The parties to this Agreement, and each of them, acknowledge, agree, and represent that it: (a) has directly participated in the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement; (b) has read the Agreement and has had the opportunity to discuss it with counsel of its own choosing; (c) it is fully aware of the contents and legal effect of this Agreement; (d) has authority to enter into and sign the Agreement; and (e) enters into and signs the same by its own free will.