1. Definition: The term "Confidential Information" means all information disclosed to the Broker by the Discloser or its Representatives in any manner, whether orally, visually or in tangible form (including documents and computer readable media), and all copies thereof relating to the business operations, financial affairs, strategic plans or market information of the Discloser. The term Confidential Information also includes business and management methods and techniques; know-how; trade secrets; instruction manuals; financial reports and statements; cost and expense data; business, product and strategic plans; market information and analysis; financial and operational controls and procedures; customer lists, information and data; and all other info1mation developed and used by the Discloser in its business operations (as conducted and as proposed to be conducted) that has not been publicly disclosed by the Discloser.

2. Ownership: Confidential Information shall remain at all times the Discloser's property. Broker shall not reproduce or copy any Confidential Information without the Discloser's prior written consent, except as reasonably required to accomplish the Permitted Purpose.

3. Use and Disclosure:

a. Prior to the execution of an Engagement Agreement with Broker, the Broker or its Representatives shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any individual or entity without the Discloser's prior written consent. By Completing the Seller/Buyer registration process, the Discloser allows the Broker and its representative to disclose confidential information to an SBA approved lender for the purpose of ascertaining the business' ability to qualify for SBA financing with a qualified buyer.

b. The Broker and its Representatives shall use all Confidential Information solely for the purpose of evaluating the business (and real estate, if applicable) for an opinion of value as part of Broker's Engagement Listing Process (the "Pe1mitted Purpose''). The Broker and its Representatives shall use all Confidential Information solely for the purpose of evaluating The Buyers ability to met the Sellers requirements.

c. In the event that the Broker is ordered to disclose Confidential Information pursuant to a judicial or governmental request, requirement or order or pursuant to any applicable law, Broker promptly shall notify the Discloser and take reasonable steps to assist the Discloser in contesting such request, requirement or order or otherwise protecting the Discloser's rights in and to such Confidential Information, to the extent that the withholding of the information is not in itself a violation of law.