Except as set forth in the next sentence hereof, it is expressly understood that Purchaser may not assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of Seller, which consent may be withheld in Seller’s sole discretion. Notwithstanding the above, Purchaser may assign this Agreement to an entity authorized to do business in the State of North Carolina which is owned and/or controlled by Purchaser (a “ Permitted Assignee ”), however an assignment of this Agreement by Purchaser to a Permitted Assignee shall in no way relieve Purchaser of its obligations hereunder, and Purchaser shall remain liable for same.