fontana, the Chief Financial Officer of the
Corporation (the “Named Executive”) is hereby authorized by the
Corporation to execute and deliver a Lease Agreement (the “Lease”)
by and between the Corporation, as Tenant, and Allstar Equities,
Inc. as Landlord, providing for the leasing of certain premises in
the building located at 6401 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas
77074 as further described in the Lease dated October 11, 2006; and

RESOLVED, that the Named Executive and/or any other officer of the
Corporation is hereby authorized to negotiate on behalf of the
Corporation, all terms and conditions of the Lease, together with
all other matters in connection therewith, in the form and manner,
and to the extent, that they deem appropriate or necessary; and

RESOLVED, FURTHER, that the Named Executive is hereby authorized to
execute, on behalf of the Corporation, the Lease and any other
documents which may be necessary or required by the Landlord and to
take any and all other action which may be required to effect the
foregoing transaction.

IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand as Secretary of the Corporation this
11th day of October, 2006.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	     /s/ Joseph Horzepa
 	 
	 	 	 
	 	Signature

Joseph Horzepa

Secretary, INX Inc. 	 

 

 

	 	 	 	 	 

EXHIBIT “G”

LEASE GUARANTEE

1. None

 

 

ADDENDUM TO LEASE DATED OCTOBER 11, 2006

BY AND BETWEEN ALLSTAR EQUITIES, INC. (“LANDLORD”) AND

INX INC. (“TENANT”)

1. TERMINATION OPTION

     1.1. Provided Tenant is not in default and subject to existing tenant’s rights, Tenant shall
have the option to terminate the Lease at the end of the 60th month and the end of the
72nd month of the Initial Term by providing Landlord with notice and payment of a
termination fee as set forth in this section 1.1 below. In order to exercise its option to
terminate the lease as provided for above, Tenant must either:

i. Deliver a written notice to Landlord of Tenant’s intention to exercise its option
to terminate the lease earlier than seven hundred twenty (720) days and no later than
three hundred sixty (360) days prior to the end of the sixtieth (60th)
month [or the seventy second (72nd) month, as the case may be] and make
payment together with such notice of a lease termination fee to Landlord in an amount
equal to one (1) month of Base Rent; or

ii. Deliver a written notice to Landlord of Tenant’s intention to exercise its option
to terminate the lease earlier than seven hundred twenty (720) days and no later than
one hundred eighty (180) days prior to the end of the sixtieth (60th) month
[or the seventy second (72nd) month, as the case may be] and make payment
together with such notice of a lease termination fee to Landlord in an amount equal to
two (2) months of Base Rent.

2. RENEWAL OPTION

     2.1. Provided Tenant is not in default and subject to existing tenant’s rights, Tenant shall
have the option to renew the Lease for two additional five (5) year periods (each a “Renewal
Option”). In such case, Base Rent under the renewed lease shall be at the then prevailing Fair
Market Rental Rate (defined below) but shall in no event be less than one hundred and five percent
(105%) of the Base Rent paid under the Lease prior to such renewal. In order to exercise a Renewal
Option, Tenant shall provide Landlord with written notice of Tenant’s intent to renew no earlier
than nine (9) nor less than six (6) months prior to the Lease expiration. These Renewal Options
shall not be transferable by assignment or sublease.

     2.2 As used herein, the term “Fair Market Rental Rate” shall be the average annual
rental rate per rentable square foot then being charged for office space in comparable Buildings in
Houston, Texas, and taking into consideration use, location, floor level within the applicable
building, quality, age, location of applicable building, improvements, operating expense base,
parking charges, term or length of lease, signage, type of lease and rent concessions. Bona fide
written offers to lease the relevant space made to Landlord by third parties may be taken into
consideration in estimating or determining Fair Market Rental Rate.

3. RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL ON ADDITIONAL SPACE

     3.1 Provided Tenant is not in default and subject to existing tenant’s rights, Tenant shall
have the option to lease any additional space in the Building on the same terms and conditions as
are being offered by Landlord to another potential tenant that has made a proposal to lease space
in the Building, which option shall be subject to any similar preexisting options granted by
Landlord to others.

4. LANDLORD RIGHT TO BUY OUT VALUE OF LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENT ALLOWANCE

     4.1 At any time during the Term of the lease, Landlord shall have the right to pay Tenant in
cash the amount of unamortized Build Out Allowance and after Landlord pays Tenant such amount the
monthly Basic Rent payment payable under the lease shall be increased $0.375 per sq. ft. per year
to fourteen and 87.5/00 ($14.875) per sq. ft. per year for the remaining term of the lease.

5. SUBORDINATION OF LANDLORD’S LIEN TO TENANT’S SECURED CREDITORS

     5.1 If at any time any of Tenant’s secured lenders that are not related parties or affiliates
of Tenant require that Landlord subordinate its landlord’s lien on Tenant’s property, Landlord
shall immediately provide such subordination in a form required by Tenant’s secured creditors.

6. TENTANT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UPON REASONABLE REQUEST BY LANDLORD

     6.1 Tenant will provide Landlord with its financial statements upon request if required by
Landlord’s creditor(s), in which case Landlord shall keep such financial statements confidential
except for release to such creditor(s).

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