SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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SCHEDULE 13D
(RULE 13d-101)
INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN STATEMENTS FILED PURSUANT TO RULE
13d-1(a) AND AMENDMENTS THERETO FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 13d-2(a)
(AMENDMENT NO. ___)(1)
TRAVELNOW.COM INC.
(NAME OF ISSUER)
COMMON STOCK, $0.01 PAR VALUE
(TITLE OF CLASS OF SECURITIES)
89490A 10 7
(CUSIP NUMBER)
JULIUS GENACHOWSKI, ESQ. GREGORY S. PORTER, ESQ.
USA NETWORKS, INC. HOTEL RESERVATIONS NETWORK, INC.
152 WEST 57TH STREET 8140 WALNUT HILL LANE, SUITE 800
NEW YORK, NY 10019 DALLAS, TX 75231
(212) 314-7200 (972) 361-7311
(NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO
RECEIVE NOTICES AND COMMUNICATIONS)
DECEMBER 18, 2000
---------------------------------
(DATE OF EVENT WHICH REQUIRES FILING OF THIS STATEMENT)
IF THE FILING PERSON HAS PREVIOUSLY FILED A STATEMENT ON SCHEDULE 13G
TO REPORT THE ACQUISITION WHICH IS THE SUBJECT OF THIS SCHEDULE 13D, AND IS
FILING THIS SCHEDULE BECAUSE OF RULE 13d-1(e), 13d-1(f) OR 13d-1(g), CHECK THE
FOLLOWING BOX / /.
NOTE: SCHEDULES FILED IN PAPER FORMAT SHALL INCLUDE A SIGNED ORIGINAL
AND FIVE COPIES OF THE SCHEDULE, INCLUDING ALL EXHIBITS. SEE RULE 13d-7 FOR
OTHER PARTIES TO WHOM COPIES ARE TO BE SENT.
(PAGE 1 OF 8)
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(1)THE REMAINDER OF THIS COVER PAGE SHALL BE FILLED OUT FOR A REPORTING
PERSON'S INITIAL FILING ON THIS FORM WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT CLASS OF
SECURITIES, AND FOR ANY SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENT CONTAINING INFORMATION WHICH WOULD
ALTER DISCLOSURES PROVIDED IN A PRIOR COVER PAGE.
THE INFORMATION REQUIRED ON THE REMAINDER OF THIS COVER PAGE SHALL NOT
BE DEEMED TO BE "FILED" FOR THE PURPOSE OF SECTION 18 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934 OR OTHERWISE SUBJECT TO THE LIABILITIES OF THAT SECTION OF THE ACT
BUT SHALL BE SUBJECT TO ALL OTHER PROVISIONS OF THE ACT (HOWEVER, SEE THE
NOTES).
SCHEDULE 13D
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Cusip No. 89490A 10 7 Page 2 of 8 Pages
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1. Name of Reporting Person and
SS or I.R.S. Identification No. of Above Person:
USA Networks, Inc.
59-2712887
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2. Check the appropriate box if a member of a group (a) / /
(b) /X/
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3. SEC Use Only.
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4. Source of Funds WC
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5. Check box if disclosure of legal proceedings is required pursuant
to Items 2(d) or 2(e) / /
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6. Citizenship or Place of Organization Delaware
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Number of 7. Sole Voting Power -0-
Shares
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Beneficially 8. Shared Voting Power 1,080,000
Owned by
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Each 9. Sole Dispositive Power -0-
Reporting
--------------------------------------------------------------
Person 10. Shared Dispositive Power 1,080,000
With
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11. Aggregate amount beneficially owned by each
reporting person 1,080,000
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12. Check box if the aggregate amount in row (11)
excludes certain shares / /
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13. Percent of class represented by amount in row (11) 9.9%
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14. Type of Reporting Person C0
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SCHEDULE 13D
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Cusip No. 89490A 10 7 Page 3 of 8 Pages
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1. Name of Reporting Person and
SS or I.R.S. Identification No. of Above Person:
Hotel Reservations Network, Inc.
75-2817683
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2. Check the appropriate box if a member of a group (a) / /
(b) /X/
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3. SEC Use Only.
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4. Source of Funds WC
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5. Check box if disclosure of legal proceedings is
required pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e) / /
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6. Citizenship or Place of Organization Delaware
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Number of 7. Sole Voting Power -0-
Shares
--------------------------------------------------------------
Beneficially 8. Shared Voting Power 1,080,000
Owned by
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Each 9. Sole Dispositive Power -0-
Reporting
--------------------------------------------------------------
Person 10. Shared Dispositive Power 1,080,000
With
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11. Aggregate amount beneficially owned by each 1,080,000
reporting person
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12. Check box if the aggregate amount in row (11)
excludes certain shares / /
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13. Percent of class represented by amount in row (11) 9.9%
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14. Type of Reporting Person CO
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Page 4 of 8 Pages
SCHEDULE 13D
ITEM 1. SECURITY AND ISSUER.
This statement on Schedule 13D (the "Schedule 13D") relates to
shares of TravelNow.com, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("TravelNow"), common
stock, $0.01 par value (the "Common Stock"). The principal executive offices
of TravelNow are located at 318 Park Central East, Suite 306, Springfield,
Missouri 65806.
ITEM 2. IDENTITY AND BACKGROUND.
This statement is filed by USA Networks, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("USAi") and Hotel Reservations Network, Inc., a Delaware
corporation and majority owned subsidiary of USAi ("HRN," and together with
USAi, the "Reporting Persons"). USAi is a holding company, the subsidiaries
of which are focused on the convergence of entertainment, information, and
direct selling. The principal executive offices of USAi are located at 152
West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019. The principal executive offices of HRN
are located at 8140 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 800, Dallas, TX 75231.
Annex A attached to this Schedule 13D contains the following
information concerning each director, executive officer and controlling
person of USAi: (a) the name and residence or business address; (b) the
principal occupation or employment; and (c) the name, principal business and
address of any corporation or other organization in which such employment is
conducted. Annex A is incorporated herein by reference. To the knowledge of
USAi, each of the persons named on Annex A (the "Annex A Persons"), except
Samuel Minzberg, is a United States citizen. Mr. Minzberg is a Canadian
citizen. During the last five years, neither USAi nor any of the Annex A
Persons (to the knowledge of USAi) has been convicted in a criminal
proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors). During the
last five years, neither USAi nor any of the Annex A Persons (to the
knowledge of USAi) has been a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or
administrative body of competent jurisdiction and, as a result of such
proceeding, is or was subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining
future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to,
federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to
such laws.
Annex B attached to this Schedule 13D contains the following
information concerning each director, executive officer and controlling
person of HRN: (a) the name and residence or business address; (b) the
principal occupation or employment; and (c) the name, principal business and
address of any corporation or other organization in which such employment is
conducted. Annex B is incorporated herein by reference. To the knowledge of
HRN, each of the persons named on Annex B (the "Annex B Persons") is a United
States citizen. During the last five years, neither HRN nor any of the Annex
B Persons (to the knowledge of HRN) has been convicted in a criminal
proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors). During the
last five years, neither HRN nor any of the Annex B Persons (to the knowledge
of HRN) has been a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or
administrative body of competent jurisdiction and, as a result of such
proceeding, is or was subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining
future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to,
federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to
such laws.
Barry Diller, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of USAi, Liberty
Media Corporation, Universal Studios, Inc., The Seagram Company Ltd. and USAi
are parties to a stockholders agreement (the
Page 5 of 8 Pages
"Stockholders Agreement") relating to USAi. Through his own holdings and the
Stockholders Agreement, Mr. Diller has the right, directly or indirectly, to
control approximately 74% of the outstanding total voting power of USAi. As a
result, except with regard to certain specified matters, Mr. Diller generally
has the ability to control the outcome of all matters submitted to a vote of
USAi's stockholders. Mr. Diller disclaims beneficial ownership of any shares
of TravelNow stock beneficially owned by the Reporting Persons.
ITEM 3. SOURCE AND AMOUNT OF FUNDS OR OTHER CONSIDERATION.
On December 18, 2000, HRN entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement
pursuant to which it acquired the right to purchase from Chris Noble
1,000,000 shares of Common Stock in exchange for $3.00 per share in cash.
Also on December 18, 2000, HRN entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement
pursuant to which it acquired the right to purchase from Andrew Schepp 80,000
shares of Common Stock in exchange for $3.00 per share in cash. Upon the
delivery of the shares by the sellers thereof, HRN shall pay from its working
capital an aggregate amount of $3,240,000 to acquire the Common Stock. The
parties anticipate consummating the transactions described in this Item 3 on
or before December 31, 2000.
ITEM 4. PURPOSE OF TRANSACTION.
Except as set forth herein, neither the Reporting Persons nor, to
the best of their knowledge, any of their respective executive officers,
directors or controlling persons has any plan or proposal which relates to or
would result in any of the actions specified in clauses (a) through (j) of
Item 4 of Schedule 13D.
HRN currently holds its interest in TravelNow as a strategic
investment. On December 20, 2000, HRN entered into a Confidentiality
Agreement with TravelNow pursuant to which TravelNow agreed to make certain
information concerning the business, operations and assets of TravelNow
available to HRN for consideration in connection with its review of various
potential transactions, which could include, without limitation, the
acquisition by HRN of all or substantially all of the outstanding TravelNow
Common Stock in a negotiated transaction. The terms of the Confidentiality
Agreement also provide that HRN will not to make any unsolicited offer to
acquire any Common Stock or other securities of TravelNow from TravelNow or
any holder of its Common Stock unless requested to do so by TravelNow.
In the ordinary course of business, USAi and HRN engage in a variety
of business transactions that cover a wide range of activities relevant to
the operations of both companies. USAi expects that in the future additional
business opportunities for the benefit of both companies may become
available, and that in the ordinary course of business USAi and HRN will
discuss and negotiate mutually beneficial business transactions, which
transactions could include, without limitation, the acquisition by HRN of
additional TravelNow Common Stock.
In addition, USAi may be deemed to indirectly participate in the
business and oversight of HRN through USAi's representation on the HRN Board
of Directors. However, as directors of HRN, USAi representatives (currently
four in number), like other HRN directors, participate on the HRN Board in
the exercise of their fiduciary obligations to HRN stockholders. In such
capacity, USAi representatives actively and regularly participate (and expect
to continue to so participate) in formulating HRN business strategies which
may include matters identified in paragraphs (a) through (j) of Item 4 of
Schedule 13D.
Page 6 of 8 Pages
Subject to the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement, HRN may from
time to time acquire additional TravelNow Common Stock in the market or
otherwise, depending upon market, economic, business and other conditions and
factors. In reaching any conclusion as to its future course of action, USAi
will take into consideration various factors, such as TravelNow's business
and prospects, other developments concerning TravelNow, other business
opportunities available to HRN, developments with respect to the business of
HRN, and general economic and stock market conditions, including, but not
limited to, the market price of the Common Stock. HRN reserves the right,
based on all relevant factors and subject to applicable law, to (a) acquire
additional shares of Common Stock in the open market, in privately negotiated
transactions or otherwise; (b) dispose of all or a portion of its holdings of
Common Stock; (c) continue to hold all or a part of such shares and exercise
voting control over TravelNow, or to hold such shares as a passive
investment; (d) take other actions that could involve one or more of the
types of transactions or have one or more of the results described in
paragraphs (a) through (j) of Item 4 of Schedule 13D; or (e) change its
intention with respect to any or all of the matters referred to in this
Item 4.
ITEM 5. INTEREST IN SECURITIES OF THE ISSUER.
As of December 18, 2000, each of USAi and HRN may be deemed to be a
beneficial owner of 1,080,000 shares of the Common Stock, all of which will
be held of record by HRN upon the consummation of the transactions described
in Item 3 above. Each of USAi and HRN may be deemed to beneficially own 9.9%
of the Common Stock (based upon the Issuer's Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB
filed on November 14, 2000).
USAi will have shared power to vote or direct the vote and shared
power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 1,080,000 shares of Common
Stock upon the consummation of the transactions described in Item 3 above.
USAi has no beneficial ownership of any additional shares of Common Stock.
HRN will have shared power to vote or direct the vote and shared
power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 1,080,000 shares of Common
Stock upon the consummation of the transactions described in Item 3 above.
HRN has no beneficial ownership of any additional shares of Common Stock.
On December 18, 2000, HRN entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement
pursuant to which it acquired the right to purchase from Chris Noble
1,000,000 shares of Common Stock in exchange for $3.00 per share in cash.
Also on December 18, 2000, HRN entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement
pursuant to which it acquired the right to purchase from Andrew Schepp 80,000
shares of Common Stock in exchange for $3.00 per share in cash. Upon the
delivery of the shares by the sellers thereof, HRN will pay from its working
capital an aggregate amount of $3,240,000 to acquire the Common Stock. The
parties anticipate consummating the transactions described in Item 3 above on
or before December 31, 2000.
No officer or director of either USAi or HRN owns any TravelNow Common
Stock.
ITEM 6. CONTRACTS, ARRANGEMENTS, UNDERSTANDINGS OR RELATIONSHIPS WITH RESPECT
TO SECURITIES OF THE ISSUER
Page 7 of 8 Pages
On December 19, 2000, HRN entered into a Standstill Agreement with
TravelNow pursuant to which HRN agreed not to: (a) sell, pledge or otherwise
transfer any of the TravelNow Common Stock it intends to acquire under the
terms of the transactions described in Item 3 above, other than through
either a privately negotiated transfer in which the transferee agrees to be
bound by the terms of the Standstill Agreement or a pledge of less than 30%
of the Common Stock held by HRN; or (b) publicly announce or disclose any
intention, plan or arrangement inconsistent with the foregoing. See response
to Item 4 above.
ITEM 7. MATERIAL TO BE FILED AS EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1 Joint Filing Agreement dated December 28, 2000, by and
between USA Networks, Inc. and Hotel Reservations Network,
Inc., dated December 28, 2000.
Exhibit 2 Stock Purchase Agreement entered into on December 18, 2000,
by and between Hotel Reservations Network, Inc., and Chris
Noble
Exhibit 3 Stock Purchase Agreement entered into on December 18, 2000,
by and between Hotel Reservations Network, Inc., and Andrew
Shepp
Exhibit 4 Confidentiality Agreement dated December 20, 2000, by and
among TravelNow.com, Inc. and Hotel Reservations
Network, Inc.
Exhibit 5 Standstill Agreement dated December 19, 2000, by and among
TravelNow.com, Inc. and certain stockholders named therein.
Page 8 of 8 Pages
SIGNATURES
After reasonable inquiry and to the best of his or her knowledge and
belief, each of the undersigned certifies that the information in this
statement is true, complete and correct.
Dated: December 28, 2000 USA NETWORKS, INC.
By: /s/ William J. Severance
------------------------------
William J. Severance,
Vice President and Controller
HOTEL RESERVATIONS NETWORK, INC.
By: /s/ Gregory S. Porter
------------------------------
Gregory S. Porter, General
Counsel and Secretary
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1 Joint Filing Agreement dated December 28, 2000, by and
between USA Networks, Inc. and Hotel Reservations
Network, Inc., dated December 28, 2000.
Exhibit 2 Stock Purchase Agreement entered into on December 18, 2000,
by and between Hotel Reservations Network, Inc., and
Chris Noble
Exhibit 3 Stock Purchase Agreement entered into on December 18, 2000,
by and between Hotel Reservations Network, Inc., and
Andrew Shepp
Exhibit 4 Confidentiality Agreement dated December 20, 2000, by and
among TravelNow.com, Inc. and Hotel Reservations
Network, Inc.
Exhibit 5 Standstill Agreement dated December 19, 2000, by and among
TravelNow.com, Inc. and certain stockholders named therein.
ANNEX A
Set forth below is the name, business address, principal occupation or
employment and principal business in which such employment is conducted of
each director and executive officer of USAi. The name of each person who is a
director of USAi is marked with an asterisk. Unless otherwise indicated, the
business address of each person listed below is 152 West 57th Street, New
York, NY 10019.
Name and Business Address Principal Occupation or Principal Business in
Employment which such Employment
is Conducted
Paul G. Allen* Investor. Vulcan Ventures Inc.
110 110th Avenue, N.E., (Venture Capital)
Suite 550
Bellevue Washington 98004
Edgar Bronfman, Jr.* Executive Vice Chairman, Vivendi Universal
375 Park Avenue Vivendi Universal. (Media and
New York, NY 10152 Communications)
Anne M. Busquet* President, American American Express
200 Vesey Street Express Relationship Relationship Services
New York, NY 10285 Services. (Service Provider to
American Express
Customers)
Barry Diller* Chairman and Chief USAi
Executive Officer, USAi.
Victor A. Kaufman* Vice Chairman, USAi. USAi
Donald R. Keough* Chairman of the Board, Allen & Co. Inc.
711 Fifth Avenue Allen & Co. Inc. (Investment Banking)
New York, NY 10022
Dara Khosrowshahi* Executive Vice President, USAi
152 West 57th Street Operations and Strategic
New York, NY 10019 Planning, USAi
Diane Von Furstenberg* Chairman, Diane Von Diane Von Furstenberg
389 West 12th Street Furstenberg Studio L.P. Studio L.P. (Fashion
New York, NY 10014 Design)
Julius Genachowski Senior Vice President, USAi
General Counsel and
Secretary, USAi.
Samuel Minzberg* President and Chief Claridge Inc.
1170 Peel Executive Officer, (Management)
Montreal, Quebec H38-4P2 Claridge Inc.
Brian C. Mulligan* Consultant Vivendi Universal
375 Park Avenue Media and Communications
New York, NY 10152
William D. Savoy* Vice President, Vulcan Vulcan Ventures Inc.
110 110th Avenue, N.E. Ventures Inc. (Venture Capital)
Suite 550
Bellevue, Washington 98004
Gen. H. Norman Retired.
Schwarzkopf*
400 North Ashley Street
Suite 3050
Tampa, Florida 33602
Michael Sileck Senior Vice President USAi
and Chief Financial
Officer, USAi.
ANNEX B
Set forth below are the name, business address, principal occupation or
employment and principal business in which such employment is conducted of
each director and executive officer of HRN. The name of each person who is a
director of HRN is marked with an asterisk. Unless otherwise indicated, the
business address of each person listed below is 8140 Walnut Hill Lane Suite
800, Dallas, TX 75231.
Principal Business in
Name and Business Address Principal Occupation or which such Employment
Employment is Conducted
Robert Diener* President and Treasurer, HRN
HRN
Sandra D'Arcy Executive Vice President, HRN
HRN
Beverly Harms* Senior Vice President of Communications Equity
c/o Communication Equity Managed Investments Associates (Investment
Association Banking)
101 East Kennedy Blvd.,
Suite 3300
Tampa, FL 33602
Victor A. Kaufman* Vice Chairman, USAi. USAi
152 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10019
Dara Khosrowshahi* Executive Vice President, USAi
152 West 57th Street Operations and Strategic
New York, NY 10019 Planning, USAi
David Litman* Chief Executive Officer, HRN
HRN
Jon Miller President and Chief USA Information and Services
152 West 57th Street Executive Officer, USA
New York, NY 10019 Information and Services
Gregory S. Porter General Counsel and HRN
Secretary, HRN
Mel Robinson Chief Financial and HRN
Strategic Officer,
HRN
Eli J. Segal* President and Chief The Welfare to Work
c/o Welfare to Work Executive Officer, Partnership (Non-Profit)
Partnership The Welfare to Work
1250 Connecticut Ave., NW Partnership
Washington, DC 20036
Michael Sileck* Senior Vice President USAi
152 West 57th Street and Chief Financial
New York, NY 10019 Officer, USAi.
EXHIBIT 1
JOINT FILING AGREEMENT
The undersigned and agree that the foregoing statement on Schedule
13D is filed on behalf of each of the undersigned and that all subsequent
amendments to this statement shall be filed on behalf of each of the
undersigned without the necessity of filing additional joint filing
statements. The undersigned acknowledge that each shall be responsible for
the timely filing of such amendments, and for the completeness and accuracy
of the information concerning it contained therein, but shall not be
responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the information concerning
the others, except to the extent that it knows or has reason to believe that
such information is inaccurate.
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and each of such
counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Dated: December 28, 2000 HOTEL RESERVATIONS NETWORK, INC.
By: /s/ Gregory S. Porter
--------------------------------
Gregory S. Porter,
General Counsel and
Secretary
USA NETWORKS, INC.
By: /s/ William J. Severance
-----------------------------------------
William J. Severance, Vice President and
Controller
EXHIBIT 2
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This Stock Purchase Agreement (this "AGREEMENT") is entered into on
December 18 2000, by and between Hotel Reservations Network, Inc. (the "BUYER"),
and Chris Noble ("SELLER"). Buyer and Seller are referred to collectively herein
as the "PARTIES."
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT
Seller wishes to sell to Buyer and Buyer wishes to purchase from Seller
1,000,000 shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share, of TravelNow.com,
Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "SHARES"), owned by Seller, on the terms
described in this Agreement.
AGREEMENT
The Parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
1. PURCHASE AND SALE OF COMMON STOCK.
----------------------------------
(a) BASIC TRANSACTION. On and subject to the terms and conditions of
this Agreement, Buyer agrees to purchase from Seller, and Seller agrees to sell
to Buyer, the Shares for the consideration specified below in this Section 1.
(b) PURCHASE PRICE. Buyer agrees to pay to Seller at the Closing
(as defined below) $3,000,000 (the "PURCHASE PRICE") in cash by wire
transfer or delivery of other immediately available funds.
(c) THE CLOSING. The closing of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement (the "CLOSING") shall take place at the offices of Buyer, commencing
at 9:00 a.m. local time on December 22, 2000, or such other date as the Parties
may mutually agree (the "CLOSING DATE").
(d) DELIVERIES AT THE CLOSING. At the Closing, (i) Seller will deliver
to Buyer a fully executed copy of that certain Standstill Agreement dated July
13, 2000, by and among TravelNow.com, Inc. and the individual parties thereto
(the "STANDSTILL AGREEMENT"), and either (A) deliver to Buyer stock certificates
representing the Shares, endorsed in blank or accompanied by duly executed
assignment documents, or (B) cause the Shares to be electronically transmitted
to Buyer's account through the Depository Trust Company's DWAC system, and (ii)
Buyer will deliver to Seller the consideration specified in Section 1(b) above.
2. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONCERNING THE TRANSACTION.
(a) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER. Seller represents and
warrants to Buyer that the statements contained in this Section 2(a) are correct
and complete as of the date of this Agreement.
(i) AUTHORIZATION OF TRANSACTION. Seller has full power and
authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform his
obligations hereunder. This Agreement constitutes the valid and legally
binding obligation of Seller, enforceable in accordance with its terms
and conditions. Seller need not give any notice to, make any filing
with, or obtain any authorization, consent, or approval
of any government or governmental agency in order to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(ii) NONCONTRAVENTION. Neither the execution and the delivery
of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, will violate any constitution, statute,
regulation, rule, injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, charge,
or other restriction of any government, governmental agency, or court
to which Seller is subject, or any agreement to which Seller is bound.
(iii) THE SHARES. Seller holds of record and owns beneficially
the Shares, free and clear of any restrictions on transfer (other than
restrictions under the Securities Act and state securities laws),
taxes, security interests, options, warrants, purchase rights,
contracts, commitments, equities, liens, claims, encumbrances and
demands. Seller is not a party to any option, warrant, purchase right,
or other contract or commitment that could require Seller to sell,
transfer, or otherwise dispose of any Shares (other than this
Agreement). Seller is not a party to any voting trust, proxy, or other
agreement or understanding with respect to the voting of any shares of
Common Stock. Seller is, however, party to the Standstill Agreement.
(b) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER. Buyer represents and
warrants to Seller that the statements contained in this Section 2(b) are
correct and complete as of the date of this Agreement.
(i) AUTHORIZATION OF TRANSACTION. Buyer has full power and
authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its
obligations hereunder. This Agreement constitutes the valid and legally
binding obligation of Buyer, enforceable in accordance with its terms
and conditions. Buyer need not give any notice to, make any filing
with, or obtain any authorization, consent, or approval of any
government or governmental agency in order to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(ii) NONCONTRAVENTION, Neither the execution and the delivery
of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, will violate any constitution, statute,
regulation, rule, injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, charge,
or other restriction of any government, governmental agency, or court
to which Buyer is subject.
3. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATION TO CLOSE.
(a) CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATION OF BUYER. The obligation of Buyer to
consummate the transactions to be performed by it in connection with the Closing
is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions:
(i) the representations and warranties set forth in Section
2(a) above shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as
of the Closing Date; and
(ii) there shall not be any injunction, judgment, order,
decree, ruling, or charge in effect preventing consummation of any of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
Buyer may waive any condition specified in this Section 3(a) if it executes a
writing so stating at or prior to the Closing.
(b) CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATION OF SELLER. The obligation of Seller to
consummate the transactions to be performed by them in connection with the
Closing is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions:
(i) the representations and warranties set forth in
Section 2(b) above shall be true and correct in all
material respects at and as of the Closing Date;
(ii) Buyer shall have agreed to be bound by the terms of
the Standstill Agreement and shall have executed a
copy thereof; and
(iii) there shall not be any injunction, judgment, order,
decree, ruling, or charge in effect preventing
consummation of any of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement;
Seller may waive any condition specified in this Section 3(b) if he executes a
writing so stating at or prior to the Closing.
4. MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement shall not confer
any rights or remedies upon any person other than the Parties and
their respective successors and permitted assigns.
(b) ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
among the Parties and supersedes any prior understandings, agreements, or
representations by or among the Parties, written or oral, to the extent they are
related in any way to the subject matter hereof.
(c) SUCCESSION AND ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the Parties named herein and their respective successors
and permitted assigns.
(d) COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which
together will constitute one and the same instrument.
(e) HEADINGS. The section headings contained in this Agreement are
inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.
(F) GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE DOMESTIC LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO
ANY CHOICE OR CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISION OR RULE (WHETHER OF THE STATE OF TEXAS
OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION) THAT WOULD CAUSE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANY
JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF TEXAS.
(g) AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS. No amendment of any provision of this
Agreement shall be valid unless the same shall be in writing and signed by Buyer
and Seller. No waiver by any Party of any default, misrepresentation, or breach
of warranty or covenant hereunder, whether intentional or not, shall be deemed
to extend to any prior or subsequent default, misrepresentation, or breach of
warranty or covenant hereunder or affect in any way any rights arising by virtue
of any prior or subsequent such occurrence.
(h) SEVERABILITY. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is
invalid or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect
the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or
the validity or enforceability of the offending term or provision in any other
situation
or in any other jurisdiction.
(i) EXPENSES. Buyer and Seller will bear its own costs and expenses
(including legal fees and expenses) incurred in connection with this Agreement
and the transactions contemplated hereby.
(j) CONSTRUCTION. The Parties have participated jointly in the
negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or
question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be
construed as if drafted jointly by the Parties and no presumption or burden
of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of the
authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement. Any reference to any
federal, state, local, or foreign statute or law shall be deemed also to
refer to all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, unless the context
requires otherwise. The word "including" shall mean including without
limitation.
*****
The Parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the date first
above written.
Hotel Reservations Network, Inc.
By: /s/ David Litman
--------------------------------------
Name: David Litman
--------------------------------------
Title: Chief Executive Officer
-------------------------------------
/s/ Chris Noble
-------------------------------------------
Chris Noble
EXHIBIT 3
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This Stock Purchase Agreement (this "AGREEMENT") is entered into on
December 18, 2000, by and between Hotel Reservations Network, Inc. (the
"BUYER"), and Andrew Shepp ("SELLER"). Buyer and Seller are referred to
collectively herein as the "PARTIES."
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT
Seller wishes to sell to Buyer and Buyer wishes to purchase from
Seller 80,000 shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share, of
TravelNow.com, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "SHARES"), owned by Seller,
on the terms described in this Agreement.
AGREEMENT
The Parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
1. PURCHASE AND SALE OF COMMON STOCK.
(a) BASIC TRANSACTION. On and subject to the terms and conditions of
this Agreement, Buyer agrees to purchase from Seller, and Seller agrees to
sell to Buyer, the Shares for the consideration specified below in this
Section 1.
(b) PURCHASE PRICE. Buyer agrees to pay to Seller at the Closing
(as defined below) $240,000 (the "PURCHASE PRICE") in cash by wire
transfer or delivery of other immediately available funds.
(c) THE CLOSING. The closing of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement (the "CLOSING") shall take place at the offices of Buyer,
commencing at 9:00 a.m. local time on December 22, 2000, or such other date
as the Parties may mutually agree (the "CLOSING DATE").
(d) DELIVERIES AT THE CLOSING. At the Closing, (i) Seller will
deliver to Buyer a fully executed copy of that certain Standstill Agreement
dated July 13, 2000, by and among TravelNow.com, Inc. and the individual
parties thereto (the "STANDSTILL AGREEMENT"), and either (A) deliver to Buyer
stock certificates representing the Shares, endorsed in blank or accompanied
by duly executed assignment documents, or (B) cause the Shares to be
electronically transmitted to Buyer's account through the Depository Trust
Company's DWAC system, and (ii) Buyer will deliver to Seller the
consideration specified in Section 1(b) above.
2. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONCERNING THE TRANSACTION.
(a) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER. Seller represents and
warrants to Buyer that the statements contained in this Section 2(a) are
correct and complete as of the date of this Agreement.
(i) AUTHORIZATION OF TRANSACTION. Seller has full power and
authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform his
obligations hereunder. This Agreement constitutes the valid and legally
binding obligation of Seller, enforceable in accordance with its terms
and conditions. Seller need not give any notice to, make any filing
with, or obtain any authorization, consent, or approval
of any government or governmental agency in order to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(ii) NONCONTRAVENTION. Neither the execution and the delivery
of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, will violate any constitution, statute,
regulation, rule, injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, charge,
or other restriction of any government, governmental agency, or court
to which Seller is subject, or any agreement to which Seller is bound.
(iii) THE SHARES. Seller holds of record and owns beneficially
the Shares, free and clear of any restrictions on transfer (other than
restrictions under the Securities Act and state securities laws),
taxes, security interests, options, warrants, purchase rights,
contracts, commitments, equities, liens, claims, encumbrances and
demands. Seller is not a party to any option, warrant, purchase right,
or other contract or commitment that could require Seller to sell,
transfer, or otherwise dispose of any Shares (other than this
Agreement). Seller is not a party to any voting trust, proxy, or other
agreement or understanding with respect to the voting of any shares of
Common Stock. Seller is, however, party to the Standstill Agreement
(b) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER. Buyer represents and
warrants to Seller that the statements contained in this Section 2(b) are
correct and complete as of the date of this Agreement.
(i) AUTHORIZATION OF TRANSACTION. Buyer has full power and
authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its
obligations hereunder. This Agreement constitutes the valid and legally
binding obligation of Buyer, enforceable in accordance with its terms
and conditions. Buyer need not give any notice to, make any filing
with, or obtain any authorization, consent, or approval of any
government or governmental agency in order to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(ii) NONCONTRAVENTION, Neither the execution and the delivery
of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, will violate any constitution, statute,
regulation, rule, injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, charge,
or other restriction of any government, governmental agency, or court
to which Buyer is subject.
3. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATION TO CLOSE.
(a) CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATION OF BUYER. The obligation of Buyer to
consummate the transactions to be performed by it in connection with the Closing
is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions:
(i) the representations and warranties set forth in Section
2(a) above shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as
of the Closing Date; and
(ii) there shall not be any injunction, judgment, order,
decree, ruling, or charge in effect preventing consummation of any of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
Buyer may waive any condition specified in this Section 3(a) if it executes a
writing so stating at or prior to the Closing.
(b) CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATION OF SELLER. The obligation of Seller to
consummate the transactions to be performed by them in connection with the
Closing is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions:
(i) the representations and warranties set forth in
Section 2(b) above shall be true and correct in all
material respects at and as of the Closing Date;
(ii) Buyer shall have agreed to be bound by the terms of
the Standstill Agreement and shall have executed a
copy thereof; and
(iii) there shall not be any injunction, judgment, order,
decree, ruling, or charge in effect preventing
consummation of any of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement;
Seller may waive any condition specified in this Section 3(b) if he executes a
writing so stating at or prior to the Closing.
4. MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement shall not confer any
rights or remedies upon any person other than the Parties and their respective
successors and permitted assigns.
(b) ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
among the Parties and supersedes any prior understandings, agreements, or
representations by or among the Parties, written or oral, to the extent they are
related in any way to the subject matter hereof.
(c) SUCCESSION AND ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the Parties named herein and their respective successors
and permitted assigns.
(d) COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which
together will constitute one and the same instrument.
(e) HEADINGS. The section headings contained in this Agreement are
inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.
(f) GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE DOMESTIC LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO
ANY CHOICE OR CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISION OR RULE (WHETHER OF THE STATE OF TEXAS
OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION) THAT WOULD CAUSE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANY
JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF TEXAS.
(g) AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS. No amendment of any provision of this
Agreement shall be valid unless the same shall be in writing and signed by Buyer
and Seller. No waiver by any Party of any default, misrepresentation, or breach
of warranty or covenant hereunder, whether intentional or not, shall be deemed
to extend to any prior or subsequent default, misrepresentation, or breach of
warranty or covenant hereunder or affect in any way any rights arising by virtue
of any prior or subsequent such occurrence.
(h) SEVERABILITY. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is
invalid or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect
the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and
provisions hereof or the validity or enforceability of the offending term or
provision in any other situation or in any other jurisdiction.
(i) EXPENSES. Buyer and Seller will bear its own costs and expenses
(including legal fees and expenses) incurred in connection with this Agreement
and the transactions contemplated hereby.
(j) CONSTRUCTION. The Parties have participated jointly in the
negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or
question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed
as if drafted jointly by the Parties and no presumption or burden of proof shall
arise favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of the authorship of any of
the provisions of this Agreement. Any reference to any federal, state, local, or
foreign statute or law shall be deemed also to refer to all rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder, unless the context requires otherwise. The
word "including" shall mean including without limitation.
*****
The Parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the date first above
written.
Hotel Reservations Network, Inc.
By: /s/ David Litman
------------------------------------
Name: David Litman
-----------------------------------
Title: Chief Executive Officer
----------------------------------
/s/ Andrew Shepp
----------------------------------------
Andrew Shepp
EXHIBIT 4
INVESTMENT BANKING
LEGG MASON WOOD WALKER, INCORPORATED
100 LIGHT STREET, 34TH FLOOR, BALTIMORE, MD 21202
410.539.0000 FAX: 410.454.4508
MEMBER NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC./MEMBER SIPC
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
December 27, 2000
Hotel Reservations, Network, Inc.
8140 Walnut Hill Lane
Suite 800
Dallas, TX 75231
Attention: Mr. Mel Robinson
President & Chief Financial Officer
Ladies and Gentlemen:
In connection with your consideration of a possible transaction with
TravelNow.com Inc., a Delaware company (the "Company"), the Company is prepared
to make available to you certain information concerning the business, operations
and assets of the Company. As a condition to such information being furnished to
you and your Representatives (as defined herein), you agree to treat any
information concerning the Company (whether prepared by the Company, its
advisors or otherwise and irrespective of the form of communication) which is
furnished to you or to your Representatives by or on behalf of the Company
(herein collectively referred to as the "Evaluation Material") in accordance
with the provisions of this letter agreement.
The term "Evaluation Material" shall be deemed to include all notes,
analyses, compilations, studies, interpretations or other documents prepared by
you or your Representatives which contain, reflect or are based upon, in whole
or in part, the information furnished to you or your Representatives pursuant
hereto. The term "Evaluation Material" does not include information which (i) is
or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a
disclosure by you or your Representatives, (ii) was within your possession prior
to its being furnished to you by or on behalf of the Company pursuant hereto, or
(iii) becomes available to you on a non-confidential basis from a source other
than the Company or any of its Representatives; provided that with respect to
clauses (ii) and (iii) above, the source of such information was not bound by a
confidentiality agreement with or other contractual, legal or fiduciary
obligation of confidentiality known by you after reasonable investigations to be
owed to the Company or any other party with respect to such information.
You hereby agree that you recognize and acknowledge the competitive
value and the confidential and proprietary nature of the Evaluation Material and
the damage that could result to the Company if it is used for any purpose other
then the proposed transaction contemplated by this letter
agreement or is disclosed to any third party, other than as set forth in this
paragraph. You and your Representatives agree that you shall use the
Evaluation Material solely for the purpose of evaluating a possible
transaction between the Company and you and not in any manner that is
competitive with or detrimental to the Company. You further agree that you
will keep the Evaluation Material confidential and that you will not
disclose any of the Evaluation Material in any manner whatsoever; provided,
however, that (i) you may make any disclosure of such information to which
the Company gives its prior written consent and (ii) any such information
may be disclosed to your employees, directors, agents or representatives
(collectively, your "Representative") who need to know such information in
connection with your evaluation of a possible transaction with the Company,
and who agree to keep such information confidential and who are provided with
a copy of this letter agreement and agree to be bound by the terms hereof
to the same extent as if they were parties hereto. In any event, you shall
be responsible for any breach of this letter agreement by any of your
Representatives from prohibited or unauthorized disclosure or use of the
Evaluation Material.
You hereby acknowledge that the Evaluation Material is being
furnished to you in consideration of your agreement that neither you, nor any
entity directly or indirectly controlled by you (collectively, an
"Affiliate"), will directly or indirectly propose to the Company or any
other person any transaction between you and the Company and/or its security
holders or involving any of its Securities (as defined below) or security
holders regarding an acquisition, directly or indirectly, of control of the
Company or any of the Company's Securities, businesses or assets, unless the
Company shall have requested in writing that you make such a proposal, and
that neither you nor any of your Affiliates will acquire, or assist, advise
or encourage any other persons in acquiring, directly or indirectly, control
of the Company or any of the Company's Securities, businesses or assets for
a period of six months from the date of this letter agreement unless the
Company shall have consented in advance in writing to such acquisition.
Provided, however, that the restrictions set forth in this paragraph shall no
longer be applicable in the event that any third-party, without the prior
written consent of the Board of Directors of the Company, makes a bona fide
public offer to acquire or acquires directly or indirectly voting stock of
the Company or publicly announces its desire to enter into any merger or
other business combination with the Company. You also agree that the Company
shall be entitled to equitable relief, including injunction, in the event of
any breach of the provisions of this paragraph and that you shall not oppose
the granting of such relief. The term "Securities" shall have the same
meaning herein as in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company
acknowledges that you have entered into an agreement with Chris Noble to
purchase from him 1,000,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock, and an
agreement with Andrew Shepp to purchase from him 80,000 shares of the
Company's Common Stock, and the Company further acknowledges that the
provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to such agreements.
In addition, you agree that, without the prior written consent of
the Company, you and your Representatives will not disclose to any person
the fact that the Evaluation Material has been made available to you, that
discussions or negotiations are taking place concerning a possible
transaction involving the Company or any of the terms, conditions or other
facts with respect thereto, unless such disclosure is required by law and
then only with as much prior written notice to the Company as is practical
under the circumstances and only to the extent required by law. You further
agree not to contact any employees of the Company regarding a possible
transaction or the Evaluation Materials without the Company's prior written
consent and that all communications regarding a possible transaction with the
Company, requests for additional information and questions regarding
procedures with respect to a possible transaction will be first submitted or
directed to Legg Mason Wood Walker, Incorporated ("Legg Mason") and not to
the Company or its Representatives. The term "person" as used in this letter
agreement shall be broadly interpreted to include the media and any
corporation, partnership, group, individual or other entity.
In the event that you or any of your Representatives are requested
or become legally compelled to disclose any of the Evaluation Material or
that discussions between you and the Company now are taking place or will
take place, you shall provide the Company with prompt written notice of any
such request or requirement so that the Company may seek a protective order
or other appropriate remedy. In the event that such protective order or other
remedy is not obtained, you agree to (i) furnish only that portion of the
Evaluation Material for which you are advised by written opinion of counsel,
reasonably satisfactory to the Company, is legally required and (ii) exercise
your best efforts to obtain assurance that the Evaluation Material will be
accorded such confidential treatment.
If you decide that you do not wish to proceed with a transaction
with the Company you will promptly inform the Company of that decision. In
that case, or at any time upon the request of the Company for any reason, you
will and will cause your Representatives to promptly deliver to the Company
all documents and all copies thereof furnished to you or your Representatives
by or on behalf of the Company pursuant hereto. In the event of such a
decision or request, all other Evaluation Material prepared by you or your
Representatives shall be destroyed and no copy thereof shall be retained
and, upon request, you shall certify in writing to the Company that such
action has been taken. Notwithstanding the return or destruction of the
Evaluation Material, you and your Representatives will continue to be bound
by your obligations of confidentiality and other obligations hereunder for a
period of five (5) years from the date of this letter agreement.
The Company retains the right to determine, in its discretion, what
information, properties, personnel and other Evaluation Material the Company
will make available to you. Although the Company has endeavored to include in
the Evaluation Material information which the Company believes to be relevant
for the purpose of your evaluation of a possible transaction with the
Company, you acknowledge that none of the Company, Legg Mason nor any of
their respective Representatives makes any express or implied representation
or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the Evaluation Material.
You agree that none of the Company, Legg Mason nor any of their respective
Representatives shall have any liability to you or to any of your
Representatives relating to or resulting from the use of the Evaluation
Material. You also agree that you are not entitled to rely on the accuracy
or completeness of the Evaluation Material and that you will be entitled to
rely solely on such representations and warranties as may be included in any
definitive agreement with respect to a transaction between the Company and
you, subject to such limitations and restrictions as may be contained
therein. You further agree that, if you determine to engage in a transaction
with the Company, your determination will be based solely on the terms of
such definitive agreement and on your own investigation, analysis and
assessment of the Company and the transaction.
In consideration of the Evaluation Material being furnished to you,
you agree that, without the prior written consent of the Company, for a
period of one (1) year from the date hereof, you will not, directly or
indirectly, (i) solicit any person or employee whom you know or have a
reasonable basis to know is an employee of the Company; or (ii) solicit for
employment any person employed by the Company with whom you had contact or
who became known to you during your evaluation of the Company.
You agree that unless and until a definitive agreement regarding a
transaction between the Company and you has been executed, neither the Company
nor you will be under any legal obligation of any kind whatsoever with respect
to such a transaction by virtue of this letter agreement except for the matters
specifically agreed to herein and you hereby waive, in advance, any claims in
connection with any possible transaction with the Company unless and until you
shall have entered into a final definitive agreement. You also acknowledge and
agree that (i) Legg Mason and its Representatives may conduct the process that
may or may not result in a transaction with the Company in such manner as Legg
Mason, in its
sole discretion, may determine, including, without limitation,
negotiating and entering into a final definitive agreement with any third
party without notice to you, and (ii) Legg Mason reserves the right to
change, in its sole discretion, at any time and without notice to you, the
procedures relating to the Company's and your consideration of the proposed
transaction, including, without limitation, terminating all further
discussions with you and requesting that you return all Evaluation Material
to the Company. You hereby confirm that you are not acting as a broker for
or Representative of any person and are considering a possible
transaction with the Company only for your own account. You further
acknowledge and agree that the Company reserves the right, in its sole
discretion, to reject any and all proposals made by you or any of your
Representatives with regard to a transaction between the Company and you, and
to terminate discussions and negotiations with you at any time.
You acknowledge that you and your Representatives are aware that the
United States securities laws prohibit any person who has material non-public
information about a company from purchasing or selling securities of such
company, or from communicating such information to any other person under
circumstances in which it is reasonably foreseeable that such person is likely
to purchase or sell such securities.
The Company reserves the right to assign all of its rights, powers and
privileges under this letter agreement, including without limitation, the right
to enforce all of the terms of this letter agreement.
It is understood and agreed that no failure or delay by the Company in
exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver
thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or
further exercise thereof or the exercise of any right, power or privilege
hereunder.
It is further understood and agreed that money damages would not be a
sufficient remedy for any breach of this letter agreement by you or any of your
Representatives and that the Company shall be entitled to equitable relief,
including injunction and specific performance, as a remedy for any such breach.
Such remedies shall not be deemed to be the exclusive remedies for a breach by
you of this letter agreement, but shall be in addition to all other remedies
available at law or equity to the Company. Consequently, the Company shall be
entitled to secure enforcement of this letter agreement in any court of
competent jurisdiction in the United States or any state thereof (and you agree
to waive any requirement for the posting of bond in connection with such
remedy).
The terms and provisions of this letter agreement are solely for the
benefit of the Company, Legg Mason and you and their respective successors,
assigns, heirs and personal representatives, and no other person shall acquire
or have any right by virtue of this letter agreement. This letter agreement
shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
Delaware without giving effect to such state's principles of conflicts of laws.
This letter agreement may be waived, amended or modified only by an
instrument in writing signed by the party against which such waiver, amendment
or modification is sought to be enforced.
You represent and warrant that this letter agreement has been duly and
validly executed and delivered and is a valid and binding agreement enforceable
in accordance with its terms.
If any provision of this letter agreement or the application of any
such provision to any person or circumstance is held invalid, illegal or
unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, the remaining provisions of the letter
agreement and the application of such provision to other persons or
circumstances shall not be affected thereby. To the fullest extent possible the
court finding such provision invalid, illegal or unenforceable shall modify and
construe the provisions as to render it valid and enforceable as against all
persons or entities and to give the maximum possible protection to the Company
and its officers, directors, employees, agents, advisors and controlling persons
within the bounds of validity, legality and enforceability.
Please confirm your agreement with the foregoing by signing and
returning one copy of this letter to the undersigned, whereupon this letter
agreement shall become a binding agreement between you and the Company.
Very truly yours,
LEGG MASON WOOD WALKER, INCORPORATED
on behalf of: TRAVELNOW.COM INC.
By: /s/
--------------------------------
Accepted and agreed as
of the date first written above:
Hotel Reservations Network, Inc.
By: /s/
-------------------------------
EXHIBIT 5
STANDSTILL AGREEMENT
THIS STANDSTILL AGREEMENT, effective July 13, 2000 (this
"Agreement"), is made and entered into by and among TravelNow Inc., a Florida
corporation ("TravelNow") and the undersigned individual holders of TravelNow's
capital stock (each individually a "Stockholder" and collectively the
"Stockholders").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, each Stockholder beneficially owns as of the date
of this Agreement, the number of shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per
share, of TravelNow set forth on Schedule A attached hereto along with any
stock into which such shares of common stock have been exchanged or any stock
resulting from any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization,
restructuring, reclassification or similar transaction involving such shares
of common stock (collectively, the "Common Stock");
WHEREAS, TravelNow and the Stockholders agree that in order
to protect the long-term value of the Common Stock, it is in the best
interest of both TravelNow and the Stockholders for the Stockholders to
retain ownership of the Common Stock pursuant to the terms of this Agreement;
and
WHEREAS, TravelNow and Stockholder desire to enter into this
Agreement;
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises
hereinafter made, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to
be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:
1. Limitations. For a period of one (1) year from the date of
this Agreement, without the prior written consent of the Board of Directors of
TravelNow, specifically expressed in a resolution adopted by a majority of the
directors of TravelNow who are not affiliates of the Stockholder in question or
any corporation or other entity controlling, controlled by or under common
control with the Stockholder in question (each a member of the "Stockholder
Group"), no Stockholder shall, nor shall any Stockholder permit any member of
his/her Stockholder Group to, in any manner, directly or indirectly:
(a) transfer, sell, pledge or encumber, or offer or agree
to transfer, sell, pledge or encumber, directly or
indirectly, any of the Common Stock, provided,
however, that a Stockholder may (i) transfer Common
Stock in a privately negotiated transfer in which the
transferee agrees to bound by the terms of this
Agreement and executes a copy hereof (each a
"Permitted Transferee"), or (ii) pledge or encumber,
in the aggregate, thirty percent (30%) of the shares
of Common Stock held by such Stockholder; or
(b) publicly announce or disclose any intention, plan or
arrangement inconsistent with the foregoing.
2. Non-Conforming Transfers Void. Any transfer, sale, pledge
or encumbrance or attempted transfer, sale, pledge, or encumbrance of Common
Stock made in violation of this Agreement shall be void ab initio and TravelNow
shall not be required to, and its transfer agent shall be instructed not to,
recognize any such transfer or sale.
3. Consideration. Each Stockholder acknowledges that in return
for his/her promises under this Agreement, he/she is receiving the benefit
preserving the value of the Common Stock through the mutual agreement of the
other Stockholders and that such benefit together with other good and valuable
consideration set forth in Schedule A attached hereto, is sufficient
consideration for his/her promises hereunder.
4. No Limitation on Acquisition. Except as expressly set for
the in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed in any
manner to limit any Stockholder's rights to purchase or otherwise acquire
additional shares of capital stock of TravelNow in any manner or from any
person(s) or entity(ies).
5. Merger Clause. This Agreement constitutes the complete
agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof
and shall continue in full force and effect until terminated by mutual agreement
of the parties hereto or pursuant to the terms hereof.
6. Headings; Interpretation. The section headings used herein
are for reference purposes only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever possible, each provision of this
Agreement shall be interpreted in such a manner as to be effective and valid
under applicable law, but if any provision hereof is held to be invalid, illegal
or unenforceable under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such
provision will be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity, illegality,
or unenforceability, without invalidating the remainder of this Agreement. This
Agreement shall be interpreted such that any rule of construction to the effect
that any ambiguities are resolved against the drafting party shall not be
employed.
7. Choice of Law. This Agreement shall be construed, performed
and enforced in accordance with, and governed by the internal laws of the State
of Missouri, without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of law
thereof, and each party consents to personal jurisdiction in such state and
voluntarily submits to the jurisdiction of the courts of such state in any
action or proceeding relating to this Agreement.
8. Modification; Waiver. This Agreement may not be modified or
amended and no provision hereof may be waived, in whole or in part, except by a
written agreement signed by the parties hereto. No waiver of any breach or
default hereunder shall be considered valid unless in writing, and no such
waiver shall be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach or default.
9. Remedy. Each Stockholder acknowledges that TravelNow and
each other Stockholder would not have an adequate remedy at law for money
damages in the event that this Agreement is not performed in accordance with its
terms and therefore each Stockholder agrees that TravelNow and each other
Stockholder shall be entitled to specific enforcement of the terms hereof,
without being required to post any bond, in addition to any other remedy to
which it may be entitled, at law or in equity.
10. Notices. All notices, consents, waivers, and other
communications under this Agreement must be in writing and will be deemed to
have been duly given when (a) delivered by hand (with written confirmation of
receipt), (b) sent by facsimile (with written confirmation of receipt),
provided that a copy is mailed by registered mail, return receipt requested,
or (c) when received by the addressee, if sent by a nationally recognized
overnight delivery service (receipt requested), in each case to the
appropriate addresses and facsimile numbers set forth below (or to such other
addresses and facsimile numbers as a party may designate by notice to the
other parties):
(a) If to TravelNow: With a copy to:
TravelNow.com, Inc. Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP
318 Park Central East, Suite 306 1010 Grand Boulevard
Springfield, MO 65806 Kansas City, MO 64106
Facsimile No.: (417) 520-1159 Facsimile No.: (816) 842-3190
Attn: Stephan W. Dahlgren Attn.: Kevin R. Sweeney, Esq.
(b) If to a Stockholder or Permitted Transferee:
At the address set forth in TravelNow's corporate
records.
11. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in
counterparts, all of which shall be taken together as one and the same
instrument.
12. Successors and Assigns. Except as otherwise expressly
provided herein, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit
of TravelNow, its successors and assigns, and each Stockholder and his/her
successors and assigns, provided, however, that no Stockholder may assign this
Agreement without the express written consent of TravelNow.
13. Further Assurances. Each party hereto shall cooperate and
shall take such further action and shall execute and deliver such further
documents as may be reasonably requested by any other party in order to carry
out the provisions and purposes of this Agreement. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the
parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement on the day and year first above
written.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Permitted Transferee has duly executed this
Agreement on this 19th day of December, 2000.
PERMITTED TRANSFEREE:
TRAVELNOW.COM, INC. HOTEL RESERVATIONS NETWORK, INC.
BY: /s/ Jeff Wasson By: /s/ Gregory S. Porter
-------------------------- -----------------------------------
Name: Jeff Wasson General Counsel and Secretary
--------------------
Title: CEO Shares of Common Stock Held: 1,080,000
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