0000947871-01-500810.txt : 20011010 0000947871-01-500810.hdr.sgml : 20011010 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000947871-01-500810 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: SC 13D/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 FILED AS OF DATE: 20011004 SUBJECT COMPANY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: NUCO2 INC /FL CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000947577 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: WHOLESALE-CHEMICALS & ALLIED PRODUCTS [5160] IRS NUMBER: 650180800 STATE OF INCORPORATION: FL FISCAL YEAR END: 0630 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D/A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 005-46469 FILM NUMBER: 1752247 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2800 S E MARKET PLACE CITY: STUART STATE: FL ZIP: 34997 BUSINESS PHONE: 5612211754 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2820 SE MARKET PLACE CITY: STUART STATE: FL ZIP: 34997 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: FOWLER CARBONICS INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19951108 FILED BY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: BOC GROUP INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000839898 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: [] IRS NUMBER: 131600079 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D/A BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 575 MOUNTAIN AVENUE CITY: MURRAY HILL STATE: NJ ZIP: 07974 BUSINESS PHONE: 9086652400 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 575 MOUNTAIN AVENUE CITY: MURRAY HILL STATE: NJ ZIP: 07974 SC 13D/A 1 sch13da_100401.txt AMENDMENT NO. 2 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D. C. 20549 SCHEDULE 13D/A UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (Amendment No. 2) NAME OF ISSUER: NUCO2 Inc. TITLE OF CLASS OF SECURITIES: Common Stock, $.001 par value per share CUSIP NUMBER: 629428103 NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO RECEIVE NOTICES AND COMMUNICATIONS: The BOC Group, Inc. The BOC Group plc c/o Jim Blake, Esq. General Counsel, The BOC Group, Inc. 575 Mountain Avenue Murray Hill, New Jersey 07974 Facsimile Number: (908) 771-4803 DATE OF EVENT WHICH REQUIRES FILING: October 1, 2001 If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of ss.ss.240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-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 ss.240.13d-7(b) for other parties to whom copies are to be sent. Page 1 of 11 * 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 ("Act") 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). Page 2 of 11 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON: The BOC Group plc SS OR IRS IDENTIFICATION NUMBER OF ABOVE PERSON: N/A 1. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP: (a) [ ] (b) [X] 2. SEC USE ONLY: 3. SOURCE OF FUNDS: WC 4. CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e): Yes [ ] No: [X] 5. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION: England 6. SOLE VOTING POWER: 0 7. SHARED VOTING POWER: 1,809,319 8. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER: 0 9. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER: 1,809,319 10. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON: 1,809,319 11. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES: Yes [ ] No: [X] 12. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11): 19.98% of the Common Stock of the Issuer (18.8% of the total voting power of the Issuer after accounting for the outstanding shares of 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock of the Issuer, which votes on an "as converted" basis with the holders of the Common Stock, voting as a single class on all matters that the holders of the Common stock are entitled to vote upon). 13. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON: CO Page 3 of 11 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON: The BOC Group, Inc. SS OR IRS IDENTIFICATION NUMBER OF ABOVE PERSON: 13-1600079 1. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP: (a) [ ] (b) [x] 2. SEC USE ONLY: 3. SOURCE OF FUNDS: WC 4. CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e): Yes [ ] No [X] 5. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION: Delaware 6. SOLE VOTING POWER: 0 7. SHARED VOTING POWER: 1,809,319 8. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER: 0 9. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER: 1,809,319 10. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON: 1,809,319 11. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES: Yes [ ] No: [X] 12. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11): 19.98% of the Common Stock of the Issuer (18.8% of the total voting power of the Issuer after accounting for the outstanding shares of 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock of the Issuer, which votes on an "as converted" basis with the holders of the Common Stock, voting as a single class on all matters that the holders of the Common stock are entitled to vote upon). 13. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON: CO Page 4 of 11 This Amendment No. 2 to Schedule 13D amends that certain Schedule 13D originally filed March 2, 1999 with the Securities and Exchange Commission and amended December 27, 2000 (such Schedule, as so amended, being the "Schedule 13D"). Item 2 Identity and Background ----------------------- Item 2 of the Schedule 13D is hereby amended and supplemented by adding the following: The persons listed in numbers 1 and 2 below are the persons filing the Schedule 13D: 1. a. The BOC Group plc ("BOC PLC"), a public limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales. b. Chertsey Road, Windlesham Surrey, GU20 6HJ England Information regarding the directors and executive officers of BOC PLC is set forth on Schedule I attached hereto, which Schedule is incorporated herein by reference. 2. a. The BOC Group, Inc. ("BOC Delaware"), a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, United States of America. b. 575 Mountain Avenue, Murray Hill, New Jersey 07974 USA. Information regarding the directors and executive officers of BOC Delaware is set forth on Schedule II attached hereto, which Schedule is incorporated herein by reference. Item 3 Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration ------------------------------------------------- Item 3 of the Schedule 13D is hereby amended and supplemented by adding the following: The reporting persons purchased 298,208 shares (the "Shares") of common stock of the Issuer, $.001 par value per share ("Common Stock") at an aggregate purchase price of $4,100,360. The Shares were acquired directly from Mr. Edward M. Sellian in a private transaction for cash paid out of Page 5 of 11 working capital, pursuant to a stock purchase agreement, dated October 1, 2001, between Mr. Sellian and BOC Delaware (the "Stock Purchase Agreement"), which is is attached as an exhibit hereto. Item 4 Purpose of Transaction ---------------------- Item 4 of the Schedule 13D is hereby amended and supplemented by adding the following to the end of Item 4: The reporting persons purchased the Shares for investment purposes. (a) The reporting persons have no current plans or proposals which would relate to or result in any of the actions specified in clauses (a) through (j) of Item 4 of Schedule 13D. However, the reporting persons from time to time intend to review their investment in the Issuer on the basis of various factors, including the Issuer's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, general economic and industry conditions and the securities markets in general and those for the Issuer's securities in particular, as well as the business of the reporting persons and other developments and other investment opportunities. Based upon such review, the reporting persons will take such actions in the future as they may deem appropriate in light of the circumstances existing from time to time. Item 5 Interest in Securities of Issuer -------------------------------- Item 5 of the Schedule 13D is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows: 1. BOC Delaware (a) BOC Delaware is the joint beneficial owner of 1,809,319 shares of Common Stock (1,409,319 shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase 400,000 shares of Common Stock, which are currently exercisable at $17.00 per share), representing 19.98% of the Common Stock of the Issuer (18.8% of the total voting power of the Issuer after accounting for the outstanding shares of 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock of the Issuer ("Preferred Stock"), which votes on an "as converted basis" with the holders of the Common Stock, voting as a single class on all matters that the holders of the Common Stock are entitled to vote upon). The calculation of this percentage is based upon the number of shares of Common Stock of the Issuer Page 6 of 11 disclosed by the Issuer to BOC Delaware on September 26, 2001 and the number of shares of Preferred Stock outstanding as disclosed in the Issuer's most recently filed annual report on Form 10-K. (b) BOC Delaware is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BOC PLC and therefore shares with BOC PLC the power to vote and dispose of all of the 1,409,319 shares of the owned Common Stock and all of the 400,000 shares of Common Stock underlying the warrants referred to above. (c) Except as described herein, there have been no transactions by BOC Delaware in securities of the Issuer in the past 60 days. (d) No one other than BOC Delaware and BOC PLC is known to have the right to vote or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or the proceeds of the sale of, the shares in Common Stock (including the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants referred to above) beneficially owned by the reporting persons. (e) Not applicable. 2. BOC PLC (f) BOC PLC is the joint beneficial owner of 1,809,319 shares of Common Stock (1,409,319 shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase 400,000 shares of Common Stock, which are currently exercisable at $17.00 per share), representing 19.98% of the Common Stock of the Issuer (18.8% of the total voting power of the Issuer after accounting for the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, which votes on an "as converted basis" with the holders of the Common Stock, voting as a single class on all matters that the holders of the Common Stock are entitled to vote upon). The calculation of this percentage is based upon the number of shares of Common Stock of the Issuer disclosed by the Issuer to BOC Delaware on September 26, 2001 and the number of shares of Preferred Stock outstanding as disclosed in the Issuer's most recently filed annual report on Form 10-K. Page 7 of 11 (g) BOC PLC is the ultimate parent entity of BOC Delaware and therefore shares with BOC Delaware the power to vote and dispose of all of the 1,409,319 shares of the owned Common Stock and all of the 400,000 shares of Common Stock underlying the warrants referred to above. (h) Except as described herein, there have been no transactions by BOC PLC in securities of the Issuer in the past 60 days. (i) No one other than BOC Delaware and BOC PLC is known to have the right to vote or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or the proceeds of the sale of, the shares in Common Stock (including the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants referred to above) beneficially owned by the reporting persons. (j) Not applicable. Item 6 Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships with Respect to Securities of the Issuer Item 6 of the Schedule 13D is hereby amended and supplemented by adding the following: On October 1, 2001, pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, BOC Delaware purchased 298,208 shares of Common Stock at an aggregate purchase price of $4,100,360. The Shares were acquired directly from Mr. Sellian in a private transaction for cash paid out of working capital. Item 7 Material to be Filed as Exhibits Item 7 of the Schedule 13D is hereby amended and supplemented by adding the following: Exhibit 2: Stock Purchase Agreement, dated October 1, 2001 between Edward M. Sellian and BOC Delaware. Exhibit 3: Joint filing agreeement. Page 8 of 11 After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete, and correct. THE BOC GROUP PLC By: /s/ Nick Deeming -------------------------------------- Date: October 4, 2001 Name: Nick Deeming -------------------- Title: Legal Director and Company Secretary After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete, and correct. THE BOC GROUP PLC By: /s/ James P. Blake -------------------------------------- Date: October 4, 2001 Name: James P. Blake -------------------- Title: Vice President & General Counsel Page 9 of 11 Schedule I Directors and Executive Officers of The BOC Group plc 1. Board of Directors Sir David John Anthony Eric Isaac Julia Baddeley Richard S. Grant Harry Groome Chris O'Donnell Goran Lundberg J.Howard Macdonald Rene Medori Dr. Raj Rajagopal John L. Walsh 2. Executive Officers Executive Director of the Company: A E Isaac Chief Executive - Process Gas Solutions R S Grant Group Finance Director R Medori Chief Executive - BOC Edwards K Rajagopal Chief Executive - Industrial & Special Products J L Walsh Chief Executive - Asia J Bevan* Group Legal Affairs Director N Deeming* Group Corporate Relations Director S Dempsey* Group Information Management Director P Dew* Group Human Resources Director R Lourey* Group Business Development Director G Sedgwick* Page 10 of 11 Schedule II Directors and Executive Officers of The BOC Group, Inc. 1. Board of Directors James Blake Richard S. Grant Anthony Eric Isaac Rene Medori J. Kent Masters 2. Executive Officers President Anthony Eric Isaac Vice President Richard S. Grant Vice President Brian P. Walsh Treasurer David L. Brooks Assistant Treasurer James A. Boyce Vice President and Secretary James Blake Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Robert Wowk Assistant Secretary Deborah G. Rosenthal Assistant Secretary Patricia E. Fleming Assistant Secretary Dean A. Bertolino Assistant Secretary Donna C Boehme Assistant Secretary David L. Rae Assistant Secretary Paul E. Stolzer Page 10 of 11 EX-2 3 ex2tosc13d_100201.txt STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT Exhibit 2 STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT THIS STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), is made and entered into this 1st day of October, 2001, by and between THE BOC GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Buyer"), and EDWARD M. SELLIAN, an individual with an address at 6794 SE Isle Way, Stuart, Florida 34996 (the "Seller"). R E C I T A L: Seller desires sell to Buyer and Buyer desires to purchase from Seller, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Seller's Two Hundred, Ninety Eight Thousand, Two Hundred and Eight (298,208) shares (the "Common Shares") of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, in NUCO2 Inc., a Florida corporation (the "Company"), in exchange for the Common Share Purchase Price (as defined herein) and such other agreements, obligations, and consideration as set forth in this Agreement. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual promises herein made, and in consideration of the representations, warranties, and covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows: ARTICLE 1 PURCHASE OF COMMON SHARES 1.1 Purchase of Common Shares. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, Buyer agrees to purchase the Common Shares for the Common Share Purchase Price from Seller, and Seller agrees to sell the Common Shares to Buyer at the Closing. 1.2 Purchase Price for Common Shares. The purchase price of the Common Shares, representing a per share price of $13.75, shall be Four Million, One Hundred Thousand, Three Hundred and Sixty Dollars ($4,100,360) (the "Common Share Purchase Price"). ARTICLE 2 THE CLOSING 2.1 Closing. The closing of the transaction (the "Closing") shall occur at the offices of Buyer on the date hereof or at such other date and/or place as may be mutually agreed upon by 1 the parties (the "Closing Date"). All component parts of the transaction shall be deemed to occur simultaneously on the Closing Date. 2.2 Closing Deliveries by Seller to Buyer. At the Closing, Seller shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Buyer a certificate evidencing the Common Shares being purchased by the Buyer, registered in the name of Buyer, duly endorsed for transfer or accompanied by properly executed stock powers, with all signatures guaranteed by a commercial bank or a member of the New York Stock Exchange acceptable to Buyer, and accompanied by all requisite transfer stamps. 2.3 Delivery by Buyer to Seller. At the Closing, Buyer shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Seller the Common Share Purchase Price. ARTICLE 3 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER Seller hereby represents and warrants to Buyer as of the Closing Date as follows: 3.1 Authority; Enforceability. Seller has all requisite power and authority, and has taken all action necessary to execute and deliver this Agreement, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, and to perform its obligations hereunder. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Seller and constitutes legal, valid, and binding obligations of Seller enforceable against Seller in accordance with their respective terms, except as the enforcement thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or transfer, or other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally from time to time in effect or by general principles of equity. 3.2 No Conflicts. The execution and delivery of this Agreement, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and compliance with the terms hereof do not violate or conflict with in any respect, or result in a breach under, any contract, license, order or law applicable to Seller. 3.3 No Consents. No consent of approval of, or filing with, any court or other person is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to Seller in connection with the execution, 2 delivery, and performance of this Agreement or the consummation by Seller of the transactions contemplated hereby. 3.4 Ownership of Shares; Title. All of the Common Shares are lawfully owned of record and beneficially by Seller, free and clear of any lien or other limitation or restriction (including any restriction on the right to vote, sell, or otherwise dispose of the Common Shares, subject to applicable securities laws). Seller has the full legal right, power, and authority to vote such Common Shares. Such Shares are not subject to any voting trust agreement or other contract, agreement, arrangement, commitment, option, proxy, right of first refusal, or understanding, including any contract restricting or otherwise relating to the voting, dividend rights or disposition of the Common Shares. 3.5 Litigation. There is no action, suit, investigation, arbitration or administrative or other proceeding pending, or threatened against or affecting Seller before any court or arbitrator or any governmental authority which, if determined or resolved adversely to Seller, could reasonably be expected to, individually or when considered together with all such other matters, adversely affect the right or ability of Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and Seller knows of no valid basis for any such action, suit, investigation or proceeding. 3.6 Disclosure. (a) No representation or warranty by Seller contained herein or in any statement or certificate furnished or to be furnished to Buyer pursuant hereto or connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby contains or will contain any untrue statement of material fact or omits or will omit any statement of material fact to make the statements contained herein or therein not misleading or accurate, true, correct, and complete. (b) There is no fact known to Seller that has not been disclosed to Buyer orally or in writing that materially affects or, insofar as Seller can reasonably foresee, will materially affect, the Company, its financial condition, or results of operations. ARTICLE 4 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER Buyer hereby represents and warrants to Seller as of the Closing Date as follows: 3 4.1 Authority; Enforceability. Buyer is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. Buyer has all requisite corporate power and authority, and has taken all corporate action necessary to execute and deliver this Agreement, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, and to perform its obligations hereunder. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Buyer and constitutes legal, valid, and binding obligations of Buyer enforceable against Buyer in accordance with their respective terms, except as the enforcement thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or transfer, or other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally from time to time in effect or by general principles of equity. 4.2 No Conflicts. The execution and delivery of this Agreement, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and compliance with the terms hereof do not violate or conflict with in any respect, or result in a breach under, any contract, license, order or law applicable to Buyer. 4.3 No Consents. No consent of approval of, or filing with, any court or other person is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to Buyer in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement or the consummation by Buyer of the transactions contemplated hereby. 4.4 Litigation. There is no action, suit, investigation, arbitration or administrative or other proceeding pending, or, to Buyer's knowledge, threatened against or affecting Buyer before any court or arbitrator or any governmental authority which, if determined or resolved adversely to Buyer, could reasonably be expected to, individually or when considered together with all such other matters, adversely affect the right or ability of Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and Buyer knows of no valid basis for any such action, suit, investigation or proceeding. 4.5 Accredited Investor (a) Buyer is purchasing for its own account, and not with a view to the resale or distribution of the Common Shares or any part thereof, and Buyer is prepared to bear the economic risk of retaining the Common Shares for an indefinite period, all 4 without prejudice, however, to the right of Buyer at any time lawfully to sell or otherwise to dispose of all or any part of the Common Shares; (b) Buyer is an "accredited investor" (as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated under The Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"); and (c) Buyer is experienced in evaluating and investing in securities, and understands that the Common Shares will be restricted securities, and that a legend to that effect shall be placed on the Common Shares. 4.6 Securities Act Compliance. Buyer understands that the Seller has not registered or qualified the Common Shares under the Securities Act or any applicable state securities laws, and Buyer agrees that the Common Shares shall not be sold or offered for sale without registration under the Securities Act or any applicable state securities laws or the availability of an exemption therefrom. ARTICLE 5 POST-CLOSING COVENANTS 5.1 General. In case at any time after the Closing any further action is necessary to carry out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, each of the parties hereto will take such further action (including the execution and delivery of such further instruments and documents) as the other party reasonably may request, all at the sole cost and expense of the requesting party. 5.2 Securities Filings. Each party shall promptly file all federal and state securities filings that may be necessary pursuant to this Agreement. ARTICLE 6 GENERAL PROVISIONS 6.1 Indemnification. The parties to this Agreement will indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the other party against and in respect of any and all claims, demands, actions, costs, damages, losses, expenses, obligations, liabilities, and causes of actions, including costs of court and reasonable attorneys' fees, that the other party incurs or suffers, which arise, result from, or relate to any breach of any of such party's representations, warranties, covenants, or agreements under this Agreement. 5 6.2 Amendment and Waiver. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the parties hereto, and then such amendment, waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given. 6.3 Applicable Law. This Agreement will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New Jersey applicable to contracts executed in and to be performed entirely within New Jersey. 6.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. 6.5 Parties in Interest. This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties named herein and their respective heirs, successors, and assigns. 6.6 Expenses. Each party hereto will pay its own expenses in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. 6.7 Entire Transaction. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the transaction contemplated hereby and supersedes all other agreements and understandings between the parties, both written and oral. 6.8 Headings. The Article and other headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. 6.9 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable under any present or future law, and if the rights or obligations of the parties under this Agreement would not be materially and adversely affected thereby, such provision shall be fully separable, and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be affected by the illegal, invalid, or 6 unenforceable provision or by its severance herefrom, and, in lieu of such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision, there shall be added automatically as a part of this Agreement a legal, valid, and enforceable provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible, and the parties hereto request the court to whom disputes relating to this Agreement are submitted to reform the otherwise illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision in accordance with this Paragraph 6.9. 6.10 Waiver. No waiver by any party of the performance of any provision, condition, or requirement herein shall be deemed to be a waiver of, or in any manner release the other party from, performance of any other provision, condition, or requirement herein, nor deemed to be a waiver of, or in any manner release the other party from, future performance of the same provision, condition, or requirement; nor shall any delay or omission by any party to exercise any right hereunder in any manner impair the exercise of any such right accruing to it thereafter. 6.11 No Third-Party Beneficiaries. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to give any person other than Buyer, any successor to Buyer, and the Seller any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or with respect to this Agreement. 6.12 Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, overnight courier or by facsimile as follows: If to Seller, to: Edward M. Sellian 6794 SE Isle Way Stuart, Florida 34996 Facsimile Number: 561-225-2206 If to Buyer, to: The BOC Group, Inc. 575 Mountain Avenue Murray Hill, New Jersey 07974 Attention: General Counsel Facsimile Number: 908-771-4803 7 with a copy to: The BOC Group, Inc. 575 Mountain Avenue Murray Hill, New Jersey 07974 Attention: Vice President Facsimile Number: 908-464-2234 Any party may change its address for receiving notice by written notice given to the others named above. 6.14 Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 6.14. [Signature Page Follows] 8 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first above written. THE BOC GROUP, INC. By: ----------------------------- Name: Title: EDWARD M. SELLIAN -------------------------------- 9 EX-3 4 ex3_100401.txt JOINT FILING AGREEMENT Exhibit 3 JOINT FILING AGREEMENT The undersigned hereby agree that the Statement on Schedule 13D dated October 1, 2001 (the "Statement") with respect to shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share of NUCO2 Inc. is, and any amendments thereto executed by each of us shall be, filed on behalf of each of us pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of Rule 13(d)-1(k) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and further agree that this Joint Filing Agreement be included as an exhibit to the Statement. Each of the undersigned agrees to be responsible for the timely filing of the Statement and any amendments thereto, and for the completeness and accuracy of the information concerning itself contained therein. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the 4th day of October 2001. THE BOC GROUP INC. By: /s/ James P. Blake, Esq. ----------------------------------------- Name: James P. Blake, Esq. Title: General Counsel BOC GROUP PLC By: /s/ Nick Deeming ----------------------------------------- Name: Nick Deeming Title: Legal Director and Company Secretary 1