General sales conditions

1.Identity of the seller

These general terms and conditions apply in full to any contractual relationship between the seller, being Brachot-Hermant NV and its Family members and subsidiaries (Brachot LTD, Brachot SAS, Brachot SRL, Brachot Polska Sp z o, Brachot Tiles & Landscaping NV, Cameleon Granite (Pty) Ltd, Granitarn SAS, Kilkenny Limestone Quarries LTD, Larvik Granite AS, Société Armoricaine de Granit (SAG) SAS, Sociedade de Granitos de Satão (S.G.S.) Lda, hereinafter referred to as “Brachot” or “our, us”, edm ), and the buyer.

The full identity of the sellers is included under “Identification of sellers” within these General sales conditions.

2. Applicability

The fact of placing an order automatically entails the acceptance of the sales conditions set out below, which always take precedence over the customer's conditions. Deviations from our general sales conditions are only valid if expressly drawn up in writing and signed by Brachot. Brachot reserves the right to change these general sales conditions at any time without personally informing the customer. Current agreements will always be subject to the general terms and conditions that were applicable at the time of the conclusion of the agreement.

3. Quotations and samples  

3.1. Our quotations only become binding after written and signed confirmation. A start of execution counts as confirmation. Material errors, calculation or printing errors do not bind us and may be corrected. Our price lists have only an indicative, non-binding value.

3.2. Unless expressly agreed otherwise, our quotations are valid for thirty days. Unless otherwise agreed, the customer must collect the goods within thirty days of availability. The delivery times specified by us are always provided without obligation. Any delay in availability can never lead to cancellation, termination or dissolution of the agreement, nor to the charging of compensation and/or to refusal of payment by the customer. After the expiry of the term, Brachot is no longer obliged to maintain the proposed prices. Price changes as a result of government intervention can always be passed on.

3.3. All natural stones are sold with their natural defects. Their origin and colour are determined by the sample, which is provided as an approximate resemblance only and identical colour and delivery approach cannot be claimed by the customer. In some types of natural stone, veins that are considered to be filled fault lines by non-specialists may occur. This is a natural phenomenon where the stone forms one solid mass with the vein and is not more or less brittle than the same stone without veins. Some marbles naturally have pores and open cavities that are filled with resin or a similar product or it is common during production to stick loose pieces together and provide an adhesive on the back, all without giving rise to a depreciation. Deviations on dimensioning must be accepted. They cannot be invoked as a basis for any complaint. For this we refer to the European Standards (EN-standards) for natural stone. In the event of backordering by the customer, no guarantee is given on an exact match with the previously delivered materials.

4. Delivery, prices and VAT

4.1. All shipments are made at the expense and risk of the ordering party or the addressee, even if delivery is carriage paid. Part deliveries are possible.

Additional material due to the real dimensions of the ordered material must also be paid.

4.2. Unless otherwise agreed, our prices are ex-works exclusive of costs, insurance, taxes, charges and the like. The merchandise is deemed to have been approved there as to quantity and quality as well as to dimensions. 

4.3. The VAT is borne by the buyer. When applying for reverse charge or exemption, the buyer will, on request, submit the necessary supporting documents to Brachot. The customer acknowledges and agrees that incorrect or incomplete accounting documents may give rise to set-off, whereby the customer will compensate and indemnify Brachot for all claims as a result of or arising from such incorrect or incomplete documents.

5. Return

Returns are only accepted on the basis of a written authorisation from Brachot, provided that the goods are in original packaging, undamaged and under the conditions specified in the authorisation.

6. Complaints

6.1. Under penalty of forfeiture, all complaints or comments with indication of the full identification data as stated on the invoice must be made known to us in writing within one week of the invoice date; for transport damage this is within 48 hours after delivery. In the absence of timely protest, the customer is deemed to have definitively accepted the goods as well as the invoice. Treating or processing of the delivered goods implies their acceptance.

6.2. When selling blocks, only complaints about visible breaks and veins can be accepted. Stains, shadows, variations in grain or texture are not taken into account. No complaints will be accepted on 2nd choice blocks. Blocks cannot be partially accepted.  Any complaint regarding a sawn block must be made to Brachot within ninety days of receipt of the block, it being the customer's responsibility to provide proof that the sheets have been produced from the block supplied by Brachot. Any complaint after six months of invoicing by Brachot will be rejected as late. Any compensation will be limited to the material charged without the delivery costs.

6.3. The buyer can never exercise any right to compensation. Brachot can only be obliged to replace the delivered goods, as long as these goods have not been placed, treated or processed and are therefore accepted and if there is a justified reason to do so. 

7. Invoicing and payment

7.1. All invoices are payable in full at Brachot's registered office and on the bank accounts mentioned, within thirty days of the invoice date. In the event of non-payment on the due date, a default interest of 1.5% per month, with a minimum of EUR 25, is due automatically and without notice of default. In addition, the debt balance is increased by a fixed compensation amounting to 15%, with a minimum of EUR 125.

7.2. If an invoice is not paid on its due date, any other outstanding invoices will become immediately due and payable, whether they have reached their due date or not. In addition, Brachot reserves the right, in the event of total or partial non-payment of an invoice or any other breach by the customer of its obligations under the agreement, automatically and without notice of default, to suspend the execution of all agreements with the customer or to terminate these in whole or in part with immediate effect, without the need for any judicial intervention and this without prejudice to any other right that Brachot can exercise.

7.3. Brachot reserves the right at all times to demand an advance payment as security for the payment of the invoices, whereby the fulfilment of any delivery obligations can be suspended until this has been met.

7.4. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by us, amounts that the customer believes he can claim against Brachot can in no way be offset against amounts owed by the customer to Brachot.

8. Retention of title clause

The goods remain the property of Brachot until full payment of the price in principal, including the lump sum compensation(s) and/or interest, as well as the costs referred to in Article 7. All risks are borne by the buyer. The advances paid remain acquired by Brachot to compensate for the possible losses on resale.

This retention of title extends to all Brachot’s goods still present at the customer’s premises, including those that have already been paid for. In the event that the buyer himself processes, resells the goods belonging to the seller, he transfers to the seller all claims arising from this resale from today.

9. Liability

9.1. The buyer and/or the final customer-private person, including the person who comes to view or select the materials in Brachot's industrial buildings, is fully responsible for the chosen type of product. Any information provided by Brachot or his appointees can have no greater scope than pure information and do not bind Brachot. Brachot is also not liable for the choice by the buyer and/or private customer of a non-adapted material and/or a non-adapted finish in light of a later use or application of the purchased material.

The customer-purchaser decides completely autonomously which product and which finish he wants without Brachot being held responsible in any way.

9.2. Without prejudice to deviating mandatory legal provisions, Brachot is only liable for damage caused by non-compliance with its obligations, if and insofar as such damage is caused by its intentional or gross negligence, or by fraud. Brachot cannot be held liable for other errors.

9.3. Brachot is also not liable for indirect damage, such as, but not limited to, loss of profit, financial or commercial losses, loss of production, increase in general expenses, increased administration costs, loss or damage of data, loss of contracts, immaterial damage , loss of clientele and/or any other consequential damages.

9.4. Brachot is not liable for damage to third parties, such as, but not limited to, the contractual liability or delay damage claimable by a third party from the customer. Therefore, Brachot must in no way indemnify the customer.

9.5. Insofar as Brachot is held liable for any damage, its liability is in any case limited to a maximum of the amount invoiced to the customer.

10. Privacy

The processing and protection of personal data is subject to Brachot's Privacy Policy. This Privacy Policy is an integral part of these General Terms and Conditions of Sale.

11. Intellectual property rights

Plans, studies, drawings, photos, models and samples always remain our property, may not be copied or communicated to third parties and must be returned on first request. The handing over of these documents therefore does not constitute a transfer of any intellectual property rights, unless otherwise agreed.

12. Force majeure

In case of force majeure, i.e. any circumstance beyond Brachot's control and which prevents the fulfilment of its obligations in whole or in part (such as, but not limited to, strike, war, epidemic, fire, flood, delay in sea transport and the like) , the delivery obligation is suspended, or the agreement is definitively dissolved.

13. Disputes

13.1 If one of the provisions of these general terms and conditions of sale should be declared null and void and unenforceable, the other terms and conditions will remain in full force and effect and this condition will be applicable to the extent accepted by law.

13.2. Only the law of the seller's country applies.

13.3. In the event of a dispute, the courts of the seller's registered office are exclusively competent. All agreements are deemed to have been concluded at the registered office of the seller. The above jurisdiction clause applies as a prorogation clause for foreign customers. 

Seller identification

Brachot-Hermant NV

E3 laan 86

9800 Deinze (Belgium)

BTW : 0402.531.786

E-mail : info@brachot.com

Brachot LTD

Unit 1 Brook Park Saltbrook Trading Estate, Saltbrook Road

Halesowen, West Midlands, B63 2QU (United Kingdom)

Company number : 03995883

E-mail : info.halesowen@brachot.com

Brachot SAS

25 Chemin de la Queue de l’étang

88200 Saint-Etienne-Les-Remiremont (France)

Company number : FR 41.310.785.811

E-mail : info.grandest@brachot.com

Brachot SRL

Via Paganella, 79

37020 Dolcè (Italy)

Company number  : IT 04721470237

E-mail : info.italy@brachot.com

Brachot Polska Sp z o o

Swarzędz-Jasin Poznańska 49

62-020 Swarzędz-Jasin (Poland)

Company number  : 782-00-73-378

E-mail : info.swarzedz@brachot.com

Brachot Tiles & Landscaping NV

Venetiëlaan 22

8530 Harelbeke (Belgium)

BTW : 0428.833.535

E-mail : info.harelbeke@brachot.com

Cameleon Granite (Pty) Ltd

18A Pendoring street

NW 0250 Brits (South Africa)

Company number   : ZA100262898

E-mail : info.cameleon@brachot.com

Granitarn SAS

260 Route Du Lac Du Merle

81100 Burlats (France)

Company number  : 313053365

E-mail : info.granitarn@brachot.com

Kilkenny Limestone Quarries LTD

Kellymount, Paulstown

Co Kilkenny (Ireland)

Company number  : 540411

E-mail : info.kilkennylimestone@brachot.com

Larvik Granite AS

Storgata 128

3262 Larvik (Norway)

Company number   : 930 307 378

E-mail : info.larvikgranite@brachot.com

Société Armoricaine de Granit (SAG) SAS

Rue des Carrières La Clarté

22700 Perroc-Guirec (France)

Company number   : 316431683

E-mail : info.granitarn@brachot.com

Sociedade de Granitos de Satão (S.G.S.) Lda

Qta. do Valamoso - Sezures - Esmolfe - AP. 41

3550-075 Penalva de Castelo (Portugal)

Company number   : PT502921978

E-mail : info@sgs-granitos.com

Special sales conditions Brachot Tiles & Landscaping NV

1. In addition to art. 3.2 of the aforementioned general sales conditions, if exceptionally a strict delivery term or date is explicitly agreed in the special sales conditions, the compensation for any delay will be fixed at a fixed rate of 1% of the contract price per full week of delay after fruitless registered notice of default, with a maximum of 5% of the contract price.

2. In addition to art. 4.1 of the aforementioned general sales conditions, when delivery to the site is agreed, the customer must ensure that the access roads are drivable and that unloading is at his expense. Demurrage due to inaccessibility of the site or delay in unloading is at the expense of the customer. If the customer refuses to accept the delivery and makes delivery impossible for us, the agreement is deemed to have been terminated automatically to its detriment and he owes a fixed compensation of which the minimum, taking into account the expenses, labour and everything that the seller could have earned with that contract, is a fixed amount set at 35% of the price or 75% in the case of customisation, exclusive of VAT, the more advanced to be proved by us.

3. In addition to art. 5 of the aforementioned general sales conditions, in the event of cancellation, the customer is legally liable to pay compensation, the minimum of which is set at 35% of the purchase price or 75% in the case of customisation, exclusive of VAT, the more advanced to be proven by us.

4. In addition to art. 6 of the aforementioned general terms and conditions of sale, in order for the customer to be able to claim the indemnification for hidden defects, the legal requirements for this must of course be met. In this regard, it is conventionally determined that the short term referred to in art. 1648 (Old) BW is six months from the date of delivery, and that any claim to indemnification lapses upon processing, alteration, repair by the customer or by third parties, or resale of the delivered goods. Claims to indemnification due to hidden defects cannot be invoked by the customer to postpone or suspend his payment obligations.

5. In addition to art. 7.2 of the aforementioned general sales conditions, upon full or partial termination of the agreement, the merchandise will be taken back where it is located and the customer is legally obliged to pay compensation, the minimum fixed amount of which is set at 35% of the price or 75% in case of customisation, exclusive of VAT, the more advanced to be proven by us.

Special sales conditions Brachot LTD

THESE CONDITIONS CONTAIN EXCLUSION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY CLAUSES AND YOU ARE REFERRED IN PARTICULAR (BUT NOT EXCLUSIVELY) TO THE PROVISIONS OF CLAUSES 1, 3, 5 and 6.

1.         CONDITIONS TO APPLY EXCLUSIVELY - ENTIRE AGREEMENT - VARIATIONS TO THE CONTRACT - CANCELLATION RIGHTS –SAMPLES

1.1.      No contract shall come into force until we send to you our order acceptance form. Each order shall constitute a separate contract.

1.2.      These conditions shall apply to all contracts for the sale of goods by us to you to the exclusion of all other terms and conditions. These conditions replace any other terms and conditions previously agreed or existing between us. Acceptance of delivery of the goods shall be conclusive evidence of your acceptance of these conditions and no action on your part, including but not limited to any physical acceptance by you of the goods on different terms, shall have effect to the contrary.

1.3.      YOU EXPRESSLY AGREE THAT THESE CONDITIONS AND ANY SPECIFICATION(S) OR OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT ARE EXPRESSLY AGREED IN WRITING AS BEING PART OF THE CONTRACT SHALL CONSTITUTE THE ENTIRE CONTRACT BETWEEN US. YOU EXPRESSLY AGREE THAT ORAL AGREEMENTS OR REPRESENTATIONS OF ANY KIND ON OUR PART ARE NOT PART OF THE CONTRACT UNLESS CONFIRMED IN WRITING BY AN AUTHORISED PERSON WITHIN OUR ORGANISATION. IN PARTICULAR, OUR SALESPERSONS ARE NOT AUTHORISED TO CONTRACT ON DIFFERENT TERMS THAN THOSE CONTAINED HEREIN OR TO MAKE REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE GOODS UNLESS CONFIRMED IN WRITING BY ONE OF OUR AUTHORISED PERSONS. IN THE FOREGOING SHALL HOWEVER AFFECT ANY LIABILITY FOR FRAUDULENT MISREPRESENTATION.

1.4.      Variations of the contract to be effective must be agreed in writing by one of our authorised representatives.

1.5.      Cancellation - (i) Standard goods -You may cancel the order at any time provided that it is received in sufficient time to enable us using reasonable means to cancel the dispatch process. Where an order is

cancelled in accordance with the foregoing then we will charge a cancellation charge of up to 20% of the order value. (ii) Non standard goods - Orders for non-standard goods may not be cancelled except with our express written agreement and upon such terms as we may, in our absolute discretion, agree.

1.6.      Samples - Where we have supplied sample(s) to you so that you may examine the quality of the goods, the supply of such sample(s) shall not constitute a sale by sample. You acknowledge that sample(s) provided belong to us and shall remain our property unless otherwise agreed in writing.

2.         PRICE AND PAYMENT

2.1.      Unless otherwise agreed in writing all prices quoted are excluding delivery and VAT for payment in sterling for delivery to mainland United Kingdom. Delivery elsewhere is subject to you paying carriage, packing and all other costs, duties and levies to effect delivery to the agreed destination.

2.2.      We reserve the right to increase the sale price prior to delivery without giving prior notice by not more than 5%. Price increases beyond 5% shall be subject to our obtaining your agreement.

2.3.      Written quotations are open for acceptance for 10 working days unless otherwise extended in writing and shall automatically lapse unless we otherwise agree in writing. Prices quoted in our sales literature, on our website or elsewhere are subject to change. Plans, sketches, photographs, models and drawings remain our property and shall not be copies or disclosed to any third party and will be returned upon demand.

2.4.      Payment is due upon delivery of the invoice. Time for payment shall be of the essence. In all cases payment on the due date shall be a condition precedent to further performance by us and, without prejudice to any other rights, we may suspend our performance under the contract or any other contract we have with you until payment has been made. If we are informed of any pending legal actions or insolvency process against you we may suspend the contract at any time. If any contracts have not been completed in the event of suspension, we may charge damages of 35% of the price of the incomplete contract, exclusive of VAT. If so required by us at the time of your order, we shall not send you an acceptance form or deliver the goods until you have put us in cleared funds to the sum of 10% of the purchase price.

2.5.      Interest on overdue invoices shall accrue from the date when payment becomes due from day to day until the date of payment at a rate of 1.25% per month and shall accrue at such a rate after as well as before any judgement. We reserve the right to claim under The Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.

2.6.      You shall reimburse us in respect of any additional costs and expenses incurred as result of any delay in the performance of your obligations including but not limited to failure to take delivery or supply any necessary information.

2.7.      All payments due to us shall be made in full without any form of set-off or other deduction unless the set- off or deduction is the subject of a court judgment in your favour.

2.8.      When orders are carried out without prior written agreement in respect of the price, our current price list prevailing at the date of delivery shall apply.

2.9.      All complaints regarding our invoices should be raised in writing to us at our address given on the order confirmation by registered post within eight days of the invoice date.

2.10.    Where agreement has been reached for payment of the invoice(s) by instalments, failure to make payment of any instalment on the due date will leave the full balance due for immediate payment together with interest and recovery costs.

2.11.    Part payment of an invoiced amount represents acceptance of the invoice. Payments on account are accepted without prejudice and are allocated in order of priority to the costs of recovery, interest due and finally to the unpaid invoice.

2.12.    Failure to pay any invoice causes all other unpaid invoices to fall due for immediate payment.

3.         DELIVERY AND RISK

3.1.      Unless otherwise agreed in writing delivery shall be to mainland UK destination (domestic orders) and ex-works for export orders. All actions carried out by us to effect delivery elsewhere shall be done as your agent and at your cost. You shall be liable for payment of all export or import duties, charges or levies. You agree to promptly provide any information or assistance necessary to enable us to arrange carriage and any import or export documentation. The customer is responsible for keep the access roads to the delivery address accessible, in good condition and for off-loading costs. Demurrage due to the inaccessibility of the delivery address or delay in off-loading is at the expense of the customer.

3.2.      Risk in the goods passes to the customer upon formation of the contract and where the contract relates to the supply of generic goods, as soon as they are individualised. The customer shall always bear all risk to the transport of goods and materials, even where we agree to guarantee the transport.

3.3.      Costs of carriage and any insurance which you reasonably direct us in writing to incur shall be reimbursed by you without any set-off or other withholding and shall be due on the date for payment of the price. As between us any carrier/freight forwarder employed by us to deliver or collect goods will be regarded as acting as your agent.

3.4.      Section 32(3) of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 shall not apply.

3.5.      Time for delivery is given as accurately as possible but is not guaranteed and TIME OF DELIVERY IS NOT OF THE ESSENCE. You shall have no right to damages or to cancel the contract for failure for any reason to meet any delivery time stated. If a stated time has passed (or if none then if a reasonable time has passed) then following written notification by you of a request to deliver and we have not been able to deliver within 10 days of your request then your sole right shall be to cancel the contract and reclaim any deposit or part payment made. Alterations to the order automatically make delivery times subject to change.

3.6.      We may deliver in instalments of any size and in any order and shall be entitled to invoice accordingly. Failure of delivery of an instalment whether in terms of delivery, or quantity or quality or performance shall not enable you to terminate the whole contract or refuse further deliveries unless we fail to remedy the same within a reasonable time.

3.7.      If a strict final delivery date has been agreed by an authorised person, any liability for damages arising from failure to complete delivery by the time specified is limited to 1 % of the contract sum per full week of delay, subject to a maximum of 5% of the contract sum.

3.8.      Any complaints concerning delivery are to be made in writing by registered post to our address as stated on the order confirmation form within three days of the date of delivery or in the event of non-delivery, three days from the date of the last attempted delivery.

4.         TITLE

4.1.      Title to the goods shall only pass to you when we have received cleared payment of all sums (including any default interest) owing by you to us under the contract and under all other contracts between us and you including any sums owing by you under contracts made after the contract whether or not the same are immediately payable.

4.2.      We may recover the goods in respect of which title has not passed to you at any time and you hereby licence us and our agents to enter upon your premises for the purpose either of satisfying ourselves that conditions 4.3 and 4.4 below are being complied with by you or of recovering any goods in respect of which title has not passed to you.

4.3.      Subject to 4.4. below until title to the goods has passed to you, you shall possess the goods as our fiduciary agent and bailee. You shall store the goods separately from other goods, shall ensure that they are clearly identifiable as belonging to us and insure them for their reinstatement value.

4.4.      Until title passes you may process and/or dispose of the goods in the ordinary course of business. These rights shall cease upon the first occurrence of any of the events described in clause 7.

4.5.      The rights in this clause are severable to the fullest extent possible. Furthermore we may exercise such rights against any of the goods as remain (notwithstanding intermediate processing) identifiable and/or severable and available.

4.6.      We may maintain an action for the price of the goods notwithstanding that title has not passed to you.

5.         OUR LIABILITY

5.1.      ALL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE GOODS IN BROCHURES, SALES MATERIALS AND THE LIKE ARE MERELY INDICATIVE OF THE NATURE OF THE GOODS AND DO NOT FORM PART OF THE CONTRACT. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO ALTER THE APPEARANCE OR FUNCTIONALITY OF THE GOODS OR THEIR MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS PROVIDED AL WAYS THEY DO NOT DIFFER FROM ANY EXPRESSLY

AGREED SPECIFICATION. ANY ADVICE OR SUGGESTIONS MADE BY US OR ON OUR BEHALF WHETHER IN BROCHURES, TECHNICAL LITERATURE OR IN RESPONSE TO A SPECIFIC QUERY AS TO THE USABILITY OR SUITABILITY OF THE GOODS FOR A SPECIFIC PURPOSE IS GIVEN IN GOOD FAITH ON A GOODWILL BASIS ONLY AND ON THE BASIS OF ANY INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY YOU. HOWEVER, IT REMAINS YOUR ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE (BY TRIAL USE OR PROCESSING IF NECESSARY) THAT THE GOODS WILL BE SUITABLE IN ALL RESPECTS.

5.2.      Nothing in these conditions shall limit or exclude liability (a) for death or injury caused by negligence (b) under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 to the extent that it is not lawful to exclude (c) arising out of any act involving fraud.

5.3.      We will not be responsible for physical loss or damage beyond the limit of our relevant insurance cover details of which can be supplied on request.

5.4.      Subject to 5.2, 5.3 or as elsewhere expressly provided for in these conditions our liability for defaults arising under or in connection with the contract will not in any event exceed in the aggregate a sum which consists of:

5.4.1.   the return of any monies paid in respect of the relevant goods plus

5.4.2.   a sum which is the greater of the price of the relevant goods or £(?) and you agree to carry appropriate insurance to cover the risks for which we do not accept liability.

5.5.      No liability for damages shall accrue in circumstances where a default is remediable until such time as you have given us 30 days written notice to remedy and we have failed to do so.

5.6.      You acknowledge that our prices would inevitably be greater if our liability were not to be limited as above. Our exclusions and limitations of liability relate to any liability whether in contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability or other form of legal liability. For the avoidance of doubt, heads of damage recoverable include losses in the nature of direct losses generally understood under English law save that loss of profits, loss of revenue or loss of production are excluded. Losses in the nature of consequential losses as understood under English law including, but not limited to, third party claims are excluded. We shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any special circumstances that would create or increase our liability even in circumstances where you inform us of the same.

6.         WARRANTY FROM DEFECTIVE GOODS

6.1.      Sections 13 to 15 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 do not apply and apart from section 12 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979, no other terms shall be implied whether by statute or common law. Our liability for any goods being defective due solely to not being in accordance with any specifi cation, poor workmanship or faulty materials or faulty packaging is strictly limited to the rights contained in this clause. Our sole liability in respect of defective goods supplied by us shall, at our option, be limited to crediting you with the purchase price of the relevant goods or making good any defect by replacement or repair.

6.2.      For the purpose of this clause 6, goods will only be regarded as being defective if they are proved to be so to our reasonable satisfaction (the goods having been returned to us at your expense for inspection if so requested by us (such expense to be reimbursed by us if the goods are defective)) and in any event the defect appears and has been notified to us within the period of 1 month following delivery of the goods to you in cases where the defect would have been apparent upon reasonable inspection at the time of delivery (whether or not such inspection takes place) or 3 months in all other cases and if the defect is solely attributable to failure of specification prepared or supplied by us, poor workmanship, faulty materials or faulty packaging and not for any other reason such as any misuse of the goods, use in abnormal situations, alteration or modification or failure due to an inherent defect in a specification supplied by you, or to fair wear and tear. In the event that the goods are not defective then you shall reimburse our reasonable costs of inspection and of returning them to you.

6.3.      All natural stone, marble and granite are sold with the deficiencies inherent to the material. Each sample is only an approximation of the actual colour, appearance and external structure. Deviations or patterns typical for the material (colour shades, pores, veins etc.) are normal and no liability is accepted. A variance of 2 mm on the thickness of the sheets and 3% on all other sizes is likewise allowed.

7.         INSOLVENCY ETC

7.1.      If you become bankrupt or, under any statutory provisions applicable to you, you are deemed to be unable to pay your debts or if you compound with your creditors or a resolution is passed or proceedings commenced for your liquidation (other than for a voluntary, bona fi de solvent winding up for the purpose of 6 reconstruction or amalgamation) or if a receiver, administrative receiver or manager is appointed of all or any part of your assets or undertaking or an order is made for the appointment of an administrator to manage your affairs, business and property or documents are filled with a court of competent jurisdiction

for the appointment of an administrator or notice of intention to appoint an administrator is given by you or by a qualifying floating charge holder (as defined in paragraph 14 of Schedule B1 to the Insolvency Act 1986) or if any of your goods or assets are subject to execution or if you are or become in arrears with any of your

payments to us, or if you charge the goods in favour of a third party, we shall be entitled at our option to either

(i) suspend performance pending our being satisfied that you will be able to comply with your obligations and if not so satisfied cancel the contract or (ii) to cancel the contract in whole or in part by notice in writing without prejudice to any right or remedy accrued or accruing to us.

8.         FORCE MAJEURE

8.1.      Neither of us shall be liable for any delay, default or hindrance in the performance of its obligations due to an event beyond its reasonable control including but not limited to Act of God, war, strike, lockout, transport delays, shortages of materials, breakdown of machinery, industrial action, fi re, flood, drought, storm or inclement weather, natural disaster, terrorism or government action (“Force Majeure”). Any periods for performance shall be appropriately extended. Where we cannot meet customer orders due to Force Majeure then in our absolute discretion we may supply our customers in such proportions as we see fit and fair.

8.2.      In the event that Force Majeure shall continue for a period in excess of 30 days and is such as to prevent substantial performance then either party can terminate the contract. Our only liability in such event is to refund any monies (pro-rata) received for any goods that we are unable to deliver. Your only liability is to pay (pro-rata) for any goods that have been delivered or capable of delivery.

9.         ASSIGNMENT

9.1.      Your rights under these conditions are intended solely for your benefit and are not assignable.

9.2.      The contract is not assignable by either of us to any third party without the express written consent of the other.

10.       WAIVER

10.1.    No inaction on the part of either of us shall constitute any waiver of any past breach or be construed as a variation of the contract or waiver of present or future obligations.

11.       GENERAL AND INTERPRETATION

11.1.    Headings in these conditions are for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation of any particular provisions.

11.2.    Periods of days refers to days Monday to Friday excluding public or bank holidays in England and Wales.

11.3.    The Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 shall not apply for the benefit of any third party provided that the terms hereof shall equally apply to any company which is our ultimate holding or subsidiary company or subsidiary of our ultimate holding company who may be involved in the provision of the goods.

11.4.    Statutory references include any regulations thereunder. All express or implied references to statutes or regulations include any re-enactments thereof.

11.5.    If any provision is held to be void or illegal then the remainder shall continue in force to the fullest extent possible.

11.6.    References to laws, remedies, legal status or other legal concepts shall, if you are an overseas customer, be deemed to include the nearest equivalent applicable to you.

11.7.    Unless otherwise stated, a right or remedy described in these conditions is in addition to, and does not prejudice or affect, any other terms, rights or remedy implied by or available under these conditions or by statute or at law.

12.       LAW AND JURISDICTION

12.1.    The contract shall be governed and interpreted exclusively according to the law of England and shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts save that we shall be entitled to initiate an action in any applicable court.

13.       SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF SALE FOR MARBLE & NATURAL STONE

13.1.    Marble and Natural Stone - general:

Marble, natural stone and limestone may appear to have fi ne and sometimes broader veins, which non- professionals consider to be filled lines of fracture. This is a completely natural phenomenon; the stone is one solid mass with the vein and is not more or less breakable than the same stone without the veins. Such veins do not therefore constitute a fault or deficiency of the stone.

13.2.    Jura Marble:

The natural characteristics of Jura marble require a treatment of the stone consisting of several stages; the improving of natural deficiencies such as pores, cavities and small quartz-holes by fi ling them with polyester resins and the like. This procedure is necessary to ensure a perfect production quality; it does not entail a depreciation of the quality of the marble in any way.

13.3.    Crema Marfil, Botticino, Rojo Alicante, Nero Marquina, etc.:

In certain types of marble, it is customary to glue loose pieces together during the production and possibly provide an adhesive for the back. This technique is not only inevitable, but in fact a necessity to deliver a sound product.

13.4.    Material and Colour Samples:

Each sample is only approximating actual colour and external finish and structure. Deviations or patters typical for the material (colour shades, pores, veins, etc.) are allowed. It is impossible to give representative samples of the Rosé Aurore “Estremoz” marble variety and the customer has to approve the materials in our warehouses. If this has not taken place, no liability for any deviation from the customer’s order may be accepted.