0001193125-13-136805.txt : 20130401 0001193125-13-136805.hdr.sgml : 20130401 20130401165556 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-13-136805 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: SC 13D/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 8 FILED AS OF DATE: 20130401 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20130401 GROUP MEMBERS: ELIE WEISS GROUP MEMBERS: GARY WEISS GROUP MEMBERS: IRVING I. STONE FOUNDATION GROUP MEMBERS: IRVING I. STONE LTD LIABILITY CO GROUP MEMBERS: JEFFREY WEISS GROUP MEMBERS: JUDITH STONE WEISS GROUP MEMBERS: MORRY WEISS FILED BY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: WEISS ZEV CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001223163 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D/A MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AMERICAN GREETING CORP STREET 2: ONE AMERICAN ROAD CITY: CLEVELAND STATE: OH ZIP: 44144 SUBJECT COMPANY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AMERICAN GREETINGS CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000005133 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: GREETING CARDS [2771] IRS NUMBER: 340065325 STATE OF INCORPORATION: OH FISCAL YEAR END: 0228 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D/A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 005-14133 FILM NUMBER: 13731932 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE AMERICAN ROAD CITY: CLEVELAND STATE: OH ZIP: 44144 BUSINESS PHONE: 2162527300 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE AMERICAN ROAD CITY: CLEVELAND STATE: OH ZIP: 44144 SC 13D/A 1 d514424dsc13da.htm SC 13D/A SC 13D/A

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

SCHEDULE 13D/A

Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No. 4)

 

 

American Greetings Corporation

(Name of Issuer)

 

 

Class B Common Shares, Par Value $1.00

(Title of Class of Securities)

026375-20-4

(CUSIP Number)

Zev Weiss

Jeffrey Weiss

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44144

(216) 252-7300

(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

Copies to:

James P. Dougherty

Jones Day

901 Lakeside Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

(216) 586-3939

March 29, 2013

(Date of Event Which Requires Filing of this Statement)

 

 

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 §§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 Rule 13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.

 

 

 

* 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).

 

 

 


CUSIP No. 026375-20-4   Schedule 13D   Page 2 of 15 Pages

 

 

  1   

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS

I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY)

 

Zev Weiss

  2  

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*

 

(a)  ¨        

(b)  x

 

  3  

SEC USE ONLY

 

  4  

SOURCE OF FUNDS*

 

OO - See Item 3

  5  

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)

 

¨

  6  

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

 

USA

NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

PERSON

WITH

 

     7    

SOLE VOTING POWER

 

532,867

     8   

SHARED VOTING POWER

 

0

     9   

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

532,867

   10   

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

0

11  

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

 

532,867

12  

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES*

 

¨

13  

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

 

15.9%

14  

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

 

IN


CUSIP No. 026375-20-4   Schedule 13D    Page 3 of 15 Pages

 

  1   

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS

I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY)

 

Jeffrey Weiss

  2  

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*

 

(a)  ¨        

(b)  x

 

  3  

SEC USE ONLY

 

  4  

SOURCE OF FUNDS*

 

OO - See Item 3

  5  

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)

 

¨

  6  

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

 

USA

NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

PERSON

WITH

 

     7    

SOLE VOTING POWER

 

339,328

     8   

SHARED VOTING POWER

 

0

     9   

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

339,328

   10   

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

0

11  

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

 

339,328

12  

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES*

 

¨

13  

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

 

10.7%

14  

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

 

IN


CUSIP No. 026375-20-4   Schedule 13D    Page 4 of 15 Pages

 

  1   

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS

I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY)

 

Gary Weiss

  2  

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*

 

(a)  ¨        

(b)  x

 

  3  

SEC USE ONLY

 

  4  

SOURCE OF FUNDS*

 

OO - See Item 3

  5  

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)

 

¨

  6  

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

 

USA

NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

PERSON

WITH

 

     7    

SOLE VOTING POWER

 

11,430

     8   

SHARED VOTING POWER

 

0

     9   

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

11,430

   10   

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

0

11  

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

 

11,430

12  

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES*

 

¨

13  

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

 

0.4%

14  

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

 

IN


CUSIP No. 026375-20-4   Schedule 13D    Page 5 of 15 Pages

 

 

  1   

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS

I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY)

 

Elie Weiss

  2  

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*

 

(a)  ¨        

(b)  x

  3  

SEC USE ONLY

 

  4  

SOURCE OF FUNDS*

 

OO - See Item 3

  5  

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)

 

¨

  6  

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

 

USA

NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

PERSON

WITH

 

     7    

SOLE VOTING POWER

 

23,430

     8   

SHARED VOTING POWER

 

0

     9   

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

23,430

   10   

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

0

11  

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

 

23,430

12  

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES*    ¨

 

13  

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

 

0.8%

14  

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

 

IN


CUSIP No. 026375-20-4   Schedule 13D    Page 6 of 15 Pages

 

 

  1   

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS

I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY)

 

Morry Weiss

  2  

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*

 

(a)  ¨        

(b)  x

 

  3  

SEC USE ONLY

 

  4  

SOURCE OF FUNDS*

 

OO - See Item 3

  5  

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)

 

¨

  6  

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

 

USA

NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

PERSON

WITH

 

     7    

SOLE VOTING POWER

 

312,666

     8   

SHARED VOTING POWER

 

0

     9   

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

312,666

   10   

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

0

11  

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

 

312,666

12  

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES*

 

¨

13  

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

 

10.5%

14  

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

 

IN


CUSIP No. 026375-20-4   Schedule 13D    Page 7 of 15 Pages

 

  1   

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS

I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY)

 

Judith Stone Weiss

  2  

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*

 

(a)  ¨        

(b)  x

 

  3  

SEC USE ONLY

 

  4  

SOURCE OF FUNDS*

 

OO - See Item 3

  5  

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)

 

¨

  6  

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

 

Ohio

NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

PERSON

WITH

 

     7    

SOLE VOTING POWER

 

78,800

     8   

SHARED VOTING POWER

 

0

     9   

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

78,800

   10   

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

0

11  

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

 

78,800

12  

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES*

 

¨

13  

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

 

2.7%

14  

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

 

00


CUSIP No. 026375-20-4   Schedule 13D    Page 8 of 15 Pages

 

  1   

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS

I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY)

 

Irving I. Stone Limited Liability Company

  2  

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*

 

(a)  ¨        

(b)  x

 

  3  

SEC USE ONLY

 

  4  

SOURCE OF FUNDS*

 

OO - See Item 3

  5  

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)

 

¨

  6  

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

 

Ohio

NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

PERSON

WITH

 

     7    

SOLE VOTING POWER

 

1,818,182

     8   

SHARED VOTING POWER

 

0

     9   

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

1,818,182

   10   

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

0

11  

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

 

1,818,182

12  

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES*

 

¨

13  

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

 

63.1%

14  

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

 

00


CUSIP No. 026375-20-4   Schedule 13D    Page 9 of 15 Pages

 

  1   

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS

I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY)

 

Irving I. Stone Foundation

  2  

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*

 

(a)  ¨

 

(b)  x

 

  3  

SEC USE ONLY

 

  4  

SOURCE OF FUNDS*

 

OO - See Item 3

  5  

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)

 

¨

  6  

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

 

Ohio

NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

PERSON

WITH

 

     7    

SOLE VOTING POWER

 

203,964

     8   

SHARED VOTING POWER

 

0

     9   

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

203,964

   10   

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

0

11  

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

 

203,964

12  

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES*    ¨

 

13  

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

 

7.1%

14  

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

 

00


CUSIP No. 026375-20-4   Schedule 13D    Page 10 of 15 Pages

 

Explanatory Note

This Amendment No. 4 to Schedule 13D (this “Amendment”) amends the Schedule 13D filed by the Reporting Persons on September 26, 2012, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13D dated November 5, 2012, Amendment No. 2 to Schedule 13D dated December 26, 2012 and Amendment No. 3 to Schedule 13D dated January 17, 2013 (the “Schedule 13D”). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Amendment have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Schedule 13D.

Item 2. Identity and Background

Item 2 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

(a) – (c) This Schedule 13D is being jointly filed by the following entities (collectively, the “Reporting Persons”):

Zev Weiss. Mr. Zev Weiss’s business address is One American Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44144. Mr. Zev Weiss is the Chief Executive Officer of the Issuer. The Issuer designs, manufactures and sells everyday and seasonal greeting cards and other social expression products.

Jeffrey Weiss. Mr. Jeffrey Weiss’s business address is One American Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44144. Mr. Jeffrey Weiss is the President and Chief Operating Officer of the Issuer. The Issuer designs, manufactures and sells everyday and seasonal greeting cards and other social expression products.

Gary Weiss. Mr. Gary Weiss’s business address is One American Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44144. Mr. Gary Weiss is a Vice President of the Issuer. The Issuer designs, manufactures and sells everyday and seasonal greeting cards and other social expression products.

Elie Weiss. Mr. Elie Weiss’s business address is 28601 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 900, Woodmere, Ohio 44122. Mr. Elie Weiss is engaged in real estate development and is a principal in two restaurant development and operating groups, Paladar Latin Kitchen and Rum Bar, and Province, which have restaurants in Ohio, Maryland, Illinois and Arizona.

Morry Weiss. Mr. Morry Weiss’s business address is One American Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44144. Mr. Morry Weiss is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Issuer. The Issuer designs, manufactures and sells everyday and seasonal greeting cards and other social expression products.

Judith Stone Weiss. Ms. Judith Stone Weiss’s business address is One American Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44144. Ms. Judith Stone Weiss is active in the community of Cleveland, Ohio, as a private citizen.

The Irving I. Stone Limited Liability Company. The Irving I. Stone Limited Liability Company (“Irving Stone LLC”) is an Ohio limited liability company governed by an Operating Agreement, dated September 6, 1995 (the “Operating Agreement”). Irving Stone LLC was formed primarily as a vehicle to facilitate the business and estate planning goals of the late Irving I. Stone (“Mr. Stone”) and has held primarily Class B Shares since its formation. Irving Stone LLC’s principal offices and business are located at One American Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44144. Mr. Stone held 98% of the membership interest in Irving Stone LLC until his death in 2000. In 2006, this 98% membership interest was sold to Messrs. Zev, Jeffrey, Gary and Elie Weiss. As a result of this transaction, each of Messrs. Zev, Jeffrey, Gary and Elie Weiss owns membership interests in Irving Stone LLC representing 24.5% of the equity in Irving Stone LLC. Judith Stone Weiss, Mr. Stone’s daughter, holds 1% of the membership interest in Irving Stone LLC. The Irving I. Stone Oversight Trust (the “Oversight Trust”) holds the remaining 1% interest (such interest, the “Class I Interest”). Pursuant to the Operating Agreement, during Mr. Stone’s life, management of Irving Stone LLC was reserved to its members. Mr. Stone, as the holder of 98% of the membership interest, controlled Irving Stone LLC. Effective upon Mr. Stone’s death, pursuant to the Operating Agreement, only members holding Class I Interest have voting rights to control Irving Stone LLC’s business and affairs. Accordingly, the Oversight Trust, as the only holder of Class I Interest, has controlled Irving Stone LLC since Mr. Stone’s death. The Oversight Trust is a trust created by an Agreement, dated September 6, 1995, to manage the business and


CUSIP No. 026375-20-4   Schedule 13D    Page 11 of 15 Pages

 

affairs of Irving Stone LLC upon Mr. Stone’s death. The Oversight Trust is governed by its four trustees, Messrs. Zev, Jeffrey, Gary and Elie Weiss. The functions of the trustees of the Oversight Trust, including voting or directing the disposition of Class B Shares held by Irving Stone LLC, can be made only by agreement of at least 70% of the trustees. The trustees’ principal business address is One American Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44144.

Irving I. Stone Foundation. The Irving I. Stone Foundation (the “Irving Stone Foundation”) is an Ohio non-profit charitable organization formed on February 25, 1999 by Mr. Stone. It is governed by its Articles of Incorporation, dated February 25, 1999 (the “Articles”), and its code of regulations (the “Regulations”). The Irving Stone Foundation was formed as a vehicle to accomplish the charitable goals of the late Mr. Stone and has held Class B Shares since its formation. The Irving Stone Foundation’s principal offices and business are located at One American Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44144. Pursuant to the Articles, the Irving Stone Foundation is governed by its trustees, and its officers hold the authority to carry out its business. The trustees of the Irving Stone Foundation are Hensha Gansbourg, Myrna Tatar, Judith Stone Weiss, Morry Weiss, Gary Weiss, Jeffrey Weiss, Zev Weiss and Elie Weiss. The officers of the Irving Stone Foundation are Gary Weiss, serving as President, and Judith Stone Weiss, serving as Secretary.

Item 3. Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration

Item 3 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

The aggregate value of the transaction contemplated by the Merger Agreement (as defined below) and as further described in Item 4 below (the “Transaction”), including debt incurred, refinanced or to remain outstanding in connection with the Transaction, is $877.6 million.

The Transaction will be financed through a combination of (i) cash funded by a $240.0 million non-voting preferred stock investment committed by Koch AG Investment, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Koch”) pursuant to a Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2013 (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”), among Century Intermediate Holding Company, a Delaware corporation (“Parent”), Koch, and, solely for purposes of Section 12.9 thereof, Zev Weiss, Morry Weiss, Jeffrey Weiss and Koch Industries, Inc., and (ii) $600 million in committed debt financing, consisting of a $400 million term loan and a $200 million revolving credit facility pursuant to a Commitment Letter, dated March 29, 2013 (the “Commitment Letter”), among Parent, Bank of America, N.A., Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, Key Bank National Association, Macquarie Capital USA, Inc. and PNC Bank National Association. The Stock Purchase Agreement and the Commitment Letter are filed as Exhibits 6 and 7 hereto, respectively, and are incorporated by reference into this Item 3. The foregoing descriptions of the Stock Purchase Agreement and the Commitment Letter do not purport to be complete, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of those documents

In addition, the Reporting Persons (excluding the Irving Stone Foundation) entered into a Rollover and Contribution Agreement, dated March 29, 2013 (the “Rollover Agreement”), among the Reporting Persons (other than the Irving Stone Foundation) (the “Family Shareholders”), Parent and Three-Twenty-Three Family Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Family LLC”). Pursuant to the Rollover Agreement, the Family Shareholders will, subject to the terms and conditions contained therein and immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (as defined below), contribute approximately 2.33 million Class A Shares and, Class B Shares, consisting of all of the Class A Shares and Class B Shares owned by the Family Shareholders (the “Rolled Shares”) to Family LLC in exchange for all of the equity interests in Family LLC. Family LLC will, in turn, contribute the Rolled Shares to Parent in exchange for all of the common equity interests in Parent. The Issuer is not a party to the Rollover Agreement. The Rollover Agreement is filed as Exhibit 8 hereto and is incorporated by reference into this Item 3. The foregoing description of the Rollover Agreement does not purport to be complete, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text thereof.


CUSIP No. 026375-20-4   Schedule 13D    Page 12 of 15 Pages

 

Item 4. Purpose of Transaction

Item 4 is hereby supplemented with the following information:

On April 1, 2013, the Issuer published a press release (the “Press Release”) announcing that it had entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated March 29, 2013 (the “Merger Agreement”), among Parent, Century Merger Company, an Ohio corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”) and the Issuer. At the effective time of the Merger (as defined below), each issued and outstanding share of the Issuer (other than shares owned by the Issuer, Parent (which will include at the effective time all the shares held by the Family Shareholders) and those holders who have properly exercised dissenters’ rights under Ohio law) will be converted into the right to receive $18.20 per share, in cash, without interest and subject to any withholding taxes, and Merger Sub will merge with and into the Issuer, with the Issuer surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (the “Merger”). The Press Release and the Merger Agreement are filed as Exhibits 9 and 10 hereto, respectively, and incorporated by reference into this Item 4. The foregoing descriptions of the Press Release and the Merger Agreement do not purport to be complete, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of those documents.

In connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the Reporting Persons (other than the Irving Stone Foundation) entered into the Rollover Agreement described in Item 3 above. The Rollover Agreement contemplates that, immediately prior to the consummation of the transactions provided for therein, Irving Stone LLC will be dissolved and all of the Class B Shares owned by it will be distributed to Zev Weiss, Jeffrey Weiss, Gary Weiss, Elie Weiss and Judith Stone Weiss. The Rollover Agreement is filed as Exhibit 8 hereto and incorporated by reference into this Item 4. The foregoing description of the Rollover Agreement does not purport to be complete, and is qualified in its entirety by reference thereto.

Also in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the Reporting Persons entered into a Guaranty and Voting Agreement, dated March 29, 2013, among the Family Shareholders, the Irving Stone Foundation and the Company (the “Guaranty and Voting Agreement”), pursuant to which (i) Morry Weiss, Zev Weiss and Jeffrey Weiss jointly and severally guaranteed to the Company certain obligations of Parent and Merger Sub under the Merger Agreement subject to a maximum aggregate liability of $7.3 million and (ii) the Family Shareholders and the Irving Stone Foundation agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, to vote the Class A Shares and Class B Shares over which they have voting power (representing in the aggregate 43.6% of the Company’s total outstanding voting power as of March 27, 2013) in favor of the adoption of the Merger Agreement. The Guaranty and Voting Agreement is filed as Exhibit 11 hereto and is incorporated by reference into this Item 4. The foregoing description of the Guaranty and Voting Agreement does not purport to be complete, and is qualified in its entirety by reference thereto.

The purpose of the Transaction is to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Issuer. If the Transaction is consummated, the common stock of the Issuer will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange and will cease to be registered under the Act (via termination of registration pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act) and the Issuer will be a wholly owned private company of Parent.

Item 5. Interests in Securities of the Issuer.

Item 5 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

(a) – (b) Although each Reporting Person disclaims beneficial ownership of any Class B Shares beneficially owned by each other Reporting Person, pursuant to the Exchange Act and regulations thereunder, the Reporting Persons may be deemed as a group to have acquired beneficial ownership of an aggregate of 3,520,599 Class B Shares, representing 89.1% of the outstanding Class B Shares as of March 27, 2013 (after giving effect to the exercise by the Reporting Persons of all options held by them to purchase Class B Shares that are exercisable within 60 days of April 1, 2013, and the vesting and issuance of certain restricted stock units that will vest within 60 days of April 1, 2013).

Zev Weiss. Mr. Zev Weiss has the sole power to vote or dispose of 532,867 Class B Shares. Collectively, the 532,867 Class B Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Zev Weiss constitute 15.9% of the Class B Shares outstanding as of March 27, 2013 (after giving effect to the exercise by Mr. Zev Weiss of all options to purchase Class B Shares held by him that are exercisable within 60 days of April 1, 2013, and the vesting and issuance of certain restricted stock units that will vest within 60 days of April 1, 2013). The number of Class B Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Zev Weiss does not include, and Mr. Zev Weiss disclaims beneficial ownership of, the


CUSIP No. 026375-20-4   Schedule 13D    Page 13 of 15 Pages

 

following: (i) 203,964 Class B Shares owned by the Irving Stone Foundation, of which Mr. Zev Weiss is a trustee; (ii) 200,000 Class B Shares owned by the Irving I. Stone Support Foundation, of which Mr. Zev Weiss is a trustee; (iii) 1,818,182 Class B Shares beneficially owned by Irving Stone LLC, of which Mr. Zev Weiss owns, in his individual capacity, membership interests representing 24.5% of the equity interests; (iv) approximately 48,275 Class B Shares allocated to Mr. Zev Weiss’ account in the Issuer’s Executive Deferred Compensation Plan; and (v) any Class B Shares subject to equity awards that have been granted to Mr. Zev Weiss that have not vested or are not otherwise exercisable within 60 days of April 1, 2013.

Jeffrey Weiss. Mr. Jeffrey Weiss has the sole power to vote or dispose of 339,328 Class B Shares. The 339,328 Class B Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Jeffrey Weiss constitute approximately 10.7% of the Class B Shares outstanding as of March 27, 2013, as reported by the Issuer (after giving effect to the exercise by Mr. Jeffrey Weiss of all options to purchase Class B Shares held by him that are exercisable within 60 days of April 1, 2013, and the vesting and issuance of certain restricted stock units that will vest within 60 days of April 1, 2013). The number of Class B Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Jeffrey Weiss does not include, and Mr. Jeffrey Weiss disclaims beneficial ownership of, the following: (i) 203,964 Class B Shares owned by the Irving Stone Foundation, of which Mr. Jeffrey Weiss is a trustee; (ii) 200,000 Class B Shares owned by the Irving I. Stone Support Foundation, of which Mr. Jeffrey Weiss is a trustee; (iii) 1,818,182 Class B Shares beneficially owned by Irving Stone LLC, of which Mr. Jeffrey Weiss owns, in his individual capacity, membership interests representing 24.5% of the equity interests; and (iv) any Class B Shares subject to equity awards that have been granted to Mr. Jeffrey Weiss that have not vested or are not otherwise exercisable within 60 days of April 1, 2013.

Gary Weiss. Mr. Gary Weiss has the sole power to vote and dispose of 11,430 Class B Shares. The 11,430 Class B Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Gary Weiss constitute 0.4% of the total number of Class B Shares outstanding as of March 27, 2013. The number of Class B Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Gary Weiss as described above does not include, and Mr. Gary Weiss disclaims beneficial ownership of, the following: (i) 1,818,182 Class B Shares beneficially owned by Irving Stone LLC, of which Mr. Gary Weiss owns, in his individual capacity, membership interests representing 24.5% of the equity interests; (ii) 203,964 Class B Shares owned by the Irving Stone Foundation, of which Mr. Gary Weiss is a trustee; and (iii) 200,000 Class B Shares owned by the Irving I. Stone Support Foundation, of which Mr. Gary Weiss is a trustee.

Elie Weiss. Mr. Elie Weiss has the sole power to vote and dispose of 23,430 Class B Shares. The 23,430 Class B Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Elie Weiss constitute 0.8% of the total number of Class B Shares outstanding as of March 27, 2013, as reported by the Issuer. The number of Class B Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Elie Weiss as described above does not include, and Mr. Elie Weiss disclaims beneficial ownership of, the following: (i) 1,818,182 Class B Shares beneficially owned by Irving Stone LLC, of which Mr. Elie Weiss owns, in his individual capacity, membership interests representing 24.5% of the equity interests; (ii) 203,964 Class B Shares owned by the Irving Stone Foundation, of which Mr. Elie Weiss is a trustee; and (iii) 200,000 Class B Shares owned by the Irving I. Stone Support Foundation, of which Mr. Elie Weiss is a trustee.

Morry Weiss. Mr. Morry Weiss has the sole power to vote or dispose of 312,666 Class B Shares. The 312,666 Class B Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Morry Weiss constitute 10.5% of the Class B Shares outstanding as of March 27, 2013, as reported by the Issuer (after giving effect to the exercise by Mr. Morry Weiss of all options to purchase Class B Shares held by him that are exercisable within 60 days of April 1, 2013, and the vesting and issuance of certain restricted stock units that will vest within 60 days of April 1, 2013). The number of Class B Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Morry Weiss does not include, and Mr. Morry Weiss disclaims beneficial ownership of, the following: (i) 78,800 Class B Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Morry Weiss’ wife, Judith Stone Weiss; (ii) 203,964 Class B Shares owned by the Irving Stone Foundation, of which Mr. Morry Weiss is a trustee; (iii) 200,000 Class B Shares owned by the Irving I. Stone Support Foundation, of which Mr. Morry Weiss is a trustee; and (iv) any Class B Shares subject to equity awards that have been granted to Mr. Morry Weiss that have not vested or are not otherwise exercisable within 60 days of April 1, 2013.

Judith Stone Weiss. Ms. Judith Stone Weiss has the sole power to vote or dispose of 78,800 Class B Shares. The 78,800 Class B Shares beneficially owned by Ms. Weiss constitute 2.7% of the Class B Shares outstanding as of March 27, 2013. The number of Class B Shares beneficially owned by Ms. Weiss does not include, and Ms. Weiss disclaims beneficial ownership of, the following: (i) 1,818,182 Class B Shares beneficially owned by Irving Stone LLC, of which Mr. Weiss owns, in her individual capacity, membership interests representing 1% of


CUSIP No. 026375-20-4   Schedule 13D    Page 14 of 15 Pages

 

the equity interests, (ii) 312,666 Class B Shares beneficially owned by Ms. Weiss’s husband, Mr. Morry Weiss; (iii) 203,964 Class B Shares owned by the Irving Stone Foundation, of which Ms. Weiss is a trustee; and (iv) 200,000 Class B Shares owned by the Irving I. Stone Support Foundation, of which Ms. Weiss is a trustee.

Irving I. Stone Limited Liability Company. Irving Stone LLC beneficially owns and has the sole power to vote and dispose of 1,818,182 Class B Shares. The 1,818,182 Class B Shares beneficially owned by Irving Stone LLC constitute 63.1% of the Class B Shares outstanding as of March 27, 2013. The Oversight Trust, as the holder of the Class I Interest, shares the power to vote and dispose of the 1,818,182 Class B Shares held by Irving Stone LLC. Messrs. Zev, Jeffrey, Gary and Elie Weiss, who are brothers, are the sole trustees of the Oversight Trust, and each own, in their individual capacities, membership interests representing 24.5% of the equity interests in Irving Stone LLC. Each of Messrs. Zev, Jeffrey, Gary and Elie Weiss disclaim beneficial ownership of shares held by Irving Stone LLC.

Irving I. Stone Foundation. The Irving Stone Foundation beneficially owns and has the sole power to vote and dispose of 203,964 Class B Shares. The 203,964 Class B shares beneficially owned by the Irving Stone Foundation constitute 7.1% of the Class B Shares outstanding as of March 27, 2013. Messrs. Morry, Zev, Jeffrey, Gary and Elie Weiss, Ms. Judith Stone Weiss, Ms. Hensha Gansbourg and Ms. Myrna Tatar are the sole trustees of the Irving Stone Foundation. Each of Messrs. Morry, Zev, Jeffrey, Gary and Elie Weiss and Ms. Judith Stone Weiss disclaim beneficial ownership of shares held by Irving Stone Foundation.

Item 6. Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships With Respect to Securities of the Issuer.

Item 6 is hereby supplemented with the following information:

See the discussion in Item 4 regarding the Rollover Agreement, the Merger Agreement and the Guaranty and Voting Agreement. Such descriptions of the Rollover Agreement, the Merger Agreement and the Guaranty and Voting Agreement do not purport to be complete, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Rollover Agreement, the Merger Agreement and the Guaranty and Voting Agreement, which are filed as Exhibits 8, 10 and 11, respectively, and incorporated by reference into this Item 6.

Item 7. Material to be Filed as Exhibits.

Item 7 is hereby amended by inserting at the end thereof the following:

 

Exhibit 6    Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 29, 2013, between Century Intermediate Holding Company and Koch AG Investment, LLC, and, solely for purposes of Section 12.9, Zev Weiss, Morry Weiss and Jeffrey Weiss and Koch Industries, Inc.
Exhibit 7    Commitment Letter, dated March 29, 2013, among Century Intermediate Holding Company, Bank of America, N.A., Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, Key Bank National Association, Macquarie Capital USA, Inc. and PNC Bank National Association.
Exhibit 8    Rollover and Contribution Agreement, dated March 29, 2013, among Three-Twenty-Three Family Holdings, LLC, Century Intermediate Holding Company, and the Family Shareholders (as defined therein).
Exhibit 9    Press Release, dated April 1, 2013.
Exhibit 10    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated March 29, 2013, among Century Intermediate Holding Company, Century Merger Company, and American Greetings Corporation.
Exhibit 11    Guaranty and Voting Agreement, dated March 29, 2013, among the Family Shareholders (as defined therein) and American Greetings Corporation.
Exhibit 12    Joint Filing Agreement, dated April 1, 2013, among the Reporting Persons.


CUSIP No. 026375-20-4   Schedule 13D    Page 15 of 15 Pages

 

SIGNATURES

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of our knowledge and belief, we certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

Date: April 1, 2013

 

/s/ Zev Weiss
Zev Weiss
/s/ Jeffrey Weiss
Jeffrey Weiss
/s/ Gary Weiss
Gary Weiss
/s/ Elie Weiss
Elie Weiss
/s/ Morry Weiss
Morry Weiss
/s/ Judith Stone Weiss
Judith Stone Weiss
IRVING I. STONE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
By:   /s/ Gary Weiss
Name:   Gary Weiss
Title:   Manager
IRVING I. STONE FOUNDATION
By:   /s/ Gary Weiss
Name:   Gary Weiss
Title:   President
EX-99.6 2 d514424dex996.htm EX-6 EX-6

Exhibit 6

EXECUTION VERSION

SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

between

CENTURY INTERMEDIATE HOLDING COMPANY

and

KOCH AG INVESTMENT, LLC

Dated as of March 29, 2013


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS      1   
ARTICLE II SALE AND PURCHASE OF PURCHASED PREFERRED SHARES      6   

SECTION 2.1

 

Sale and Purchase of Purchased Preferred Shares

     6   

SECTION 2.2

 

Closing

     6   

SECTION 2.3

 

Use of Proceeds

     6   
ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY      7   

SECTION 3.1

 

Qualification, Organization, etc

     7   

SECTION 3.2

 

Corporate Authority

     7   

SECTION 3.3

 

No Prior Activities

     7   

SECTION 3.4

 

Noncontravention

     7   

SECTION 3.5

 

Capital Stock

     8   

SECTION 3.6

 

Investment Company Act

     9   

SECTION 3.7

 

Investigations; Litigation

     9   

SECTION 3.8

 

Finders or Brokers

     10   

SECTION 3.9

 

Representations and Warranties of the Company under Other Agreements

     10   

SECTION 3.10

 

Representations and Warranties of American Greetings under Merger Agreement

     10   

SECTION 3.11

 

Additional Representations Regarding American Greetings

     10   

SECTION 3.12

 

No Other Representations or Warranties

     13   
ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER      13   

SECTION 4.1

 

Investment Intent

     13   

SECTION 4.2

 

Qualification, Organization, etc

     13   

SECTION 4.3

 

Corporate Authority

     14   

SECTION 4.4

 

Noncontravention

     14   

SECTION 4.5

 

Investigations; Litigation

     15   

SECTION 4.6

 

Finders or Brokers

     15   

SECTION 4.7

 

No Other Representations or Warranties

     15   
ARTICLE V CLOSING CONDITIONS      15   

SECTION 5.1

 

Condition to Obligations of the Parties

     15   

SECTION 5.2

 

Conditions to Obligations of the Company

     15   

SECTION 5.3

 

Conditions to Obligations of Purchaser

     16   
ARTICLE VI COVENANTS      18   

SECTION 6.1

 

Purchaser Fees and Expenses

     18   

 

i


SECTION 6.2

 

Certain Restrictions; Notification Requirements

     18   

SECTION 6.3

 

Conduct of Business by the Company; Reasonable Best Efforts; Further Assurances

     19   

SECTION 6.4

 

Access and Information

     19   

SECTION 6.5

 

Public Announcements

     19   

SECTION 6.6

 

Shareholder Litigation

     20   
ARTICLE VII NOTICES      20   
ARTICLE VIII INDEMNIFICATION      22   

SECTION 8.1

 

Indemnification

     22   

SECTION 8.2

 

Survival of Obligations

     22   

SECTION 8.3

 

Indemnification Procedures for Third Party Claims

     23   

SECTION 8.4

 

Indemnification Procedures for Other Claims

     24   
ARTICLE IX AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS      25   
ARTICLE X TERMINATION      25   

SECTION 10.1

 

Termination

     25   

SECTION 10.2

 

Effect of Termination

     25   

SECTION 10.3

 

No Recourse

     26   
ARTICLE XI GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION AND WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL      28   

SECTION 11.1

 

Governing Law; Jurisdiction

     28   

SECTION 11.2

 

Waiver of Jury Trial

     29   
ARTICLE XII MISCELLANEOUS      29   

SECTION 12.1

 

Entire Agreement; Parties in Interest

     29   

SECTION 12.2

 

Specific Performance; Remedies

     29   

SECTION 12.3

 

Counterparts; Effectiveness

     30   

SECTION 12.4

 

Assignment

     30   

SECTION 12.5

 

Severability

     30   

SECTION 12.6

 

Expenses

     31   

SECTION 12.7

 

Construction

     31   

SECTION 12.8

 

Interpretation; Knowledge

     31   

SECTION 12.9

 

Purchaser Guaranty; Family Guaranty

     31   

 

ii


LIST OF EXHIBITS

 

EXHIBIT A    Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
EXHIBIT B    Agreement and Plan of Merger
EXHIBIT C    Form of Stockholders Agreement
EXHIBIT D    Rollover and Contribution Agreement
EXHIBIT E    Form of Opinion of Counsel
EXHIBIT F    Form of Solvency Certificate

 

iii


SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

THIS SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of March 29, 2013, is made by and between CENTURY INTERMEDIATE HOLDING COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and KOCH AG INVESTMENT, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Purchaser” and, together with the Company, the “Parties”), and, solely for purposes of Section 12.9 hereof, Zev Weiss, Morry Weiss and Jeffrey Weiss (collectively, the “Officer Shareholders”) and KOCH INDUSTRIES, INC., a Kansas corporation (the “Purchaser Guarantor”).

RECITALS

A. The Company desires to issue and sell to Purchaser up to an aggregate of 260,000 shares of Company Series A Preferred Stock (collectively, the “Purchased Preferred Shares”) on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

B. Purchaser desires to purchase (directly or through one or more of its Permitted Affiliates) the Purchased Preferred Shares on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

For all purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings when used herein with initial capital letters:

2021 Senior Notes Indenture” has the meaning given such term in the Merger Agreement.

Acquisition” means the consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

Affiliate” has the meaning given such term in the Merger Agreement.

Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

American Greetings” means American Greetings Corporation, an Ohio corporation.

Anti-corruption Laws” means Laws relating to anti-bribery or anti-corruption (governmental or commercial) which apply to American Greetings or any Subsidiary of American Greetings, including Laws that prohibit the corrupt payment, offer, promise or authorization of the payment or transfer of anything of value (including gifts or entertainment), directly or indirectly, to any foreign Government Official, foreign government employee or commercial entity to obtain a business advantage, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act of 2010, and all national and international Laws enacted to implement the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Officials in International Business Transactions.


Antitrust Laws” means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, the Sherman Act, the Clayton Act, and the Federal Trade Commission Act, in each case, as amended and together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and any other Laws that are designed to prohibit, restrict or regulate actions having the purpose or effect of monopolization, lessening of competition or restraint of trade.

Business Day” means any day ending at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which the banks in the City of New York are authorized by law or executive order to be closed.

Charter” means the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, in the form of Exhibit A hereto.

Closing” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a).

Closing Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a).

Company” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Company Common Stock” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5.

Company Disclosure Schedule” has the meaning given such term in the Merger Agreement.

Company Obligations” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.9(b).

Company Series A Preferred Stock” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5.

Contracts” has the meaning given such term in the Merger Agreement.

Damages” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1.

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Family Guaranty” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.9(b).

Family LLC” means Three-Twenty-Three Family Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Family Shareholders” has the meaning given such term in the Merger Agreement.

Filed SEC Documents” has the meaning given such term in the Merger Agreement.

Financing Sources” has the meaning given such term in the Merger Agreement.

End Date” has the meaning given such term in the Merger Agreement.

 

2


Government Official” means (a) any official, officer, employee or representative of, or any Person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of, any Governmental Entity, (b) any political party or party official or candidate for political office, or (c) any company, business, enterprise or other entity owned, in whole or in part, or controlled by any Person described in the foregoing clause (a) or (b) of this definition.

Governmental Entity” has the meaning given such term in the Merger Agreement.

Indemnitee” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1.

Investment Company Act” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6.

Law” has the meaning given such term in the Merger Agreement.

Liens” means any liens, claims, mortgages, pledges, security interests, equities, charges, deeds of trust, hypothecations, options, rights of first refusal, restrictions on transfer or voting or other encumbrances of any kind.

Knowledge” means the actual knowledge after reasonable inquiry of the Officer Shareholders.

Material Adverse Effect” means any fact, circumstance, event, change, effect or occurrence (whether or not constituting any breach of a representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in the Merger Agreement) that (a) has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the assets, properties, liabilities, business, results of operation or financial condition of American Greetings and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, but will not include facts, circumstances, events, changes, effects or occurrences to the extent, or to the extent attributable to, as applicable: (i) generally affecting the greeting card or social expressions industry in the geographies in which American Greetings operates, (ii) generally affecting the economy, credit or financial markets in the geographies in which American Greetings operates, (iii) changes after the date of this Agreement in Law or in generally accepted accounting principles or in accounting standards, or any regulatory and political conditions or developments, (iv) the announcement of the Merger Agreement or the consummation of the Merger (other than for purposes of any representation or warranty contained in Sections 3.3(b)-(c) of the Merger Agreement), (v) acts of war or military action, sabotage or terrorism, or any escalation or worsening of any such acts of war or military action, sabotage or terrorism, (vi) earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados or other natural disasters, except, in the case of each of clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (v) and (vi), to the extent any fact, circumstance, event, change, effect or occurrence disproportionately impacts the assets, properties, business, results of operation or financial condition of American Greetings and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, relative to other participants in the industries in which American Greetings and its Subsidiaries operate, (vii) any action taken by American Greetings or its Subsidiaries (A) that is expressly required by the Merger Agreement (other than with respect to American Greetings’ obligations to comply with Section 5.1(a) or Section 5.5 of the Merger Agreement), (B) taken with the Company’s written consent, or (C) resulting from any action taken at the written request of the Company, (viii) resulting from any change in the market price or trading volume of securities of American Greetings in and of itself; provided that a fact, circumstance, event, change, effect or occurrence

 

3


causing or contributing to the change in market price or volume shall not be disregarded from the determination of a Material Adverse Effect, or (I) the fact of any failure to meet revenue or earnings projections, forecasts, estimates or guidance for any period, whether relating to financial performance or business metrics, including revenues, net incomes, cash flows or cash positions, provided that a fact, circumstance, event, change, effect or occurrence causing or contributing to such failure shall not be disregarded from the determination of a Material Adverse Effect; or (b) would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially delay or impair the ability of American Greetings to perform its obligations under the Merger Agreement or to consummate the Acquisition.

Merger” means the merger of Merger Sub with and into American Greetings, with American Greetings continuing as the surviving corporation, pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement.

Merger Agreement” means the Agreement and Plan of Merger entered into as of the date hereof by and among American Greetings, the Company and Merger Sub, an executed copy of which is attached as Exhibit B hereto.

Merger Representations” mean those representations and warranties set forth in Section 3.9, Section 3.10 and Section 3.11.

Merger Related Claims” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(a).

Merger Sub” means Century Merger Company, an Ohio corporation and a newly-formed, wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company.

Officer Shareholders” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Order” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(b).

Organizational Documents” means the articles or certificate of incorporation or formation, certificate of limited partnership, joint venture or partnership agreement, operating or limited liability company agreement, by-laws or other constitutional, governing or organizational document of any Person other than an individual, each as from time to time amended or modified.

Parent Disclosure Schedule” has the meaning given such term in the Merger Agreement.

Parties” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Pending Lawsuits” means the following lawsuits: (i) Derivative and Class Action Complaint, Dolores Carter v. Zev Weiss, et al., No. CV-12-792421 (Cuyahoga County, Ohio Ct. Com. Pl.); (ii) Derivative and Class Action Complaint, Mark Hassett v. Zev Weiss, et al., No. CV-12-793463 (Cuyahoga County, Ohio Ct. Com. Pl.); (iii) Derivative and Class Action Complaint, New York Hotel v. Zev Weiss, et al., No. CV-12-794541 (Cuyahoga County, Ohio Ct. Com. Pl.); (iv) Derivative and Class Action Complaint, International Union v. American Greetings Corp. , et al., No. CV-12-794747 (Cuyahoga County, Ohio Ct. Com. Pl.); (v) Class

 

4


Action Complaint for Injunctive and Other Relief, Hilary Coyne v. American Greetings Corp. , et al., CV-12-793599 (Cuyahoga County, Ohio Ct. Com. Pl.); (vi) Derivative and Class Action Complaint, IBEW v. Zev Weiss, et al., No. CV-12-793292 (Cuyahoga County, Ohio Ct. Com. Pl.); and (vii) Derivative and Class Action Complaint, IBEW v. Zev Weiss, et al., No. CV-12-793906 (Cuyahoga County, Ohio Ct. Com. Pl.).

Permitted Affiliate” has the meaning given such term in the Stockholders Agreement.

Person” has the meaning given such term in the Merger Agreement.

Purchased Preferred Shares” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Purchase Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

Purchaser” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Purchaser Guarantor” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Purchaser Guaranty” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.9(a).

Purchaser Obligations” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.9(a).

Purchaser Related Parties” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.3(c)(i).

Related Agreements” means the Stockholders Agreement and the Rollover and Contribution Agreement.

Rollover and Contribution Agreement” means the Rollover and Contribution Agreement entered into as of the date hereof by and among the Company, Family LLC and the Family Shareholders, an executed copy of which is attached as Exhibit D hereto.

SEC” means the Securities Exchange Commission.

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Senior Commitment Letters” has the meaning given such term in the Merger Agreement.

Senior Financing” has the meaning given such term in the Merger Agreement.

Specified Laws” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.11(d)(i).

Stockholders Agreement” means the Stockholders Agreement, in the form of Exhibit C hereto.

Subsidiary” has the meaning given such term in the Merger Agreement.

Tax Return” means any return, report or statement required to be filed with any Person with respect to taxes, including any schedules, attachments or amendments thereto.

 

5


ARTICLE II

SALE AND PURCHASE OF PURCHASED PREFERRED SHARES

SECTION 2.1 Sale and Purchase of Purchased Preferred Shares. Subject to all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and in reliance on the representations, warranties, covenants and other agreements set forth herein, at the Closing, the Company agrees to issue and sell to Purchaser, and Purchaser agrees to purchase from the Company, directly or through one or more of its Permitted Affiliates, the number of Purchased Preferred Shares specified in a written notice provided by the Company to Purchaser at least fifteen days prior to the anticipated Closing Date; provided, however, that (a) the number of Purchased Preferred Shares to be purchased by Purchaser shall not be less than 220,000 nor greater than 260,000 and (b) if such notice is not so provided to Purchaser, the number of Purchased Preferred Shares shall be 220,000. The purchase price for the Purchased Preferred Shares shall be $980.00 per share (the aggregate purchase price for such Purchased Preferred Shares is referred to herein as the “Purchase Price”). The Purchased Preferred Shares shall have the rights, preferences and other terms set forth in the Charter, which the Company shall file with the Delaware Secretary of State prior to the Closing.

SECTION 2.2 Closing.

(a) The consummation of the sale and purchase of the Purchased Preferred Shares in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (the “Closing”) shall take place at the offices of Jones Day, North Point, 901 Lakeside Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44114 concurrently with the closing under the Merger Agreement, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions set forth in Article V (other than any condition that by its nature cannot be satisfied until the Closing, but subject to satisfaction of any such condition), or at such other place as the Parties may agree in writing. The day on which the Closing takes place is referred to herein as the “Closing Date.”

(b) At the Closing, the Company shall issue, sell, and deliver to Purchaser, and Purchaser shall, or shall cause one or more of its Permitted Affiliates to, purchase and acquire from the Company, the Purchased Preferred Shares against payment of the Purchase Price by wire transfer in immediately available funds on or before the Closing Date. The Purchased Preferred Shares shall be issued on the Closing Date in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and registered to Purchaser and/or each of its Permitted Affiliates, as applicable, in the Company’s records, in the amounts purchased by each such Person.

SECTION 2.3 Use of Proceeds. The Company shall use the proceeds from the sale of the Purchased Preferred Shares hereunder solely (a) to pay the fees and expenses related to the sale and purchase of the Purchased Preferred Shares contemplated hereunder and (b) in order to fund the Acquisition and pay the fees and expenses related thereto.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

In order to induce Purchaser to enter into this Agreement and to purchase the Purchased Preferred Shares, the Company represents and warrants to Purchaser as follows:

 

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SECTION 3.1 Qualification, Organization, etc. The Company is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted. The Company is duly qualified to do business or licensed to do business as a foreign corporation and is in good standing (with respect to jurisdictions that recognize the concept of good standing) in each jurisdiction where the ownership, leasing or operation of its assets or properties or conduct of its business requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, an adverse effect on the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any of the Related Agreements in any material respect, or on the ability of the Company to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement or any of the Related Agreements in any material respect. The Company has made available to Purchaser true and correct copies of the certificate of incorporation and by-laws, each as amended to date, of the Company.

SECTION 3.2 Corporate Authority. The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and the Related Agreements and to perform all obligations to be performed by it hereunder and thereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Related Agreements, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, have been duly and validly authorized and approved by all requisite action on the part of the Company, and no other corporate proceedings on the part of the Company are necessary to authorize the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement has been, and at or prior to the Closing, the Related Agreements shall be, duly and validly executed and delivered (to the appropriate parties thereto) by the Company and, assuming this Agreement constitutes the valid and binding agreement of Purchaser and the Related Agreements constitute the valid and binding agreements of the parties thereto (other than the Company), constitutes, or in the case of the Related Agreements, shall constitute, a legally valid and binding agreement of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles.

SECTION 3.3 No Prior Activities. Each of the Company and Merger Sub has been formed solely for the purpose of engaging in the Acquisition and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, this Agreement and the Related Agreements and prior to the Closing Date shall have engaged in no other business activities and shall have incurred, directly or indirectly, through any Subsidiary or Affiliate, no liabilities or obligations of any type or kind whatsoever other than as contemplated herein or therein.

SECTION 3.4 Noncontravention.

(a) None of the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement or the Related Agreements, the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or the compliance by the Company with the provisions hereof or thereof, shall (i) conflict with or result in any violation of any provision of the Company’s Organizational Documents or (ii) assuming that the filings referred to in Section 3.4(b) are made, (x) result in any violation of, or default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both)

 

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under, require consent under, or give rise to a right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation or to the loss of any benefit under, any loan, guarantee of indebtedness, credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease, agreement, Contract, instrument, permit, concession, franchise, right or license binding upon the Company, (y) except to secure the obligations under the Senior Financing, result in the creation of any Liens upon any of the properties or assets of the Company or (z) conflict with or violate any applicable Laws, other than, in the case of this clause (ii), any such violation, conflict, default, termination, cancellation, acceleration, right, loss or Lien that has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, an adverse effect on the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any of the Related Agreements in any material respect, or on the ability of the Company to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement or any of the Related Agreements in any material respect.

(b) Assuming the accuracy and truthfulness of Purchaser’s representations set forth in Article IV, no authorization, consent, approval, waiver, order or permit of, or declaration or filing with, or notification to, any Governmental Entity or any other Person is necessary on the part of the Company in connection with the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement or any of the Related Agreements or the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, other than (i) any required securities law filings relating to the issuance and sale of the Purchased Preferred Shares which have been filed or are permitted to be filed (and which, if required to be filed, shall be filed within the applicable time periods) after the date of such issuance and sale, (ii) the filing of the Charter with the Delaware Secretary of State, (iii) in connection or compliance with the requirements under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, and (iv) as would not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, have an adverse effect on the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any of the Related Agreements in any material respect, or on the ability of the Company to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement or any of the Related Agreements in any material respect.

SECTION 3.5 Capital Stock. Immediately prior to the consummation of the transactions to be effected at the Closing (after giving effect to the filing and effectiveness of the Charter with the Delaware Secretary of State), the authorized capital stock of the Company shall consist of 100 shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Company Common Stock”), of which 100 shares shall be issued and outstanding, all of which shall be held beneficially and of record by Family LLC, and a number of shares of its Series A preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Company Series A Preferred Stock”), equal to the number of Purchased Preferred Shares pursuant to Section 2.1, none of which shall be issued and outstanding. Immediately following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and by the Rollover and Contribution Agreement, 100 shares of Company Common Stock shall be issued and outstanding, all of which shall be held beneficially and of record by Family LLC, and a number of shares of Company Series A Preferred Stock equal to the number of Purchased Preferred Shares shall be issued and outstanding, all of which shall be issued pursuant to this Agreement. When so issued, sold and delivered, the Purchased Preferred Shares and the shares of Company Common Stock shall be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and free of pre-emptive rights and Liens except for (a) Liens created by or imposed upon by the holder thereof and (b) restrictions on transfer arising under any applicable securities laws and the Stockholders Agreement. Assuming the accuracy and truthfulness of

 

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Purchaser’s representations set forth in Article IV, the provisions of Section 5 of the Securities Act are inapplicable to the offering, issuance, sale and delivery of the Purchased Preferred Shares, and when issued, sold and delivered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Purchased Preferred Shares shall have been offered, issued, sold, and delivered in compliance with the Securities Act and all other applicable securities laws. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 3.5, there are not issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding (A) any shares of capital stock or other equity securities of the Company, (B) any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of capital stock or other equity securities of the Company, or (C) any warrants, calls, options or other rights to acquire from the Company any capital stock, other equity securities or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for capital stock or other equity securities of the Company. Except for this Agreement and the Rollover and Contribution Agreement, there are no outstanding obligations of the Company to (1) issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, any capital stock, other equity securities or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for capital stock or other equity securities of the Company or (2) except as contemplated by the Charter, repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any such securities. Other than the Stockholders Agreement, there are no shareholder agreements, voting trusts, proxies or other agreements or understandings in effect with respect to the voting or transfer of the capital stock or other equity interests of the Company. The relative rights, preferences and other terms relating to the Company Series A Preferred Stock are as set forth in Exhibit A hereto, and such rights, preferences and other terms are valid and enforceable under Delaware law.

SECTION 3.6 Investment Company Act. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), or, directly or indirectly, controlled by or acting on behalf of any Person which is an investment company, within the meaning of the Investment Company Act.

SECTION 3.7 Investigations; Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.7 attached hereto and for the Pending Lawsuits or other similar lawsuits alleging breach of fiduciary duties (or related causes of action) by American Greetings or its directors, officers or principal stockholders or disclosure violations in connection with the Merger, there are no (a) investigations or proceedings pending (or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened) by any Governmental Entity with respect to the Company or (b) actions, suits, inquiries, investigations, claims, charges, complaints, arbitrations, grievances, audits or proceedings pending (or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened) against or affecting the Company or any of its properties at Law or in equity by or before, and there are no orders, judgments, decisions, injunctions, rulings, writs, assessments or decrees of, any Governmental Entity against the Company, in each case of clause (a) or (b), which have had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, an adverse effect on the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any of the Related Agreements in any material respect, or on the ability of the Company to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement or any of the Related Agreements in any material respect. For the avoidance of doubt, no statement herein with respect to Pending Lawsuits or other similar lawsuits alleging breach of fiduciary duties (or related causes of action) by American Greetings or its directors, officers or principal stockholders or disclosure violations in connection with the Merger Agreement shall be deemed an admission that any such Pending Lawsuit or similar lawsuit is applicable to this Section 3.7.

 

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SECTION 3.8 Finders or Brokers. Except for KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc. and as described in the Merger Agreement, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has engaged any investment banker, broker or finder in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement who might be entitled to any fee or any commission in connection with or upon consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

SECTION 3.9 Representations and Warranties of the Company under Other Agreements. All representations and warranties made by the Company or Merger Sub in Article IV of the Merger Agreement are (i) incorporated by reference into this Agreement and (ii) true and correct as of the date hereof and shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date (except those representations and warranties that are made as of a specified date or period shall be so true, complete and correct only as of such specified date or period), except as disclosed in the Parent Disclosure Schedule (with specific reference to the representations and warranties in the Merger Agreement to which the information in such schedule relates, provided, that any disclosure set forth in any section of the Parent Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed set forth for purposes of any other section to the extent that it is reasonably apparent that such disclosure is relevant to such other section).

SECTION 3.10 Representations and Warranties of American Greetings under Merger Agreement. All representations and warranties made by American Greetings in Article III of the Merger Agreement are (i) incorporated by reference into this Agreement and (ii) true and correct as of the date hereof and shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date (except those representations and warranties that are made as of a specified date or period shall be so true, complete and correct only as of such specified date or period), except as disclosed (x) in the Filed SEC Documents, other than any disclosure set forth in such Filed SEC Documents contained in any risk factor section thereof, in any section relating to forward-looking statements and any other disclosures included therein to the extent that they are cautionary, predictive or forward looking in nature, or (y) in the Company Disclosure Schedule (with specific reference to the representations and warranties in the Merger Agreement to which the information in such schedule relates, provided, that any disclosure set forth in any section of the Company Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed set forth for purposes of any other section to the extent that it is reasonably apparent that such disclosure is relevant to such other section).

SECTION 3.11 Additional Representations Regarding American Greetings.

Except as disclosed (x) in the Filed SEC Documents, other than any disclosure set forth in such Filed SEC Documents contained in any risk factor section thereof, in any section relating to forward-looking statements and any other disclosures included therein to the extent that they are cautionary, predictive or forward looking in nature, or (y) in Schedule 3.11(e) (with specific reference to the representations and warranties in this Agreement to which the information in such schedule relates, provided, that any disclosure set forth in Schedule 3.11(e) shall be deemed set forth for purposes of any other subsection to the extent that it is reasonably apparent that such disclosure is relevant to such other subsection):

 

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(a) American Greetings SEC Filings; American Greetings Financial Statements. None of the Subsidiaries of American Greetings is currently required to file any forms, reports or other documents with the SEC. To the Company’s Knowledge, none of the Filed SEC Documents is the subject of ongoing SEC review or outstanding SEC comment as of the date of this Agreement. All of the financial statements included in the Filed SEC Documents have been derived from, are in accordance with, and accurately reflect the books and records of American Greetings and its Subsidiaries in all material respects. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (i) as of the date of this Agreement, American Greetings’ independent public accounting firm has not resigned or been dismissed as independent public accountant of American Greetings as a result of or in connection with any disagreement with American Greetings on a matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, (ii) no executive officer of American Greetings has failed in any respect to make, without qualification, the certifications required of him or her under Section 302 or 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) with respect to any form, report or schedule filed by American Greetings with the SEC since the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and (iii) no enforcement action has been initiated or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened against American Greetings by the SEC relating to disclosures contained in any Filed SEC Document.

(b) Internal Controls; Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

(i) American Greetings has designed and maintains a system of internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) satisfying in all material respects the requirements of Section 13(b) of the Exchange Act. American Greetings (A) has designed and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) to provide reasonable assurance that material information required to be disclosed by American Greetings in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to American Greetings’ management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and (B) has disclosed to American Greetings’ auditors and the audit committee of the board of directors of American Greetings (and made summaries of such disclosures available to Purchaser) (1) any significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting that are reasonably likely to adversely affect in any material respect American Greetings’ ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information and (2) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in American Greetings’ internal controls over financial reporting. American Greetings is and, since March 1, 2011 has been, in compliance in all material respects with all effective provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

(ii) American Greetings has implemented procedures of the type described in Section 10A of the Exchange Act. Neither American Greetings nor any Subsidiary of American Greetings nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, any director, officer, auditor, accountant or representative of American Greetings or any Subsidiary of American Greetings, has received any substantive complaint, allegation, assertion or claim, whether written or oral, that American Greetings or any Subsidiary of American Greetings has engaged in questionable

 

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accounting or auditing practices that has not been reported to the Audit Committee of American Greetings’ Board of Directors (summaries of which reports have been made available to Purchaser). No current or former attorney representing American Greetings or any Subsidiary of American Greetings has reported evidence of a material violation of securities Laws, breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by American Greetings or any Subsidiary of American Greetings, or any of their respective officers, directors, employees or agents, to the current American Greetings board of directors or any committee thereof or to any current director or executive officer of American Greetings.

(iii) To the Knowledge of the Company, no employee of American Greetings or any Subsidiary of American Greetings has provided or is providing information to any law enforcement agency regarding the commission or possible commission of any crime or the violation or possible violation of any applicable legal requirements of the type described in Section 806 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act by American Greetings or any Subsidiary of American Greetings.

(c) Anti-Corruption and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

(i) Neither American Greetings nor any Subsidiary of American Greetings, nor any of their respective representatives or personnel has, in the past five years, directly or indirectly through its representatives or any Person authorized to act on its behalf (including any distributor, agent, sales intermediary or other third party), taken any action constituting a violation of any applicable Anti-corruption Laws.

(ii) American Greetings and its Subsidiaries have maintained books and records in compliance in all material respects with Section 13(b) of the Exchange Act.

(iii) Neither American Greetings nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, any of its or their employees has been convicted of violating any Anti-corruption Laws or, in the past five years, subjected to any investigation or proceeding by a Governmental Entity for potential corruption, fraud or violation of any applicable Anti-corruption Laws.

(d) Export Controls; Antitrust Compliance.

(i) American Greetings and its Subsidiaries are and, since March 1, 2009, have been in compliance with applicable Antitrust Laws and export control Laws, trade or economic sanctions Laws and anti-boycott Laws of the United States or other jurisdiction in which American Greetings or its Subsidiaries conduct their business (collectively, the “Specified Laws”). American Greetings and its Subsidiaries have obtained all material export licenses, license exceptions and other consents, notices, waivers, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations, classifications and filings required for the export, import and re-export of their respective products, services, software and technology.

(ii) No material civil, criminal or administrative action, suit, demand, claim, hearing, notice of violation, investigation or review by any Governmental Entity under any Specified Law with respect to American Greetings or any of its Subsidiaries is pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened, nor has any Governmental Entity indicated an intention to bring any such action, suit, demand, claim or notice or conduct any such hearing, investigation or review.

 

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(e) Absence of Certain Changes or Events. There has not been any action taken by American Greetings or any Subsidiary of American Greetings from November 23, 2012 through the date of this Agreement that, if taken during the period from the date of this Agreement through the Closing Date, would have constituted a breach of Section 5.1 of the Merger Agreement.

SECTION 3.12 No Other Representations or Warranties.

Except for the representations and warranties made by the Company in this Article III (including those representations and warranties in the Merger Agreement that are incorporated by reference into this Agreement) or in Section 2.4 of the Stockholders Agreement, none of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any other Person makes any representations or warranties, whether written or oral, and the Company hereby disclaims any other representations or warranties, whether written or oral, with respect to the Company, its Subsidiaries, American Greetings, its Subsidiaries or any of their respective businesses, operations, assets, liabilities, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects or the negotiation, execution, delivery or performance by the Company of this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or the Related Agreements. Except for actual fraud and except for the representations and warranties made by the Company in this Article III (including those representations and warranties in the Merger Agreement that are incorporated by reference into this Agreement) or in Section 2.4 of the Stockholders Agreement, none of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, American Greetings, its Subsidiaries or any other Person, shall have or be subject to any liability or indemnification obligation to Purchaser or its Affiliates resulting from the delivery or disclosure to Purchaser or its Affiliates or representatives of any documentation, forecasts or other information with respect to any one or more of the foregoing, and Purchaser acknowledges the foregoing.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER

Purchaser represents and warrants to the Company as follows:

SECTION 4.1 Investment Intent. Purchaser is (a) an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D of the Securities Act; and (b) acquiring the Purchased Preferred Shares solely for Purchaser’s own account for investment and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof.

SECTION 4.2 Qualification, Organization, etc. Purchaser is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. Purchaser has the requisite power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted. Purchaser is duly qualified to do business or licensed to do business as a foreign entity and is in good standing (with respect to jurisdictions that recognize the concept of good standing) in each jurisdiction where the ownership, leasing or operation of its assets or properties or conduct of its business requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing has

 

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not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, an adverse effect on the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the Stockholders Agreement in any material respect, or on the ability of Purchaser to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement or the Stockholders Agreement in any material respect.

SECTION 4.3 Corporate Authority. Purchaser has requisite power and authority to enter into this Agreement and the Stockholders Agreement and to perform all obligations to be performed by it hereunder and thereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Stockholders Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, have been duly and validly authorized and approved by all requisite action on the part of Purchaser, and no other proceedings on the part of Purchaser are necessary to authorize the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement has been, and at or prior to the Closing, the Stockholders Agreement shall be, duly and validly executed and delivered (to the appropriate parties thereto) by Purchaser and, assuming this Agreement constitutes the valid and binding agreement of the Company and the Stockholders Agreement constitutes the valid and binding agreement of the parties thereto (other than Purchaser), constitutes, or in the case of the Stockholders Agreement, shall constitute, a legally valid and binding agreement of Purchaser, enforceable against Purchaser in accordance with their respective terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles.

SECTION 4.4 Noncontravention.

(a) None of the execution and delivery by Purchaser of this Agreement or the Stockholders Agreement, the consummation by Purchaser of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or the compliance by Purchaser with the provisions hereof or thereof, shall (i) conflict with or result in any violation of any provision of Purchaser’s Organizational Documents or (ii) (x) result in any violation of, or default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, require consent under, or give rise to a right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation or to the loss of any benefit under, any loan, guarantee of indebtedness, credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease, agreement, Contract, instrument, permit, concession, franchise, right or license binding upon Purchaser, (y) result in the creation of any Liens upon any of the properties or assets of Purchaser or (z) conflict with or violate any applicable Laws, other than, in the case of this clause (ii), any such violation, conflict, default, termination, cancellation, acceleration, right, loss or Lien that has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, an adverse effect on the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the Stockholders Agreement in any material respect, or on the ability of Purchaser to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement or the Stockholders Agreement in any material respect.

(b) No authorization, consent, approval, waiver, order or permit of, or declaration or filing with, or notification to, any Governmental Entity or any other Person is necessary on the part of Purchaser in connection with the execution and delivery by Purchaser of this Agreement or the Stockholders Agreement or the consummation by Purchaser of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, other than as would not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, have an adverse effect on the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the Stockholders Agreement in any material respect, or on the ability of Purchaser to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement or the Stockholders Agreement in any material respect.

 

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SECTION 4.5 Investigations; Litigation. There are no (a) investigations or proceedings pending (or, to Purchaser’s knowledge, threatened) by any Governmental Entity with respect to Purchaser or (b) actions, suits, inquiries, investigations, claims, charges, complaints, arbitrations, grievances, audits or proceedings pending (or, to Purchaser’s knowledge, threatened) against or affecting Purchaser or any of its properties at Law or in equity by or before, and there are no orders, judgments, decisions, injunctions, rulings, writs, assessments or decrees of, any Governmental Entity against Purchaser, in each case of clause (a) or (b), which have had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, an adverse effect on the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the Stockholders Agreement in any material respect, or on the ability of Purchaser to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement or the Stockholders Agreement in any material respect.

SECTION 4.6 Finders or Brokers. Purchaser has not engaged any investment banker, broker or finder in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement who might be entitled to any fee or any commission in connection with or upon consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

SECTION 4.7 No Other Representations or Warranties. Except for the representations and warranties made by Purchaser in this Article IV or in Section 2.5 of the Stockholders Agreement, Purchaser makes no other representations or warranties, whether written or oral, and Purchaser hereby disclaims any other representations or warranties, whether written or oral, with respect to Purchaser, its Affiliates or their businesses, operations, assets, liabilities, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects or the negotiation, execution, delivery or performance by Purchaser of this Agreement or the Stockholders Agreement, notwithstanding the delivery or disclosure to the Company or its Affiliates or representatives of any documentation or other information with respect to any one or more of the foregoing.

ARTICLE V

CLOSING CONDITIONS

SECTION 5.1 Condition to Obligations of the Parties. The respective obligations of each Party to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction or waiver by all Parties at or prior to the Closing of the following condition: no restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other order, decision, opinion, decree or ruling issued by a court of competent jurisdiction or other Governmental Entity (“Order”) shall be in effect, and no Law shall have been enacted, entered or enforced since the date of this Agreement, preventing, or making illegal, the issuance and sale of the Purchased Preferred Shares and the consummation of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

SECTION 5.2 Conditions to Obligations of the Company. The obligation of the Company to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is subject solely to (i) the satisfaction or waiver by all Parties of the condition set forth in Section 5.1, and (ii) the satisfaction or waiver in writing by the Company at or prior to the Closing of the following conditions:

 

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(a) The Stockholders Agreement shall have been executed and delivered by Purchaser in the form provided for herein or with such changes as are otherwise agreed to by the Company and the other parties thereto;

(b) All of (i) the conditions to closing of the Merger and the other transactions expressly contemplated by the Merger Agreement shall have been satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement and (ii) the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (other than those transactions that by their nature are to be consummated following the closing of the Merger) shall be consummated concurrently with the Closing in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement;

(c) The representations and warranties of Purchaser contained in Article IV shall be true and correct in all material respects (other than representations and warranties that are qualified by materiality, material adverse effect or words of similar import, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects) at and as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Closing Date as though made at and as of the Closing Date;

(d) Purchaser shall have in all material respects performed all obligations and complied with all covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it at or prior to the Closing; and

(e) Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date and signed by its Chief Executive Officer or another senior executive officer, certifying that the conditions set forth in Sections 5.2(c) and 5.2(d) have been satisfied.

SECTION 5.3 Conditions to Obligations of Purchaser. The obligation of Purchaser to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is subject solely to (i) the satisfaction or waiver by all Parties of the condition set forth in Section 5.1, and (ii) the satisfaction or waiver in writing by Purchaser at or prior to the Closing of the following conditions:

(a) The Stockholders Agreement shall have been executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto (other than Purchaser) in the form provided for herein or with such changes as are otherwise agreed to by Purchaser and the other parties thereto;

(b) The Charter shall have been filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware;

(c) Purchaser shall have received from the Company (i) a copy of the Charter, certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to be true and complete as of a date no more than five days prior to the Closing Date; (ii) a certificate, dated not more than five days prior to the Closing Date, of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as to the Company’s good standing; and (iii) certificates representing the Purchased Preferred Shares, signed in accordance with the by-laws of the Company;

 

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(d) Purchaser shall have received from Jones Day, counsel to the Company, a favorable opinion, dated as of the Closing Date, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E;

(e) The representations and warranties of the Company contained in Article III (other those set forth in Sections 3.4(a)(ii)(x), 3.4(a)(ii)(z), 3.4(b) or 3.7 and other than the Merger Representations, which shall not have any effect on Purchaser’s obligation to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, but subject to the other conditions set forth in this Section 5.3) shall be true and correct in all material respects (other than representations and warranties that are qualified by materiality, material adverse effect or words of similar import, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects) at and as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Closing Date as though made at and as of the Closing Date; provided, however, that the representations and warranties contained in Section 3.5 (Capital Stock) shall be so true and correct in all respects; provided, further, however, that representations and warranties that are made as of a specified date or period shall be so true and correct as described above only as of such specified date or period;

(f) The Company shall have in all material respects performed all obligations and complied with all covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it at or prior to the Closing;

(g) The Company shall have delivered to Purchaser a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date and signed by its Chief Executive Officer or another senior executive officer, certifying that the conditions set forth in Sections 5.3(e) and 5.3(f) have been satisfied;

(h) Since the date of this Agreement, there shall not have been any Material Adverse Effect; provided, however, that, for the purposes of this Section 5.3(h), facts, circumstances, events, changes, effects or occurrences that are set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule (to the extent that it is reasonably apparent that such disclosure is relevant) shall not be taken into account for purposes of determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred;

(i) All of (i) the conditions to closing of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement shall have been satisfied in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, without any amendment or waiver of any provision thereof that has not been consented to by Purchaser in accordance with Section 6.2, (ii) the Merger shall be consummated concurrently with the Closing in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, without any amendment or waiver of any provision thereof that has not been consented to by Purchaser in accordance with Section 6.2, and (iii) (x) all of the Rolled Shares (as such term is defined in the Rollover and Contribution Agreement as of the date hereof) shall have been contributed to the Company in accordance with the terms of the Rollover and Contribution Agreement or otherwise and (y) the Family Shareholders shall own all of the issued and outstanding membership units in Family LLC;

 

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(j) The proceeds of the Senior Financing shall have been received by the Company and its Subsidiaries (or shall be received concurrently with the Closing and the consummation of the Merger) in all material respects on the terms set forth in the Senior Commitment Letters as of the date hereof (or as amended pursuant to Section 6.2) and pursuant to such documentation in the form contemplated by the Senior Commitment Letters (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the definitions of EBITDA and LIBOR, each as described in Annex I to the Senior Commitment Letters) or pursuant to any alternate financing entered into in accordance with Section 5.9 of the Merger Agreement without regard to any Company approval that would result in such alternative financing otherwise failing to be in accordance with Section 5.9 of the Merger Agreement;

(k) Either (i) after giving pro forma effect to the Acquisition, the Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2021 Senior Notes Indenture) shall not be greater than 3.0 to 1.0, and Purchaser shall have received a certificate from the chief financial officer (or other responsible officer reasonably satisfactory to Purchaser) of the Company certifying (and demonstrating to the reasonable satisfaction of Purchaser) that the condition specified in this clause has been satisfied, or (ii) American Greetings shall have obtained a waiver, consent or amendment under the 2021 Senior Notes Indenture so as to permit the consummation of the Acquisition in a manner that does not result in a breach of Section 4.11(b)(vi) of the 2021 Senior Notes Indenture; and

(l) Purchaser shall have received certification in the form of the certificate attached hereto as Exhibit F as to the financial condition and solvency of the Company and its Subsidiaries (determined on a consolidated basis after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Merger Agreement, the Rollover and Contribution Agreement and the Senior Commitment Letters (and the incurrence of indebtedness related thereto) from the chief financial officer (or other responsible officer reasonably satisfactory to Purchaser) of the Company.

ARTICLE VI

COVENANTS

SECTION 6.1 Purchaser Fees and Expenses. At or promptly after the Closing or the earlier termination of this Agreement, the Company shall reimburse Purchaser for its out-of-pocket fees and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) incurred in connection with the due diligence investigation of American Greetings and its Subsidiaries, the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement, the Related Agreements and the Merger Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

SECTION 6.2 Certain Restrictions; Notification Requirements. Prior to the Closing, the Company shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries and the Officer Shareholders (as such term is defined in the Merger Agreement) not to, (a) terminate or rescind the Rollover and Contribution Agreement or the Senior Commitment Letters (other than in connection with the simultaneous termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms) or (b) make or agree to make any amendments, supplements, waivers or other modifications to, or grant any consents or approvals under, the Rollover and Contribution Agreement, the Merger Agreement or the Senior Commitment Letters, without, in each such case

 

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described in clauses (a) and (b), the prior written consent of Purchaser (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). Prior to the Closing, the Company shall promptly (and in any event within two days following receipt or delivery, as applicable) provide to Purchaser a copy of any notice, communication, filing, disclosure or other document that is (i) received by the Company from American Greetings, or delivered by the Company to American Greetings, under the Merger Agreement, (ii) received by the Company from any Financing Source, or delivered by the Company to any Financing Source, under the Senior Debt Commitments, or (iii) received by the Company from Family LLC or any Family Shareholder, or delivered by the Company to Family LLC or any Family Shareholder, under the Rollover and Contribution Agreement.

SECTION 6.3 Conduct of Business by the Company; Reasonable Best Efforts; Further Assurances. During the period from the date of this Agreement to the Closing Date, except as consented to in writing by Purchaser or as otherwise expressly contemplated by this Agreement, the Senior Commitment Letters, the Merger Agreement or the Rollover and Contribution Agreement, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall take any action that, if taken after the Closing Date, would require approval of Purchaser under Article FOURTH of the Charter. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts (subject to, and in accordance with, applicable Law) to take promptly, or to cause to be taken, all actions, and to do promptly, or to cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with Purchaser in doing, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The Company shall execute such documents and other papers and take such further actions as may be reasonably required or desirable to carry out the provisions hereof and the transactions contemplated hereby.

SECTION 6.4 Access and Information. From the date hereof until the Closing Date and subject to the requirements of applicable Law, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause American Greetings to (a) provide to Purchaser, its counsel, financial advisors, auditors and other authorized representatives, reasonable access during normal business hours to the offices, properties, books and records of American Greetings and its Subsidiaries and to such other information as Purchaser shall reasonably request, including all information provided to the Financing Sources under Section 5.9(b) of the Merger Agreement, and (b) instruct the employees, counsel, financial advisors, auditors and other authorized representatives of American Greetings and its Subsidiaries to cooperate reasonably with Purchaser with respect to the foregoing matters. Any activities pursuant to this Section 6.4 shall be conducted in such manner as not to interfere unreasonably with the conduct of the business of American Greetings and its Subsidiaries.

SECTION 6.5 Public Announcements. Neither the Company nor Purchaser shall issue any press release or other public statement or comment relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby without the prior consent of the other Party and each Party shall consult with each other prior to making any filings with any third party and/or any Governmental Entity (including any national securities exchange) with respect thereto, in all cases except as a Party may determine in good faith is required by applicable Law, by obligations pursuant to any listing agreement with any national securities exchange or by request of any Governmental Entity; provided, however, that any reference to Purchaser or this Agreement in (a) the Proxy Statement or Schedule 13E-3 (as such terms are defined in the

 

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Merger Agreement), (b) any other solicitation material with respect to the Merger or (c) any rating agency presentations, offering or syndication documents (including public and private information memoranda and lender presentations) or similar marketing documents in connection with the Senior Financing shall, in each case, be subject to the approval of Purchaser. The press release announcing the execution and delivery of this Agreement shall be in substantially the form previously approved by the Parties.

SECTION 6.6 Shareholder Litigation. Prior to the Closing Date, Purchaser shall give prompt notice to the Company, and the Company shall give prompt notice to Purchaser, of any actions, suits, claims, investigations or proceedings commenced or, to the Company’s Knowledge, on the one hand, and Parent’s knowledge, on the other hand, threatened against such Party which relate to this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, and each Party shall keep the other Party, upon its request, reasonably informed of the status thereof. The Company shall not, and shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause American Greetings not to, settle any litigation relating to this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby (including any shareholder litigation against American Greetings or its directors relating to the Merger Agreement) without Purchaser’s prior written consent, unless such settlement (a) includes a full and unconditional release of Purchaser in connection therewith and (b) does not impose any actual or potential liability upon Purchaser and does not contain any factual or legal admission by or with respect to Purchaser or any adverse statement with respect to the character, professionalism or reputation of Purchaser or any action or inaction by Purchaser.

ARTICLE VII

NOTICES

Any notice required to be given hereunder or with respect to the Purchased Preferred Shares must be in writing, and sent by facsimile transmission (which is confirmed) (provided that any notice received by facsimile transmission or otherwise at the addressee’s location on any Business Day after 5:00 p.m. (addressee’s local time) shall be deemed to have been received at 9:00 a.m. (addressee’s local time) on the next Business Day), by reliable overnight delivery service (with proof of service) or hand delivery (return receipt requested and first-class postage prepaid), addressed as follows:

If to the Company or Officer Shareholders:

Century Intermediate Holding Company

c/o American Greetings Corporation

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Facsimile:        (216) 252-6741

Attention:        Zev Weiss

 

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with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Jones Day

North Point

901 Lakeside Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Facsimile:    (216) 579-0212

Attention:     Lyle G. Ganske, Esq.

  James P. Dougherty, Esq.

and

Jones Day

222 East 41st Street

New York, New York 10017

Facsimile:    (212) 755-7306

Attention:     Robert A. Profusek, Esq.

If to Purchaser or Purchaser Guarantor:

Koch AG Investment, LLC

4111 East 37th Street North

Wichita, Kansas 67220

Facsimile:    316-828-8602

Attention:     Raffaele G. Fazio

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Latham & Watkins LLP

233 South Wacker Drive, Suite 5800

Chicago, Illinois 60606

Facsimile:    312-993-9767

Attention:     Mark D. Gerstein, Esq.

  Bradley C. Faris, Esq.

or to such other address as any Party may specify by written notice so given, and such notice shall be deemed to have been delivered as of the date so telecommunicated or personally delivered or the next Business Day for notices delivered by overnight delivery service. Either Party may notify the other Party of any changes to the address or any of the other details specified in this paragraph; provided, however, that such notification shall only be effective on the date specified in such notice or five (5) Business Days after the notice is given, whichever is later. Rejection or other refusal to accept or the inability to deliver because of changed address of which no notice was given shall be deemed to be receipt of the notice as of the date of such rejection, refusal or inability to deliver.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

INDEMNIFICATION

SECTION 8.1 Indemnification.

(a) The Company hereby agrees to indemnify and hold Purchaser and its Affiliates and its and their respective Affiliates, general and limited partners, members, managers, shareholders, officers, directors, employees and agents (each an “Purchaser Indemnitee”) free and harmless from and against any and all losses, liabilities, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements but not including diminution in value of the Purchased Preferred Shares, lost profits, punitive or speculative damages (except, in each case, for any such damages paid to a third party) (collectively, “Damages”), including any and all Damages as a result of or relating to claims, actions, causes of action, or suits brought against any Purchaser Indemnitee by third parties (whether directly or derivatively), in each case, suffered or incurred by any Purchaser Indemnitee as a result of or relating to: (i) any actions, suits, inquiries, investigations, claims, charges, complaints, arbitrations, grievances, audits or proceedings relating to this Agreement, the Merger Agreement, the Related Agreements or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, whether commenced prior to or after the execution and delivery of this Agreement, including the Pending Lawsuits (collectively, “Merger Related Claims”) (in each case, except to the extent such Damages are caused directly by the actions of Purchaser in breach of its obligations hereunder); (ii) any breach of any of the Company’s representations and warranties set forth in Article III of this Agreement either as of the date of this Agreement or as of the Closing Date as if made on and as of the Closing Date (which representations and warranties shall, but solely for the purpose of determining the amount of Damages subject to indemnification pursuant to this Section 8.1, be deemed to have been made without any qualifications as to materiality, Material Adverse Effect or words of similar import); or (iii) any failure by the Company to comply with any of its covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Purchaser shall not be entitled to any indemnification under clauses (ii) or (iii) of this Section 8.1(a) for Damages unless the Closing shall have occurred. Each Purchaser Indemnitee is an intended third-party beneficiary of, and shall be entitled to enforce the covenants and agreements set forth in, this Section 8.1.

(b) Solely from and after the Closing, Purchaser hereby agrees to indemnify and hold the Company and its Affiliates and its and their respective Affiliates, general and limited partners, members, managers, shareholders, officers, directors, employees and agents (each a “Company Indemnitee”) free and harmless from and against any Damages, including any and all Damages as a result of or relating to claims, actions, causes of action, or suits brought against any Company Indemnitee by third parties (whether directly or derivatively), in each case, suffered or incurred by any Company Indemnitee as a result of or relating to: (i) any breach of any of Purchaser’s representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement either as of the date of this Agreement or as of the Closing Date as if made on and as of the Closing Date or (ii) any failure by Purchaser to comply with any of its covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement. Each Company Indemnitee is an intended third party beneficiary of, and shall be entitled to enforce the covenants and agreements set forth in, this Section 8.1.

(c) Except to the extent otherwise required by Law, the parties shall treat any indemnification payments made pursuant to this Section 8.1 as adjustments to the Purchase Price for income tax purposes.

SECTION 8.2 Survival of Obligations. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made herein or in any other document referred to herein or delivered to any Party pursuant hereto shall be deemed to have been relied on by each such Party, notwithstanding any investigation made by such

 

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Party or on its behalf. All covenants and agreements made herein shall survive the Closing according to their respective terms. All representations and warranties (other than the Merger Representations) made herein or in any of the Related Agreements shall survive the issuance and sale of the Purchased Preferred Shares and the consummation of the Merger. If the Closing occurs, the Merger Representations shall survive the issuance and sale of the Purchased Preferred Shares and the consummation of the Merger until the third anniversary of the Closing (the “Survival Period”), at which point the Merger Representations and any claim for indemnification on account thereof shall terminate; provided, however, that claims alleging the existence of a breach of any of the Merger Representations which have been asserted and are the subject of a written notice from a Purchaser Indemnitee to the Company delivered prior to the expiration of the Survival Period shall survive the Survival Period until such time as such claims are fully and finally resolved.

SECTION 8.3 Indemnification Procedures for Third Party Claims.

(a) Notice. A party seeking indemnification pursuant to this Article VIII (each, an “Indemnified Party”) shall give prompt written notice to the party from whom such indemnification is sought (the “Indemnifying Party”) of the assertion of any claim by, or the commencement of any action, suit or proceeding by, a third party that is not an Affiliate of any party hereto in respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder (a “Third-Party Claim”), and shall give the Indemnifying Party such information with respect thereto as the Indemnifying Party may reasonably request, but failure to timely give such written notice shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of any liability hereunder except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party is actually prejudiced in its defense of the Third-Party Claim as a result of such delay. Nothing herein shall be construed to require any party to waive or compromise the attorney-client privilege, the attorney work product doctrine or other applicable privileges or immunities.

(b) Assumption of Defense. The Indemnifying Party shall have the right, exercisable by written notice to the Indemnified Party within 30 days of receipt of written notice from the Indemnified Party of the commencement of or assertion of any Third-Party Claim in respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder, to assume and conduct the defense of such Third-Party Claim with counsel selected by the Indemnifying Party and reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Party; provided that such Third-Party Claim does not relate to or arise in connection with any criminal or quasi-criminal allegation, proceeding, action, indictment or investigation (the “Litigation Condition”). If the Indemnifying Party does not assume the defense of such Third-Party Claim in accordance with this Section 8.3(b), the Indemnified Party may continue to defend the Third-Party Claim and the Indemnifying Party shall be liable for all reasonable costs or expenses paid or incurred in connection therewith. If the Indemnifying Party has assumed the defense of a Third-Party Claim as provided in this Section 8.3(b), the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any legal expenses subsequently incurred by the Indemnified Party in connection with the defense thereof except as provided in Section 8.3(c); provided, however, that if the Litigation Condition ceases to be satisfied, the Indemnified Party may assume its own defense by providing written notice to the Indemnifying Party and following such notice the Indemnifying Party shall be liable for all reasonable costs or expenses paid or incurred in connection therewith after receipt by the Indemnifying Party of the aforementioned notice.

 

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(c) Participate in Defense. The Indemnifying Party or the Indemnified Party, as the case may be, shall have the right to participate in (but not control) the defense of any Third-Party Claim that the other is defending as provided in this Agreement at its own expense, except that, in the event the Indemnifying Party is controlling the defense of any Third-Party Claim, if either (i) the Indemnified Party has been advised by counsel that there are one or more legal defenses available to such party that are different from or additional to those available to the other party and it is necessary for such party to employ separate counsel in order to effectively assert such defense or defenses or (ii) the Purchaser (or one of its Affiliates) is the Indemnified Party and has been named as a defendant in a Third-Party Claim that is a Merger Related Claim or that otherwise seeks any injunctive or equitable relief against the Indemnified Party or any of its Affiliates, then the Indemnifying Party shall be liable for reasonable fees and expenses paid or incurred by the Indemnified Party in connection therewith.

(d) Settlement. The Indemnifying Party, if it shall have assumed the defense of any Third-Party Claim as provided in this Agreement, shall not, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, consent to a settlement of, or the entry of any judgment arising from, any such Third-Party Claim that (i) does not include as an unconditional term thereof a complete release of the Indemnified Party from all liability in respect of such Third-Party Claim, (ii) grants any injunctive or equitable relief against the Indemnified Party or any of its Affiliates or (iii) contains any factual or legal admission by or with respect to the Indemnified Party or any adverse statement with respect to the character, professionalism or reputation of the Indemnified Party.

(e) Cooperation. Whether or not the Indemnifying Party chooses to defend any Third-Party Claim, all the parties hereto shall cooperate in the defense thereof and shall furnish such records, information and testimony, and attend such conferences, discovery proceedings, hearings, trials and appeals, in each case, as may be reasonably requested in connection therewith; provided, however, that the Indemnifying Party shall pay the reasonable expenses incurred by the Indemnified Party in cooperating pursuant to this Section 8.3(e). Nothing herein shall be construed to require any party to waive or compromise the attorney-client privilege, the attorney work product doctrine or other applicable privileges or immunities. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, none of the other parties (including the Company, its Subsidiaries or any joint ventures to which any of the Company or its Subsidiaries is a party) shall be entitled to review the Tax Returns of any Indemnified Party or any of its Affiliates (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) for any purpose, including in connection with any action or other dispute (whether between or among any of the parties or involving third persons) or otherwise.

SECTION 8.4 Indemnification Procedures for Other Claims. The Indemnified Party shall provide written notice of any claim for which indemnification is believed to be due under this Agreement (other than a Third-Party Claim) with reasonable promptness to the Indemnifying Party after becoming aware of such claim, but failure to timely provide such written notice shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of any liability hereunder except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party is actually prejudiced as a result of such delay. Such notice shall state in reasonable detail the circumstances giving rise to the claim, specify the amount of the claim (or an estimate thereof) and make a request for any payment then believed due. Such claim may be disputed by the Indemnifying Party if within 30 days after receipt of such notice by

 

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the Indemnifying Party the Indemnifying Party sends the Indemnified Party a notice disputing the propriety or amount of the claim. Any such dispute notice shall describe the basis for such objection in reasonable detail and the amount of the claim that the Indemnifying Party does not believe should be subject to indemnification. Upon receipt of any such dispute notice, either party may commence litigation. If it is finally determined (through either agreement of the parties or otherwise) that any amount is owed to the Indemnified Party in respect of such claim, the Indemnifying Party shall, within 10 days of such determination, pay the Indemnified Party such amount owed in immediately available funds.

ARTICLE IX

AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS

Any provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived if, and only if, such amendment or waiver is in writing and signed, in the case of an amendment, by the Company and Purchaser, or in the case of a waiver, by the Party against whom the waiver is to be effective. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no knowledge, investigation or inquiry, or failure or delay by the Company or Purchaser in exercising any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise of any other right hereunder.

ARTICLE X

TERMINATION

SECTION 10.1 Termination. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, this Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms. The Company shall provide prompt written notice to the Purchaser of any such termination of the Merger Agreement. In addition to the foregoing, this Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing:

(a) by either Purchaser or the Company if the Closing shall not have occurred on or before 11:59 p.m. on the End Date; provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.1(a) is not available to any Party whose failure to perform any of its obligations under this Agreement has been the primary cause of the failure of the Closing to have occurred by such time;

(b) by either Purchaser or the Company if any Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction enters an Order or takes other action, or any Law becomes enacted, entered or enforced after the date of this Agreement, which has the effect of permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and, in the case of any such Order or other action, such Order or other action shall have become final and non-appealable; or

(c) by the mutual written consent of Purchaser and the Company.

SECTION 10.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.1, this Agreement shall terminate, and there shall be no liability on the part of the Company or Purchaser or their respective directors, officers, Affiliates, successors or assigns, except that (a) the provisions of Section 6.1, Section 6.5, Section 8.1(a),

 

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Section 8.3, this Section 10.2, Section 10.3, Article XI and Article XII shall survive the termination of this Agreement and shall remain in full force and effect and (b) subject to Section 8.1 and Section 10.3, no Party shall be relieved or released from liability for Damages arising out of any (i) knowing material breach of any of its representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or (ii) deliberate material breach of any of its covenants contained in this Agreement. No Party claiming that such breach occurred shall have any duty or otherwise be obligated to mitigate any such Damages. For purposes of this Section 10.2, (A) a “knowing” breach of a representation and warranty shall be deemed to have occurred only if the Officer Shareholders (in the case of the Company) or the officers of Purchaser (in the case of Purchaser) had actual knowledge of such breach as of the date of this Agreement (without any independent duty of investigation or verification other than an actual reading of the representations and warranties as they appear in this Agreement by such Parties) and (B) a “deliberate” breach of any covenant or agreement shall be deemed to have occurred only if the other Party took or failed to take action with actual knowledge that the action so taken or omitted to be taken constituted a breach of such covenant or agreement.

SECTION 10.3 No Recourse.

(a) In the event that this Agreement has been terminated in accordance with its terms, none of the Company or Merger Sub, any of their respective Affiliates or any other Person shall be entitled to bring or maintain any claim, action or proceeding against Purchaser or any Purchaser Related Party arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or the Merger Agreement, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Merger Agreement or any matters forming the basis for such termination, in each case, except for the Company’s right to pursue a claim for Damages against Purchaser pursuant to, and solely in the circumstances provided by, Section 10.2, including the Company’s right to enforce the Purchaser Guaranty against Purchaser Guarantor with respect thereto.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement:

(i) prior to the Closing, the Company’s right to terminate this Agreement and pursue a claim for Damages against Purchaser pursuant to, and solely in the circumstances provided by, Section 10.2 (including the Company’s right to enforce the Purchaser Guaranty against Purchaser Guarantor with respect thereto) shall, except for the right to seek specific performance in accordance with Section 12.2, be the sole and exclusive remedy of the Company and its Affiliates against Purchaser and any of its current, former or future Affiliates, and any of Purchaser’s or such Affiliates’ respective current, former or future directors, officers, general or limited partners, shareholders, members, managers, controlling persons, employees, representatives or agents (collectively, the “Purchaser Related Parties”) for any loss suffered as a result of any breach of any covenant, agreement, representation or warranty in this Agreement, the failure of the Closing to occur or the failure of the Merger to be consummated, or in respect of any oral representation alleged to have been made in connection herewith or therewith; and no Purchaser Related Party shall have any further liability or obligation relating to or arising out of this Agreement, the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Merger Agreement or in respect of any other agreement, document or theory of Law or equity or in respect of any oral representations alleged to have been made in connection herewith or therewith, whether in equity or at Law, in contract, in tort or otherwise;

 

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(ii) except for the right to seek specific performance in accordance with Section 12.2, in connection with any loss suffered as a result of any breach of any covenant, agreement, representation or warranty in this Agreement, the failure of the Closing to occur or the failure of the Merger or any other transaction contemplated by this Agreement or the Merger Agreement to be consummated, or in respect of any oral representation alleged to be have been made in connection herewith or therewith, each party agrees that the maximum aggregate liability of the Purchaser Related Parties or the Company Related Parties, as the case may be, shall be limited to an amount equal to the Purchase Price, and in no event shall the Company with respect to the Purchaser Related Parties or Purchaser with respect to the Company Related Parties seek to recover any damages in excess of such amount;

(iii) this Agreement may only be enforced by the Company against, and any claims or causes of action that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement or the Merger Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement or the Merger Agreement, may only be made by the Company against Purchaser (or against Purchaser Guarantor under the Purchaser Guaranty), and no other Purchaser Related Party shall have any liability for any obligations or liabilities of Purchaser or Purchaser Guarantor or for any claim (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) based on, in respect of, or by reason of, the purchase of the Purchased Preferred Shares hereunder, the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Merger Agreement or in respect of any oral representations alleged to have been made in connection herewith or therewith. Without limiting the rights of the Company against Purchaser under this Agreement (or against Purchaser Guarantor under the Purchaser Guaranty), in no event shall the Company or any of its Affiliates, and the Company agrees not to and to cause its Affiliates not to, seek to enforce this Agreement against, make any claims for breach of this Agreement against, or seek to recover damages from, any other Purchaser Related Party;

(iv) prior to the Closing, the Purchaser’s right to terminate this Agreement and pursue a claim for Damages against the Company pursuant to, and solely in the circumstances provided by, Section 8.1 and Section 10.2 (including the Purchaser’s right to enforce the Family Guaranty against the Officer Shareholders with respect thereto) shall, except for the rights (A) to seek specific performance in accordance with Section 12.2, (B) to expense reimbursement pursuant to Section 6.1 and (C) to indemnification pursuant to Section 8.1(a)(i), be the sole and exclusive remedy of the Purchaser and its Affiliates against the Company, Family LLC and any of their respective current, former or future Affiliates, and any of the Company’s, Family LLC’s or such Affiliates’ respective current, former or future directors, officers, general or limited partners, shareholders, members, managers, controlling persons, employees, representatives or agents (collectively, the “Company Related Parties”) for any loss suffered as a result of any breach of any covenant, agreement, representation or warranty in this Agreement, or in respect of any oral representation alleged to have been made in connection herewith or therewith; and no Company Related Party shall have any further liability or obligation relating to or arising out of this Agreement or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or in respect of any other agreement, document or theory of Law or equity or in respect of any oral representations alleged to have been made in connection herewith or therewith, whether in equity or at Law, in contract, in tort or otherwise; and

 

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(v) this Agreement may only be enforced by Purchaser against, and any claims or causes of action that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement or the Merger Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement or the Merger Agreement, may only be made by Purchaser against the Company (or against the Officer Shareholders under the Family Guaranty), and no other Company Related Party shall have any liability for any obligations or liabilities of the Company or the Officer Shareholders or for any claim (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) based on, in respect of, or by reason of, the purchase of the Purchased Preferred Shares hereunder, the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Merger Agreement or in respect of any oral representations alleged to have been made in connection herewith or therewith. Without limiting the rights of Purchaser against the Company under this Agreement (or against the Officer Shareholders under the Family Guaranty), in no event shall Purchaser or any of its Affiliates, and Purchaser agrees not to and to cause its Affiliates not to, seek to enforce this Agreement against, make any claims for breach of this Agreement against, or seek to recover damages from, any other Company Related Party.

(c) Each Purchaser Related Party and Company Related Party is an intended third party beneficiary of, and shall be entitled to enforce the covenants and agreements set forth in, this Section 10.3.

ARTICLE XI

GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION AND WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

SECTION 11.1 Governing Law; Jurisdiction. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE WITHOUT REFERENCE TO SUCH STATE’S PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICT OF LAWS; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF OHIO SHALL GOVERN IN DETERMINING (A) THE INTERPRETATION OF A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT AND WHETHER A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT HAS OCCURRED AND (B) WHETHER THE MERGER HAS BEEN CONSUMMATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT (IN EACH CASE, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS THEREOF, TO THE EXTENT THAT THE SAME ARE NOT MANDATORILY APPLICABLE BY STATUTE AND WOULD REQUIRE OR PERMIT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAW OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION). EACH OF THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE DELAWARE COURT OF CHANCERY OR, IF SUCH COURT SHALL NOT HAVE JURISDICTION, ANY FEDERAL COURT LOCATED IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE OR OTHER DELAWARE STATE COURT, AS WELL AS TO THE JURISDICTION OF ALL COURTS TO WHICH AN APPEAL MAY BE TAKEN FROM SUCH COURTS, IN CONNECTION WITH ANY MATTER BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR THE MATTERS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN, AGREES THAT PROCESS MAY BE SERVED UPON THEM IN ANY MANNER AUTHORIZED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE FOR SUCH PERSONS AND WAIVES AND COVENANTS NOT TO ASSERT OR PLEAD ANY OBJECTION THAT THEY MIGHT OTHERWISE HAVE.

 

28


SECTION 11.2 Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING BETWEEN THE PARTIES HERETO ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

ARTICLE XII

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 12.1 Entire Agreement; Parties in Interest. This Agreement (including the exhibits hereto) constitutes the entire agreement, and supersedes all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each Party and their respective successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person any rights, benefits or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement except for the provisions of Sections 8.1 and 10.3, which shall be enforceable by the beneficiaries contemplated thereby.

SECTION 12.2 Specific Performance; Remedies.

(a) The Parties agree that irreparable harm would occur in the event any of the provisions of this Agreement were not to be performed in accordance with the terms hereof (including failing to take such actions as are required of them hereunder to consummate the Closing), that the right of specific performance is an integral part of this Agreement and that without that right neither the Company nor Purchaser would have entered into this Agreement and that, except as otherwise set forth in Section 12.2(b), the Parties shall, prior to the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.1, be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement or to enforce specifically the performance of the terms hereof without proof of damages or otherwise, in addition to any other remedies to which they are entitled at Law or in equity. Each of the Parties hereby waives any defenses in any action for specific performance, including the defense that a remedy at Law would be adequate. Except as otherwise provided herein, all remedies available under this Agreement, at Law or otherwise, shall be deemed cumulative and not alternative or exclusive of other remedies. The exercise by any Party of a particular remedy shall not preclude the exercise of any other remedy.

(b) The Company shall be entitled to seek specific performance of Purchaser’s obligation to purchase, or to cause the purchase of, the Purchased Preferred Shares, and to fund, or cause to be funded, the Purchase Price therefor only in the event that (i) the conditions to Closing set forth in Sections 5.1 and 5.3 have been satisfied, (ii) Purchaser fails to complete the Closing in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and (iii) the Company has irrevocably confirmed that if specific performance is granted and the Purchase Price is funded, then it shall take the actions required of it by this Agreement to cause the Closing to occur. For

 

29


the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall the Company be entitled to enforce or seek to enforce specifically Purchaser’s obligation to purchase, or to cause the purchase of, the Purchased Preferred Shares, and to fund, or cause to be funded, the Purchase Price therefor if (x) the Senior Financing has not been funded (or shall not be funded at the closing of the Merger if the Purchase Price is funded at the Closing) or (y) the transactions contemplated by the Rollover and Contribution Agreement have not been consummated (or shall not be consummated at the closing of the Merger if the Purchase Price is funded at the Closing). Each of the Parties agrees that it shall not oppose the granting of an injunction, specific performance and other equitable relief when expressly available pursuant to the terms of this Agreement on the basis that the other Party has an adequate remedy at Law or an award of specific performance is not an appropriate remedy for any reason at Law or equity. Any Party seeking an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement when expressly available pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement when expressly available pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall not be required to provide any bond or other security in connection with such order or injunction.

SECTION 12.3 Counterparts; Effectiveness. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (including by facsimile or by electronic transmission in “portable document format” (“.pdf”) form), each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument, and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered (by telecopy or otherwise) to the other Party.

SECTION 12.4 Assignment. Subject to the following sentence, this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and assigns. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder may be assigned by either of the Parties (whether by operation of Law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other Party; provided, however, that Purchaser shall be permitted, without the consent of the Company, to assign all or a portion of its rights, interests and obligations hereunder to one or more Permitted Affiliates. In the event of an assignment to a Permitted Affiliate under this Section 12.4, such Permitted Affiliate shall become party to this Agreement by execution of a joinder hereto and such Permitted Affiliate shall thereafter constitute “Purchaser” for all purposes hereunder with respect to the Purchased Preferred Shares to be purchased by (or subsequently transferred to) such Permitted Affiliate as if it were Purchaser as of the date hereof with respect thereto. It is acknowledged and agreed that any assignment pursuant to the preceding proviso shall not relieve Purchaser of its obligation to purchase the Purchased Preferred Shares at the Closing until the Closing has occurred and the Permitted Affiliate has funded its obligation to purchase the Purchased Preferred Shares to be purchased by such Permitted Affiliate.

SECTION 12.5 Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void, invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect and the application of such provision to other Persons or circumstances shall be interpreted so as reasonably to effect the intent of the Parties. The Parties further agree to replace such illegal, void, invalid or unenforceable provision of this Agreement with a legal, valid and enforceable provision that achieves, to the extent possible, the economic, business and other purposes of such illegal, void, invalid or unenforceable provision.

 

30


SECTION 12.6 Expenses. Except as expressly set forth in Section 6.1, whether or not the Closing occurs, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement shall be paid by the Party incurring or required to incur such costs and expenses; provided, however, that the Company shall pay any and all documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer taxes due on the issuance of the Purchased Preferred Shares at Closing.

SECTION 12.7 Construction. Each of the Parties has participated in the drafting and negotiation of this Agreement. If an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement must be construed as if it is drafted by all the Parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

SECTION 12.8 Interpretation; Knowledge. When a reference is made in this Agreement to an Article or Section, such reference shall be to an Article or Section of this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. Whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” The words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. All terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined meanings when used in any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant thereto unless otherwise defined therein. The definitions contained in this Agreement are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms and to the masculine as well as to the feminine and neuter genders of such term. Any agreement, instrument or statute defined or referred to herein or in any agreement or instrument that is referred to herein means such agreement, instrument or statute as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, including (in the case of agreements or instruments) by waiver or consent and (in the case of statutes) by succession of comparable successor statutes and references to all attachments thereto and instruments incorporated therein. The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and do not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. The terms “or”, “any” and “either” are not exclusive. The word “extent” in the phrase “to the extent” shall mean the degree to which a subject or other thing extends, and such phrase shall not mean simply “if”. The word “shall” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “will”. All terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined meanings when used in any document made or delivered pursuant hereto unless otherwise defined therein. References to a Person are also to its permitted assigns and successors. References herein to “knowledge” with respect to Purchaser mean the actual knowledge after due inquiry of the officers of Purchaser.

SECTION 12.9 Purchaser Guaranty; Family Guaranty.

(a) Purchaser Guarantor hereby unconditionally, absolutely and irrevocably guarantees the prompt and full performance of all of Purchaser’s obligations set forth in this Agreement (such obligations, the “Purchaser Obligations” and such limited guaranty, the “Purchaser Guaranty”). The Company may seek remedies directly from Purchaser Guarantor

 

31


with respect to the Purchaser Obligations without first seeking or exhausting its remedies against Purchaser. The liability of Purchaser Guarantor hereunder is in all cases subject to all defenses, setoffs or counterclaims available to Purchaser to performance of the Purchaser Obligations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the guaranty set forth in this Section 12.1(a) shall terminate upon the Closing.

(b) The Officer Shareholders, jointly and severally, hereby unconditionally, absolutely and irrevocably guarantee the prompt and full performance of all of the Company’s obligations set forth in this Agreement (such obligations, the “Company Obligations” and such limited guaranty, the “Family Guaranty”). Purchaser may seek remedies directly from the Officer Shareholders with respect to the Company Obligations without first seeking or exhausting its remedies against the Company. The liability of the Officer Shareholders hereunder is in all cases subject to all defenses, setoffs or counterclaims available to the Company to performance of the Company Obligations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the guaranty set forth in this Section 12.1(b) shall terminate upon the Closing.

(c) The provisions of Article VII (Notices), Article XI (Governing Law; Jurisdiction and Waiver of Jury Trial) and Section 12.2 (Specific Performance; Remedies), mutatis mutandis, are hereby incorporated in this Section 12.1.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

32


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

 

COMPANY:
CENTURY INTERMEDIATE HOLDING COMPANY
By:   /s/ Zev Weiss
  Name: Zev Weiss
  Title: Vice President and Secretary

[Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement Signature Page]


PURCHASER:
KOCH AG INVESTMENT, LLC
By:   /s/ Matthew Flamini
  Name: Matthew Flamini
  Title: President

[Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement Signature Page]


OFFICER SHAREHOLDERS (solely for purposes of Section 12.9 hereof):
/s/ Zev Weiss
Zev Weiss
/s/ Morry Weiss

 

Morry Weiss

/s/ Jeffrey Weiss

 

Jeffrey Weiss

[Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement Signature Page]


PURCHASER GUARANTOR (solely for purposes of Section 12.9 hereof):
KOCH INDUSTRIES, INC.
By:   /s/ Steven J. Feilmeier
  Name: Steven J. Feilmeier
  Title: Executive Vice President and CFO

[Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement Signature Page]


EXHIBIT A

Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation

[See attached]


AMENDED AND RESTATED

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

CENTURY INTERMEDIATE HOLDING COMPANY

It is hereby certified that:

1. The name of the corporation (hereinafter called the “Corporation”) is Century Intermediate Holding Corporation.

2. The Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation was originally filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on March 25, 2013.

3. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation has been duly adopted by the Board of Directors and stockholders of the Corporation in accordance with Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

4. The Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

FIRST: The name of the Corporation is:

Century Intermediate Holding Company

SECOND: The address of the Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street, City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, Delaware 19801. The name of the Corporation’s registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

THIRD: The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

FOURTH: The total number of shares that the Corporation has authority to issue is [•], of which (a) 100 shares shall be Common Stock, par value of $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”) and (b) [•] shares shall be Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Stock”). The voting powers, designations, preferences, powers and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of each class of capital stock of the Corporation shall be as provided in this Article Fourth.

A. Series A Preferred Stock

1. Designation. A total of [•] shares of the Preferred Stock shall be designated as a series known as Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”). Each share of the Series A Preferred Stock shall be identical in all respects to every other share of the Series A Preferred Stock. The Series A Preferred Stock shall be perpetual, subject to the provisions of Section A.6 of this Article Fourth.

 

1


2. Definitions; Interpretation. As used in this Article Fourth, the following terms shall have the corresponding meanings:

(a) “Accrued Dividend Rate” means LIBOR plus 13.5% per annum; provided, however, that if a Default Triggering Event has occurred and is continuing for 15 calendar days or more, then, commencing on the 16th calendar day after the occurrence of such Default Triggering Event but effective as of the date of such Default Triggering Event, the Accrued Dividend Rate shall be LIBOR plus 15.5% per annum until such Default Triggering Event is cured.

(b) “Accrued Stated Value” means, at any date of determination and with respect to each share of Series A Preferred Stock, an amount equal to the sum of (i) the then-current Stated Value of such share, plus (ii) any per-share Cash Dividends that have been declared by the Board of Directors as of such time but not yet paid with respect to such share of Series A Preferred Stock, plus (iii) the per-share Cash Dividend accrued but not yet declared with respect to the then-current Dividend Period. For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of the calculation of the then-current Accrued Stated Value of each share of Series A Preferred Stock, the accrued Cash Dividend referenced in clause (iii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall be determined assuming that the Board of Directors has or will actually declare a Cash Dividend with respect to the portion of such Dividend Period ending on the date of determination, without regard to whether a Cash Dividend is ever actually declared for such Dividend Period.

(c) “A/R Facility” means [],1 as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, including by waiver or consent, in each case, to the extent permitted by Section A.7(f) of this Article Fourth.

(d) “Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code entitled “Bankruptcy,” as now or hereafter in effect, or any successor thereto, as hereafter amended.

(e) “Beneficially Owns” means ownership in accordance with Section 240.13d-3 of the SEC regulations promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(f) “Business Day” means any day ending at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which the banks in the City of New York are authorized by law or executive order to be closed.

(g) “Cash Dividend Rate” means LIBOR plus 11.5% per annum; provided, however, that if a Default Triggering Event has occurred and is continuing for 15 calendar days or more, then, commencing on the 16th calendar day after the occurrence of such Default Triggering Event but effective as of the date of such Default Triggering Event, the Cash Dividend Rate shall be LIBOR plus 13.5% per annum until such Default Triggering Event is cured.

 

1

Note to Draft: To insert description of A/R Facility entered into at Closing.

 

2


(h) “Change of Control Transaction” means any transaction or series of transactions pursuant to which:

(i) the Family Shareholders cease to Beneficially Own, directly or indirectly, Equity Interests of the Corporation representing at least 50% of the then-outstanding Voting Capital Stock of the Corporation; or

(ii) the Corporation (A) merges or consolidates with or into any other Person, another Person merges with or into the Corporation or the Corporation conveys, sells, transfers, leases or licenses all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation, on the one hand, or of American Greetings and its subsidiaries, on the other hand, to another Person or (B) engages in any recapitalization, reclassification or other transaction unless, in the context of any such merger or consolidation referenced in the foregoing clause (A) or recapitalization, reclassification or other transaction referenced in the foregoing clause (B), the Family Shareholders continue to Beneficially Own, immediately after giving effect to such transaction, at least 50% of the then-outstanding Voting Capital Stock of the Corporation or the other Person surviving or resulting from such transaction.

(i) “Closing Date” means the date of original issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock.

(j) “Common Equity Value” means, at any date of determination, the positive difference (if any) between (i) the product of (A) 4.5 multiplied by (B) the sum of the Consolidated EBITDA of the Corporation and its subsidiaries for the immediately preceding and completed four fiscal quarters, minus (ii) the sum of (A) the Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ aggregate indebtedness (other than any indebtedness or other obligations incurred under Section A.7(f)(vi) of this Article Fourth) as of such date of determination (less cash and cash equivalents, except for $1,000,000 of cash and cash equivalents, as of such date of determination) and (B) the product of (x) the aggregate Accrued Stated Value of the Series A Preferred Stock outstanding as of such date of determination multiplied by (y) the Redemption Multiple applicable as of such date of determination, in each case, as determined in accordance with GAAP. In determining the Common Equity Value in connection with a Change of Control Transaction or other transaction, payments of indebtedness and redemptions of Series A Preferred Stock effected as part of the transaction shall be disregarded. For the avoidance of doubt the Common Equity Value cannot be less than zero.

(k) “Consolidated EBITDA” means [•].2

(l) “Credit Agreement” means [•],3 as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, including by waiver or consent, in each case, to the extent permitted by Section A.7(f) of this Article Fourth.

 

 

2 

Note to Draft: To insert definition and conform of “Consolidated EBITDA” from the Credit Agreement.

 

 

3


(m) “Default Triggering Event” means (i) the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries (A) fails to make any payment of principal, interest or other amounts when due (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise) in respect of any Material Indebtedness, in each case after giving effect to any applicable grace or cure periods, or (B) fails to observe or perform any other agreement or condition relating to any Material Indebtedness or contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or relating thereto (and all grace or cure periods and notice periods applicable to such observance, performance or condition shall have expired or, in the case of required notices, been given), or any other event occurs, the effect of which default or other event is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Material Indebtedness (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders) to cause (in each case after all grace or cure periods shall have expired, but without giving effect to applicable subordination provisions, if any) with the giving of notice if required, such Material Indebtedness to be demanded or to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or otherwise), or an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such Material Indebtedness to be made, prior to its stated maturity, but, in the case of this clause (B), excluding any mandatory prepayment required by the terms of such Material Indebtedness as a result of any asset sale or similar disposition, the incurrence of any indebtedness or issuance of any equity, the receipt of any casualty or condemnation proceeds or as result of any “excess cash flow” or similar recapture provisions, or (ii) the Corporation breaches, violates or fails to act in accordance with any of the provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with respect to any of the designations, preferences, powers and/or the relative, participating, optional or other special rights of, or the restrictions provided for the benefit of, the Series A Preferred Stock.

(n) “Dividend Payment Date” shall mean January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing on and including [•]4; provided that if any such Dividend Payment Date would otherwise occur on a day that is not a Business Day, such Dividend Payment Date shall instead be (and any dividend payable on Series A Preferred Stock on such Dividend Payment Date shall instead be payable on) the immediately succeeding Business Day.

(o) “Dividend Period” shall mean the period commencing on and including a Dividend Payment Date and shall end on and include the day immediately preceding the next Dividend Payment Date; provided that the initial Dividend Period shall commence on and include the Closing Date and shall end on and include the day immediately preceding the first Dividend Payment Date.

(p) “Equity Interests” means the capital stock of the Corporation and any other interests, securities, rights to purchase, warrants, options, participations or other equivalents of or interests in, or convertible into (in each case however designated), capital stock issued by the Corporation.

 

 

(continued...)
3 

Note to Draft: To insert description of Credit Agreement entered into at Closing.

4 

Note to Draft: To insert first day following end of quarterly period in which Closing Date occurs.

 

4


(q) “Equity Participation Amount” means with respect to each share of Series A Preferred Stock, at any date of determination, an amount equal to the product of (i) the Common Equity Value as of such date of determination multiplied by (ii) the quotient of (A) the Equity Participation Percentage applicable as of such date of determination, divided by (B) the total number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock issued on the Closing Date (as adjusted as appropriate in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, stock distribution, recapitalization or combination with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock), multiplied by (iii) the quotient of (x) the Accrued Stated Value of such share of Series A Preferred Stock, as of such date of determination, divided by $1,000 (adjusted as appropriate in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, stock distribution, recapitalization or combination with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock).

(r) “Equity Participation Percentage” means, at any date of determination, the applicable percentage set forth in the table below under the heading “Equity Participation Percentage”.

 

Annual Period After the Closing Date During Which the

Applicable Date of Determination Occurs

   Equity Participation Percentage  

First Transactional Year after Closing Date

     0

Second Transactional Year after Closing Date

     0

Third Transactional Year after Closing Date

     2.5

Fourth Transactional Year after Closing Date

     5

Fifth Transactional Year after Closing Date

     7.5

Sixth Transactional Year after Closing Date

     10

Seventh Transactional Year after Closing Date

     12.5

Eighth Transactional Year after Closing Date

     15

Ninth Transactional Year after Closing Date

     17.5

Tenth Transactional Year after Closing Date or later

     20

(s) “Family Shareholders” means the Persons listed on Exhibit A of that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), dated as of March 29, 2013, among the Corporation, Century Merger Company, an Ohio corporation, and American Greetings Corporation, an Ohio corporation (“American Greetings”).

(t) “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect in the United States from time to time, applied on a basis consistent with past practice prior to the Closing Date.

 

5


(u) “Insolvency Event” means, with respect to any Person, (a) the commencement of a voluntary case by such Person under the Bankruptcy Code or the seeking of relief by such Person under any bankruptcy or insolvency or analogous law in any jurisdiction outside of the United States (including, without limitation, the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada), the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada) or the Winding-Up and Restructuring Act (Canada)); (b) the commencement of an involuntary case against such Person under the Bankruptcy Code and the petition is not controverted within 10 days, or is not dismissed within 60 days, after commencement of the case; (c) a custodian (as defined in the Bankruptcy Code) is appointed for, or takes charge of, all or substantially all of the property of such Person; (d) such Person commences (including by way of applying for or consenting to the appointment of, or the taking of possession by, a rehabilitator, receiver, custodian, trustee, conservator or liquidator (collectively, a “conservator”) of such Person or all or any substantial portion of its property) any other proceeding under any reorganization, arrangement, adjustment of debt, relief of debtors, dissolution, insolvency, liquidation, rehabilitation, conservatorship or similar law of any jurisdiction whether now or hereafter in effect relating to such Person; (e) any such proceeding of the type set forth in clause (d) above is commenced against such Person to the extent such proceeding is consented to by such Person or remains undismissed for a period of 60 days; (f) such Person is adjudicated insolvent or bankrupt; (g) any order of relief or other order approving any such case or proceeding is entered; (h) such Person suffers any appointment of any conservator or the like for it or any substantial part of its property that continues undischarged or unstayed for a period of 60 days; (i) such Person makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or generally does not pay its debts as such debts become due; or (j) any corporate (or similar organizational) action is taken by such Person for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing.

(v) “Junior Stock” shall mean the Common Stock and any other class or series of Equity Interest that ranks junior to the Series A Preferred Stock (i) as to the payment of dividends or (ii) as to the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, or both.

(w) “Leverage Ratio” means, at any date of determination, the quotient of (a)(i) the aggregate amount of indebtedness for borrowed money, other obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or other similar instruments or capital leases of the Corporation and its subsidiaries as of the date of determination, in each case, as determined in accordance with GAAP, minus (ii) cash and cash equivalents of the Corporation and its subsidiaries in an amount not to exceed the lesser of (A) $75,000,000 and (B) that amount of cash and cash equivalents subtracted from the numerator of “Leverage Ratio”, as defined in the Credit Agreement, divided by (b) the sum of Consolidated EBITDA of the Corporation and its subsidiaries for the immediately preceding four fiscal quarters.

(x) “LIBOR” means [•].5

(y) “Majority Preferred Interest” means the holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock.

 

 

5 

Note to Draft: To insert and conform definition of “LIBOR” from the Credit Agreement.

 

6


(z) “Material Indebtedness” means (i) the Senior Indebtedness, (ii) any indebtedness incurred by the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries and permitted pursuant to Section A.7(f) of this Article Fourth, and (iii) any indebtedness incurred by the Corporation or its subsidiaries with the consent of the Majority Preferred Interest; provided, that, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), the then-outstanding amount of principal and accrued interest under any such indebtedness exceeds the lesser of (A) $20 million and (B) that amount of indebtedness that would qualify as “Material Indebtedness” under the Credit Agreement.

(aa) “New World Headquarters” means the real property and all buildings, fixtures and improvements located thereon, or proposed to be constructed thereon, in connection with the construction of American Greetings’ global corporate headquarters in Westlake, Ohio.

(bb) “Permitted Issuance” means any issuance of Equity Interests that have no voting or other approval or consent rights (except as required by law) and are pari passu with the Common Stock as to the payment of dividends and as to distributions out of the assets of the Corporation upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, the proceeds from which issuance are to be solely used for corporate purposes.

(cc) “Person” means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, a limited liability company, an association, a trust or any other entity, group (as such term is used in Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) or organization, including a Governmental Entity (as defined in the Merger Agreement), and any permitted successors and assigns of such Person.

(dd) “Redemption Multiple” means, at any date of determination, the applicable percentage set forth in the table below under the heading “Redemption Multiple”

 

Annual Period After the Closing Date During Which the

Applicable Date of Determination Occurs

   Redemption Multiple  

First Transactional Year after Closing Date

     113

Second Transactional Year after Closing Date

     111.5

Third Transactional Year after Closing Date

     110

Fourth Transactional Year after Closing Date

     107.5

Fifth Transactional Year after Closing Date

     105

Sixth Transactional Year after Closing Date

     100

Seventh Transactional Year after Closing Date

     100

Eighth Transactional Year after Closing Date

     100

Ninth Transactional Year after Closing Date

     100

Tenth Transactional Year after Closing Date or later

     100

 

7


(ee) “Refinance” means, in respect of any indebtedness or other obligations, to refinance, refund, repay, prepay, purchase, redeem, defease or retire such indebtedness or other obligations with the proceeds of other indebtedness or other obligations.

(ff) “Series A Preference Amount” means, at any date of determination, an amount per share of Series A Preferred Stock equal to the sum of (i) the product of (A) the Redemption Multiple applicable as of such date, multiplied by (B) the Accrued Stated Value of such share at such date, plus (ii) the Equity Participation Amount of such share at such date.

(gg) “Stated Value” means, at any date of determination and with respect to each share of Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding, the sum of (i) $1,000 (adjusted as appropriate in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, stock distribution, recapitalization or combination with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock) and (ii) the Aggregate Accrued Dividends with respect to such share as of the date of determination.

(hh) “Senior Indebtedness” means (i) the Credit Agreement or, if applicable, any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof and (ii) American Greetings’ 7.375% Senior Notes due 2021 or, if applicable, any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof.

(ii) “Transactional Year” means (i) the one-year period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the one-year anniversary of the Closing Date and (ii) each successive one-year period from and after such one-year anniversary.

(jj) “Voting Capital Stock” means a class of capital stock of a corporation or other legal entity which has the right to vote in the election of directors of such corporation or the election of persons having similar management responsibilities in respect of another form of legal entity, including, in the case of the Corporation, the Common Stock.

The following terms are defined elsewhere in the text of this Article Fourth and, as used herein, shall have such meaning throughout this Article Fourth:

 

Term

   Section of this Article Fourth

Accountant

   Section A.10

Accrued Dividends

   Section A.4(a)

Additional Consideration

   Section A.5(b)

Aggregate Accrued Dividends

   Section A.4(a)

Approved Plan

   Section A.7(m)

 

8


Cash Dividends

   Section A.4(a)

Excess

   Section A.4(b)

Final Preferred Payment

   Section A.10

Initial Consideration

   Section A.5(b)

Initial Preferred Payment

   Section A.10

Junior Dividends

   Section A.4(b)

Junior Payments

   Section A.4(b)

Junior Payment Cap

   Section A.4(b)

Liquidation Event

   Section A.5(a)(i)

Mandatory Redemption Date

   Section A.6(b)

Optional Redemption Date

   Section A.6(a)

Redemption Date

   Section A.6(a)

Redemption Price

   Section A.6(c)

Refinancing Indebtedness

   Section A.7(f)

Series A Preferred Stock

   Section A.1

True-Up Deposit

   Section A.10

Valuation Factors

   Section A.10

 

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3. Voting. The holders of outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to any voting or consent powers with respect to their shares of Series A Preferred Stock, except as expressly set forth in Section A.7 of this Article Fourth or as otherwise required by the laws of the State of Delaware. When the vote or consent of the holders of Series A Preferred Stock is required with respect to the matters set forth in Section A.7 of this Article Fourth or by the laws of the State of Delaware, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to one vote for each outstanding share of Series A Preferred Stock held. For the avoidance of doubt, action by vote or written consent of the Majority Preferred Interest, with or without a meeting, shall constitute valid action of the Series A Preferred Stock on all matters; provided, however, that, except for the voting or consents rights set forth in Section A.7 of this Article Fourth, which shall only require the affirmative vote or consent of the Majority Preferred Interest, without the affirmative vote or consent of each holder of Series A Preferred Stock affected thereby, no such action shall (a) reduce the rate of, or such holder’s right to payment of, any Cash Dividends, Accrued Dividends or Series A Preference Amount, (b) adversely affect such holder’s right to receive the Series A Preference Amount upon a Liquidation Event, Change of Control Transaction or redemption of shares of Series A Preferred Stock or (c) have a materially disproportionate adverse effect on any such holder as compared to any other holder of Series A Preferred Stock.

 

4. Dividends.

(a) Cash Dividends; Accrued Dividends. The holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor, with respect to each Dividend Period, dividends in an amount per share of Series A Preferred Stock equal to the product of (i) the Cash Dividend Rate multiplied by (ii) the then-current Stated Value of the Series A Preferred Stock (or, in the event of adjustment to the Cash Dividend Rate during such Dividend Period as a result of a Default Triggering Event, an amount equal to the sum, for each day during such Dividend Period, of the product of the per annum Cash Dividend Rate in effect on such day multiplied by the then-current Stated Value of the Series A Preferred Stock on such day) (“Cash Dividends”). Cash Dividends shall be cumulative and shall accrue daily in arrears during each Dividend Period, whether or not such dividends are declared by the Board of Directors or the Corporation has funds legally available therefor, and shall be payable on the first Dividend Payment Date after such Dividend Period; provided, however, that if Board of Directors does not declare and pay the entire Cash Dividends with respect to such Dividend Period on the applicable Dividend Payment Date for such period, then the amount of Cash Dividends for such Dividend Period shall be deemed to be the amount actually paid (which may be $0.00) and, in lieu of any unpaid Cash Dividends for such Dividend Period thereof, the then-current Stated Value of the Series A Preferred Stock shall be automatically increased, effective as of such Dividend Payment Date, by an amount per share of Series A Preferred Stock equal to the percentage of the Cash Dividends that was not actually paid for such Dividend Period multiplied by the product of (A) the Accrued Dividend Rate per annum and (B) the then-current Stated Value of the Series A Preferred Stock (or, in the event of adjustment to the Accrued Dividend Rate during such Dividend Period as a result of a Default Triggering Event, an amount equal to the sum, for each day during such Dividend Period, of the product of the per annum Accrued Dividend Rate in effect on such day multiplied by the then-current Stated Value of the Series A Preferred Stock on such day) (such amount for such Dividend Period, the “Accrued Dividends”, and together with any Accrued Dividends with respect to prior Dividend Periods, the “Aggregate Accrued Dividends”).

 

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Dividends payable at the Cash Dividend Rate or the Accrued Dividend Rate on the Series A Preferred Stock in respect of any Dividend Period shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. The amount of dividends payable at the Cash Dividend Rate or the Accrued Dividend Rate on the Series A Preferred Stock on any date prior to the end of a Dividend Period, and for the initial Dividend Period, shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months, and actual days elapsed over a 30-day month. Dividends that are payable on the Series A Preferred Stock on any Dividend Payment Date shall be payable to holders of record of the Series A Preferred Stock as they appear on the stock register of the Corporation on the record date for such dividend, which shall be the date fifteen days prior to the applicable Dividend Payment Date.

(b) Restrictions on Junior Payments. The Corporation shall not declare, pay, make or distribute any cash dividends or other distributions (other than stock dividends of Junior Stock) to the holders of Common Stock or any other Junior Stock (“Junior Dividends”) unless, as of the date of payment of such Junior Dividends, (i) the sum of Consolidated EBITDA of the Corporation and its subsidiaries for the immediately preceding four fiscal quarters, determined in accordance with Section A.10 of this Article Fourth, is greater than $150 million and (ii) the then-current aggregate Stated Value of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock is equal to or less than [•]6 (adjusted as appropriate in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, stock distribution, recapitalization or combination with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock). Notwithstanding anything in the immediately preceding sentence to the contrary, the amount of Junior Dividends declared, paid, made or distributed by the Corporation, together with any purchases, repurchases or redemptions of shares of Common Stock or any other Junior Stock permitted by Section A.7(d) of this Article Fourth (any such Junior Dividends, together with any such purchases, repurchases and redemptions of shares of Common Stock or any other Junior Stock, “Junior Payments”), during any Transactional Year shall not exceed $10 million in the aggregate (the “Junior Payment Cap”); provided, however, that if the amount of the aggregate Junior Payments made by the Corporation during any Transactional Year is less than the Junior Payment Cap (the amount by which the Junior Payment Cap exceeds such aggregate Junior Payments, the “Excess”), the Corporation may carry such Excess over into either or both of the following two full Transactional Years and, accordingly, pay an additional amount of Junior Payments in an aggregate amount equal to the then-available Excess, so long as, as of the date of payment of such additional Junior Payments, there shall be no more than [•]7 shares of Series A Preferred Stock issued and outstanding (as adjusted as appropriate in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, stock distribution, recapitalization or combination with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock). For the avoidance of doubt, Junior Payments made by the Corporation during any Transactional Year shall be made (A) first from such Transactional Year’s Junior Payment Cap until such Junior Payment Cap has been exhausted, (B) second from any remaining Excess carried over from the earliest Transactional Year for which Excess is available to be used

 

 

6 

Note to Draft: To insert original Stated Value at Closing Date.

7 

Note to Draft: To insert amount equal to 50% of the Series A Preferred Shares issued to the Investor at the Closing.

 

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hereunder until such Excess has been exhausted, and (C) third from any remaining Excess carried over from the immediately preceding Transactional Year until such Excess has been exhausted, at which point, no additional Junior Payments may be made during such Transactional Year.

5. Liquidation Event; Change-in-Control Transaction.

(a) Liquidation Event.

(i) Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, whether voluntary or involuntary, including any Insolvency Event (each a “Liquidation Event”), each holder of outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to be paid in cash, out of the assets of the Corporation or proceeds thereof (whether capital or surplus) available for distribution to stockholders of the Corporation and after satisfaction of all liabilities and obligations to creditors of the Corporation (or, with respect to a Change of Control Transaction in which consideration is payable to the stockholders of the Corporation, out of the consideration payable to the stockholders of the Corporation in connection therewith), but before any amount shall be paid or distributed to the holders of the Common Stock or any other Junior Stock, an amount in respect of each share of Series A Preferred Stock held by such holder equal to the Series A Preference Amount as of the effective date of such Liquidation Event. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock shall be automatically cancelled without further action upon payment in full to the holder of such share of the Series A Preference Amount with respect to such share. After the prior payment in full of the Series A Preference Amount in connection with a Liquidation Event, the remaining assets and funds of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders, if any, shall be distributed among the holders of shares of Junior Stock then outstanding.

(ii) If the amounts available for distribution by the Corporation to holders of Series A Preferred Stock upon a Liquidation Event are not sufficient to pay the aggregate Series A Preference Amount due to such holders, the Corporation shall redeem the maximum possible number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock it is not then legally prohibited from redeeming, such redemption to be effected from the holders thereof on a pro rata basis. Following the determination of the applicable number of shares to be redeemed pursuant to this Section A.5(a)(ii) of this Article Fourth, such redemption shall take place in accordance with Section A.6 of this Article Fourth.

(b) Change of Control Transactions. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, a Change of Control Transaction shall be treated as a Liquidation Event for all purposes of Section A.5 of this Article Fourth. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Corporation shall take such actions as are necessary to give effect to the provisions of this Section A.5(b) of this Article Fourth, including (i) in the case of a Change of Control Transaction structured as a merger or consolidation, including in the definitive agreement relating to such Change of Control Transaction provision for the payment in cash of a price per share to the holders of Series A Preferred Stock equal to the Series A Preference Amount, or (ii) in the case of a Change of Control Transaction structured in any manner other than a merger or consolidation, redeeming the Series A Preferred Stock in connection with and as a condition to the Change of Control

 

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Transaction for a price per share in cash equal to the Series A Preference Amount. In the event of a Change of Control Transaction, if any portion of the consideration payable to the stockholders of the Corporation is payable only upon satisfaction of contingencies (the “Additional Consideration”), the definitive agreement relating to such Change of Control Transaction shall provide that (x) the portion of such consideration that is not Additional Consideration (such portion, the “Initial Consideration”) shall be allocated among the holders of capital stock of the Corporation in accordance with Section A.5(a) of this Article Fourth as if the Initial Consideration were the only consideration payable in connection with such Change of Control Transaction and (y) any Additional Consideration which becomes payable to the stockholders of the Corporation upon satisfaction of such contingencies shall be allocated among the holders of capital stock of the Corporation in accordance with Section A.5(a) of this Article Fourth after taking into account the previous payment of the Initial Consideration as part of the same transaction. For the purposes of this Article Fourth, consideration placed into escrow or retained as holdback to be available for satisfaction of indemnification or similar obligations in connection with such Change of Control Transaction shall be deemed to be Additional Consideration. The Corporation shall promptly provide to the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock such information concerning the terms of such Change of Control Transaction as may reasonably be requested by the holders of Series A Preferred Stock.

6. Redemption.

(a) Optional Redemption. At any time and from time to time, from and after the Closing Date, the Corporation may elect to redeem any or all of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Section A.6(a) of this Article Fourth; provided, however that (i) the Corporation may only make one such election during any Transactional Year after the Closing Date other than in connection with a Change of Control Transaction or Liquidation Event, and (ii) the aggregate number of shares of Series A Preferred to be redeemed shall have an aggregate Redemption Price of at least $25 million (unless the aggregate Redemption Price of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock is less than $25 million, in which case the Corporation shall be required to redeem all such remaining shares). In such event, the Corporation shall redeem that number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock as determined by the Corporation (in accordance with the limitations set forth in this Section A.6(a) of this Article Fourth), out of funds legally available therefor, for an amount per share equal to the Redemption Price specified herein. Any election by the Corporation pursuant to this Section A.6(a) of this Article Fourth shall be made by written notice to the holders of Series A Preferred Stock at least 30 days prior to the elected redemption date (each such date, an “Optional Redemption Date” or, as applicable, a “Redemption Date”). Upon such election, all holders of Series A Preferred Stock shall be deemed to have had an equal percentage of their shares of Series A Preferred Stock redeemed pursuant to this Section A.6(a) of this Article Fourth and such election shall bind all holders of Series A Preferred Stock.

(b) Mandatory Redemption. Commencing on the date which is 15 days prior to the 10-year anniversary of the Closing Date, the holder(s) of a Majority Preferred Interest may at any time elect to require the Corporation to redeem all (but not less than all) of the then outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock unless such redemption is prohibited by law. In such event, the Corporation shall, unless prohibited by law, redeem all (but not less than all) of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, for an amount per share equal to the

 

13


aggregate Redemption Price specified herein. Any election by a Majority Preferred Interest pursuant to this Section A.6(c) of this Article Fourth shall be made by written notice to the Corporation at least 30 days prior to the elected redemption date (the “Mandatory Redemption Date” or, as applicable, a “Redemption Date”). The Corporation shall send written notice of the redemption to all holders of Series A Preferred Stock other than the holders of a Majority Preferred Interest at least 15 days prior to the Mandatory Redemption Date. Such notice shall specify the Mandatory Redemption Date and the Redemption Price and the address where certificates representing shares of Series A Preferred Stock should be submitted for payment. On the Mandatory Redemption Date, the Corporation shall irrevocably deposit or segregate for payment the aggregate Redemption Price.

(c) Redemption Price. The price for each share of Series A Preferred Stock redeemed pursuant to Section A.6 of this Article Fourth on any Redemption Date shall be an amount equal to the Series A Preference Amount, calculated as of such Redemption Date, as applicable (the “Redemption Price”). The aggregate Redemption Price shall be payable in cash in immediately available funds to the respective holders of the Series A Preferred Stock on the applicable Redemption Date.

(d) Insufficient Funds. If the Corporation is prohibited by law from redeeming shares of Series A Preferred Stock in connection with any redemption under this Section A.6 of this Article Fourth on the applicable Redemption Date, the Corporation shall (A) take any action necessary or appropriate, to the extent reasonably within its control, to remove promptly any impediments to its ability to redeem the total number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock required to be so redeemed, including, without limitation, (1) to the extent permissible under applicable law, reducing the stated capital of the Corporation or revaluing the assets of the Corporation to their fair market values under Section 154 of the Delaware General Corporation Law if such revaluation would create surplus sufficient to make such redemption and (2) if the Corporation has sufficient surplus to effect the redemption but insufficient cash to effect the redemption, borrowing the cash necessary to make such redemption to the extent it would not cause a breach, with or without notice, lapse of time or both under any then-outstanding indebtedness, and (B) in any event, use any funds that are legally permissible to redeem the maximum possible number of such shares from the holders of such shares to be redeemed in proportion to the respective number of such shares that otherwise would have been redeemed if all such shares had been redeemed in full. At any time thereafter when additional funds of the Corporation are legally available to redeem such shares of Series A Preferred Stock, the Corporation shall immediately use such funds to redeem the balance of the shares that the Corporation became obligated to redeem on the applicable Redemption Date (but which it has not yet redeemed) at the Redemption Price, together with payment of any additional dividends required to be paid pursuant to Section A.6(f) of this Article Fourth.

(e) IPO Remedy. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing Section A.6(d) of this Article Fourth, if the holders of a Majority Preferred Interest have provided a notice of redemption to the Corporation in accordance with Section A.6(b) of this Article Fourth, and the Corporation does not redeem in full all of the then-outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock within 90 days following receipt of such notice, the holders of a Majority Preferred Interest shall have the right to deliver a written notice to the Corporation demanding that the Corporation file a registration statement with the United States Securities and Exchange

 

14


Commission relating to a public offering by the Corporation of a sufficient number of shares of Common Stock in order to redeem in full the Series A Preferred Stock from the net proceeds of such public offering. In any such event, the Corporation will use its reasonable best efforts to expeditiously effect (but in any event no later than 90 days after such request) the filing of such registration statement, and upon such filing, the Corporation shall use its best efforts to cause the occurrence of such public offering of shares of Common Stock. Upon completion of such public offering, the Corporation shall, as promptly as practicable, effect the redemption of any remaining shares of Series A Preferred Stock then-outstanding, in accordance with the procedures set forth herein.

(f) Rights After Redemption Date. If any shares of Series A Preferred Stock are not redeemed as required on the applicable Redemption Date, for any reason, all such unredeemed shares shall remain outstanding and entitled to all the rights and preferences provided herein, including the right to receive any dividends thereon as provided in Section A.4 of this Article Fourth until the date on which the Corporation actually redeems such shares.

(g) Surrender of Certificates. Each holder of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed shall surrender the certificate or certificates representing such shares to the Corporation, duly assigned or endorsed for transfer to the Corporation (or accompanied by duly executed stock powers relating thereto), or, in the event the certificate or certificates are lost, stolen or missing, shall deliver an affidavit of loss, at the principal executive office of the Corporation or such other place as the Corporation may from time to time designate by notice to the holders of Series A Preferred Stock, and each surrendered certificate shall be canceled and retired and the Corporation shall thereafter make payment of the Redemption Price, as applicable, by certified check or wire transfer of immediately available funds; provided, however, that if the Corporation has insufficient funds legally available to redeem all shares of Series A Preferred Stock required to be redeemed, each such holder shall, in addition to receiving the payment of the portion of the aggregate Redemption Price that the Corporation is not legally prohibited from paying to such holder by certified check or wire transfer, receive a new stock certificate for those shares of Series A Preferred Stock not so redeemed.

7. Covenants. Except to consummate a Change of Control Transaction pursuant to which the then-outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock will receive the Series A Preference Amount (for the avoidance of doubt it being understood that the payment of the Initial Preferred Payment shall be deemed to provide for the full payment of the Series A Preference Amount for purposes of this Section A.7 of this Article Fourth), the Corporation shall not, and shall not permit its subsidiaries to (in each of (a)-(n) of this Section A.7 of this Article Fourth, by merger, consolidation, operation of law or otherwise), without first having provided written notice of such proposed action to each holder of outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock and having obtained the affirmative vote or written consent of the holders of a Majority Preferred Interest:

(a) effect any voluntary, or approve or fail to contest any involuntary, liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation and its subsidiaries or consent or agree to any of the foregoing;

 

15


(b) effect or permit the effectiveness of the occurrence of any Insolvency Event;

(c) amend, alter or repeal (whether by merger, consolidation, operation of law, or otherwise) any provision of, or add any provision to, this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, increasing the total number of shares of Preferred Stock that the Corporation shall have the authority to issue) or the bylaws of the Corporation as in effect on the Closing Date, in each case, the effect or result of which would materially and adversely affect any of the designations, preferences, powers and/or the relative, participating, optional or other special rights of, or the restrictions provided for the benefit of, the Series A Preferred Stock set forth in this Article Fourth;

(d) purchase, repurchase or redeem any shares of Common Stock (other than pursuant to equity incentive agreements with employees of the Corporation or its subsidiaries approved by the Board of Directors and entered into in the ordinary course of business) or any other capital stock or equity securities of the Corporation (other than the Series A Preferred Stock) or any of its subsidiaries (other than subsidiaries that are directly or indirectly wholly owned by the Corporation), except to the extent that such purchases, repurchases or redemptions, in the aggregate, together with any Junior Dividends permitted by Section A.4(b) of this Article Fourth, during any Transactional Year do not exceed the Junior Payment Cap;

(e) other than Junior Dividends permitted by Section A.4(b) of this Article Fourth and transactions otherwise permitted by Section A.7(i) of this Article Fourth, pay any compensation to, or make any loans or advances to, or make any investments in, or incur any indebtedness from (including by issuing any debt securities to), any Family Shareholders or any members of the Corporation’s or any of its subsidiaries’ management who are, or are affiliated with, any Family Shareholders, in each case, which payments, loans, advances, investments or incurrences are not made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

(f) renew, incur, guarantee, amend, extend or waive any indebtedness for borrowed money, other obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or other similar instruments or capital leases, or create, incur or suffer to exist any liens or other encumbrances on any assets, property or equity securities of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries in order to secure any such indebtedness, other obligations or capital leases, in each case, except for (i) such indebtedness, other obligations or capital leases existing on the Closing Date (including, for the avoidance of doubt, indebtedness incurred on the Closing Date in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement), (ii) such indebtedness, other obligations or capital leases incurred to Refinance the indebtedness, other obligations or capital leases referenced in the foregoing clause (i) (such indebtedness, other obligations and capital leases, “Refinancing Indebtedness”), so long as, in the case of this clause (ii), such Refinancing Indebtedness is (A) scheduled to mature no earlier than the indebtedness, other obligations or capital leases being Refinanced, and (B) is in an aggregate principal amount that is equal to or less than the aggregate principal amount then outstanding under the indebtedness, other obligations or capital leases being Refinanced including fees and expenses related thereto, (iii) capital leases entered into, or other trade payables arising, in the ordinary course of business, (iv) such indebtedness or other obligations of the Corporation owing to one or more of its direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, or such indebtedness or other

 

16


obligations of any such subsidiaries owing to the Corporation or one or more of its other direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, (v) any borrowings made or indebtedness incurred from time to time after the Closing Date under the A/R Facility or the revolving credit facility available under the Credit Agreement, or Refinancing Indebtedness with respect thereto, (vi) so long as the Leverage Ratio is no greater than 3.5 (after giving effect to any incurrence of indebtedness or other obligations proposed to be incurred pursuant to this clause (vi)), such indebtedness or other obligations in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100 million, the proceeds of which are used solely to design, construct and equip the New World Headquarters, (vii) such indebtedness or other obligations, the proceeds of which are used solely to redeem (in whole or in part) the Series A Preferred Stock, (viii) any indebtedness or other obligations consented to in writing by the affirmative vote or written consent of the Majority Preferred Interest, and (ix) any amendment, extension, or waiver with respect to any of the indebtedness, other obligations or capital leases permitted pursuant to the foregoing clauses (i) through (viii) so long as any such amendment, extension or waiver does not (A) result in such indebtedness, other obligation or capital lease maturing earlier, and (B) result in an increase in the aggregate principal amount then outstanding under such indebtedness, other obligations or capital leases (other than an increase permitted under clause (vii) or clause (viii) hereof);

(g) issue any new, reclassify any existing Equity Interests into, or issue any Equity Interests or indebtedness or debt securities convertible into, Equity Interests senior or pari passu to the Series A Preferred Stock;

(h) other than Permitted Issuances, issue any new Equity Interests that constitute, or issue any Equity Interests or indebtedness or debt securities convertible into, any Junior Stock (other than pursuant to equity incentive agreements with employees of the Corporation or its subsidiaries approved by the Board of Directors and entered into in the ordinary course of business), unless the proceeds from any such issuance are used to repay any existing Senior Indebtedness and, to the extent excess proceeds are available after any required repayment of Senior Indebtedness, redeem Series A Preferred Stock;

(i) enter into any transaction, agreement or arrangement with any affiliate of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries or any Family Shareholder or other holder of Equity Interests, other than any such transaction, agreement or arrangement that is on an arm’s length basis or is otherwise on terms more favorable to the Corporation;

(j) settle any litigation, action or other proceeding, unless such settlement does not involve a guilty plea or any acknowledgement of wrongdoing on the part of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries or any holder of Series A Preferred Stock;

(k) own, directly or indirectly, less than 100% of the capital stock or other equity securities of American Greetings, or sell, transfer, lease or license all or substantially all of the assets of, the Corporation, on the one hand, or American Greetings and its subsidiaries, on the other hand, or any of their respective successors, unless proceeds from any such event are utilized to redeem all of the then-outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock in full;

 

17


(l) enter into any agreement to do any of the foregoing that is not expressly made conditional on obtaining the affirmative vote or written consent of a Majority Preferred Interest;

(m) in the event a Default Triggering Event has occurred and is continuing, (i) acquire or purchase any assets, properties, entities or Equity Interests, (ii) effect the sale, transfer or license of any assets or properties of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, (iii) incur or approve any capital expenditures, (iv) effect any corporate or other restructurings or reorganizations, (v) commence or settle any litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding, in each case, that is reasonably likely to be material to the Corporation and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (vi) terminate or amend or modify in a manner that is materially adverse to the Corporation or its subsidiaries any material contract to which the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries is a party, (vii) adopt or amend any non-equity compensation, severance or other benefit plans, (vii) enter into or develop a material new line of business of, or cease any material line of business of, the Corporation, (ix) appoint or remove a Person as the Corporation’s auditor, or make any material change to the Corporation’s accounting policies that is not required by GAAP, (x) hire or terminate any of the senior management of the Corporation or its subsidiaries, (xi) change the size of the Board of Directors, (xii) otherwise take any action outside the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, or (xiii) approve any operating or capital expenditure budget or management plans for the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries (any such plan approved by the Majority Preferred Interest, an “Approved Plan”); provided, however, that approval of the Majority Preferred Interest shall not be required for (A) purchases or sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business, (B) capital expenditures with respect to the repair and replacement of equipment and machinery necessary to operate in the ordinary course of business, (C) purchases, sales, transfers, licenses or capital expenditures pursuant to contractual obligations in effect as of the date of Default Triggering Event, (D) renewals, incurrences, or amendments of any indebtedness permitted under Section A.7(f) of this Article Fourth, (E) actions reasonably necessary to operate the Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ businesses in the ordinary course that are consistent with the Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ then financial condition (including applicable cash needs) and are determined by the Board of Directors or officers of the Corporation, acting in good faith, to be in the best interests of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, their respective creditors and holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, and (F) any other action taken in accordance with an Approved Plan; or

(n) effect a Change of Control Transaction in which the holders of Series A Preferred Stock will not receive the Series A Preference Amount as required by Section A.5(b) of this Article Fourth.

Unless the prior consent of the holders of a Majority Preferred Interest is received, any of the matters prohibited by paragraphs (a)-(n) of this Section A.7 of this Article Fourth shall be null and void ab initio and of no force or effect. Further, the Corporation shall not, by amendment, alteration or repeal of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (whether by merger, consolidation, operation of law, or otherwise) or through any Liquidation Event, any Change of Control Transaction or any other reorganization, recapitalization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities, agreement or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms to be observed or performed under this Article Fourth by the Corporation and in the taking of all such

 

18


action as may be necessary or appropriate in order to protect the rights of the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock against impairment. In the event of any Change of Control Transaction in which the Corporation is not the continuing or surviving corporation or entity, proper provision shall be made so that such continuing or surviving corporation or entity shall agree to carry out and observe the obligations of the Corporation hereunder with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock.

8. Notice; Waivers.

(a) Notice of Liquidation Event, Etc. In the event (i) the Corporation establishes a record date to determine the holders of any class of securities who are entitled to receive any dividend or other distribution or who are entitled to vote at a meeting (or by written consent) in connection with any of the transactions identified in clause (ii) hereof or (ii) any Liquidation Event or event deemed a Liquidation Event pursuant to Section A.5(b) of this Article Fourth becomes reasonably likely to occur, the Corporation shall mail or cause to be mailed by first class mail (postage prepaid) to each holder of Series A Preferred Stock at least 30 days prior to such record date specified therein or the expected effective date of any such transaction, whichever is earlier, a notice specifying (A) the date of such record date for the purpose of such dividend or distribution or meeting or consent and a description of such dividend or distribution or the action to be taken at such meeting or by such consent, (B) the date on which any such Liquidation Event or event deemed a Liquidation Event pursuant to Section A.5(b) of this Article Fourth is expected to become effective, and (C) the date on which the books of the Corporation shall close or a record shall be taken with respect to any such event. Such notice shall be accompanied by a certificate prepared by the chief financial officer of the Corporation describing in reasonable detail (1) the facts of such transaction, (2) the amount(s) per share of Series A Preferred Stock would receive pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Article Fourth, and (3) the facts upon which such amounts were determined. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Corporation may deem and treat the record holder of any share of Series A Preferred Stock as the true and lawful owner thereof for all purposes, and the Corporation shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary.

(b) Waiver of Notice. The holder or holders of a Majority Preferred Interest may, at any time upon written notice to the Corporation, waive any notice or certificate delivery provisions specified herein for the benefit of all holders of Series A Preferred Stock, and any such waiver shall be binding upon all holders of such securities.

(c) Other Waivers. The holder or holders of a Majority Preferred Interest may, at any time upon written notice to the Corporation, waive compliance by the Corporation with any term or provision herein, provided that any such waiver does not affect any holder of outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock in a manner different from any other holder, and any such waiver shall be binding upon all holders of Series A Preferred Stock and their respective transferees.

9. No Reissuance of Series A Preferred Stock. No share or shares of Series A Preferred Stock acquired by the Corporation by reason of redemption, purchase or otherwise shall be reissued, and all such shares shall be canceled, retired and eliminated from the shares which the Corporation shall be authorized to issue.

 

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10. Determination of Certain Amounts. In the event of any Liquidation Event, Change of Control Transaction or redemption under Section A.6 of this Article Fourth, the Corporation shall, at least 25 days prior to such event, deliver to the holders of Series A Preferred Stock, as applicable, the Corporation’s (a) calculation of the estimated sum of Consolidated EBITDA of the Corporation and its subsidiaries for the four fiscal quarters immediately preceding the effective date of such event, (b) estimate of (i) aggregate indebtedness and cash and cash equivalents of the Corporation and its subsidiaries and (ii) aggregate Accrued Stated Value of the Series A Preferred Stock outstanding, in each case, as of the effective date of such event and as determined in accordance with GAAP, and (c) estimated calculation of Common Equity Value and Equity Participation Amount based on the amounts in the foregoing clauses (a) and (b), to be used in determining the applicable amounts required to be calculated in connection with such events, as well as the Corporation’s estimated calculation of the Series A Preference Amount, including the basis for such calculations set forth in reasonable detail (the amounts described in the foregoing, collectively, the “Valuation Factors”). Upon receipt of the Valuation Factors, holders of a Majority Preferred Interest and their designated representatives shall have the right, during normal business hours at the Corporation’s offices, to review, copy and inspect the books and records, work papers and other information of the Corporation or its subsidiaries pertaining to the calculation of the Valuation Factors, in each case as such holders or their representatives may reasonably request, for purposes of reviewing and confirming the accuracy of the Valuation Factors. If a Majority Preferred Interest objects to the Corporation’s calculations and estimates of the Valuation Factors, the Corporation shall negotiate in good faith with the objecting party or parties to resolve any such objection, provided that if the parties are unable to resolve any such dispute prior to the consummation of the event giving rise to the Valuation Factors, the Corporation shall pay to each holder of Series A Preferred Stock, the Series A Preference Amount calculated using the Corporation’s calculations and estimates of the Valuation Factors (the “Initial Preferred Payment”). Regardless of the calculation used to determine the Initial Preferred Payment, (i) upon the making of the Initial Preferred Payment, the Corporation shall deposit into a segregated bank account of the Corporation and hold for the benefit of holders of Series A Preferred Stock in accordance with this Section A.10 of this Article Fourth, an amount equal to 5% of the aggregate Initial Preferred Payment (such deposit, the “True-Up Deposit”) and (ii) within 45 days of such Initial Preferred Payment, the Corporation shall deliver to the holders of Series A Preferred Stock its final calculation of the Valuation Factors and the applicable Series A Preference Amount calculated using such calculation of the Valuation Factors. In the event the Majority Preferred Interest objects to the Corporation’s calculation of the Valuation Factors, the Corporation and the Majority Preferred Interest shall negotiate in good faith for a period of 15 days to resolve any such objection. In the event such parties are unable to resolve such dispute, they shall refer the dispute to an independent nationally recognized accounting firm to be mutually agreed upon (the “Accountant”), the fees of which shall be shared equally by the Corporation and the holders of Series A Preferred Stock (ratably in proportion to the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by them). The Accountant will act as an expert and not an arbitrator with respect to the disputed calculation. The Accountant’s function will be to resolve each element of the dispute that has not been resolved by the Corporation and the Majority Preferred Interest, and to revise the calculations of the Valuation Factors and the Series A Preference Amount to reflect such resolutions. In making such determination, the Accountant may not revise any calculation of any Valuation Factor unless the parties have

 

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submitted a dispute to the Accountant with respect to such Valuation Factor. In addition, the Accountant may not assign a value to any disputed Valuation Factor greater than the greatest value for such Valuation Factor claimed by either party or less than the smallest value for such Valuation Factor claimed by either party. The Accountant’s decisions with respect to the calculations of the Valuation Factors and the Series A Preference Amount will be final and binding upon the parties. Upon the Accountant’s final determination with respect to the disputed Valuation Factors, or at such time as the Corporation and a Majority Preferred Interest otherwise agree to the calculation of the Valuation Factors and the Series A Preference Amount (the Series A Preference Amount calculated using such finally determined or agreed-upon calculation of the Valuation Factors, the “Final Preferred Payment”), either the Corporation or the holders of Series A Preferred Stock shall make the following payment, as applicable: (x) if the Final Preferred Payment exceeds the Initial Preferred Payment, the Corporation shall pay to each holder of Series A Preferred Stock, an amount equal to such excess (which payments shall be made first from the True-Up Deposit, and to the extent the True-Up Deposit becomes exhausted, directly from the Corporation) and (y) if the aggregate Initial Preferred Payment exceeds the aggregate Final Preferred Payment, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock shall pay to the Corporation (ratably in proportion to the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by them) an aggregate amount equal to such excess.

11. Contractual Rights of Holders. The various provisions set forth herein for the benefit of the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock shall be deemed contract rights enforceable by them, including by one or more actions for specific performance.

B. Common Stock

1. Voting.

(a) Election of Directors. The holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to elect all of the Directors of the Corporation. Such Director(s) shall be elected by a plurality vote, with the elected candidates being the candidates receiving the greatest number of affirmative votes (with each holder entitled to cast one vote for or against each candidate with respect to each share held by such holder), with votes cast against such candidates and votes withheld having no legal effect. The election of such Directors shall occur at the annual meeting of holders of capital stock or at any special meeting called and held in accordance with the by-laws of the Corporation, or by consent in lieu thereof in accordance with this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law.

(b) Voting Generally. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or required by law, each holder of outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to one (1) vote in respect of each share of Common Stock held thereby of record on the books of the Corporation for the election of directors and on all matters submitted to a vote of common stockholders of the Corporation.

2. Dividends. Subject to the limitations on payments of dividends to holders of Common Stock as set forth in Section A of this Article Fourth, the holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive dividends out of funds legally available therefor at such times and in such amounts as the Board of Directors may determine in its sole discretion.

 

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3. Liquidation. Upon any Liquidation Event, after the prior payment in full of the Series A Preference Amount in connection with such Liquidation Event, the remaining assets and funds of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders, if any, shall be distributed among the holders of shares of Common Stock then outstanding.

FIFTH: Elections of directors need not be by written ballot except and to the extent provided in the bylaws of the Corporation.

SIXTH: To the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or any other applicable laws presently or hereafter in effect, no director of the Corporation will be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director of the Corporation. Any repeal or modification of this Article Sixth will not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation existing immediately prior to such repeal or modification.

SEVENTH: Indemnification.

A. Indemnification Obligation. Subject to Section E of this Article Seventh, the Corporation shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless, in each case to the fullest extent permitted or required by any applicable laws, including the laws of the State of Delaware in effect on the date hereof or as such laws may from time to time hereafter be amended to increase the scope of such permitted indemnification, any person made, or threatened to be made, a party to any threatened, asserted, pending or completed claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, arbitrative, investigative or other, and whether made pursuant to federal, state or other law and any threatened, pending or completed inquiry or investigation, whether made, instituted or conducted by the Corporation or any other person, including, without limitation, any federal, state or other governmental entity, that an Indemnitee (as defined below) determines might lead to the institution of any such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding (collectively, a “Claim”), by reason of the fact that such person, whether before or after adoption of this Article Seventh, is or was (1) serving as a director of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise (any such person, an “Indemnitee Director”), (2) serving as an officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as an officer of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise (any such person, an “Indemnitee Officer” and, together with the Indemnitee Directors, an “Indemnitee”), or (3) an heir, successor or administrator of an Indemnitee (each such Claim, an “Indemnifiable Claim”), against and from (a) any and all Indemnifiable Claims, (b) any and all attorneys’ and experts’ fees and expenses and all other costs and expenses paid or payable in connection with investigating, defending, being a witness in or participating in (including on appeal), or preparing to investigate, defend, be a witness in or participate in (including on appeal), any Claim (collectively, “Expenses”) and (c) to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from any Indemnifiable Claim, any and all damages, losses, liabilities, judgments, penalties (whether civil, criminal or other) and amounts paid in settlement, including, without limitation, all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of any of the foregoing (collectively, “Indemnifiable Losses”); provided, that such Indemnitee has satisfied any applicable standard of conduct under Delaware law that is a legally

 

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required condition precedent to indemnification of such Indemnitee hereunder (the “Standard of Conduct”) against Indemnifiable Losses relating to, arising out of or resulting from such Indemnifiable Claim. If an Indemnitee is entitled under any provision herein to indemnification by the Corporation for some or a portion of any Indemnifiable Loss, but not for the total amount thereof, the Corporation shall indemnify such Indemnitee for the portion thereof to which such Indemnitee is entitled.

B. For purposes of this Article Seventh, any director of a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation is deemed to be serving in that capacity at the request of the Corporation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, except as provided in Section E.7 of this Article Seventh, an Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Article Seventh in connection with any Claim initiated by such Indemnitee unless the Corporation has joined in or consented to the initiation of such Claim.

C. Advancement of Expenses. Upon request and prior to the final disposition of an Indemnifiable Claim, the Corporation shall advance to an Indemnitee Director the Expenses paid or incurred by such Indemnitee Director, or that such Indemnitee Director determines are reasonably likely to be paid or incurred by him or her, that are related to, arising out of or resulting from an Indemnifiable Claim. An Indemnitee Director’s right to such advancement is not subject to the satisfaction of any standard of conduct. Without limiting the generality or effect of the foregoing, within five (5) business days after any request from an Indemnitee Director, the Corporation shall, in accordance with such request (but without duplication), (1) pay such Expenses on behalf of such Indemnitee Director, (2) advance to such Indemnitee Director funds in an amount sufficient to pay such Expenses or (3) reimburse such Indemnitee Director for such Expenses; provided, that such Indemnitee Director shall repay, without interest, any amounts actually advanced to such Indemnitee Director that, at the final disposition of the Indemnifiable Claim or the Standard of Conduct Determination pursuant to Section E.2 of this Article Seventh, as applicable, to which the advance related, were in excess of (a) the indemnification to which such Indemnitee Director is entitled or (b) amounts paid or payable by such Indemnitee Director in respect of Expenses relating to, arising out of or resulting from such Indemnifiable Claim.

D. Procedure for Notification. To seek indemnification in respect of an Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss, an Indemnitee shall submit to the Corporation a written request therefor, including a brief description (based upon information then available to such Indemnitee) of such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss. If, at the time of the receipt of such request, the Corporation has directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in effect under which coverage for such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss is potentially available, the Corporation shall give prompt written notice of such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss to the applicable insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the applicable policies. The failure by an Indemnitee to timely notify the Corporation of any Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss will not relieve the Corporation from any liability hereunder unless, and only to the extent that, the Corporation did not otherwise learn of such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss and such failure results in forfeiture by the Corporation of substantial defenses, rights or insurance coverage.

 

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E. Determination of Right to Indemnification.

1. To the extent an Indemnitee is successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any Indemnifiable Claim or any portion thereof or in defense of any issue or matter therein, including, without limitation, dismissal without prejudice, with respect to which the Corporation has received a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section D of this Article Seventh by such Indemnitee, the Corporation shall indemnify such Indemnitee against all or such portion, as applicable, of the Indemnifiable Losses relating to, arising out of or resulting from such Indemnifiable Claim and such Indemnitee will have been deemed to have satisfied the Standard of Conduct.

2. To the extent Section E.1 of this Article Seventh is not applicable to an Indemnitee, if such indemnification has not been ordered by a court, the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board”) shall meet and determine or Independent Counsel (as defined below) shall determine, as applicable, whether such Indemnitee satisfied the Standard of Conduct with respect to the Indemnifiable Losses relating to, arising out of or resulting from such Indemnifiable Claim (a “Standard of Conduct Determination”) in the following manner:

(a) if a Change of Control Transaction (as defined in Article Fourth) has not occurred, or if a Change of Control Transaction has occurred but the Indemnitee has requested that the Standard of Conduct Determination be made pursuant to this clause (a), (i) by a majority vote of each director of the Corporation who is not and was not a party to the Claim in respect of which indemnification is sought by such Indemnitee (each, a “Disinterested Director”), even if less than a quorum of the Board, (ii) if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by a majority vote of a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of all Disinterested Directors or (iii) if there are no such Disinterested Directors, by Independent Counsel (as defined below) in a written opinion addressed to the Board, a copy of which must be delivered to such Indemnitee; and

(b) if a Change of Control Transaction has occurred and such Indemnitee has not requested that the Standard of Conduct Determination be made pursuant to clause (a), by Independent Counsel in a written opinion addressed to the Board, a copy of which must be delivered to such Indemnitee.

3. Such Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person or persons making the Standard of Conduct Determination, including providing to such person or persons, upon reasonable advance request, any documentation or information that is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and that is reasonably available to such Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnitee against, and, if requested by such Indemnitee, shall reimburse him or her for, within five (5) business days of such request, any and all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ and experts’ fees and expenses) incurred by such Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person or persons making the Standard of Conduct Determination.

 

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4. If a Standard of Conduct Determination has not been made within thirty (30) days after the later of receipt by the Corporation of written notice from such Indemnitee advising the Corporation of the final disposition of the applicable Indemnifiable Claim and the selection of an Independent Counsel, if applicable, the Indemnitee is deemed to have satisfied the Standard of Conduct; provided, that such 30-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if the person or persons making such Standard of Conduct Determination in good faith require such additional time for the obtaining or evaluation or documentation and/or information relating thereto.

5.        (a) For purposes of Section E of this Article Seventh, “Independent Counsel” means a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five (5) years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Corporation (or any subsidiary of the Corporation) or such Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party or (ii) any other named (or, as to a threatened matter, reasonably likely to be named) party to the Indemnifiable Claim giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” does not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Corporation or such Indemnitee in an action to determine such Indemnitee’s rights hereunder.

(b) If a Standard of Conduct Determination is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section E.2(a) of this Article Seventh, the Board shall select the Independent Counsel and the Corporation shall give written notice to the Indemnitee advising him or her of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. If a Standard of Conduct Determination is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section E.2(b) of this Article Seventh, the Indemnitee shall select the Independent Counsel and such Indemnitee shall give written notice to the Corporation advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected.

6. The Standard of Conduct must be found to have been met by the Board or Independent Counsel, as applicable, unless (a) a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the Indemnitee establishes that acts of the Indemnitee were committed in violation of the Standard of Conduct; or (b) if the Claim was disposed of other than by judgment or other final adjudication, the Board or Independent Counsel, as applicable, finds in good faith that, if it had been disposed of by judgment or other final adjudication, such judgment or other final adjudication would have been adverse to the Indemnitee and would have established clause (a) above. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in making any Standard of Conduct Determination, the Board or Independent Counsel, as applicable, shall presume that such Indemnitee has satisfied the Standard of Conduct and the Corporation may overcome such presumption only by its adducing clear and convincing evidence to the contrary.

7. If indemnification is denied, in whole or part, due to a Standard of Conduct Determination, or because the Board or Independent Counsel, as applicable, believes the Expenses requested by the Indemnitee are unreasonable, such action by the Board or Independent Counsel, as applicable, does not affect the right of the Indemnitee to make application therefor in any court having jurisdiction thereof (an “Indemnitee Action”), and in

 

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such Indemnitee Action the issue must be whether the Indemnitee met the Standard of Conduct or whether the Expenses were reasonable, as the case may be, not whether the finding of the Board or Independent Counsel, as applicable, with respect thereto was correct. No Standard of Conduct Determination hereunder may be used as a defense to any Indemnitee Action by such Indemnitee for indemnification, reimbursement or advance payment of expenses by the Corporation or create any presumption that such Indemnitee has not met the Standard of Conduct. If the judgment or other final adjudication in such Indemnitee Action establishes that the Indemnitee met the Standard of Conduct, or that the disallowed Expenses or any portion thereof were reasonable, such Indemnitee is deemed to have met the Standard of Conduct and the Corporation shall grant such indemnification or reimbursement and indemnify such Indemnitee for any Expenses incurred by him or her in connection with such Indemnitee Action; provided, that if pursuant to such judgment or final adjudication such Indemnitee is entitled to less than the full amount of indemnification or reimbursement denied by the Corporation, the Corporation shall indemnify such Indemnitee for only the portion of such Expenses incurred in connection with the Indemnitee Action proportionate to the amount of the indemnification so awarded.

F. Primacy of Indemnification; Subrogation. In the event that any Indemnitee has rights to indemnification, advancement of Expenses and/or insurance provided by any direct or indirect stockholder of the Corporation or any affiliate thereof (any of the foregoing being a “Secondary Indemnitor”), other than insurance provided by a Secondary Indemnitor under a liability insurance policy issued to the Corporation or its officers or directors, then as between the Corporation and the Secondary Indemnitor the following shall apply: The Corporation (1) will be the indemnitor of first resort (i.e. its obligations to the Indemnitee shall be primary and any obligation of the Secondary Indemnitor to advance Expenses or to provide indemnification for the same Expenses or liabilities incurred by the Indemnitee shall be secondary); (2) shall advance the full amount of Expenses incurred by the Indemnitee and be liable for the full amount of all Expenses and Indemnifiable Losses to the extent legally permitted and as required by the terms herein and the bylaws (or equivalent document) of the Corporation, without regard to any rights the Indemnitee may have against the Secondary Indemnitor; and (3) irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Secondary Indemnitor from any and all claims it may have against the Secondary Indemnitor for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect of its indemnification of and advancement of Expenses to the Indemnitee. No advancement or payment by the Secondary Indemnitor to or on behalf of an Indemnitee with respect to any Claim for which the Indemnitee has sought indemnification from the Corporation will affect the foregoing and the Secondary Indemnitor will, to the extent of such advancement or payment, have a right of contribution from the Corporation and/or a right of subrogation to all rights of recovery of the Indemnitee against the Corporation. Each Secondary Indemnitor is an express third party beneficiary of this Section F.

G. Contractual Article. This Article Seventh constitutes a contract between the Corporation and each director and each officer of the Corporation who serves as such at any time while this Article Seventh is in effect. No repeal or amendment of this Article Seventh, insofar as it reduces the extent of the indemnification of any person who could be an Indemnitee, without his or her written consent, is effective as to such person with respect to any event, act or omission occurring or allegedly occurring prior to (1) the date of such repeal or amendment if on that date he or she is not serving in any capacity for which he or she could be an Indemnitee, or

 

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(2) the thirtieth (30th) day following delivery to such person of written notice of such amendment as to any capacity in which he or she is serving on the date of such repeal or amendment, other than as a director or officer of the Corporation, for which he or she could be an Indemnitee, or (3) the later of the thirtieth (30th) day following delivery to such person of such notice or the end of the term of office (for whatever reason) he or she is serving as director or officer of the Corporation when such repeal or amendment is adopted, with respect to being an Indemnitee in that capacity. No amendment of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, insofar as it reduces the permissible extent of the right of indemnification of an Indemnitee under this Article Seventh, will be effective as to such person with respect to any event, act or omission occurring or allegedly occurring prior to the effective date of such amendment. This Article Seventh is binding on any successor to the Corporation.

H. Non-exclusivity. The indemnification provided by this Article Seventh is in addition to any other rights to which any Indemnitee may be entitled under any other agreement, document, certificate, instrument or applicable law. The Corporation is authorized to enter into agreements with any such person or persons providing them rights to indemnification or advancement of Expenses in addition to the provisions therefor in this Article Seventh to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware or any other applicable laws as presently or hereafter in effect.

EIGHTH: In furtherance and not in limitation of the rights, powers, privileges, and discretionary authority granted or conferred by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or other statutes or laws of the State of Delaware, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to make, alter, amend or repeal the bylaws of the Corporation, without any action on the part of the stockholders, but the stockholders may make additional bylaws and may alter, amend or repeal any bylaw whether adopted by them or otherwise. The Corporation may in its bylaws confer powers upon the Board of Directors in addition to the foregoing and in addition to the powers and authorities expressly conferred upon the Board of Directors by applicable law.

NINTH: Except as otherwise provided herein, the Corporation reserves the right at any time and from time to time to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, and other provisions authorized by the laws of the State of Delaware at the time in force may be added or inserted, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed herein or by applicable law; and all rights, preferences and privileges of whatsoever nature conferred upon stockholders, directors or any other persons whomsoever by and pursuant to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation in its present form or as hereafter amended are granted subject to this reservation.

TENTH: No stockholder of the Corporation shall have any right to purchase shares of capital stock of the Corporation sold or issued by the Corporation except to the extent that such a right may from time to time be set forth in a written agreement between the Corporation and such stockholder.

ELEVENTH: When a reference is made in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to an Article or Section, such reference shall be to an Article or Section of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation unless otherwise indicated. Whenever the

 

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words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” The words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall refer to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. All terms defined in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall have the defined meanings when used in any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant thereto unless otherwise defined therein. The definitions contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms and to the masculine as well as to the feminine and neuter genders of such term. Any agreement, instrument or statute defined or referred to herein or in any agreement or instrument that is referred to herein means such agreement, instrument or statute as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, including (in the case of agreements or instruments) by waiver or consent and (in the case of statutes) by succession of comparable successor statutes and references to all attachments thereto and instruments incorporated therein. The headings contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation are for reference purposes only and do not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. The terms “or”, “any” and “either” are not exclusive. The word “extent” in the phrase “to the extent” shall mean the degree to which a subject or other thing extends, and such phrase shall not mean simply “if”. The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”. All terms defined in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall have the defined meanings when used in any document made or delivered pursuant hereto unless otherwise defined therein. References to a Person are also to its permitted assigns and successors.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being the [] of the Corporation, does hereby execute this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation as of this             day of [], 2013.

  
Name:
Title:

 

[Signature Page to Century Intermediate Holding Company Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation]


EXHIBIT B

Agreement and Plan of Merger

[See attached]


EXHIBIT C

Form of Stockholders Agreement

[See attached]


STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

Among

Century Intermediate Holding Company,

The Common Stockholder(s)

as defined herein,

The Family Unitholders

as defined herein

and

The Investor(s)

as defined herein

Dated as of         , 2013


Table of Contents

 

ARTICLE I - DEFINITIONS

     1   

Section 1.1

   Interpretation      1   

Section 1.2

   Defined Terms      1   

Section 1.3

   Other Defined Terms      4   

ARTICLE II - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     5   

Section 2.1

   Representations and Warranties of the Common Stockholders and Family Unitholders      5   

Section 2.2

   Representations and Warranties with respect to Family LLC      5   

Section 2.3

   Representations and Warranties with respect to the Initial Investor      6   

Section 2.4

   Representations and Warranties of the Company      6   

Section 2.5

   Representations and Warranties of the Investors      6   

ARTICLE III - RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER

     7   

Section 3.1

   Restrictions on Transfer      7   

Section 3.2

   Permitted Transfers      7   

Section 3.3

   Additional Limitations      8   

Section 3.4

   Effect of Prohibited Transfers      9   

ARTICLE IV - BOARD OBSERVER

     9   

ARTICLE V - COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY

     9   

Section 5.1

   Financial Statements, Reports, Etc      9   

Section 5.2

   Inspection, Consultation and Advice      10   

Section 5.3

   Restrictive Agreements Prohibited      10   

Section 5.4

   Exercise of Options      10   

Section 5.5

   Expenses      10   

Section 5.6

   Accountant      11   

Section 5.7

   Tax Matters      11   

Section 5.8

   Confidentiality      11   

Section 5.9

   Refinancing Option      11   

ARTICLE VI - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

     12   

Section 6.1

   Survival of Covenants      12   

Section 6.2

   Legends      12   

Section 6.3

   Certain Events      13   

Section 6.4

   Amendment and Waiver; Termination      13   

Section 6.5

   Notices      13   

Section 6.6

   Construction      15   

Section 6.7

   Counterparts; Effectiveness      15   

Section 6.8

   Specific Performance; Remedies      15   

 

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Section 6.9

   Severability      15   

Section 6.10

   Entire Agreement      15   

Section 6.11

   No Other Relationships      15   

Section 6.12

   Law Governing; Jurisdiction      16   

Section 6.13

   Waiver of Jury Trial      16   

Section 6.14

   Informed Decision; Advice of Counsel      16   

Section 6.15

   Successors and Assigns      16   

EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A    -        Family Unitholders
Exhibit B    -        Form of Joinder Agreement

SCHEDULE

Schedule 2.2 Permitted Transfers

 

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STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

This STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made as of [], 2013, by and among CENTURY INTERMEDIATE HOLDING COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), THREE-TWENTY-THREE FAMILY HOLDINGS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Family LLC”), as the initial holder of Common Stock, together with any other Person who from time to time becomes a “Common Stockholder” party to this Agreement by execution of a Joinder Agreement (Family LLC, together with any such other Persons, the “Common Stockholders” and, each individually, a “Common Stockholder”), KOCH AG INVESTMENT, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Initial Investor”), together with any Transferee thereof who from time to time becomes an “Investor” party to this Agreement by execution of a Joinder Agreement (the Initial Investor, together with any such Transferees, the “Investors”), and each of the Persons listed on Exhibit A attached hereto, together with any other Person who from time to time becomes a “Family Unitholder” party to this Agreement by execution of a Joinder Agreement (such Persons listed on Exhibit A, together with any such other Persons, the “Family Unitholders” and, each individually, a “Family Unitholder”). The Common Stockholders and the Investors are sometimes referred to herein collectively as the “Stockholders” and, each individually, a “Stockholder.”

WHEREAS, on the date hereof, the Initial Investor is purchasing [] shares of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), which represent all of the issued and outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, pursuant to that certain Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2013, between the Company and the Initial Investor (the “Purchase Agreement”);

WHEREAS, it is a condition to the obligations of the Company and the Initial Investor under the Purchase Agreement that this Agreement be executed by the parties hereto, and the parties are willing to execute this Agreement and be bound by the provisions hereof;

WHEREAS, on the date hereof, the Family Unitholders are acquiring an aggregate of 2,325,549 membership units (the “Family Units”) in Family LLC, which represent all of the issued and outstanding membership units in Family LLC, pursuant to that certain Rollover and Contribution Agreement, dated March 29, 2013, among the Family Unitholders, the Company and American Greetings Corporation, an Ohio corporation (“American Greetings”) (the “Rollover Agreement”);

WHEREAS, on the date hereof, Family LLC owns 100 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), which represent all of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock; and

WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to agree upon the terms on which the securities of the Company and Family LLC, now or hereafter outstanding and held by them, will be held and transferred and certain other matters as set forth herein.

 

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NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I - DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1 Interpretation. When a reference is made in this Agreement to an Article or Section, such reference shall be to an Article or Section of this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. Whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” The words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. All terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined meanings when used in any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant thereto unless otherwise defined therein. The definitions contained in this Agreement are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms and to the masculine as well as to the feminine and neuter genders of such term. Any agreement, instrument or statute defined or referred to herein or in any agreement or instrument that is referred to herein means such agreement, instrument or statute as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, including (in the case of agreements or instruments) by waiver or consent and (in the case of statutes) by succession of comparable successor statutes and references to all attachments thereto and instruments incorporated therein. The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and do not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. The terms “or”, “any” and “either” are not exclusive. The word “extent” in the phrase “to the extent” shall mean the degree to which a subject or other thing extends, and such phrase shall not mean simply “if.” The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.” All terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined meanings when used in any document made or delivered pursuant hereto unless otherwise defined therein. References to a Person are also to its permitted assigns and successors.

Section 1.2 Defined Terms. The following capitalized terms, as used in this Agreement, shall have the meanings set forth below.

Affiliate” means, as to any Person, any other Person which, directly or indirectly, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person. As used in this definition, “control” (including, with its correlative meanings, “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of securities or partnership or other ownership interests, by contract or otherwise.

Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

Business Day” means any day ending at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which the banks in the City of New York are authorized by law or executive order to be closed.

Credit Agreement” means [],1 as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, including by waiver or consent, in each case, to the extent permitted by Article FOURTH, Section A.7(f) of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation.

 

1

Note to Draft: To insert description of Credit Agreement to be entered into at Closing.

 

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Enterprise Boards” means, collectively, (a) the Board of Directors, (b) the boards of directors, boards of managers or other governing bodies of any subsidiaries of the Company and (c) the committees of each of the governing bodies described in clauses (a) and (b).

Equity Interests” means (a) the Common Stock, together with any options or other securities exercisable or exchangeable therefor, or convertible into Common Stock, and any other shares of stock issued or issuable with respect thereto (whether by way of a stock dividend or stock split or in exchange for or upon conversion of such shares or otherwise in connection with a combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other corporate reorganization), and (b) the Family Units, together with any options or other securities exercisable or exchangeable therefor, or convertible into Family Units, and any other limited liability company interests issued or issuable with respect thereto (whether by way of a distribution or in exchange for or upon conversion of such limited liability company interests or otherwise in connection with a combination of limited liability company interests, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other limited liability company reorganization).

Majority Preferred Interest” means the Investors holding not less than a majority of the issued and outstanding Preferred Stock.

Person” means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, a limited liability company, an association, a trust or any other entity, group (as such term is used in Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) or organization, including a governmental entity, and any permitted successors and assigns of such Person.

Permitted Affiliate” means any Person that is directly or indirectly wholly-owned by the Persons who control Koch Industries Inc., or its successor in interest.

Preferred Stock” means the Series A Preferred Stock, together with any shares issued or issuable with respect thereto (whether by way of a stock dividend or stock split or in exchange for or in replacement of such shares or otherwise in connection with a combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other corporate reorganization).

Specified Default Triggering Event” means the Company or any of its subsidiaries (A) fails to make any payment of principal, interest or other amounts when due (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise) under the Credit Agreement, in each case after giving effect to any applicable grace or cure periods, or (B) fails to observe or perform any other agreement or condition relating to or contained in the Credit Agreement or any instrument or agreement securing or relating thereto (and all grace or cure periods and notice periods applicable to such observance, performance or condition shall have expired or, in the case of required notices, been given), or any other event occurs, the effect of which default or other event is to cause, or to permit the lenders under the Credit Agreement (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such lenders) to cause (in each case after all grace or cure periods shall have expired, but without giving effect to applicable subordination provisions, if any) with the giving of notice if required, any amount under the Credit Agreement to be demanded or to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or otherwise), or an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem any amount under the Credit Agreement to be made, prior to its stated maturity, but, in the case of this clause (B), excluding any mandatory

 

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prepayment required by the terms of the Credit Agreement as a result of any asset sale or similar disposition, the incurrence of any indebtedness or issuance of any equity, the receipt of any casualty or condemnation proceeds or as result of any “excess cash flow” or similar recapture provisions.

Tax Return” means any return, report or statement required to be filed with any Person with respect to taxes, including any schedules, attachments or amendments thereto.

Transfer” means any direct or indirect (whether by act, omission or operation of law) sale, exchange, transfer, hypothecation, negotiation, gift, conveyance in trust, pledge, assignment, encumbrance or other disposition of, or the passage or distribution under judicial order or legal process of, or the carrying out or permitting the transfer of all or any portion of a security, any interest or rights in a security or any rights under this Agreement. “Transferred” means the accomplishment of a Transfer, “Transferor” means the Person making the Transfer and “Transferee” means the recipient of a Transfer.

Section 1.3 Other Defined Terms.

The following terms are defined elsewhere in the text of this Agreement and, as used herein, shall have such meaning throughout this Agreement:

 

Term    Section
Agreement    Preamble
Board Observer    Article IV
Common Stock    Recitals
Common Stockholders    Preamble
Company    Preamble
Family LLC    Preamble
Family Unitholders    Preamble
Family Units    Preamble
Initial Investor    Preamble
Joinder Agreement    Section 3.3
Permitted Transfer    Section 3.2

 

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Permitted Transferee    Section 3.2
Purchase Agreement    Recitals
Rollover Agreement    Recitals
Series A Preferred Stock    Recitals
Stockholders    Preamble

ARTICLE II - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Section 2.1 Representations and Warranties of the Common Stockholders and Family Unitholders. Each of the Common Stockholders and each of the Family Unitholders, jointly and severally, hereby represents, warrants and covenants to the Company and the Investors as follows: (a) if such Person is not an individual, such Person has the requisite authority and power under its charter, by-laws, governing partnership agreement or comparable document to enter into this Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder; (b) this Agreement constitutes the valid and binding obligation of such Person, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except: (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable remedies; and (c) the execution, delivery and performance by such Person of this Agreement: (i) does not and will not violate such Person’s charter, by-laws, governing partnership agreement or comparable document (if such Person is not an individual) or any laws, rules or regulations of the United States or any state or other jurisdiction applicable to such Person or require such Person to obtain any approval, consent or waiver of, or to make any filing with, any Person that has not been obtained or made and (ii) does not and will not result in a breach of, constitute a default under, accelerate any obligation under or give rise to a right of termination of any indenture, loan or credit agreement or any other agreement, contract, instrument, mortgage, lien, lease, permit, authorization, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or arbitration award to which such Person is a party or by which the property of Person is bound or affected, or result in the creation or imposition of any mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest or other charge or encumbrance on any of the assets or properties of such Person.

Section 2.2 Representations and Warranties with respect to Family LLC. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.2 attached hereto, each of Family LLC and each of the Family Unitholders, jointly and severally, hereby represents, warrants and covenants to the Company and the Initial Investor as follows: (a) immediately following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Rollover Agreement, 2,325,549 Family Units will be issued and outstanding, all of which will be held beneficially and of record by the Family Unitholders; (b) except for such Family Units, there are not issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding any other Equity Interests of Family LLC; (c) except for the Rollover Agreement, there are no

 

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outstanding obligations of Family LLC to (i) issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, any Equity Interests of Family LLC or (ii) repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any such Equity Interests; and (d) other than this Agreement and the Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement of Family LLC, dated as of [•], 2013 (a true, correct and complete copy of which was provided to the Initial Investor prior to the date of the Purchase Agreement), there are no member agreements, voting trusts, proxies or other agreements or understandings in effect with respect to the voting or transfer of the Equity Interests of Family LLC.

Section 2.3 Representations and Warranties with respect to the Initial Investor. The Initial Investor hereby represents, warrants and covenants to the Company and the other Stockholders that the Initial Investor is a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Koch Industries, Inc.

Section 2.4 Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company hereby represents, warrants and covenants to the Common Stockholders, the Family Unitholders and the Investors as follows: (a) the Company has the requisite corporate authority and power to enter into this Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder; (b) this Agreement constitutes the valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except: (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable remedies; and (c) the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement: (i) (assuming the accuracy and truthfulness of (i) the Common Stockholders’ and Family Unitholders’ representations in Section 2.1 and (ii) the Initial Investor’s representations in Article IV of the Purchase Agreement) does not violate the Company’s charter or by-laws or any laws, rules or regulations of the United States or any state or other jurisdiction applicable to the Company, or require the Company to obtain any approval, consent or waiver of, or to make any filing with, any Person that has not been obtained or made and (ii) does not result in a breach of, constitute a default under, accelerate any obligation under or give rise to a right of termination of any indenture, loan or credit agreement or any other agreement, contract, instrument, mortgage, lien, lease, permit, authorization, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or arbitration award to which the Company is a party or by which the property of the Company is bound or affected, or result in the creation or imposition of any mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest or other charge or encumbrance on any of the assets or properties of the Company.

Section 2.5 Representations and Warranties of the Investors. Each of the Investors, severally and not jointly, hereby represents, warrants and covenants to the Company and the Common Stockholders as follows: (a) if such Person is not an individual, such Person has the requisite authority and power under its charter, by-laws, governing partnership agreement or comparable document to enter into this Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder; (b) this Agreement constitutes the valid and binding obligation of such Person, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except: (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable remedies; and (c) the execution, delivery and

 

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performance by such Person of this Agreement: (i) does not and will not violate such Person’s charter, by-laws, governing partnership agreement or comparable document (if such Person is not an individual) or any laws, rules or regulations of the United States or any state or other jurisdiction applicable to such Person or require such Person to obtain any approval, consent or waiver of, or to make any filing with, any Person that has not been obtained or made and (ii) does not and will not result in a breach of, constitute a default under, accelerate any obligation under or give rise to a right of termination of any indenture, loan or credit agreement or any other agreement, contract, instrument, mortgage, lien, lease, permit, authorization, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or arbitration award to which such Person is a party or by which the property of Person is bound or affected, or result in the creation or imposition of any mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest or other charge or encumbrance on any of the assets or properties of such Person.

ARTICLE III - RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER

Section 3.1 Restrictions on Transfer. Each Common Stockholder and Family Unitholder agrees that, so long as any shares of Preferred Stock remain issued and outstanding, such Person will not, without the prior written consent of the Majority Preferred Interest, (a) Transfer all or any portion of the Equity Interests now owned of record or beneficially by, or hereafter acquired or beneficially owned by, such Person or (b) permit any of such Person’s direct or indirect security holders (if such Person is not an individual) to Transfer any securities in such Person, except, in each case in compliance with the conditions of this Article III or to consummate a Change of Control Transaction (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company) pursuant to which the then-outstanding shares of Preferred Stock are redeemed in full in accordance with the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company. Each Investor agrees that it will not, without the prior written consent of Family LLC, (i) Transfer all or any portion of the Preferred Stock now owned of record or beneficially by, or hereafter acquired or beneficially owned by, such Investor or (ii) permit any of its direct or indirect security holders (if such Investor is not an individual) to Transfer any securities in such Investor, except, in each case strictly in compliance with the conditions of this Article III.

Section 3.2 Permitted Transfers. Notwithstanding the foregoing Section 3.1, but subject to Section 3.3 below, the Transfers listed below shall not require the prior written consent of the Majority Preferred Interest or Family LLC, as applicable (each such Transfer, a “Permitted Transfer”, and the Transferee with respect to each such Permitted Transfer, a “Permitted Transferee”):

(a) Transfers of Equity Interests (i) to a parent of such Transferor, (ii) to a lineal descendant of a parent of such Transferor, (iii) to a spouse of a lineal descendant of a parent of such Transferor, (iv) to a spouse of such Transferor, (v) to a trust, limited partnership, limited liability company, corporation or other entity, the beneficiaries, partners, members, shareholders or other equity holders, respectively, of which are solely one or more of the foregoing Permitted Transferees referred to in this Section 3.2(a), and (vi) as contemplated by Schedule 2.2 attached hereto;

 

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(b) purchases, repurchases or redemptions by the Company of (i) Equity Interests issued to employees of the Company or its subsidiaries pursuant to any equity incentive agreements with such employees approved by the Board of Directors and entered into in the ordinary course of business or (ii) Preferred Stock in accordance with the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation; and

(c) in the case of the Initial Investor, Transfers of Preferred Stock (and securities in the Initial Investor) to a Permitted Affiliate.

provided, however, that (i) in the case of Section 3.2(a)(v), the Transferor must retain sole and exclusive power to direct the voting and disposition of such Equity Interests until the first to occur of the termination of this Agreement or the death or incapacity of such Transferor, and if such Transferor does not retain such sole and exclusive power, such Transfer shall be deemed not to be a Permitted Transfer hereunder and (ii) in the case of Section 3.2(c), the Permitted Transferee must remain a Permitted Affiliate, and if such Permitted Transferee does not remain as such, such Permitted Transferee shall Transfer back to the Initial Investor the Preferred Stock which was Transferred to such Permitted Transferee.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no party hereto shall avoid the provisions of this Agreement by Transferring the securities of any Person holding Equity Interests or Preferred Stock directly or indirectly.

Section 3.3 Additional Limitations. No Permitted Transfer may be made that would violate or be inconsistent with any other agreement a Common Stockholder, Investor or Family Unitholder may have with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or would cause the number of securityholders of the Company to exceed the number that is 50 less than the number of securityholders which would require the Company to register any securities of the Company under any applicable laws; provided, however, that upon the receipt of a notice by any Common Stockholder or Investor of a proposed Permitted Transfer, the Company shall inform such Person, no later than five Business Days after receipt of such notice, of the number of securityholders of the Company. No Permitted Transfer may be made unless the Permitted Transferee (A) agrees in writing to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement as though it were a Common Stockholder, Family Unitholder or Investor, as the case may be, hereunder pursuant to a joinder agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Joinder Agreement”), and (B) unless waived by the Board of Directors (or a committee of the Board of Directors to whom such authority has been delegated), causes to be delivered to the Company, at such Permitted Transferee’s sole cost and expense, a favorable opinion from legal counsel reasonably acceptable to the Board of Directors (or a committee of the Board of Directors to whom such authority has been delegated), to the effect that such Permitted Transfer does not violate or result in registration being required under any applicable law. In addition, such Permitted Transferee shall execute and deliver such other instruments and documents, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Board of Directors (or a committee of the Board of Directors to whom such authority has been delegated), including any instrument necessary to cause the Permitted Transferee to become a Common Stockholder, Family Unitholder or Investor, as the case may be, as are reasonably requested by the Company in connection with such Transfer. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any failure by a Permitted Transferee under this Section 3.3 to execute a Joinder Agreement, such Permitted Transferee shall take any Equity Interests or shares of Preferred Stock so Transferred subject to all provisions of this Agreement as if such Equity Interests or shares of Preferred Stock were still held by the Family Unitholder or Stockholder making such Transfer, whether or not they so agree in writing.

 

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Section 3.4 Effect of Prohibited Transfers. If any Transfer is made or attempted contrary to the provisions of this Agreement, such purported Transfer shall be void ab initio and of no effect and the Company, the Investors, the Common Stockholders and the Family Unitholders shall have, in addition to any other legal or equitable remedies which they may have, the right to enforce all of the provisions of this Agreement by actions for specific performance (to the extent permitted by law). The Company shall not record any such void Transfer of Preferred Stock, Common Stock or other Equity Interests of the Company on its books or treat any purported transferee as the owner of Preferred Stock, Common Stock or other Equity Interests of the Company for any purpose. Each Stockholder that is not an individual shall not record any Transfer of its Equity Interests that is void under the terms of this Agreement on such entity’s books or treat any purported transferee as the owner of such Equity Interests for any purpose.

ARTICLE IV - BOARD OBSERVER

For so long as any shares of Preferred Stock remain issued and outstanding, the Majority Preferred Interest shall be entitled to designate one non-voting board observer (the “Board Observer”) who will be entitled to receive written notice of and attend (with his internal legal counsel) any and all meetings of each of the Enterprise Boards, participate (with his internal legal counsel) in all deliberations of each of the Enterprise Boards and receive copies of all materials provided to members of each of the Enterprise Boards; provided, however, that such observer shall have no voting rights with respect to actions taken or elected not to be taken by any of the Enterprise Boards; provided, further, that the Company shall be entitled to exclude such observer from such portions of a meeting of any of the Enterprise Boards to the extent such observer’s presence would be reasonably likely, as determined by the relevant Enterprise Board in good faith, to result in the waiver of attorney client privilege, attorney work product doctrine protections or any other legal privileges of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. The Majority Preferred Interest may, in its sole discretion, remove or replace the then-designated Board Observer at any time and from time to time by written notice of such removal or replacement to the Company. The Company shall reimburse the Board Observer for its reasonable out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred in connection with acting as Board Observer (including travel fees and expenses incurred to attend meetings of the Enterprise Boards) upon demand therefor.

ARTICLE V - COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY

The parties hereto covenant and agree that:

Section 5.1 Financial Statements, Reports, Etc. The Company shall furnish to the Stockholders the following reports:

(a) Senior Debt Required Documents. Concurrently with delivery thereof to the lenders under the Credit Agreement, all financial, operating and other reports and information of the Company and its subsidiaries required to be delivered to such lenders under the provisions of the Credit Agreement, including audited annual financial

 

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statements and quarterly unaudited financial statements (including management discussion and analysis), notices of defaults, compliance certificates, annual business plans and forecasts, notices of material litigation and proceedings, material environmental actions and liabilities and material ERISA and tax events and liabilities, reports to shareholders and other creditors, and other business and financial information in response to lender requests therefor; and

(b) Monthly Financial Statements. In addition to the information required to be delivered in Section 5.1(a), monthly financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries as, when and in the same format provided to members of senior management of the Company or the Board of Directors.

Section 5.2 Inspection, Consultation and Advice. Upon prior written notice from the Majority Preferred Interest, the Company shall permit, and cause each of its subsidiaries to permit, such Investors comprising the Majority Preferred Interest and such representatives as such Investors may designate, at an Investor’s expense, to visit and inspect any of the properties of the Company and its subsidiaries, examine their books, discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries with their officers, employees and public accountants (and the Company hereby authorizes said accountants to discuss with the Investors and such designees such affairs, finances and accounts), and consult with and advise the management of the Company and its subsidiaries as to their affairs, finances and accounts, all at reasonable times and upon reasonable notice during normal business hours.

Section 5.3 Restrictive Agreements Prohibited. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries shall become a party to any agreement which by its terms expressly restricts the Company’s performance of this Agreement. None of the Common Stockholders, the Investors, or the Family Unitholders will enter into any other stockholders agreements, voting trusts, proxies or other agreements or understandings with respect to the voting or transfer of their Equity Interests or Preferred Stock, as applicable, inconsistent with this Agreement.

Section 5.4 Exercise of Options. In the event any holder of options or other securities exercisable or exchangeable for, or convertible into, Common Stock exercises, exchanges or converts such options or other securities into Common Stock, the Company shall cause such holder to execute a Joinder Agreement.

Section 5.5 Expenses. The Company agrees to pay and hold the Investors, the Common Stockholders and the Family Unitholders harmless against liability for payment of all reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel and other professionals incurred in connection with any modification, waiver, consent or amendment requested in connection with this Agreement or the Purchase Agreement. In addition, the Company agrees to pay any and all stamp, transfer, and other similar taxes, if any, payable or determined to be payable in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement, the Rollover Agreement or the Purchase Agreement. In the event of any litigation or other legal proceeding involving the interpretation of this Agreement or enforcement of the rights or obligations of the parties, the prevailing party or parties shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses in addition to any other available remedy.

 

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Section 5.6 Accountant. The parties agree that PricewaterhouseCoopers shall serve as the initial Accountant (as such term is defined in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation).

Section 5.7 Tax Matters. The Company shall file, and shall cause American Greetings to consent to be included in, a consolidated U.S. federal income Tax Return for each taxable period beginning immediately following the date hereof. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, none of the other parties (including the Company, its subsidiaries or any joint ventures to which any of the Company or its subsidiaries is a party) shall be entitled to review the Tax Returns of the Investors, Family LLC or of any of their respective Affiliates (other than the Company and its subsidiaries) for any purpose, including in connection with any action or other dispute (whether between or among any of the parties or involving third persons) or otherwise. In the event that the Company shall determine that any portion of a distribution on either the Common Stock or the Preferred Stock (made or to be made) shall not be treated as a dividend, as defined in section 316(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, due to insufficient earnings and profits, the parties shall use their reasonable best efforts to cooperate in taking such actions that would allow the Company to assume the historical earnings and profits of American Greetings for the purpose of qualifying any such distributions as dividends.

Section 5.8 Confidentiality. Each Stockholder and Family Unitholder (each, a “Receiving Party”) shall, and shall cause its Affiliates and representatives to, keep all confidential and non-public information relating to the Company or any of its subsidiaries received by such Receiving Party pursuant to Article IV, Section 5.1 or Section 5.2, confidential to the same extent and using substantially the same procedures as such Receiving Party applies to its own proprietary information or financial information of a similar nature. Upon execution of this Agreement, the Joinder Agreement between Koch Equity Investments, LLC and the Weiss Family, dated as of February 6, 2013, shall terminate and be of no further force or effect.

Section 5.9 Refinancing Option. From and after and during the continuance of a Specified Default Triggering Event, the Initial Investor may, at its sole option and in its sole discretion, provide the Company or its subsidiaries with, and the Company and its subsidiaries shall accept, debt financing in an amount equal to the full amount then necessary to repay and retire, in full, all indebtedness and other obligations under the Credit Agreement, which new debt financing shall be on such terms and conditions (including interest rates, date of maturity and collateral and security) identical (other than the identity of the lenders party thereto and other similar conforming changes, but subject to the proviso set forth below in the last sentence of this Section 5.9) to the terms and conditions in the Credit Agreement, and in any event not less favorable to the Initial Investor than such terms and conditions are to the lenders under the Credit Agreement, and shall be used solely to refinance the indebtedness outstanding under the Credit Agreement. The Company acknowledges and agrees that, upon the exercise of the foregoing right by the Initial Investor, it will, and will cause its subsidiaries to, enter in such documents, instruments or agreements as are necessary to give effect to the foregoing. The Company, on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries, and the Initial Investor acknowledge and agree that, at the time of providing such new debt financing, a default or event of default may exist under the definitive documentation therefor (including with respect to any default or event of default under the Credit Agreement at such time), which would afford the Initial Investor the rights and remedies provided therein, including the right to accelerate such new debt financing and exercise any rights or remedies (including rights and remedies relating to any collateral or security

 

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provided in connection therewith); provided, however, that notwithstanding any term or provision in the Credit Agreement or such definitive documentation relating to such new debt financing, the Initial Investor shall not be permitted to accelerate such new debt financing or exercise such rights or remedies (including rights and remedies relating to any collateral or security provided in connection therewith) with respect to any such default or event of default in existence at the time such new debt financing is provided and included on a list of existing defaults and events of defaults delivered by the Company to the Initial Investor at such time (but for the avoidance of doubt, shall be permitted to accelerate such debt and/or exercise such rights and remedies with respect to any other default or event of default) during the 30 day period immediately following the provision of such new debt financing as long as no Default Triggering Event (as defined in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation) exists with respect to any other indebtedness and the holders of such other indebtedness are not otherwise then exercising any rights and remedies with respect to such indebtedness.

ARTICLE VI - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 6.1 Survival of Covenants. Each of the parties hereto agrees that each covenant and agreement made by it in this Agreement is material, shall be deemed to have been relied upon by the other parties and shall remain operative and in full force and effect after the date hereof regardless of any investigation. This Agreement shall not be construed so as to confer any right or benefit upon any Person other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns to the extent contemplated herein.

Section 6.2 Legends. Each certificate or other documents representing Common Stock or Preferred Stock shall bear the following legend until such time as the Common Stock or Preferred Stock represented thereby are no longer subject to the provisions hereof or such legend is no longer applicable (as determined by the Company in its sole direction):

“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, NOR UNDER ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM UNDER SAID ACT OR SUCH LAWS AND THE RULES AND REGULATIONS THEREUNDER.

THE SALE, TRANSFER, ENCUMBRANCE OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE IS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF A STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF [•], 2013 (AS THE SAME MAY BE AMENDED, MODIFIED, SUPPLEMENTED OR RESTATED FROM TIME TO TIME), A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED AT NO COST BY WRITTEN REQUEST MADE BY THE HOLDER OF RECORD OF THIS CERTIFICATE TO THE SECRETARY OF CENTURY INTERMEDIATE HOLDING COMPANY”

 

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The Company will instruct any transfer agent not to register the Transfer of any shares of Common Stock until the conditions specified in the foregoing legend and this Agreement are satisfied.

Section 6.3 Certain Events. In the event of any stock split, stock dividend, merger, reorganization, recapitalization or other change in the capital structure of the Company or Family LLC affecting the Equity Interests or the Preferred Stock, this Agreement and the obligations hereunder shall automatically attach to any additional Equity Interests or Preferred Stock or other securities or rights of the Company issued to or acquired by a Stockholder.

Section 6.4 Amendment and Waiver; Termination. Any provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived if, and only if, such amendment or waiver is in writing and signed, in the case of an amendment, by the Company, the Majority Preferred Interest and Family LLC, or in the case of a waiver, by the party against whom the waiver is to be effective. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no knowledge, investigation or inquiry, or failure or delay by any party hereto in exercising any right hereunder will operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise of any other right hereunder. Any amendment made in accordance with the first sentence of this Section 6.4 shall be binding on all Stockholders and Family Unitholders; provided that any amendment that would materially and adversely affect any Stockholder or any Family Unitholder disproportionately more than any other Stockholder or Family Unitholder, respectively, shall not be effective against such Stockholder or Family Unitholder, as applicable, without such Stockholder’s or Family Unitholder’s, as applicable, written consent with respect thereto. This Agreement shall terminate automatically upon the earliest of (i) the initial public offering of the Company, but only if the proceeds therefrom are sufficient to redeem, and are actually used to redeem, in full all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock in accordance with the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, unless otherwise waived by the Majority Preferred Interest, (ii) such time as there are no shares of Series A Preferred Stock issued or outstanding, and (iii) the mutual written consent of the Majority Preferred Interest, the Company and Family LLC.

Section 6.5 Notices. Any notice required to be given hereunder must be in writing, and sent by facsimile transmission (which is confirmed) (provided that any notice received by facsimile transmission or otherwise at the addressee’s location on any Business Day after 5:00 p.m. (addressee’s local time) will be deemed to have been received at 9:00 a.m. (addressee’s local time) on the next Business Day), by reliable overnight delivery service (with proof of service) or hand delivery (return receipt requested and first-class postage prepaid), addressed as follows

 

- 13 -


To the Company:

Century Intermediate Holding Company

c/o American Greetings Corporation

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Facsimile:    (216) 252-6741

Attention:     Zev Weiss

with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Jones Day

North Point

901 Lakeside Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Facsimile:    (216) 579-0212

Attention:     Lyle G. Ganske, Esq.

                     James P. Dougherty, Esq.

and

Jones Day

222 East 41st Street

New York, New York 10017

Facsimile:    (212) 755-7306

Attention:     Robert A. Profusek, Esq.

To the Initial Investor:

Koch AG Investment, LLC

4111 East 37th Street North

Wichita, Kansas 67220

Facsimile:     316-828-8602

Attention:     Raffaele G. Fazio

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Latham & Watkins LLP

233 South Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

Facsimile:    (312) 993-9767

Attention:     Mark D. Gerstein

                     Bradley C. Faris

To any other Stockholder or Family Unitholder, to the address set forth on such Person’s signature page hereto or such Person’s Joinder Agreement.

 

- 14 -


Section 6.6 Construction. Each of the parties has participated in the drafting and negotiation of this Agreement. If an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement must be construed as if it is drafted by all the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

Section 6.7 Counterparts; Effectiveness. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (including by facsimile or by electronic transmission in “portable document format” (“.pdf”) form), each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument, and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered (by telecopy or otherwise) to the other parties.

Section 6.8 Specific Performance; Remedies. The parties agree that irreparable harm would occur in the event any of the provisions of this Agreement were not to be performed in accordance with the terms hereof, that the right of specific performance is an integral part of this Agreement and that without that right neither the Company nor the Investors would have entered into this Agreement and that (a) the parties will be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement or to enforce specifically the performance of any of the terms hereof without proof of damages or otherwise, in addition to any other remedies to which they are entitled at law or in equity, and (b) the Company and each Stockholder that is not an individual shall refuse to recognize any unauthorized Transferee of one of its holders of Equity Interests for any purpose, including for purposes of dividend and voting rights, until the relevant party or parties have complied with all applicable provisions of this Agreement. Each of the Parties hereby waives any defenses in any action for specific performance, including the defense that a remedy at law would be adequate. Except as otherwise provided herein, all remedies available under this Agreement, at law or otherwise, will be deemed cumulative and not alternative or exclusive of other remedies. The exercise by any Party of a particular remedy will not preclude the exercise of any other remedy.

Section 6.9 Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void, invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement will continue in full force and effect and the application of such provision to other Persons or circumstances will be interpreted so as reasonably to effect the intent of the parties. The parties further agree to replace such illegal, void, invalid or unenforceable provision of this Agreement with a legal, valid and enforceable provision that achieves, to the extent possible, the economic, business and other purposes of such illegal, void, invalid or unenforceable provision.

Section 6.10 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including the exhibits hereto), the Purchase Agreement and the Rollover Agreement constitute the entire agreement, and supersede all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof.

Section 6.11 No Other Relationships. Nothing contained herein or in any other agreement delivered pursuant hereto or thereto shall be construed to create any agency relationship among the Stockholders or the Family Unitholders. No Stockholder shall owe any fiduciary duties to the Company or to any other Stockholder by virtue of this Agreement. To the

 

- 15 -


extent that at law or in equity, a Stockholder has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Company or to any other Stockholder, a Stockholder acting under this Agreement shall not be liable to the Company or to any Stockholder for its good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they restrict the duties and liabilities of a Stockholder otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the parties hereto to replace such other duties and liabilities of such Stockholder.

Section 6.12 Law Governing; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware without reference to such state’s principles of conflict of laws. Each of the parties irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Chancery Court or, if such court shall not have jurisdiction, any federal court located in the State of Delaware or other Delaware state court, as well as to the jurisdiction of all courts to which an appeal may be taken from such courts, in connection with any matter based upon or arising out of this Agreement or the matters contemplated herein, agrees that process may be served upon them in any manner authorized by the laws of the State of Delaware for such Persons and waives and covenants not to assert or plead any objection that they might otherwise have

Section 6.13 Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING BETWEEN THE PARTIES HERETO ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

Section 6.14 Informed Decision; Advice of Counsel. Each party hereto hereby acknowledges and agrees that (a) this Agreement has been executed and delivered following arm’s length negotiations between and among the parties; and (b) such party’s informed decision to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, (i) was made on the basis of legal, tax, financial and other advice from professionals acting on behalf of such party or on the basis of such party having had the opportunity to engage legal, tax, financial and other advice from professionals, acting on behalf of such party, (ii) was voluntary, and (iii) was not based on any representations, warranties, covenants and/or agreements of any party or other Person not expressly provided for in this Agreement.

Section 6.15 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the respective successors and permitted assigns of the parties hereto as contemplated herein, and any successor to the Company by way of merger or otherwise shall specifically agree to be bound by the terms hereof as a condition of such succession. Neither this Agreement nor the rights of any Stockholder or Family Unitholder hereunder may be assigned by such Stockholder or Family Unitholder (except to a Permitted Transferee) without the prior written consent of the Company and the Majority Preferred Interest (in the case of an assignment by any Common Stockholder or Family Unitholder) and Family LLC (in the case of an assignment by any Investor), and without such prior written consent any such attempted Transfer shall be null and void.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

- 16 -


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Stockholders Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first set forth above.

THE COMPANY:

 

CENTURY INTERMEDIATE HOLDING COMPANY
By:    
  Name:
  Title:


INITIAL COMMON STOCKHOLDER:

 

THREE-TWENTY-THREE FAMILY HOLDINGS, LLC
By:    
  Name:
  Title:
 
Address:   [            ]
  [            ]
  Attn: [            ]
  Facsimile:[            ]


INVESTOR:

 

KOCH AG INVESTMENT, LLC
By:    
  Name: Matthew Flamini
  Title: President


FAMILY UNITHOLDERS:

 

[NAME OF UNDERSIGNED]
 
 
Address:   [            ]
  [            ]
  Attn: [            ]
  Facsimile:[            ]


EXHIBIT A

Family Unitholders

Morry Weiss

Judith Stone Weiss

Zev D. Weiss

Jeffrey M. Weiss

Gary I. Weiss

Elie Y. Weiss


EXHIBIT B

Form of Joinder Agreement

The undersigned hereby agrees, effective as of the date hereof, to become a party to that certain Stockholders Agreement (the “Agreement”), dated as of [•], 2013, by and among Century Intermediate Holding Company, Koch AG Investment, LLC and the other parties named therein, and for all purposes of the Agreement the undersigned shall be included within the term [Common Stockholder // Family Unitholder // Investor] (as defined in the Agreement). The undersigned further confirms that the representations and warranties contained in [Section 2.1 // Section 2.5] of the Agreement are true and correct as to the undersigned as of the date hereof. The address and facsimile number to which notices may be sent to the undersigned is as follows:

 

Address:   [            ]
  [            ]
  Attn: [            ]
  Facsimile:[            ]

 

[NAME OF UNDERSIGNED]
  
Date: [•]


EXHIBIT D

Rollover and Contribution Agreement

[See attached]


EXHIBIT E

Form of Legal Opinion

[See attached]


[            ], 2013

Koch AG Investment, LLC

4111 East 37th Street North

Wichita, Kansas 67220

Facsimile: 316-828-8602

Attention: Raffaele G. Fazio

 

  Re: [] shares of Series A preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Century Intermediate Holding Company

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel for Century Intermediate Holding Company, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the purchase from the Company by Koch AG Investment, LLC (the “Purchaser”) pursuant to the Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2013 (the “Purchase Agreement”), by and among the Company, the Purchaser, the Officer Shareholders (solely for purposes of Section 12.9 thereof) and the Purchaser Guarantor (solely for purposes of Section 12.9 thereof), of [•] shares (the “Purchased Shares”) of Series A preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), of the Company. This letter is furnished to the Purchaser pursuant to Section 5.3(d) of the Purchase Agreement. Except as otherwise defined herein, terms used in this letter but not otherwise defined herein are used as defined in the Purchase Agreement.

In connection with the opinions expressed herein, we have examined such documents, records and matters of law as we have deemed relevant or necessary for purposes of such opinions. Based on the foregoing, and subject to the further limitations, qualifications and assumptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

 

  1. The Company is a corporation, duly incorporated, existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, with corporate power and authority to enter into the Purchase Agreement and the Stockholders Agreement and perform its obligations thereunder.

 

  2. The Purchase Agreement has been authorized by all necessary corporate action of, and executed and delivered by, the Company.

 

  3. The Stockholders Agreement has been authorized by all necessary corporate action of, and executed and delivered by, the Company.

 

  4. The Purchased Shares have been authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Company, and when the Purchased Shares are issued and delivered pursuant to the Purchase Agreement against payment of the consideration for the Purchased Shares as provided in the Purchase Agreement, the Purchased Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.


Koch AG Investment, LLC

[            ], 2013

Page 2

 

  5. The holders of the shares of common stock of the Company are not entitled to any pre-emptive rights pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Company.

 

  6. No consent, approval, authorization or order of, or filing with, any governmental agency or body or any court is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of the Purchase Agreement or the Stockholders Agreement by the Company, or in connection with the issuance or sale of the Purchased Shares by the Company to the Purchaser, except (i) such as may be required under state securities or “blue sky” laws and (ii) such as has been obtained or made.

 

  7. The (i) execution, delivery and performance of the Purchase Agreement and the Stockholders Agreement by the Company and (ii) issuance and sale of the Purchased Shares by the Company and (iii) compliance with the terms and provisions thereof by the Company will not violate any law or regulation known to us to be generally applicable to transactions of this type (other than federal and state securities or “blue sky” laws, as to which we express no opinion in this paragraph), or any order or decree of any court, arbitrator or governmental agency that is binding upon the Company or its properties or violate or result in a default under any of the terms and provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company or any agreement to which the Company is a party or bound (this opinion being limited (x) to those orders and decrees identified on Exhibit A attached hereto and to those agreements identified on Exhibit B attached hereto, and (y) in that we express no opinion with respect to any violation or default (1) not readily ascertainable from the face of any such order, decree or agreement, (2) arising under or based upon any cross-default provision insofar as it relates to a violation of or default under an agreement not identified on Exhibit B attached hereto or (3) arising as a result of any violation of or default under any agreement or covenant by failure to comply with any financial or numerical requirement requiring computation).

 

  8. It is not necessary in connection with the offer and sale of the Purchased Shares to the Purchaser under the Purchase Agreement to register the Purchased Shares under the Securities Act of 1933.

 

  9. The Company is not required to register as an “investment company,” as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

The opinions set forth above are subject to the following limitations, qualifications and assumptions:

We have assumed, for purposes of the opinions expressed herein, the legal capacity of all natural persons executing documents, the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of original and certified documents and the conformity to original or certified documents of all copies submitted to us as conformed or reproduction copies. For the purposes of the opinions expressed herein, we also have assumed that the Purchaser has authorized, executed and delivered the Purchase Agreement and the Stockholders Agreement and that each of such documents is the valid, binding and enforceable obligation of the Purchaser.


Koch AG Investment, LLC

[            ], 2013

Page 3

 

As to facts material to the opinions and assumptions expressed herein, we have, with your consent, relied upon oral or written statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company and others, including the representations and warranties of the Company in the Purchase Agreement and in the Officer’s Certificate, dated as of the date hereof, a copy of which has been provided to you. We have not independently verified such matters.

Our opinion set forth in paragraph 1 above with respect to the existence and/or good standing, as the case may be, of the Company is based solely on certificates of public officials as to factual matters or legal conclusions set forth therein.

In rendering the opinions set forth in paragraph 8 above, we have also assumed: (i) that the offer and sale of the Purchased Shares will be conducted solely in the manner contemplated by the Purchase Agreement and (ii) the accuracy and completeness of the representations and warranties of the Purchaser and compliance with its covenants and agreements as set forth in the Purchase Agreement.

The opinions expressed herein are limited to (i) the federal securities laws of the United States of America, (ii) the laws of the State of Ohio and (iii) the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, in each case as currently in effect, and we express no opinion or view as to the effect of the laws of any other jurisdiction on the opinions expressed herein. Our opinions are limited to those expressly set forth herein, and we express no opinions or views by implication.

This letter is furnished by us to you, solely in your capacity as the Purchaser and solely with respect to your purchase of the Purchased Shares from the Company, upon the understanding that we are not hereby assuming any professional responsibility to any other person whatsoever, and that this letter is not to be used, circulated, quoted or otherwise referred to for any other purpose.

Very truly yours,


Exhibit A

Orders and Decrees

[None.]


Exhibit B

Agreements

[To include Purchase Agreement, Stockholders Agreement and Merger Agreement and any other material agreements.]


EXHIBIT F

Form of Solvency Certificate

[•], 2013

This Solvency Certificate is being executed and delivered pursuant to Section 5.3(n) of that certain Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2013, between the Company and Purchaser (the “SPA”; the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined).

The undersigned, [•], [•] of the Company, is familiar with the properties, businesses, assets and liabilities of the Company and its Subsidiaries and is duly authorized to execute this certificate (this “Solvency Certificate”) on behalf of the Company.

The undersigned certifies, on behalf of the Company and not in his or her individual capacity, that he or she has made such investigation and inquiries as to the financial condition of the Company and its Subsidiaries as the undersigned deems reasonably necessary and prudent for the purposes of providing this Solvency Certificate. The undersigned acknowledges that Purchaser is relying on the truth and accuracy of this Solvency Certificate in connection with the closing of the transactions contemplated by the SPA.

The undersigned certifies, on behalf of the Company and not in his or her individual capacity, that (a) the financial information, projections and assumptions which underlie and form the basis for the representations made in this Solvency Certificate were made in good faith and were based on assumptions reasonably believed by the Company to be fair in light of the circumstances existing at the time made and continue to be reasonable as of the date hereof; and (b) for purposes of providing this Solvency Certificate, the amount of contingent liabilities has been computed as the amount that, in the light of all the facts and circumstances existing as of the time of such computation, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

BASED ON THE FOREGOING, the undersigned certifies, on behalf of the Company and not in his or her individual capacity, that, on the date hereof, after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Merger Agreement, the Rollover and Contribution Agreement and the Senior Commitment Letters (and the indebtedness related thereto incurred or to be incurred on the Closing Date): (a) the fair value of the property of the Company and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, is greater than the total amount of liabilities, including, without limitation, contingent liabilities, of the Company and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, (b) the present fair salable value of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of the Company and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, on their debts as they become absolute and matured, (c) the Company and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, do not intend to, and do not believe that they will, incur debts or liabilities beyond the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’, on a consolidated basis, ability to pay such debts and liabilities as they mature, (d) the Company and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are not engaged in business or a transaction, and are not about to engage in business or a


transaction, for which the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’, on a consolidated basis, property would constitute unreasonably small capital, and (e) the Company and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are able to pay their debts and liabilities as the same become due and payable. For purposes of the immediately preceding sentence, the amount of contingent liabilities at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in the light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have executed this Solvency Certificate on the date first written above.

 

CENTURY INTERMEDIATE HOLDING COMPANY
By:    
  Name: [•]
  Title: Chief Financial Officer
EX-7 3 d514424dex7.htm EX-7 EX-7

Exhibit 7

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

MERRILL LYNCH,

PIERCE, FENNER &

SMITH INCORPORATED

One Bryant Park

New York, New York 10036

 

DEUTSCHE BANK AG

NEW YORK BRANCH

DEUTSCHE BANK

SECURITIES INC.

60 Wall Street

New York, New York 10005

 

PNC BANK, NATIONAL

ASSOCIATION

PNC CAPITAL MARKETS

LLC

1900 East 9th Street

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

 

KEYBANK NATIONAL

ASSOCIATION

KEYBANC CAPITAL MARKETS INC.

127 Public Square

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

 

MACQUARIE

CAPITAL (USA), INC.

MIHI LLC

125 W. 55TH Street

New York, New York

10019

CONFIDENTIAL

March 29, 2013

Century Intermediate Holding Company

1 American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44144

Attention: Zev Weiss

Project Century

Commitment Letter

$600,000,000 Senior Credit Facilities

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Bank of America, N.A. (“Bank of America”) and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPFS” and, together with Bank of America, “BAML”), Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch (“DBNY”) and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (“DBSI” and, together with DBNY, “Deutsche Bank”), PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC Bank”) and PNC Capital Markets LLC (“PNC Capital” and, together with PNC Bank, “PNC”), KeyBank National Association (“KeyBank”), and Macquarie Capital (USA), Inc. (“Macquarie Capital”) and MIHI LLC (“MIHI” and together with Macquarie Capital, “Macquarie”; BAML, Deutsche Bank, PNC, KeyBank and Macquarie are hereinafter referred to as the “Commitment Parties”, “we” or “us”) have been advised that a company (“Holdings” or “you”) to be formed by certain members of the Weiss family (the “Weiss Family”) intends to acquire (the “Acquisition”) all of the capital stock of American Greetings Corporation, an Ohio corporation (the “Target”), for not more than $584.5 million in cash. The Acquisition will be effected through the merger of a newly created wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings (“Merger Sub”) into the Target, with the Target being the surviving corporation, pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement (as hereinafter defined) between Holdings, Merger Sub, and the Target. After giving effect to the Acquisition, Holdings will be a holding company that directly owns, and the sole asset of which is, all of the equity interests in the Target. Holdings, the Target and their respective subsidiaries are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the “Companies” and the Target and its subsidiaries are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the “Acquired Business”.

You have also advised us that you intend to finance the Acquisition, the costs and expenses related to the Transaction (as hereinafter defined), the repayment of certain existing indebtedness of the Companies (other than the Target’s existing 7.375% Senior Notes due 2021 (the “Existing Senior Rollover Notes due 2021”) and the Target’s existing 6.10% Senior Notes due 2028 (the


“Existing Senior Rollover Notes due 2028” and, collectively with the Existing Senior Rollover Notes due 2021, the “Existing Senior Rollover Notes”) and, at your election, other than the Target’s existing accounts receivable securitization program, up to a maximum of $50.0 million (the “AR Facility”)) (the “Refinancing”) from the following sources (and that no financing other than the following described financing will be required in connection with the Transaction): (a) at least $40.8 million of common equity of the Target currently held by certain existing shareholders of the Target (which in any event shall include all of the common equity of the Target owned by the Weiss family) will be rolled over (directly or indirectly) into common equity of Holdings, which shall be contributed to the Borrower in cash as common equity (the “Equity Contribution”); (b) $600.0 million in senior secured credit facilities of the Borrower (collectively, the “Senior Credit Facilities”), comprised of (i) a senior secured term loan facility of $400.0 million (the “Term Loan Facility”) and (ii) a senior secured revolving credit facility to $200.0 million (the “Revolving Credit Facility”); (c) at least $240.0 million of gross proceeds under a preferred equity investment provided to Holdings by one or more affiliates of Koch Equity Investments, LLC (the “Preferred Investor”) (the “New Holdco Preferred Investment”) pursuant to the Holdco Securities Purchase Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the proceeds of which shall be contributed to Merger Sub in cash as common equity to be used to pay part of the purchase price for the Acquisition and which New Holdco Preferred Investment is non-recourse to and receives no credit support from any Company other than Holdings; and (d) approximately $225.2 million of Existing Senior Rollover Notes will remain outstanding and continue as an obligation of the Target after giving effect to the Transaction. The Acquisition, the Equity Contribution, the entering into and funding of the Senior Credit Facilities and the New Holdco Preferred Investment, the Refinancing, the rollover of the Existing Senior Rollover Notes and all related transactions are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Transaction.” The estimated sources and uses for the financing for the Transaction are as set forth on Schedule I hereto. Notwithstanding anything in this Commitment Letter, the Fee Letter, the Credit Documentation (as hereinafter defined) or any other letter agreement or other undertaking concerning the financing of the Transaction to the contrary, you may elect prior to a date to be mutually agreed by you and the Lead Arrangers to issue on the Closing Date less than $240.0 million of gross proceeds of the New Holdco Preferred Investment so long as on the Closing Date and after giving pro forma effect to the Transaction (a) the aggregate amount of the Equity Contribution plus the aggregate gross proceeds of the New Holdco Preferred Investment so issued (collectively, the “Total Equity Contribution”) is not less than 30.0% of the sum of (i) the aggregate amount of the Senior Credit Facilities funded on the Closing Date (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, (x) any issued but undrawn letters of credit and (y) the effects of any exercise of the “market flex” provisions of the Fee Letter), (ii) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Existing Senior Rollover Notes, (iii) if applicable, the aggregate amount outstanding under the AR Facility, and (iv) the Total Equity Contribution, and (b) both immediately before and after giving pro forma effect to the Transaction, the Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Existing 2021 Indenture described in Annex II hereto) shall not be greater than 3.0 to 1.0.

1. Commitments. In connection with the foregoing, (a) Bank of America is pleased to advise you of its several commitment to provide 20% of the full principal amount of the Senior Credit Facilities, DBNY is pleased to advise you of its several commitment to provide 20% of the full principal amount of the Senior Credit Facilities, PNC Bank is pleased to advise you of its several commitment to provide 20% of the full principal amount of the Senior Credit

 

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Facilities, KeyBank is pleased to advise you of its several commitment to provide 20% of the full principal amount of the Senior Credit Facilities, and MIHI is pleased to advise you of its several commitment to provide 20% of the full principal amount of the Senior Credit Facilities, all upon and subject solely to the terms and conditions set forth in this commitment letter, the summary of terms attached as Annex I hereto and the conditions precedent to closing attached as Annex II hereto (Annex I and Annex II being collectively referred to as the “Summaries of Terms” and, together with this commitment letter, this “Commitment Letter”), (b) MLPFS, DBSI, PNC Capital, KeyBank and Macquarie Capital are pleased to advise you of their willingness, as joint lead arrangers and joint book running managers (in such capacities, the “Lead Arrangers”) for the Senior Credit Facilities, to form a syndicate of financial institutions and institutional lenders (collectively, the “Lenders”) in consultation with you for the Senior Credit Facilities (which Lenders, solely in the case of the Revolving Credit Facility, shall be reasonably acceptable to you, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), including the Commitment Parties and (c) Bank of America is pleased to advise you of its willingness to act as the master administrative agent and collateral agent for the Senior Credit Facilities (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”) and PNC Bank is pleased to advise you of its willingness to act as the operational administrative agent for the Revolving Credit Facility (in such capacity, the “Revolver Administrative Agent” and, together with the Administrative Agent, the “Agents”). It is further agreed that (i) BAML will have “left-side” designation and will appear on the top left of any offering or marketing materials in respect of the Senior Credit Facilities and (ii) the Commitment Parties other than BAML will appear on any offering or marketing materials in respect of the Senior Credit Facilities to the right of BAML in the following order from left to right: Deutsche Bank, PNC, KeyBank and Macquarie, and that each of DBSI, PNC Capital, KeyBank and Macquarie Capital shall receive the title of co-syndication agent. No other agents, co-agents, arrangers or bookrunners will be appointed, and no other titles will be awarded and no compensation (other than that expressly contemplated by this Commitment Letter and the Fee Letter (as hereinafter defined)) will be paid to any Lender in connection with the Senior Credit Facilities, unless you and each of the Commitment Parties so agree. All capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meanings as specified therefor in the Summaries of Terms. If you accept this Commitment Letter, the date of the initial funding under the Senior Credit Facilities is referred to herein as the “Closing Date.”

2. Syndication. The Lead Arrangers intend to commence syndication of the Senior Credit Facilities promptly after your acceptance of the terms of this Commitment Letter and the Fee Letter to Lenders in consultation with you (and, with respect to Lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility, subject to your approval thereof, not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed but excluding in all cases any Disqualified Lender (as defined in the Summaries of Terms)); provided that, notwithstanding the right of the Lead Arrangers to syndicate the Senior Credit Facilities and receive commitments with respect thereto, it is agreed that (a) any syndication of, or receipt of commitments in respect of, all or any portion of the Commitment Parties’ commitments hereunder prior to the initial funding under the Senior Credit Facilities shall not be a condition to the Commitment Parties’ commitments nor reduce the Commitment Parties’ commitments hereunder with respect to any of the Senior Credit Facilities, (b) unless you otherwise agree in writing, no assignments may be made prior to the initial funding of the Senior Credit Facilities and (c) unless you otherwise agree in writing, the Commitment Parties shall retain exclusive control over all rights and obligations with respect to their respective commitments, including all rights with respect to consents, modifications and amendments, until

 

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the Closing Date has occurred. You agree to assist, and to use your commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Acquired Business to assist, but in all instances subject to, and not in contravention of, the terms of the Acquisition Agreement, the Lead Arrangers in achieving a Successful Syndication (as defined in the Fee Letter). Such assistance shall include (a) your providing and causing your advisors to provide, and using your commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Acquired Business and its advisors to provide (consistent with the terms of the Acquisition Agreement), the Lead Arrangers and the Lenders upon request with all information reasonably deemed necessary by the Lead Arrangers to complete such syndication, including, but not limited to, information and evaluations prepared by you, the Acquired Business and your and their advisors, or on your or their behalf, relating to the Transaction, (b) your using commercially reasonable efforts to assist the Lead Arrangers in the preparation of a confidential information memorandum with respect to the Senior Credit Facilities in form and substance customary for a transaction of this type and reasonably satisfactory to the Lead Arrangers to be used in connection with the syndication of the Senior Credit Facilities (the “Confidential Information Memorandum”), (c) your using your commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the syndication efforts of the Lead Arrangers benefit from your existing lending relationships and the existing lending relationships of the Acquired Business, (d) your using commercially reasonable efforts to obtain, prior to the launch of the primary syndication of the Senior Credit Facilities, monitored public corporate credit or family ratings of the Borrower after giving effect to the Transaction and ratings of the Senior Credit Facilities from Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) and Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and (e) your otherwise assisting the Lead Arrangers in their syndication efforts, including by making your officers and advisors, and using your commercially reasonable efforts to make the officers and advisors of the Acquired Business (consistent with the terms of the Acquisition Agreement), reasonably available from time to time to attend and make presentations regarding the business and prospects of the Companies and the Transaction, as appropriate, at one or more meetings of prospective Lenders at times and locations mutually agreed upon.

It is understood and agreed that the Lead Arrangers will manage and control all aspects of the syndication of the Senior Credit Facilities in consultation with you, including decisions as to the selection of prospective Lenders (subject to your reasonable consent rights above with respect to the Lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility but excluding Disqualified Lenders) and any titles offered to proposed Lenders, when commitments will be accepted and the final allocations of the commitments among the Lenders. It is understood that no Lender participating in the Senior Credit Facilities will receive compensation from you in order to obtain its commitment, except on the terms contained herein and in the Summaries of Terms. It is also understood and agreed that the amount and distribution of the fees among the Lenders will be determined by the Lead Arrangers but in consultation with you. It is further understood and agreed that with respect to the foregoing the obligations of the Lead Arrangers to consult with you shall include, but not be limited to the following: (i) providing to you as soon as reasonably practical after the date upon which you accept this Commitment Letter a preliminary list of prospective Lenders to whom the Lead Arrangers would intend to syndicate the Revolving Credit Facility, (ii) providing to you as soon as reasonably practical after your acceptance of this Commitment Letter a proposed syndication calendar indicating expected dates upon which any Lender meetings would be held and the location thereof, the dates upon which commitments would be required from Lenders and the dates upon which those commitments would be accepted, and (iii) providing to you the proposed titles, proposed final allocation and proposed amount and distribution of fees sufficiently in advance of the determination thereof to allow you a reasonable opportunity to review the same in consultation with the Lead Arrangers.

 

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In addition to the foregoing, you hereby agree that, prior to the earlier of 90 days after the Closing Date and the completion of a Successful Syndication (as defined in the Fee Letter), there shall be no offering, placement or arrangement of any debt financing by or on behalf of any of the Companies (other than the Senior Credit Facilities and, for the avoidance of doubt, the New Holdco Preferred Investment).

3. Information Requirements. You hereby represent, warrant and covenant that (a) all written information, other than Projections (as defined below) and information of a general economic or general industry nature, that has been or is hereafter made available to the Lead Arrangers or any of the Lenders by you or any of your representatives (or on your or their behalf) or by any of the Acquired Business or any of their representatives (or on their behalf) in connection with any aspect of the Transaction (the “Information”) is and will be, when furnished and when taken as a whole, complete and correct in all material respects and does not and will not, when furnished, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein in the light of the circumstances under which they were made not materially misleading (in each case, after giving effect to all supplements and updates provided thereto) and (b) all financial projections and other forward looking statements concerning the Companies that have been or are hereafter made available to the Lead Arrangers or any of the Lenders by you or any of your representatives (or on your or their behalf) or by any of the Acquired Business or their representatives (or on their behalf) (the “Projections”) have been or will be prepared in good faith based upon assumptions that were believed by the preparer thereof to be reasonable at the time the Projections were prepared and furnished to the Lenders; it being understood and agreed that such Projections are not to be viewed as facts and are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies many of which are beyond your control, and that actual results during the period or periods covered by any such Projections may differ significantly from the projected results, and that no assurance can be given that the projected results will be realized. You agree to furnish us with such Information and Projections as we may reasonably request and to supplement the Information and the Projections from time to time until the Closing Date so that the representation, warranty and covenant in the immediately preceding sentence is correct in all material respects on the Closing Date. In issuing this commitment and in arranging and syndicating the Senior Credit Facilities, the Commitment Parties are and will be using and relying on the Information and the Projections without independent verification thereof.

You hereby acknowledge that (a) subject to the confidentiality obligations contained herein, the Lead Arrangers will make available Information and Projections (collectively, “Information Materials”) to the proposed syndicate of Lenders by posting the Information Materials on IntraLinks or another similar electronic system (the “Platform”) and (b) certain of the proposed Lenders may be “public-side” Lenders (i.e., Lenders that do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Companies, their respective affiliates or any other entity, or the respective securities of any of the foregoing) (each, a “Public Lender”). You hereby agree that (w) you will use commercially reasonable efforts to identify that portion of the Information Materials that may be distributed to the Public Lenders and include a reasonably detailed term sheet among such Information Materials and that all Information Materials that are

 

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to be made available to Public Lenders shall be clearly and conspicuously marked “PUBLIC” which, at a minimum, shall mean that the word “PUBLIC” shall appear prominently on the first page thereof; (x) by marking Information Materials “PUBLIC,” you shall be deemed to have authorized the Commitment Parties and the proposed Lenders to treat such Information Materials as not containing any material non-public information with respect to the Companies, their respective affiliates or any other entity, or the respective securities of any of the foregoing for purposes of United States federal and state securities laws, it being understood that certain of such Information Materials may be subject to the confidentiality requirements of the Credit Documentation; (y) all Information Materials marked “PUBLIC” are permitted to be made available through a portion of the Platform designated “Public Investor;” and (z) the Commitment Parties shall be entitled to treat any Information Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not designated “Public Investor.”

4. Fees and Indemnities. You agree to pay the fees set forth in the Fee Letter dated as of the date hereof (the “Fee Letter”) among the parties hereto. You also agree to reimburse the Commitment Parties from time to time on demand for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses (but limited, in the case of legal fees and expenses, to the reasonable and documented fees, disbursements and other charges of Latham & Watkins LLP, as counsel to the Lead Arrangers and the Agents and one local counsel to the Lead Arrangers and the Agents in each relevant jurisdiction) incurred in connection with the Senior Credit Facilities, the syndication thereof, the preparation of the Credit Documentation and the other transactions contemplated hereby. You acknowledge that we may receive a future benefit on matters unrelated to this matter, including without limitation, a discount, credit or other accommodation, from any of such counsel based on the fees such counsel may receive on account of their relationship with us including, without limitation, fees paid pursuant hereto.

You also agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Commitment Party, each other Lender and each of their affiliates and their officers, directors, employees, agents, advisors and other representatives, in each case, in connection with this Commitment Letter, the Fee Letter or the Senior Credit Facilities (each an “Indemnified Party”) from and against (and will reimburse each Indemnified Party as the same are incurred for) any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities and expenses (including, without limitation, the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel) that may be incurred by or asserted or awarded against any Indemnified Party, in each case arising out of or in connection with or by reason of (including, without limitation, in connection with any investigation, litigation or proceeding or preparation of a defense in connection therewith) (a) any aspect of the Transaction and any of the other transactions contemplated hereby or (b) the Senior Credit Facilities, or any use made or proposed to be made with the proceeds thereof, except (1) to the extent such claim, damage, loss, liability or expense (A) is found in a final, non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from such Indemnified Party’s bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct or (B) result from a claim brought by either Holdings or Merger Sub against an Indemnified Party for a material breach of such Indemnified Party’s obligations under this Commitment Letter, the Fee Letter or other Credit Documentation if either Holdings or Merger Sub has obtained a final, non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction in its favor on such claims or (2) any disputes solely among the Indemnified Parties and not arising out of or in connection with any act or omission of any Company (other than a dispute involving a claim

 

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against any Commitment Party solely in its capacity as a Lead Arranger, Administrative Agent, Revolver Administrative Agent or similar role). In the case of an investigation, litigation or proceeding to which the indemnity in this paragraph applies, such indemnity shall be effective whether or not such investigation, litigation or proceeding is brought by you, your equity holders or creditors or an Indemnified Party, whether or not an Indemnified Party is otherwise a party thereto and whether or not any aspect of the Transaction is consummated. You also agree that no Indemnified Party shall have any liability (whether direct or indirect, in contract or tort or otherwise) to you or your subsidiaries or affiliates or to your or their respective equity holders or creditors arising out of, related to or in connection with any aspect of the Transaction, except to the extent of direct (as opposed to special, indirect, consequential or punitive) damages determined in a final non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from such Indemnified Party’s bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct or a material breach of such Indemnified Party’s obligations under this Commitment Letter. It is further agreed that the Commitment Parties shall only have liability to you (as opposed to any other person), and that each Commitment Party shall be liable solely in respect of its own commitment to the Senior Credit Facilities on a several, and not joint, basis with any other Lender or Commitment Party. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Commitment Letter, (i) no Indemnified Party shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by others of information or other materials obtained through electronic telecommunications or other information transmission systems, other than for direct, actual damages resulting from the bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Party as determined in a final non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction and (ii) you shall not be liable for any settlement of any claim effected without your consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), but if settled with your written consent or if there is a final judgment for the plaintiff in any such claim, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Party from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses by reason of such settlement or judgment in accordance with this paragraph.

5. Conditions to Financing. The commitment of the Commitment Parties in respect of the Senior Credit Facilities and the undertaking of the Lead Arrangers to provide the services described herein are subject solely to the satisfaction of each of the conditions set forth in Annex II hereto and each of the following conditions precedent (and no other conditions): (a) you shall have accepted the Fee Letter and you shall have paid, or caused the other Companies to pay, all applicable fees and expenses (including the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) that are due thereunder, and (b) the negotiation, execution and delivery of definitive documentation with respect to the Senior Credit Facilities mutually acceptable to you and the Commitment Parties consistent with this Commitment Letter and the Fee Letter and otherwise subject to the Documentation Principles (as hereinafter defined) (the “Credit Documentation”).

Notwithstanding anything in this Commitment Letter, the Fee Letter, the Credit Documentation or any other letter agreement or other undertaking concerning the financing of the Transaction to the contrary, (i) the only representations the accuracy of which shall be a condition to the availability of the Senior Credit Facilities on the Closing Date shall be (A) such representations made by or with respect to the Acquired Business in the Acquisition Agreement as are material to the interests of the Lenders, but only to the extent that you or any of your affiliates have the right to terminate your or its obligations under the Acquisition Agreement, or to decline to consummate the Acquisition pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement, as a result of a

 

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breach of such representations in the Acquisition Agreement (the “Acquisition Agreement Representations”) and (B) the Specified Representations (as hereinafter defined) and (ii) the terms of the Credit Documentation shall be in a form such that they do not impair the availability of the Senior Credit Facilities on the Closing Date if the conditions set forth in this fifth paragraph and Annex II hereto are satisfied (it being understood that to the extent any security interest in the intended collateral (other than any collateral the security interest in which may be perfected by the filing of a UCC financing statement, the filing of short-form security agreements with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the United States Copyright Office or the delivery of certificates evidencing equity interests of an issuer organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof) is not provided on the Closing Date after your use of commercially reasonable efforts to do so, the provision of such perfected security interest(s) shall not constitute a condition precedent to the availability of the Senior Credit Facilities on the Closing Date but shall be required to be delivered no later than 90 days after the Closing Date (or such longer period as agreed to by the Administrative Agent)). For purposes hereof, “Specified Representations” means the representations and warranties of the Loan Parties relating to corporate status, corporate power and authority to enter into the Credit Documentation, due authorization, execution, delivery and enforceability of the Credit Documentation against the Loan Parties, no conflicts of the Credit Documentation or the Transaction in any material respect with charter documents, solvency of the Companies on a consolidated basis after giving effect to the Transaction (in form and scope consistent with the solvency certificate to be delivered pursuant to Exhibit I to Annex II), Federal Reserve margin regulations, the U.S.A. Patriot Act, the Investment Company Act, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, OFAC, and the creation, validity, priority and perfection of the security interests granted in the intended collateral (subject to the terms of this section 5). This paragraph is referred to as the “Certain Funds Provision”.

6. Confidentiality and Other Obligations. This Commitment Letter and the Fee Letter and the contents hereof and thereof are confidential and, except for the disclosure hereof or thereof on a confidential basis to your accountants, attorneys and other professional advisors retained in connection with the Transaction, may not be disclosed in whole or in part to any person or entity without our prior written consent; provided, however, it is understood and agreed that (i) you may disclose this Commitment Letter (including the Summaries of Terms) but not the Fee Letter (a) on a confidential basis to the Preferred Investor and the board of directors (including any special committee thereof) and accountants, attorneys and other professional advisors of the Companies in connection with the Transaction, (b) after your acceptance of this Commitment Letter and the Fee Letter, in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other applicable regulatory authorities and stock exchanges and (c) pursuant to the order of any court or administrative agency in any pending legal or administrative proceeding or otherwise as otherwise required by law or compulsory legal process based on the reasonable advice of legal counsel (in which case, you agree, to the extent practicable and not prohibited by applicable law, to provide written notice to the Lead Arrangers promptly thereof prior to such disclosure), (ii) to the extent portions thereof have been redacted in a manner reasonably acceptable to us, you may disclose the Fee Letter and the contents thereof on a confidential basis to the Preferred Investor and to the board of directors (including any special committee thereof) and accountants, attorneys and other professional advisors of the Companies in connection with the Transaction, and (iii) after your acceptance of this Commitment Letter and the Fee Letter, (a) you may disclose the Summaries of Terms to any rating agency in connection with the Transaction to the extent necessary to satisfy your obligations or the conditions hereunder, and

 

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(b) you may disclose the aggregate fee amounts (expressed in Dollars) contained in the Fee Letter as part of Projections, pro forma information or a generic disclosure of aggregate sources and uses related to fee amounts related to the Transaction to the extent customary or required in offering and marketing materials for the Senior Credit Facilities or in any public filing relating to the Transaction.

You acknowledge that the Commitment Parties or their affiliates may be providing financing or other services to parties whose interests may conflict with yours. However, be assured that, consistent with their longstanding policy to hold in confidence the affairs of their customers, the Commitment Parties will not furnish confidential information obtained from you to any of their other customers and will treat confidential information relating to you, the other Companies and your and their respective affiliates with the same degree of care as they treat their own confidential information. By the same token, the Commitment Parties will not make available to you confidential information that they have obtained or may obtain from any other customer. In connection with the services and transactions contemplated hereby, you agree that the Commitment Parties are permitted to access, use and share with any of their bank or non-bank affiliates, agents, advisors (legal or otherwise) or representatives, any information concerning you, the other Companies or any of your or their respective affiliates that is or may come into the possession of the Commitment Parties or any of such affiliates.

In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated by this Commitment Letter, you acknowledge and agree, and acknowledge your affiliates’ understanding, that: (i) the Senior Credit Facilities and any related arranging or other services described in this Commitment Letter are arm’s-length commercial transactions between you and your affiliates, on the one hand, and the Commitment Parties and the Lead Arrangers, on the other hand, and you are capable of evaluating and understanding and understand and accept the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated by this Commitment Letter; (ii) in connection with each transaction contemplated hereby and the process leading to such transaction, each Commitment Party and each Lead Arranger is and has been acting solely as a principal and is not acting as an agent or fiduciary, for you or any of your affiliates, stockholders, creditors or employees or any other party; (iii) neither any Commitment Party nor any Lead Arranger has assumed or will assume an advisory or fiduciary responsibility in your or your affiliates’ favor with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto (irrespective of whether any Commitment Party or any Lead Arranger has advised or is currently advising you or your affiliates on other matters) and neither any Commitment Party nor any Lead Arranger has any obligation to you or your affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth in this Commitment Letter; (iv) each Commitment Party, each Lead Arranger and their respective affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from yours and your affiliates and neither any Commitment Party nor any Lead Arranger has any obligation to disclose any of such interests by virtue of any fiduciary or advisory relationship; and (v) neither any Commitment Party nor any Lead Arranger has provided any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby and you have consulted your own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent you have deemed appropriate. You hereby waive and release, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims that you may have against any Commitment Party or any Lead Arranger with respect to any breach or alleged breach of fiduciary duty.

 

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Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, until this Commitment Letter is accepted by you, each Commitment Party shall continue to be subject to the terms of the Non-Disclosure Agreement executed by such Commitment Party, if any, in favor of you. From and after your acceptance of this Commitment Letter any such Non-Disclosure Agreements shall be superceded in their entirety by the terms of this paragraph and the Commitment Parties shall use all confidential information provided to them by or on behalf of you hereunder solely for the purpose of providing the services which are the subject of this Commitment Letter and otherwise in connection with the Transaction and shall treat confidentially all such information; provided, however, that nothing herein shall prevent the Commitment Parties from disclosing any such information (i) pursuant to the order of any court or administrative agency or in any pending legal or administrative proceeding, or otherwise as required by applicable law or compulsory legal process (in which case the Commitment Parties agree to inform you promptly thereof prior to such disclosure to the extent not prohibited by law, rule or regulation), (ii) upon the request or demand of any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Commitment Parties or any of their respective affiliates, (iii) to the extent that such information becomes publicly available other than by reason of disclosure in violation of this Commitment Letter by the Commitment Parties, (iv) to the Commitment Parties’ and their respective affiliates’ employees, legal counsel, independent auditors and other experts or agents who need to know such information in connection with the Transaction and are informed of the confidential nature of such information, (v) for purposes of establishing a “due diligence” defense, (vi) to the extent that such information is or was received by the Commitment Parties from a third party that is not to the Commitment Parties’ knowledge subject to confidentiality obligations to you, (vii) to the extent that such information is independently developed by the Commitment Parties or (viii) to potential Lenders, participants or assignees who agree to be bound by the terms of this paragraph (or language substantially similar to this paragraph or as otherwise reasonably acceptable to you and each Commitment Party, including as may be agreed in any confidential information memorandum or other marketing material). This paragraph shall terminate on the earlier of (x) the 18 month anniversary of the date hereof and (y) to the extent the Credit Documentation are entered into on such date, the Closing Date.

Each Commitment Party hereby notifies you that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act, Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001) (the “Act”), each of them is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies you, which information includes your name and address and other information that will allow the Commitment Parties to identify you in accordance with the Act.

7. Survival of Obligations. The provisions of numbered paragraphs 3, 4, 6 and 8 shall remain in full force and effect regardless of whether any definitive documentation for the Senior Credit Facilities shall be executed and delivered and notwithstanding the termination of this Commitment Letter or any commitment or undertaking of any Commitment Party hereunder; provided, however, that you shall be deemed released from your obligations hereunder (other than those contained in numbered paragraphs 2 and 6) if you have accepted the commitments hereunder in respect of the Senior Credit Facilities, upon the execution and delivery by the Companies of all definitive documentation for the Senior Credit Facilities and the initial extension of credit thereunder.

 

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8. Miscellaneous. This Commitment Letter and the Fee Letter may be executed in multiple counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, all of which, taken together, shall constitute an original. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Commitment Letter or the Fee Letter by telecopier, facsimile or other electronic transmission (e.g., a “pdf” or “tiff”) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart thereof.

This Commitment Letter and the Fee Letter shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York; provided, however, that the laws of the State of Ohio shall govern in determining (a) the interpretation of a Material Adverse Effect (as defined below) and whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred, (b) the accuracy of any Acquisition Agreement Representation and whether as a result of any inaccuracy thereof you have the right (without regard to any notice requirement) to terminate your obligations (or to refuse to consummate the merger) under the Acquisition Agreement and (c) whether the Acquisition has been consummated in accordance with the terms of the Acquisition Agreement (in each case, without regard to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof, to the extent that the same are not mandatorily applicable by statute and would require or permit the application of the law of another jurisdiction). Each party hereto hereby irrevocably waives all right to trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim (whether based on contract, tort or otherwise) arising out of or relating to this Commitment Letter (including, without limitation, the Summaries of Terms), the Fee Letter, the Transaction and the other transactions contemplated hereby and thereby or the actions of any Commitment Party in the negotiation, performance or enforcement hereof. Each party hereto hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State court or Federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan in New York City in respect of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to the provisions of this Commitment Letter (including, without limitation, the Summaries of Terms), the Fee Letter, the Transaction and the other transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of any such suit, action or proceeding may be heard and determined in any such court. Each party hereto hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceedings brought in any such court, and any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

This Commitment Letter, together with the Summaries of Terms and the Fee Letter, embodies the entire agreement and understanding among the Commitment Parties, you and your affiliates with respect to the Senior Credit Facilities and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof. No party has been authorized by any Commitment Party to make any oral or written statements that are inconsistent with this Commitment Letter. Neither this Commitment Letter (including the attachments hereto) nor the Fee Letter may be amended or any term or provision hereof or thereof waived or modified except by an instrument in writing signed by each of the parties hereto.

This Commitment Letter is not assignable by you without our prior written consent and is intended to be solely for the benefit of the parties hereto and the Indemnified Parties. Each Commitment Party may assign its commitment hereunder, in whole or in part, to any of its affiliates; provided, that, without your prior consent, no Commitment Party shall be released from its obligations with respect to such commitment until after the funding of the Senior Credit Facilities. No Commitment Party or Lead Arranger shall assign its rights under this Commitment Letter or the Fee Letters as a Commitment Party or Lead Arranger, as applicable, in its capacity as such (other than to one of its affiliates) without the prior written consent of each of the parties hereto.

 

11


All commitments and undertakings of the Commitment Parties and the Lead Arrangers under this Commitment Letter will expire at 11:59 p.m. (New York City time) on March 29, 2013 unless you execute this Commitment Letter as provided below and the Fee Letter as provided therein to accept such commitments and return them to us prior to that time. Thereafter, all accepted commitments and undertakings of the Commitment Parties and the Lead Arrangers hereunder will expire on the earliest of (a) the outside closing date set forth in the Acquisition Agreement but in any event no later than September 30, 2013, unless the Closing Date occurs on or prior thereto, (b) the closing of the Acquisition and (c) the acceptance by any of the Companies or any of their affiliates of an offer for all or any substantial part of the capital stock or property and assets of the Companies other than as part of the Transaction.

Each of the parties hereto agrees that this Commitment Letter is a binding and enforceable agreement with respect to the subject matter contained herein (including an obligation to negotiate in good faith), it being acknowledged and agreed that the commitments provided hereunder are subject solely to satisfaction of the conditions set forth or referred to in paragraph 5 above.

[The remainder of this page intentionally left blank.]

 

12


We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with you in connection with this important financing.

 

 

Very truly yours,

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

By:   /s/ Adam Cady

Name: Adam Cady

Title: Managing Director

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED

By:   /s/ Adam Cady

Name: Adam Cady

Title: Managing Director

 

Signature Page to Commitment Letter – Project Century


DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH

 

By:   /s/ Kathryn Burch

Name: Kathryn Burch

Title: Associate

By:   /s/ Scottye Lindsey

Name: Scottye Lindsey

Title: Director

DEUTSCHE BANK SECURITIES INC.

 

By:   /s/ Keith Wargo

Name: Keith Wargo

Title: Managing Director, Group Head

By:   /s/ Sandeep Desai

Name: Sandeep Desai

Title: Managing Director

 

Signature Page to Commitment Letter – Project Century


PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

 

By:

 

/s/ Christian S. Brown

Name:

Title:

 

Christian S. Brown

Senior Vice President

PNC CAPITAL MARKETS LLC

 

By: 

 

/s/ Joshua R. Sosland

Name:

Title:

 

Joshua R. Sosland

Managing Director

 

Signature Page to Commitment Letter – Project Century


KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

 

By: 

  /s/ J.E. Fowler

Name:

Title:

 

J.E. Fowler

Director

 

Signature Page to Commitment Letter – Project Century


MACQUARIE CAPITAL (USA), INC.

 

By:   /s/ Brian Sauvigne

Name: Brian Sauvigne

Title: Managing Director

By:   /s/ Clark Ryan

Name: Clark Ryan

Title: Vice President

MIHI LLC

 

By:   /s/ T. Morgan Edwards II

Name: T. Morgan Edwards II

Title: Authorized Signatory

By:   /s/ Kevin S. Smith

Name: Kevin S. Smith

Title: Authorized Signatory

 

Signature Page to Commitment Letter – Project Century


Accepted and agreed to as of the date first written above:

CENTURY INTERMEDIATE HOLDING COMPANY

 

By:   /s/ Zev Weiss

Name: Zev Weiss

Title: Vice President and Secretary

 

Signature Page to Commitment Letter – Project Century


SCHEDULE I

ESTIMATED SOURCES AND USES OF FUNDS

($ millions)

 

Sources

         

Uses

      

Cash to Paydown Existing Revolver

   $ 61.2       Excess Cash for Working Capital    $ 42.3   

New Revolver ($200)

   $ 0.0       Purchase Equity    $ 584.5   

New Term Loan B

   $ 400.0       Refinance Existing Revolver    $ 61.2   

Existing Rollover Notes

   $ 225.2       Rollover Existing Notes    $ 225.2   

New HoldCo Preferred Equity

   $ 240.0       Financing Expenses    $ 28.8   

Management Rollover Equity

   $ 40.8       M&A / Transaction Expenses    $ 18.5   
      Settlement of Outstanding Options1    $ 6.7   

Total Sources

   $ 967.2       Total Uses    $ 967.2   
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

1  Represents settlement of currently outstanding options, both in-the-money and out-of-the-money, on class A shares only, gross of taxes.

 

Schedule I-1


ANNEX I

SUMMARY OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS

SENIOR CREDIT FACILITIES

Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the same meanings as specified therefor in the Commitment Letter to which this Annex I is attached

 

Borrower:    Initially, Merger Sub and, following consummation of the Acquisition, the Target, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings (the “Borrower”). Holdings, the Borrower and their subsidiaries are collectively referred to herein as the “Companies”.
Guarantors:    The Senior Credit Facilities and the obligations of the Borrower and the Guarantors (as defined below) under any treasury management, interest protection or other hedging arrangements entered into with a Lender (or an affiliate thereof) will be guaranteed by Holdings and each of the existing and future direct and indirect material domestic subsidiaries of Holdings (including the Borrower in the case of such treasury management, interest protection or other hedging arrangements but other than any subsidiary substantially all of the assets of which consist of the equity interests of one or more direct or indirect foreign subsidiaries that is treated as a disregarded entity for United States federal income tax purposes and in the case of a joint venture, only to the extent not prohibited by such joint venture’s governing agreement) (the “Guarantors” and together with the Borrower, the “Loan Parties”). All guarantees will be guarantees of payment and not of collection.
Administrative and   
Collateral Agent:    Bank of America, in its capacity as master administrative and collateral agent for the Lenders (the “Administrative Agent”) and, with respect to operational matters under the Revolving Credit Facility, PNC Bank (the “Revolver Administrative Agent” and, together with the Administrative Agent, the “Agents”).
Joint Lead Arrangers   
and Joint Book Managers:    MLPFS, DBSI, PNC Capital, KeyBank and Macquarie Capital will act as joint lead arrangers and joint book running managers for the Senior Credit Facilities (in such capacities, the “Lead Arrangers”).
Co-Syndication Agents:    DBSI, PNC Capital, KeyBank and Macquarie Capital will be co-syndication agents for the Senior Credit Facilities.
Lenders:    Bank of America, DBNY, PNC Bank, KeyBank, MIHI and other banks, financial institutions and institutional lenders acceptable to

 

Annex I-1


   the Lead Arrangers and selected in consultation with the Borrower (other than Disqualified Lenders) (collectively, the “Lenders”); provided, however, that with respect to any Lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility, so long as no event of default has occurred, such Lender shall be reasonably acceptable to you (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).
Senior Credit Facilities:    An aggregate principal amount of $600.0 million will be available through the following facilities:
   Term Loan Facility: a $400.0 million term loan facility, all of which will be drawn on the Closing Date (the “Term Loan Facility”).
   Revolving Credit Facility: a $200.0 million revolving credit facility, available (i) on the Closing Date, solely to fund additional original issue discount and/or upfront fees that may be imposed pursuant to the exercise of the market flex provisions in the Fee Letter and (ii) from time to time after the Closing Date until the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), and to include a sublimit to be determined for the issuance of standby and commercial letters of credit (each a “Letter of Credit”) and a sublimit for swingline loans (each a “Swingline Loan”). Letters of Credit will be initially issued by the Revolver Administrative Agent (in such capacity, the “Issuing Bank”) and a sublimit for swingline loans (each a “Swingline Loan”), and each of the Lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility will purchase an irrevocable and unconditional participation in each Letter of Credit and each Swingline Loan. Outstanding letters of credit issued by the Issuing Bank under the Borrower’s Existing Credit Facility (as defined below) may, at the Borrower’s election, be deemed to be Letters of Credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility on, and subject to the occurrence of, the Closing Date.
Swingline Option:    Swingline Loans will be made available on a same day basis in an aggregate amount not exceeding $25.0 million.
Purpose:    The proceeds of the Senior Credit Facilities shall be used (i) to finance in part the Acquisition; (ii) to pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Transaction; (iii) to finance in part the Refinancing; and (iv) to provide ongoing working capital and for other general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its subsidiaries.
Closing Date:    The date of the execution and delivery of the Credit Documentation and satisfaction of all conditions precedent.

 

Annex I-2


Interest Rates:    The interest rates per annum applicable to the Senior Credit Facilities will be, at the option of the Borrower, (i) LIBOR plus the Applicable Margin (as hereinafter defined) or (ii) the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin (as defined below).
   LIBOR is to be defined as the London interbank offered rate for dollars, for the relevant interest period, adjusted for statutory reserve requirements; provided that, in the case of the Term Loan Facility, LIBOR shall not be less than 1.25% per annum.
   The Alternate Base Rate is to be defined as the highest of (x) the prime rate of the Administrative Agent, (y) the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50% and (z) LIBOR plus 1.0%; provided that, in the case of the Term Loan Facility, the Alternate Base Rate shall not be less than 2.25% per annum.
   “Applicable Margin” means:
   (a) in the case of the Term Loan Facility, 3.75% per annum, in the case of LIBOR advances and 2.75% per annum, in the case of Alternate Base Rate advances; and
   (b) in the case of the Revolving Credit Facility, 3.50% per annum, in the case of LIBOR advances, and 2.50% per annum, in the case of Alternate Base Rate advances.
   The Borrower may select interest periods of one, two, three or six months for LIBOR advances. Interest shall be payable at the end of the selected interest period, but no less frequently than quarterly.
   During the continuance of any event of default under the Credit Documentation, upon the written request of the Required Lenders (as defined below), the Applicable Margin on all outstanding obligations owing under the Credit Documentation shall increase by 2.0% per annum.
Commitment Fee:    Commencing on the Closing Date, a commitment fee of 0.50% per annum (calculated on a 360-day basis) shall be payable on the unused portions of the Senior Credit Facilities, such fee to be payable quarterly in arrears and on the date of termination or expiration of the commitments.
Calculation of Interest   
and Fees:    Other than calculations in respect of interest at the Alternate Base Rate (which shall be made on the basis of actual number of days elapsed in a 365/366 day year), all calculations of interest and fees shall be made on the basis of actual number of days elapsed in a 360-day year.

 

Annex I-3


Cost and Yield Protection:    Customary for transactions and facilities of this type, including, without limitation, in respect of breakage or redeployment costs incurred in connection with prepayments, changes in capital adequacy and capital requirements or their interpretation, illegality, unavailability, reserves without proration or offset and payments free and clear of withholding or other taxes; provided, further, that protection for increased costs imposed as a result of rules enacted or promulgated under the Dodd-Frank Act or Basel III shall be included in the Credit Documentation.
Letter of Credit Fees:    Letter of Credit fees equal to the Applicable Margin from time to time on LIBOR advances under the Revolving Credit Facility on a per annum basis will be payable quarterly in arrears and shared proportionately by the Lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility. In addition, a fronting fee of 0.25% per annum will be payable to the Issuing Bank for its own account. Both the Letter of Credit fees and the fronting fees will be calculated on the amount available to be drawn under each outstanding Letter of Credit.
Maturity:    Term Loan Facility: six years after the Closing Date.
   Revolving Credit Facility: five years after the Closing Date.
   The Credit Documentation shall contain “amend and extend” provisions consistent with the Documentation Principles pursuant to which individual Lenders may agree to extend the maturity date of their outstanding commitments in respect of the Revolving Credit Facility or incremental revolving facility upon the request of Borrower and without the consent of any other Lender. It is understood that no existing Lender will have any obligation to commit to any such extension.
Incremental Facilities:    The Credit Documentation will permit the Borrower to add one or more incremental term loan facilities to the Senior Credit Facilities (each, an “Incremental Term Facility”) and/or increase commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility (any such increase, an “Incremental Revolving Facility”; the Incremental Term Facilities and the Incremental Revolving Facilities are collectively referred to as “Incremental Facilities”) in an aggregate amount of $150.0 million; provided that (i) no Lender will be required to participate in any such Incremental Facility, (ii) no event of default or default exists or would exist after giving effect thereto, (iii) the representations and warranties in the Credit Documentation shall be true and correct in all material respects both before and after giving effect thereto, (iv) on a pro forma basis on the date of incurrence and after giving effect thereto (assuming, in the case of an Incremental Revolving Facility, the

 

Annex I-4


   full drawing thereunder), the Borrower shall be in compliance with the Financial Covenants and a Total Net Leverage Ratio (to be defined in the Credit Documentation) not exceeding 2.5 to 1.0, (v) the maturity date of any such Incremental Term Facility shall be no earlier than the maturity date for the Term Loan Facility, (vi) the weighted average life to maturity of any Incremental Term Facility shall be no shorter than the weighted average life to maturity of the Term Loan Facility, (vii) the interest margin for the Incremental Term Facility shall be determined by the Borrower and the lenders of the Incremental Term Facility; provided that in the event that the interest margin for any Incremental Term Facility is greater than the Applicable Margin for the Term Loan Facility by more than 50 basis points, then the Applicable Margin for the Term Loan Facility shall be increased to the extent necessary so that the interest margin for the Incremental Term Facility is not more than 50 basis points higher than the Applicable Margin for the Term Loan Facility; provided, further, that in determining the interest margin applicable to the Term Loan Facility and the Applicable Margin for the Incremental Term Facility, (x) original issue discount (“OID”) or upfront fees (which shall be deemed to constitute like amounts of OID) payable by the Borrower for the account of the Lenders of the Term Loan Facility or the Incremental Term Facility in the primary syndication thereof shall be included (with OID being equated to interest based on an assumed four-year average life to maturity), (y) customary arrangement or commitment fees payable to the Lead Arrangers (or their affiliates) in connection with the Term Loan Facility or to one or more arrangers (or their affiliates) of the Incremental Term Facility shall be excluded, and (z) if the LIBOR floor or Base Rate floor for the Incremental Term Facility is greater than the LIBOR or Base Rate floor, respectively, for the existing Term Loan Facility, the difference between such floor for the Incremental Term Facility and the existing Term Loan Facility shall be equated to an increase in the Applicable Margin for purposes of this clause (vii), (viii) each Incremental Facility shall be secured by a pari passu lien on the Collateral (as hereinafter defined) securing the Senior Credit Facilities in each case on terms and pursuant to documentation reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (ix) any Incremental Revolving Facility shall be on terms and pursuant to documentation applicable to the Revolving Credit Facility and any Incremental Term Facility shall be on terms and pursuant to documentation to be determined, provided that, to the extent such terms and documentation are not consistent with the Term Loan Facility (except to the extent permitted by clause (v), (vi) or (vii) above), they shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. The Borrower shall seek commitments in

 

Annex I-5


   respect of any Incremental Facility from existing Lenders or from additional banks, financial institutions and other institutional lenders reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent who will become Lenders in connection therewith.
Scheduled Amortization:    Term Loan Facility: The Term Loan Facility will be subject to quarterly amortization of principal equal to 2.50% of the initial aggregate advances under the Term Loan Facility on the last day of the second full fiscal quarter ending after the Closing Date (anticipated to be the fiscal quarter ending in February 2014) and 1.25% of the initial aggregate advances under the Term Loan Facility per quarter thereafter with the balance of the Term Loan Facility to be payable on the maturity date of the Term Loan Facility.
   Revolving Credit Facility: Advances under the Revolving Credit Facility may be made, and Letters of Credit may be issued, on a revolving basis up to the full amount of the Revolving Credit Facility.

Mandatory Prepayments

and Commitment

  
Reductions:    In addition to the amortization set forth above, (a) all net cash proceeds from (i) sales of property and assets of Holdings and its subsidiaries (including sales or issuances of equity interests by subsidiaries of Holdings but excluding sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business and other exceptions to be agreed in the Credit Documentation) (provided that, with respect to Specified Asset Sales (as defined below), if the Total Net Leverage Ratio of Borrower and its subsidiaries as of the end of the most recent four quarter period ending prior to such Specified Asset Sale for which financial statements are available, calculated on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such Specified Asset Sale and the proposed application of the proceeds thereof does not exceed the lesser of (x) 2.5 to 1.0 and (y) the actual Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the end of such most recent four quarter period, the Borrower will have the option to retain up to 75% of the net cash proceeds from such Specified Asset Sale (“Specified Asset Sale Proceeds”) so long as the remaining amount of such net cash proceeds are applied to the prepayment of the Senior Credit Facilities, without reinvestment) and (ii) casualty and insurance proceeds, in each case, subject to customary reinvestment and replacement rights and other exceptions to be agreed and (b) all net cash proceeds from the issuance or incurrence after the Closing Date of additional debt of Holdings or any of its subsidiaries other than debt permitted under the Credit Documentation, shall be applied to the prepayment of (and permanent reduction of the commitments

 

Annex I-6


   under) the Senior Credit Facilities in the following manner: first, ratably to the principal repayment installments of the Term Loan Facility on a pro rata basis and, after payment in full of all of the Term Loan Facility, second, to the Revolving Credit Facility (with an accompanying dollar for dollar reduction of commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility).
Optional Prepayments and   
Commitment Reductions:    The Senior Credit Facilities may be prepaid at any time in whole or in part without premium or penalty, subject to the provisions under the heading “Call Premium” below and except that any prepayment of LIBOR advances other than at the end of the applicable interest periods therefor shall be made with reimbursement for any funding losses and redeployment costs of the Lenders resulting therefrom. Each such prepayment of the Term Loan Facility shall be applied first to the next eight principal repayment installments thereof in direct order of maturity and thereafter ratably to the principal repayment installments of the Term Loan Facility on a pro rata basis. The unutilized portion of any commitment under the Senior Credit Facilities may be reduced or terminated by the Borrower at any time without penalty.
Call Premium:    In the event that all or any portion of the Term Loan Facility is (i) repaid, prepaid, refinanced or replaced or (ii) repriced or effectively refinanced through any waiver, consent or amendment (in each case, in connection with any waiver, consent or amendment to the Term Loan Facility the result of which would be the lowering of the weighted average yield of the Term Loan Facility or the incurrence of any debt financing having a weighted average yield that is less than weighted average yield of the Term Loan Facility (or portion thereof) so repaid, prepaid, refinanced, replaced or repriced (a “Repricing Transaction”)) occurring on or prior to the first anniversary of the Closing Date, such repayment, prepayment, refinancing, replacement or repricing will be made at 101.0% of the principal amount so repaid, prepaid, refinanced, replaced or repriced. If all or any portion of the Term Loan Facility held by any Lender is repaid, prepaid, refinanced or replaced pursuant to a “yank-a-bank” or similar provision in the Credit Documentation as a result of, or in connection with, such Lender not agreeing or otherwise consenting to any waiver, consent or amendment referred to in clause (ii) above (or otherwise in connection with a Repricing Transaction), such repayment, prepayment, refinancing or replacement will be made at 101.0% of the principal amount so repaid, prepaid, refinanced or replaced.

 

Annex I-7


Security:    Each Loan Party shall grant to the Administrative Agent (for its benefit and for the benefit of the Lenders) valid and perfected first priority (subject to certain exceptions to be set forth in the Credit Documentation) liens and security interests in all of the following (collectively, the “Collateral”):
  

(a)    all present and future shares of capital stock (or other ownership or profit interests in) held by each Loan Party (which pledge, (1) in the case of any joint venture, shall not be required to the extent prohibited by such joint venture’s governing agreement, and (2) in the case of any subsidiary (x) that is a first tier foreign subsidiary, (y) that owns no material assets (directly or through subsidiaries) other than equity interests of one or more foreign subsidiaries that are “controlled foreign corporations” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or (z) that is treated as a partnership or a disregarded entity for United States federal income tax purposes and whose material assets are solely equity interests in foreign subsidiaries, shall be limited to 65% of the voting capital stock and 100% of the non-voting capital stock of such subsidiary), including, without limitation, all of the equity interests in the Borrower;

  

(b)    all present and future debt owed to each Loan Party;

  

(c)    all of the present and future material owned real property and all personal property of the Loan Parties, including, but not limited to, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, material owned real estate, fixtures, deposit and bank accounts, investment property, license rights, patents, trademarks, trade names, copyrights, other intellectual property and other general intangibles, insurance proceeds and instruments; and

  

(d)    all proceeds and products of the property and assets described in clauses (a), (b) and (c) above.

   The Collateral shall ratably secure the relevant party’s obligations in respect of the Senior Credit Facilities, any interest rate swap or similar agreements with a Lender or an affiliate of a Lender and treasury management agreements with a Lender or an affiliate of a Lender.
   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the Collateral shall exclude (i) subject to agreed upon levels, assets to the extent that the Administrative Agent reasonably determines that the benefits of obtaining a security interest in such collateral are outweighed by the costs or burdens of providing the same, (ii) vehicles and other

 

Annex I-8


   assets subject to certificates of title, (iii) any fee owned real property with a value of less than an amount to be agreed (with any required mortgages and flood certifications being permitted to be delivered post-closing) and all leasehold interests (it being understood and agreed that the Borrower shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain landlord lien waivers, estoppels and collateral access letters with respect to leased locations and collateral locations where any books and records of any Loan Party are maintained and where any material Collateral is located), (iv) payroll, trust and de minimus bank accounts, (v) assets of and equity interests in any person other than wholly owned subsidiaries to the extent not permitted by the terms of such person’s organizational or joint venture documents, (vi) any lease, license or other agreement or any property subject to a purchase money security interest or similar arrangement to the extent that a grant of a security interest therein would violate or invalidate such lease, license or agreement or purchase money arrangement or create a right of termination in favor of, or require the consent of, any other party thereto (other than a Loan Party or any of their respective subsidiaries) after giving effect to the applicable anti-assignment provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code, other than proceeds and receivables thereof, the assignment of which is expressly deemed effective under the Uniform Commercial Code notwithstanding such prohibition, (vii) any governmental licenses or state or local franchises, charters and authorizations, to the extent security interests in such licenses, franchises, charters or authorizations are prohibited and restricted thereby, and (viii) “intent-to-use trademark applications.”
Documentation Principles:    The Senior Credit Facilities will be documented pursuant to a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) based on the Credit Agreement dated as of June 11, 2010, among the Target, various lending institutions party thereto, PNC Bank, National Association, as the Global Administrative Agent, as the Swing Line Lender, a LC Issuer and the Collateral Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A., as Co-Syndication Agents, KeyBank National Association and The Bank of Nova Scotia as Co-Documentation Agents, and PNC Capital Markets LLC, as the Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner, as amended (the “Borrower’s Existing Credit Facility”), with modifications to the operational, agency and amendment provisions thereof to reflect the guidelines and practices of the Administrative Agent and with modifications reflecting the terms set forth herein and, which Credit Agreement, to the extent not provided in this Annex I, shall be usual and customary for financings of this type, reflecting the operational and strategic requirements of Borrower and its subsidiaries in light of its size, industry, leverage and practices and as otherwise mutually

 

Annex I-9


   agreed upon. It being further understood and agreed that the Borrower and Lead Arrangers will negotiate in good faith to finalize the Credit Documentation and the Credit Agreement shall contain only those principal and interest payments, conditions to borrowing, mandatory prepayments, representations and warranties, covenants and events of default expressly set forth in this Annex I. This paragraph and the provisions herein are collectively referred to as the “Documentation Principles”.

Conditions Precedent

to Closing and the Initial

  
Borrowing on the   
Closing Date:    As set forth in the Commitment Letter and on Annex II thereto and delivery of a customary borrowing notice and/or letter of credit request, as applicable.
Conditions Precedent to   
Each Subsequent   
Borrowing Under the   
Senior Credit Facilities:    After the Closing Date, each borrowing or issuance or renewal of a Letter of Credit under the Senior Credit Facilities will be subject to satisfaction of the following conditions precedent: (i) all of the representations and warranties in the Credit Documentation shall be materially correct; (ii) no defaults or Events of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and (iii) delivery of a customary borrowing notice or letter of credit request, as applicable.
Representations and   
Warranties:    Shall be limited to the following (with exceptions, materiality and other qualifications to be agreed upon and to be consistent with the Documentation Principles): (i) corporate status, corporate power and authority; (ii) due authorization, execution, delivery and enforceability; (iii) no violation of law, contracts or organizational documents; (iv) no material litigation; (v) accuracy and completeness of specified financial statements and other information and no material adverse change; (vi) no required governmental (including without limitation exchange control) or third party approvals or consents; (vii) use of proceeds/compliance with laws (including the U.S.A. Patriot Act, OFAC, FCPA, other anti-terrorism and anti-money laundering laws and margin regulations); (viii) valid title to property and assets (including, intellectual property and licenses), free and clear of liens, charges and other encumbrances; (ix) status under Investment Company Act; (x) ERISA matters; (xi) environmental matters; (xii) validity, priority and perfection of security interests; (xiii) solvency; (xiv) tax status and payment of taxes; (xv) status as senior debt; (xvi) insurance; and (xvii) labor matters.

 

Annex I-10


Covenants:    Shall be limited to the following (with exceptions, materiality and other qualifications to be agreed upon and to be consistent with the Documentation Principles):
  

(a)    Affirmative Covenants: (i) Compliance with laws and regulations (including, without limitation, ERISA and environmental laws); (ii) payment of taxes and other obligations; (iii) maintenance of appropriate and adequate insurance; (iv) preservation of corporate existence, rights (charter and statutory), franchises, permits, licenses and approvals; (v) visitation and inspection rights; (vi) keeping of proper books in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; (vii) maintenance of properties; (viii) further assurances as to perfection and priority of security interests and additional guarantors and additional collateral; (ix) commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the corporate credit and corporate family ratings by each of S&P and Moody’s (but not to maintain a specific rating); and (x) customary financial and other reporting requirements (including, without limitation, audited annual financial statements and quarterly unaudited financial statements (including management discussion and analysis), quarterly lender calls, notices of defaults, compliance certificates, annual business plans and forecasts, notices of material litigation and proceedings, material environmental actions and liabilities and material ERISA and tax events and liabilities, reports to shareholders and other creditors, and other business and financial information as any Lender through the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request).

  

(b)    Negative Covenants: Restrictions on (i) liens; (ii) debt, guarantees or other contingent obligations (including, without limitation, the subordination of all intercompany indebtedness owing by a Loan Party to a subsidiary that is not a Loan Party on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent); (iii) mergers and consolidations; (iv) sales, transfers and other dispositions of property and assets (other than sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business), provided that the Credit Documentation will include (A) a general asset sale basket equal to $50 million so long as (I) the assets subject to any such sale are sold for fair market value and no less than 75% of the net proceeds thereof are received in cash and (II) the net proceeds of any such sale shall have been applied to the repayment of the Senior Credit Facilities in accordance with the provisions set forth under the heading “Mandatory Prepayments and

 

Annex I-11


   Commitment Reductions” above (subject to any reinvestment described therein) and (B) a basket for the sale of the Non-Core Assets (as defined below) that are sold for fair market value and no less than 75% of the net proceeds thereof are received in cash (“Specified Asset Sales”) so long as the required amount of the net cash proceeds of any such Specified Asset Sale shall have been applied to the repayment of the Senior Credit Facilities in accordance with the provisions set forth under the heading “Mandatory Prepayments and Commitment Reductions” above (without reinvestment as described therein); (v) loans, acquisitions, joint ventures and other investments; (vi) in the case of the Borrower and Holdings, dividends and other distributions to, and redemptions and repurchases from, equity holders, provided that the Credit Documentation will include a general restricted payments basket equal to the sum of $35 million plus an additional unlimited amount, subject to no default or event of default, pro forma compliance with the Financial Covenants (as defined below) and pro forma compliance with a Net Secured Leverage Ratio (defined below) of no greater than 1.5 to 1.0; (vii) transactions with affiliates; (viii) prepaying, redeeming or repurchasing certain debt, including the Existing Senior Rollover Notes; (ix) capital expenditures; (x) granting negative pledges; (xi) changes in the nature of business; (xii) amending organizational documents or amending the Holdco Securities Purchase Agreement (and material related documents), the Existing 2021 Indenture (including the Existing Senior Rollover Notes due 2021 and material related documents) or other material debt agreements; (xiii) changes in accounting policies or reporting practices; in each of the foregoing cases, with such exceptions as may be agreed upon in the Credit Documentation; (xiv) passive holding company; and (xv) changes in fiscal year. “Non-Core Assets” means those assets identified in the Non-Core Assets schedule separately agreed to by the Borrower and the Lead Arrangers dated March 29, 2013. “Net Secured Leverage Ratio” means the ratio of (x) Indebtedness (to be defined as set forth in the Borrower’s Existing Credit Facility) of the Loan Parties and their subsidiaries that is secured by a lien (less up to $75 million of unrestricted domestic cash and cash equivalents) to (y) EBITDA (to be defined as set forth in the Borrower’s Existing Credit Facility and to specifically include the addbacks and adjustments agreed to by the Borrower and the Lead Arrangers in the EBITDA addback schedule dated March 29, 2013).

 

Annex I-12


  

         In addition to the foregoing, payments in respect of restricted stock units, performance stock units and options held by the Weiss family shall be foregone or contributed to the Borrower (net of taxes payable thereon) in the manner set forth in the Acquisition Agreement.

  

(c)    Financial Covenants: Limited to the following (collectively, the “Financial Covenants”):

  

•   Maintenance of a maximum Total Net Leverage Ratio (to be defined as the ratio of (x) Indebtedness of the Loan Parties and their subsidiaries (less up to $75 million of unrestricted domestic cash and cash equivalents) to (y) EBITDA); and

  

•   Maintenance of a minimum Interest Coverage Ratio (to be defined as the ratio of (x) Consolidated Interest Expense (to be defined as set forth in the Borrower’s Existing Credit Facility) of the Loan Parties and their subsidiaries to (y) EBITDA).

   The Financial Covenants will be calculated on a consolidated basis and for each consecutive four fiscal quarter period, except that during the first year following the Closing Date such measurements shall be made for the period of time since the Closing Date and, where appropriate, annualized. The Financial Covenants will be set at a 30% non-cumulative cushion to EBITDA as projected in the annual forecast delivered to the Lead Arrangers as of March 26, 2013 (the “Annual Projections”) and the quarterly presentation thereof described in clause (ix) of Annex II to the Commitment Letter. All measurements in the Credit Documentation of total and secured net leverage ratios will include a cap on cash netting of $75.0 million and all such measurements (other than for purposes of determining compliance with the Financial Covenants) shall include the impact of rolling four quarter average borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.
   For purposes of determining compliance with the Financial Covenants, any cash equity contribution to Holdings (funded with proceeds of common equity or other equity from any equity holder as of the Closing Date or any of their respective affiliates and co-investors) after the end of a fiscal quarter and on or prior to the day that is 10 business days after the day on which financial statements are required to be delivered for such fiscal quarter that is

 

Annex I-13


   contributed to the Borrower as common equity will be included in the calculation of EBITDA for the purposes of determining compliance with the Financial Covenants at the end of such fiscal quarter and any subsequent period that includes such fiscal quarter (any such equity contribution so included in the calculation of EBITDA, a “Specified Equity Contribution”); provided that (a) in each consecutive four fiscal quarter period there shall be no more than two Specified Equity Contributions made, (b) no more than five Specified Equity Contributions shall be made during the term of the Senior Credit Facilities, (c) the amount of any Specified Equity Contribution shall be no greater than the amount required to cause the Loan Parties to be in compliance with the Financial Covenants, (d) all Specified Equity Contributions shall be disregarded for purposes of determining any financial ratio-based conditions (other than the Financial Covenants themselves) or any baskets, (e) all Specified Equity Contributions shall be disregarded for purposes of cash that may be netted in any ratio-based test or condition, including the Financial Covenants and (f) there shall be no pro forma or other reduction in indebtedness with the proceeds of any Specified Equity Contribution for determining compliance with any Financial Covenant or ratio.
Interest Rate Protection:    Within 90 days after the Closing Date, the Borrower shall enter into interest rate swap contracts with terms and conditions and with a Lender or a counterparty reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent covering such amount of consolidated funded debt for borrowed money such that at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of consolidated funded debt for borrowed money of Holdings and its subsidiaries is subject to interest rate swap contracts providing for effective payment of interest on a fixed rate basis or bears interest at fixed rates for a period of at least two years.
Events of Default:    Shall be limited to the following (with exceptions, materiality, notice and grace provisions and other qualifications to be agreed and consistent with the Documentation Principles): (i) nonpayment of principal and nonpayment within 3 business days of interest, fees or other amounts; (ii) any representation or warranty proving to have been materially incorrect when made or confirmed; (iii) failure to perform or observe covenants set forth in the Credit Documentation within a specified period of time, where customary and appropriate, after notice or knowledge of such failure; (iv) cross-defaults to other material indebtedness in an amount to be agreed; (v) bankruptcy and insolvency defaults (with grace period for involuntary proceedings); (vi) monetary judgment defaults in an amount to be agreed and material non-monetary judgment defaults; (vii) actual or asserted impairment of the Credit Documentation or security; (viii) Change of Control (to be defined); and (ix) customary ERISA defaults.

 

Annex I-14


Assignments and   
Participations:    Each Lender will be permitted to make assignments in minimum amounts to be agreed to other financial institutions approved by the Administrative Agent and, so long as no event of default has occurred, the Borrower, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided, however, that (x) neither the approval of the Borrower nor the Administrative Agent shall be required in connection with assignments to other Lenders or any of their affiliates and (y) the consent of the Borrower shall be deemed to be given if the Borrower has not responded within 10 business days of a request for such consent. Each Lender will also have the right, without consent of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, to assign (i) as security all or part of its rights under the Credit Documentation to any Federal Reserve Bank and (ii) all or part of its rights or obligations under the Credit Documentation to any of its affiliates. Lenders will be permitted to sell participations with voting rights limited to significant matters such as changes in amount, rate and maturity date. The Administrative Agent shall receive a processing and recordation fee of $3,500 for each assignment (unless waived by the Administrative Agent). Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Lender shall be permitted to make assignments or sell participations to any Disqualified Lender. As used herein, a “Disqualified Lender” shall mean (i) certain banks, financial institutions and other institutional lenders, investors and funds and their affiliates, in each case, that have been specified in writing to the Lead Arrangers by you at any time prior to the date of the execution by the Commitment Parties of the Commitment Letter and (ii) any person, a substantial part of whose business, directly or indirectly through an affiliate of such person, is the design, manufacture or distribution of greeting cards, stationary, party supplies, gift-wrapping supplies, photo products or any other products related to any of the foregoing, in each case, that have been specified in writing to the Lead Arrangers by you at any time prior to the date of the execution by the Commitment Parties of the Commitment Letter, as such list, in the case of this clause (ii), may be updated from time to time by notice to the Administrative Agent; provided, that notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall any Debt Fund Affiliate (as defined below) be so specified or otherwise constitute a Disqualified Lender. “Debt Fund Affiliate” shall mean any affiliate of a Disqualified Lender that is a bona fide debt fund or an investment vehicle that is engaged in the making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans, bonds and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course and whose managers

 

Annex I-15


   have fiduciary duties to the investors in such fund or investment vehicle independent of, or in addition to, their duties to such Disqualified Lender. The Administrative Agent shall not have any responsibility for ensuring that an assignee of, or a participant in, a loan or commitment in respect of the Senior Credit Facilities is not a Disqualified Lender, and shall not have any liability in the event that loans or commitments in respect of the Senior Credit Facilities, or a participation therein, are transferred to any Disqualified Lender.
Waivers and Amendments:    Amendments and waivers of the provisions of the Credit Documentation will require the approval of Lenders holding advances and commitments representing more than 50% of the aggregate advances and commitments under the Senior Credit Facilities (the “Required Lenders”), except that the consent of all of the Lenders be required with respect to, among other things, (i) increases in commitment amounts, (ii) reductions of principal, interest, or fees, (iii) extensions of scheduled maturities or times for payment, (iv) releases of all or substantially all of the collateral or value of the guarantees and (v) changes that impose any restriction on the ability of any Lender to assign any of its rights or obligations.
Defaulting Lenders:    The Credit Documentation will include defaulting lender provisions, customary for facilities of this type, including, without limitation, the exclusion of defaulting lenders from the determination of Required Lenders.
Indemnification:    The Borrower will indemnify and hold harmless the Administrative Agent, the Revolver Administrative Agent, the Lead Arrangers, each Lender and each of their affiliates and their officers, directors, employees, agents and advisors from and against all losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses arising out of or relating to the Transaction, the Senior Credit Facilities, the Borrower’s use of loan proceeds or the commitments, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, which shall be limited to one counsel, and if necessary, one local counsel in each appropriate jurisdiction and, solely in the case of a conflict of interest, one special conflicts counsel to all affected indemnified persons, taken as a whole, and settlement costs, unless such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses is found in a final, non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction (i) to arise from the gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith of the applicable indemnified person, or (ii) to result from a claim brought by the Borrower against an indemnified person for a material breach of such indemnified person’s obligations under the Commitment Letter, the Fee Letters or other Credit Documentation. This indemnification shall survive and continue for the benefit of all such persons or entities, notwithstanding any failure of the Senior Credit Facilities to close.

 

Annex I-16


Governing Law:    New York.
Expenses:    The Borrower will pay all reasonable documented costs and out-of-pocket expenses associated with the preparation, due diligence, administration, syndication and enforcement of all Credit Documentation, including, without limitation, the legal fees and expenses of the Administrative Agent’s counsel, regardless of whether or not the Senior Credit Facilities are closed. The Borrower will also pay the documented costs and out-of-pocket expenses of each Lender in connection with the enforcement of any of the Credit Documentation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower shall only be reasonable for fees, disbursements and other charges of one counsel, and if necessary, one local counsel in each appropriate jurisdiction.
Counsel to the   
Administrative Agent:    Latham & Watkins LLP.
Miscellaneous:    Each of the parties shall (i) waive its right to a trial by jury and (ii) submit to New York jurisdiction. The Credit Documentation will contain customary increased cost, withholding tax, capital adequacy and yield protection provisions.

 

Annex I-17


ANNEX II

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING

$600,000,000 SENIOR CREDIT FACILITIES

Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the same meanings as specified therefor in the Commitment Letter to which this Annex II is attached.

The closing and the initial extension of credit under the Senior Credit Facilities will be subject solely to the following:

 

(i) The Acquisition shall be consummated pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger provided to the Lead Arrangers by email at approximately 2:43 p.m., prevailing New York time, on March 29, 2013 (subject to any modifications, consents or waivers thereto that comply with the provisions of this clause (i), and together with the exhibits and schedules thereto, the “Acquisition Agreement”) concurrently with the closing of the Senior Credit Facilities. Holdings shall receive not less than $240.0 million (or such lesser amount as is determined in accordance with the second paragraph of the Commitment Letter) in cash proceeds under the New Holdco Preferred Investment pursuant to the Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement provided to the Lead Arrangers by email at approximately 2:43 p.m., prevailing New York time, on March 29, 2013 (subject to any modifications, consents or waivers thereto that comply with the provisions of this clause (i), and together with the exhibits and schedules thereto, the Stockholders Agreement among Holdings, the Common Stockholders (as defined therein), the Family Unitholders (as defined therein) and the Investors (as defined therein) and the Certificate of Incorporation of Holdings, the “Holdco Securities Purchase Agreement”) and such cash proceeds shall have been contributed to Merger Sub in cash as common equity, in each case, concurrently with the closing of the Senior Credit Facilities. The Acquisition Agreement and the Holdco Securities Purchase Agreement shall not have been altered, amended or otherwise changed or supplemented or any condition therein waived without the prior written consent of the Lenders to the extent any such alteration, amendment, or other change would be materially adverse to the Lenders.

 

(ii)

Since March 1, 2012, there have not been any facts, circumstances, events, changes, effects or occurrences that have had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect (as defined below); provided, however, that facts, circumstances, events, changes, effects or occurrences that are set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule (as defined in the Acquisition Agreement), to the extent that it is reasonably apparent that such disclosure is relevant, will not be taken into account for purposes of determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred. “Material Adverse Effect” shall mean any fact, circumstance, event, change, effect or occurrence (whether or not constituting any breach of a representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in the Acquisition Agreement) that (i) has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the assets, properties, liabilities, business, results of operation or financial condition of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, but will not include facts, circumstances, events, changes,

 

Annex II-1


effects or occurrences to the extent, or to the extent attributable to: (A) generally affecting the greeting card or social expressions industry in the geographies in which the Company operates, (B) generally affecting the economy, credit or financial markets in the geographies in which the Company operates, (C) changes after the date of the Acquisition Agreement in Law or in generally accepted accounting principles or in accounting standards, or any regulatory and political conditions or developments, (D) the announcement of the Acquisition Agreement or the consummation of the Merger (other than for purposes of any representation or warranty contained in Sections 3.3(b)-(c) of the Acquisition Agreement), (E) acts of war or military action, sabotage or terrorism, or any escalation or worsening of any such acts of war or military action, sabotage or terrorism, (F) earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados or other natural disasters, except, in the case of each of clauses (A), (B), (C), (E) and (F), to the extent any fact, circumstance, event, change, effect or occurrence disproportionately impacts the assets, properties, business, results of operation or financial condition of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, relative to other participants in the industries in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate, (G) any action taken by the Company or its Subsidiaries (1) that is expressly required by the Acquisition Agreement (other than with respect to the Company’s obligations to comply with Section 5.1(a) or Section 5.5 of the Acquisition Agreement), (2) taken with Parent’s and the Lead Arrangers’ written consent, or (3) resulting from any action taken at the written request of Parent with the consent of the Lead Arrangers, (H) resulting from any change in the market price or trading volume of securities of the Company in and of itself; provided that a fact, circumstance, event, change, effect or occurrence causing or contributing to the change in market price or volume will not be disregarded from the determination of a Material Adverse Effect, or (I) the fact of any failure to meet revenue or earnings projections, forecasts, estimates or guidance for any period, whether relating to financial performance or business metrics, including revenues, net incomes, cash flows or cash positions, provided that a fact, circumstance, event, change, effect or occurrence causing or contributing to such failure shall not be disregarded from the determination of a Material Adverse Effect; or (ii) that would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially delay or impair the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under the Acquisition Agreement or to consummate the Transactions. Each of the capitalized terms used in the definition of “Material Adverse Effect” (other than “Acquisition Agreement”, “Lead Arrangers” and “Material Adverse Effect” which shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Commitment Letter) shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Acquisition Agreement as of the date hereof.

 

(iii) The Commitment Parties shall have received certification in the form of the certificate attached hereto as Exhibit I as to the financial condition and solvency of Holdings, the Borrower and the other Guarantors (determined on a consolidated basis after giving effect to the Transaction and the incurrence of indebtedness related thereto) from the chief financial officer (or other responsible officer reasonably satisfactory to the Lead Arrangers) of Holdings.

 

(iv)

The Commitment Parties shall have received (a) customary opinions of counsel to the Borrower and the Guarantors (which shall cover, among other things, authority, legality, validity, binding effect and enforceability of the documents for the Senior Credit

 

Annex II-2


Facilities and creation and perfection of the liens granted thereunder on the Collateral) customary for financings of this type and reasonably acceptable to the Lead Arrangers and such corporate resolutions, customary secretary certificates, officer’s certificates and other corporate documents as such Lenders shall reasonably require and (b) satisfactory evidence that subject to the Certain Funds Provision, the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Lenders) shall have a valid and perfected first priority (subject to certain exceptions to be set forth in the Credit Documentation) lien and security interest in such capital stock that constitutes Collateral and in the other Collateral.

 

(v) Subject to the Certain Funds Provision, all customary filings, recordations and searches necessary or desirable in connection with the liens and security interests in the Collateral shall have been duly made. The Lenders shall be reasonably satisfied that the amount, types and terms and conditions of all insurance maintained by the Borrower and its subsidiaries comply with the requirements of the Credit Documentation, and, subject to the Certain Funds Provision, the Lenders shall have received endorsements naming the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, as an additional insured or loss payee, as the case may be, under all insurance policies to be maintained with respect to the properties of the Borrower and its subsidiaries forming part of the Collateral.

 

(vi) The Commitment Parties shall have received: (A) audited consolidated financial statements of the Companies for the three fiscal years ended at least 90 days prior to the Acquisition (the Commitment Parties acknowledge receipt of the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the fiscal years ended February 2010, February 2011 and February 2012 to the extent any such financial statements are not restated or the audit opinion thereon withdrawn after the date hereof), unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Companies for any interim quarterly periods that have ended at least 45 days prior to the Closing Date since the most recent of such audited financial statements, and pro forma financial statements as to the Companies giving effect to the Transaction for the most recently completed fiscal year and the period commencing with the end of the most recently completed fiscal year and ending with the most recently completed month; (B) forecasts prepared by management of the Companies, each in form satisfactory to the Lead Arrangers, of balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements for each year commencing with the first fiscal year following the Closing Date for the term of the Senior Credit Facilities, presented both on an annual and, with respect to the fiscal year ending February 28, 2014, on a quarterly basis consistent with the Annual Projections (the Commitment Parties acknowledge receipt of and satisfaction with the Annual Projections, but for the avoidance of doubt, not the quarterly presentation described above); and (C) a certificate from the chief financial officer (or other responsible officer reasonably satisfactory to the Lead Arrangers) of Holdings certifying that the pro forma financial statements delivered pursuant to clause (A) above and the forecasts delivered pursuant to clause (B) above were prepared in good faith on the basis of the assumptions stated therein, which assumptions were believed by the preparer thereof to be reasonable at the time prepared.

 

(vii) The Commitment Parties shall have received satisfactory evidence that concurrently with the closing of the Senior Credit Facilities, the Equity Contribution shall be consummated.

 

Annex II-3


(viii) After giving effect to the Transaction, the Borrower and its subsidiaries shall have outstanding no indebtedness or preferred stock other than (a) the loans and other extensions of credit under the Senior Credit Facilities, (b) the New Holdco Preferred Investment, (c) the Existing Senior Rollover Notes and (d) other indebtedness in limited amounts to be mutually agreed upon (including, at the Borrower’s election, the AR Facility). The Administrative Agent shall have received reasonably satisfactory evidence of repayment of all indebtedness to be repaid on the Closing Date and the discharge (or the making of arrangements for discharge) of all liens other than liens permitted to remain outstanding under the Credit Documentation.

 

(ix) The Lead Arrangers shall have been afforded a period prior to the Closing Date (the “Marketing Period”) of at least 15 consecutive business days (ending on the business day immediately prior to the Closing Date) following earlier of delivery of the information required to be delivered under Section 2 of the Commitment Letter necessary for inclusion in the Confidential Information Memorandum (the “Required Bank Information”) (provided that (x) such 15 business day period shall not be required to be consecutive to the extent it would include July 4, 2013 through July 5, 2013 (which dates shall not count for purposes of the 15 business day period) and (y) if such consecutive business day period has not ended prior to August 16, 2013, then it will not commence until September 3, 2013). If the Borrower shall in good faith reasonably believe that it has delivered the Required Bank Information, it may deliver to the Lead Arrangers written notice to that effect (stating when it believes it completed the applicable delivery), in which case the Required Bank Information shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date of the applicable notice, unless the Lead Arrangers in good faith reasonably believe that the Borrower has not completed delivery of the Required Bank Information, and, within 3 business days after its receipt of such notice from the Borrower, such person delivers a written notice to the Borrower to that effect (stating with specificity the Required Bank Information that has not been delivered).

 

(x) Either (i) after giving pro forma effect to the Transaction, the Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the indenture governing the Senior Rollover Notes due 2021 (the “Existing 2021 Indenture”)) shall not be greater than 3.0 to 1.0, and the Lead Arrangers shall have received a certificate from the chief financial officer (or other responsible officer reasonably satisfactory to the Lead Arrangers) of Holdings certifying (and demonstrating to the reasonable satisfaction of the Lead Arrangers) that the condition specified in this clause has been satisfied, or (ii) the Company shall have obtained a waiver, consent or amendment under the Existing 2021 Indenture so as to permit the consummation of the Transaction in a manner that does not result in a breach of Section 4.11(b)(vi) of the Existing 2021 Indenture.

 

Annex II-4


EXHIBIT I

FORM OF SOLVENCY CERTIFICATE

[•], 20[•]

This Solvency Certificate is being executed and delivered pursuant to Section [•] of that certain [•] (the “Credit Agreement”; the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined).

The undersigned, [•], [•] of Holdings, is familiar with the properties, businesses, assets and liabilities of Holdings and its Subsidiaries and is duly authorized to execute this certificate (this “Solvency Certificate”) on behalf of Holdings.

The undersigned certifies, on behalf of Holdings and not in his or her individual capacity, that he or she has made such investigation and inquiries as to the financial condition of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as the undersigned deems reasonably necessary and prudent for the purposes of providing this Solvency Certificate. The undersigned acknowledges that the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders are relying on the truth and accuracy of this Solvency Certificate in connection with the making of Loans and the issuance of Letters of Credit under the Credit Agreement.

The undersigned certifies, on behalf of Holdings and not in his or her individual capacity, that (a) the financial information, projections and assumptions which underlie and form the basis for the representations made in this Solvency Certificate were made in good faith and were based on assumptions reasonably believed by Holdings to be fair in light of the circumstances existing at the time made and continue to be reasonable as of the date hereof; and (b) for purposes of providing this Solvency Certificate, the amount of contingent liabilities has been computed as the amount that, in the light of all the facts and circumstances existing as of the time of such computation, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

BASED ON THE FOREGOING, the undersigned certifies, on behalf of Holdings and not in his or her individual capacity, that, on the date hereof, after giving effect to the Transactions (and the Loans made or to be made and other obligations incurred or to be incurred on the Closing Date): (a) the fair value of the property of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, is greater than the total amount of liabilities, including, without limitation, contingent liabilities, of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, (b) the present fair salable value of the assets of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, on their debts as they become absolute and matured, (c) Holdings and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, do not intend to, and do not believe that they will, incur debts or liabilities beyond Holdings’ and its Subsidiaries’, on a consolidated basis, ability to pay such debts and liabilities as they mature, (d) Holdings and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are not engaged in business or a transaction, and are not about to engage in business or a transaction, for which Holdings’ and its Subsidiaries’, on a consolidated basis, property would constitute unreasonably small capital, and (e) Holdings and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are able to pay their debts and liabilities as the same become due and payable. For purposes of the immediately preceding sentence, the amount of contingent liabilities at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in the light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

Exhibit I-1


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have executed this Solvency Certificate on the date first written above.

 

[HOLDINGS]
By:    
Name:   [•]
Title:   [•]

 

Exhibit I-2

EX-8 4 d514424dex8.htm EX-8 EX-8

Exhibit 8

EXECUTION VERSION

ROLLOVER AND CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

Rollover and Contribution Agreement (this “Agreement”), dated March 29, 2013, among Three-Twenty-Three Family Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Family LLC”), Century Intermediate Holding Company, a Delaware corporation and wholly owned Subsidiary of Family LLC (“Parent”), and the shareholders (“Family Shareholders” and, together with Family LLC and Parent, the “Parties”) of American Greetings Corporation, an Ohio corporation (the “Company”), listed on Annex A.

RECITALS

A. Concurrent with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, Parent, Century Merger Company, an Ohio corporation and wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”), and the Company are entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), which provides, among other things, for the merger (the “Merger”) of Merger Sub with and into the Company, with the Company surviving as a wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent (the “Surviving Corporation”);

B. As of the date hereof, each Family Shareholder is the beneficial owner of, and has the right to dispose of and, except as set forth on Annex A, the right to vote, (i) that number of Class A Common Shares, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company (“Class A Common Shares”) and (ii) that number of Class B Common Shares, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company (“Class B Common Shares” and together with Class A Common Shares, “Rolled Shares”), set forth opposite such Family Shareholder’s name under the column “Total Common Shares as of the Date of this Agreement” on Annex A;

C. Subject to the conditions set forth herein, immediately prior to the Effective Time, (i) in connection with a planned dissolution of Irving I. Stone Limited Liability Company, an Ohio limited liability company (“Stone LLC”), Stone LLC will distribute the Rolled Shares owned by it (the “Stone Shares”) as of the date hereof to certain of the other Family Shareholders in the amounts set forth on Annex B, (ii) each Family Shareholder other than Stone LLC (collectively, the “Rolling Shareholders”) will exchange that number of Rolled Shares held by such Rolling Shareholder immediately prior to the Rollover and Contribution Closing for membership units in Family LLC (“Family LLC Units”) and (iii) Family LLC will issue to such Rolling Shareholder, in exchange for such Rolled Shares, Family LLC Units as set forth opposite each Rolling Shareholder’s name on Annex A; and

D. Subject to the conditions set forth herein, immediately after the Rollover (as defined below), (i) Family LLC will contribute the Rolled Shares to Parent and (ii) Parent will issue to Family LLC, in exchange for the contribution of such Rolled Shares, shares of common stock of Parent (the “Parent Common Stock”) representing 100% of the outstanding common stock of Parent.


NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

I. ROLLOVER AND CONTRIBUTION

1.1 Rollover. (a) Immediately prior to the Effective Time, (i) Stone LLC will distribute the Stone Shares to certain of the other Family Shareholders in the amounts set forth on Annex B (the “Stone Distribution”), (ii) each Rolling Shareholder will assign, transfer and deliver (“Transfer”) such Rolling Shareholder’s Rolled Shares to Family LLC, and in exchange for such Rolled Shares, Family LLC will issue and deliver to such Rolling Shareholder or, if uncertificated, record in the records of Family LLC ownership of, the number of Family LLC Units set forth opposite such Rolling Shareholder’s name on Annex A (collectively, the “Rollover”) and (iii) any and all Family LLC Units previously issued will cease to be outstanding and will automatically be cancelled and cease to exist.

(b) Immediately prior to the Effective Time, any and all rights to purchase or acquire Class A Common Shares or Class B Common Shares held by a Family Shareholder immediately prior to the Effective Time will be treated as set forth on Annex C.

1.2 Contribution. Immediately after the Rollover and prior to the Effective Time, Family LLC will Transfer the Rolled Shares to Parent (the “Contribution”), and in exchange for the contribution of such Rolled Shares, Parent will issue and deliver to Family LLC 100 shares of Parent Common Stock representing 100% of the outstanding common stock of Parent. As of the Effective Time, all other shares of Parent Common Stock previously issued will cease to be outstanding and will automatically be cancelled and cease to exist.

1.3 Termination of Merger Agreement. In the event that the Rollover and Contribution are consummated but the Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, then the Rollover and Contribution will be void ab initio and deemed not to have occurred and (a) Family LLC will deliver to Parent the certificates representing all Parent Common Stock received by Family LLC pursuant to Section 1.2 and Parent will deliver to Family LLC the certificates representing all Rolled Shares previously delivered by Family LLC to Parent, and (b) if the Family LLC Units are certificated, each Rolling Shareholder will deliver to Family LLC the certificates representing all Family LLC Units received by such Rolling Shareholder pursuant to Section 1.1 or, if uncertificated, such documentation reasonably requested by Family LLC to effect the return of such Family LLC Units, and Family LLC will deliver to each Rolling Shareholder the Rolled Shares previously delivered by such Rolling Shareholder to Family LLC.

1.4 Closing. (a) The closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Rollover and Contribution Closing”) will take place at the offices of Jones Day, North Point, 901 Lakeside Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44114, immediately prior to the Effective Time.

 

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(b) At the Rollover and Contribution Closing:

(i) Stone LLC will deliver to the Family Shareholders specified on Annex B stock certificates duly endorsed for transfer to each such Family Shareholder, or accompanied by stock powers duly endorsed in blank, representing the Stone Shares in the amounts to be transferred to each such Family Shareholder as set forth opposite such Family Shareholder’s name on Annex B;

(ii) each Rolling Shareholder will deliver to Family LLC stock certificates duly endorsed for transfer to Family LLC, or accompanied by stock powers duly endorsed in blank, representing each such Rolling Shareholder’s Rolled Shares and the Stone Shares, and Family LLC will reflect in its records such Rolling Shareholder’s ownership of the number of Family LLC Units set forth opposite such Rolling Shareholder’s name on Annex A;

(iii) Family LLC will deliver to Parent stock certificates duly endorsed for transfer to Parent, or accompanied by stock powers duly endorsed in blank, representing the Rolled Shares and the Stone Shares, and Parent will reflect in its records Family LLC’s ownership of 100 shares of Parent Common Stock; and

(iv) each Rolling Shareholder will duly execute and deliver the Limited Liability Company Agreement of Family LLC, in substantially the form provided to the Special Committee as of the date hereof.

II. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

2.1 Representations and Warranties of the Family Shareholders. Each Family Shareholder represents and warrants as to his, her or itself as follows:

(a) Binding Agreement. Such Family Shareholder has the capacity to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, and (i) in the case of each Family Shareholder that is an individual, the execution and delivery of this Agreement does not require any consent from such Family Shareholder’s spouse or any other Person and (ii) in the case of each Family Shareholder that is a trust, partnership, limited liability company or other entity, the Person identified as such on Annex A is such Family Shareholder’s authorized signatory and has the authority to execute and deliver this Agreement on behalf of such Family Shareholder. Such Family Shareholder has duly and validly executed and delivered this Agreement and this Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Family Shareholder, enforceable against such Family Shareholder in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles.

(b) Ownership of Shares. Such Family Shareholder is the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which meaning will apply for all purposes of this Agreement) of, and has the power to vote and dispose of, the number of Rolled Shares set forth opposite such Family Shareholder’s name in Annex A hereto free and clear of Liens or other limitations or

 

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restrictions (including any restriction on the right to vote, sell or otherwise dispose of such Rolled Shares), except as may exist by reason of this Agreement and, except in the case of the Stone Shares, for the Foundation Pledge. Except as provided in this Agreement, there are no outstanding options or other rights to acquire from such Family Shareholder, or obligations of such Family Shareholder to sell or to dispose of, any of such Rolled Shares (except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement).

(c) No Conflict. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor the performance of such Family Shareholder’s obligations hereunder will (i) result in a violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default (or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation, or acceleration) under, any Contract to which such Family Shareholder is a party, or result in the creation of a Lien with respect to such Family Shareholder’s Rolled Shares, (ii) require any consent, authorization, approval or permits of any Person other than an affiliate of such Family Shareholder, or filings with or notifications to any Person or (iii) violate or conflict with any Order applicable to such Family Shareholder or such Family Shareholder’s Rolled Shares.

(d) Investor’s Experience. Such Rolled Shareholder’s financial situation is such that the Rolled Shareholder can afford to bear the economic risk of holding the Family LLC Units to be received by such Family Shareholder, and such Rolled Shareholder can afford to suffer complete loss of its investment in such Family LLC Units. Such Rolled Shareholder’s knowledge and experience in financial and business matters are such that the Rolled Shareholder is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the Rolled Shareholder’s investment in such Family LLC Units.

(e) Investment Intent. Such Rolled Shareholder is acquiring Family LLC Units solely for the Rolled Shareholder’s own account for investment and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof. Such Rolled Shareholder will not, directly or indirectly, Transfer or offer to Transfer any Family LLC Units, except in compliance with applicable Law, this Agreement and any other agreement among the Rolled Shareholders.

2.2 Representations and Warranties of Family LLC. Family LLC represents and warrants as follows:

(a) Binding Agreement. Family LLC has the capacity to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. Family LLC has duly and validly executed and delivered this Agreement and this Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Family LLC, enforceable against Family LLC in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles.

(b) Due Organization. Family LLC is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Delaware.

 

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(c) No Conflict. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor the performance of Family LLC’s obligations hereunder will (i) result in a violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default (or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation, or acceleration) under any Contract to which Family LLC is a party, or result in the creation of a Lien with respect to the Rolled Shares held by Family LLC, (ii) require any consent, authorization, approval or permits of, filings with or notifications to any Person, or (iii) violate or conflict with any Order applicable to Family LLC or the Rolled Shares held by Family LLC.

(d) Investment Intent. Family LLC is acquiring Parent Common Stock solely for Family LLC’s own account for investment and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof. Family LLC will not, directly or indirectly, Transfer or offer to Transfer any Parent Common Stock, except in compliance with applicable Law, this Agreement or agreement between Family LLC and other holder (if any) of Parent Common Stock.

2.3 Representations and Warranties of Parent. Parent represents and warrants as follows:

(a) Binding Agreement. Parent has the capacity to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. Parent has duly and validly executed and delivered this Agreement and this Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Parent, enforceable against Parent in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles.

(b) Due Organization. Parent is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Delaware.

(c) No Conflict. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor the performance of Parent’s obligations hereunder will (i) result in a violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default (or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation, or acceleration) under any Contract to which Parent is a party, (ii) require any consent, authorization, approval or permits of, filings with or notifications to any Person, or (iii) violate or conflict with any Order applicable to Parent.

III. CONDITIONS AND COVENANTS

3.1 Conditions Precedent. The obligations of Family LLC and each Family Shareholder to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth under Article VI of the Merger Agreement, other than those conditions that can be satisfied only as of the Closing under the Merger Agreement.

 

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3.2 Certain Approvals; Tax Matters. (a) Each Family Shareholder hereby acknowledges that each of the Officer Shareholders, as the directors of Family LLC, may take any and all actions on behalf of Family LLC in their respective sole discretion, including voting the shares of Parent held by Family LLC, before the Effective Time.

(b) The Parties will (i) treat the Rollover as a tax-free partnership contribution under Section 721 of the Code, for all federal, state and local income Tax purposes, (ii) treat the Contribution as a tax-free contribution under Section 351 of the Code, for all federal, state and local income Tax purposes, and (iii) not take any position on any Tax Return that is inconsistent with such treatment.

3.3 Further Assurances. Each Party will execute such documents and other papers and take such further actions as may be reasonably required or desirable to carry out the provisions hereof and the transactions contemplated hereby.

IV. MISCELLANEOUS.

4.1 Survival of Representations and Warranties. This Article IV and the representations and warranties, covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement will survive the consummation of the Merger.

4.2 Expenses. Except as otherwise provided in the Merger Agreement, whether or not the Merger is consummated, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Merger will be paid by the party incurring or required to incur such expenses; provided, however, if the Merger is consummated, all costs and expenses incurred by the Family Shareholders, Family LLC or Parent in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby will be paid by the Surviving Corporation.

4.3 Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Ohio without reference to such state’s principles of conflict of laws. Each of the Parties irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Cleveland, Ohio in connection with any matter based upon or arising out of this Agreement or the matters contemplated herein, agrees that process may be served upon them in any manner authorized by the Laws of the State of Ohio for such Persons and waives and covenants not to assert or plead any objection that they might otherwise have.

4.4 Specific Performance; Remedies. The Parties agree that irreparable harm would occur in the event any of the provisions of this Agreement were not to be performed in accordance with the terms hereof, that the right of specific performance is an integral part of this Agreement and that without that right none of the Parties would have entered into this Agreement and that the Parties will be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement or to enforce specifically the performance of the terms hereof without proof of damages or otherwise, in addition to any other remedies to which they are entitled at Law or in equity. Each of the Parties hereby waives any defenses in any action for specific performance, including the

 

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defense that a remedy at Law would be adequate. Except as otherwise provided herein, all remedies available under this Agreement, at Law or otherwise, will be deemed cumulative and not alternative or exclusive of other remedies.

4.5 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING BETWEEN THE PARTIES HERETO ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

4.6 Notices. Any notice required to be given hereunder, must be in writing and sent by facsimile transmission (which is confirmed) (provided that any notice received by facsimile transmission or otherwise at the addressee’s location on any Business Day after 5:00 p.m. (addressee’s local time) will be deemed to have been received at 9:00 a.m. (addressee’s local time) on the next Business Day), by reliable overnight delivery service (with proof of service) or hand delivery (return receipt requested and first-class postage prepaid) to any Family Shareholders at the address of such Family Shareholder set forth on Annex A and to Family LLC or Parent, respectively, at the following address:

c/o American Greetings Corporation

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44144

Facsimile:   (216) 252-6741

Attention:    Zev Weiss

with a copy to (which will not constitute notice):

Jones Day

North Point

901 Lakeside Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Facsimile:   (216) 579-0212

Attention:    Lyle G. Ganske, Esq.

         James P. Dougherty, Esq.

and

Jones Day

222 East 41st Street

New York, New York 10017

Facsimile:  (212) 755-7306

Attention:   Robert A. Profusek, Esq.

or to such other address as any Party may specify by written notice so given, and such notice will be deemed to have been delivered as of the date so telecommunicated or personally delivered or the next Business Day for notices delivered by overnight delivery service. Any Party may notify any other Party of any changes to the address or any of

 

7


the other details specified in this paragraph; provided, however, that such notification will only be effective on the date specified in such notice or five Business Days after the notice is given, whichever is later. Rejection or other refusal to accept or the inability to deliver because of changed address of which no notice was given will be deemed to be receipt of the notice as of the date of such rejection, refusal or inability to deliver.

4.7 Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder may be assigned by any of the Parties (whether by operation of Law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other Parties and the Company (acting at the direction of the Special Committee). Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement will be binding upon and will inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and assigns and the Company as provided herein.

4.8 Entire Agreement; Parties in Interest. (a) This Agreement (including the annexes hereto) constitutes the entire agreement, and supersedes all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the Parties, or between any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof.

(b) This Agreement will be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns. Except as set forth in Section 4.8(c), nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or will confer upon any other Person any rights, benefits or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that the Company is hereby made a third party beneficiary of this Agreement for the purposes of enforcing (including specific performance of) Parent’s rights to cause the Rollover and Contribution to be consummated in accordance with the terms hereof, solely to the extent expressly provided and permitted by the terms and conditions of Section 8.4(b) of the Merger Agreement and the terms and conditions hereof.

4.9 Amendments; Waivers. At any time prior to the Effective Time, any provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived if, and only if, (i) the prior written consent of the Company (acting at the direction of the Special Committee) shall have been obtained and (ii) such amendment or waiver is in writing and signed, in the case of an amendment, by all of the Parties, or in the case of a waiver, by the Party against whom the waiver is to be effective. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no knowledge, investigation or inquiry, or failure or delay by the Company or a Party in exercising any right hereunder will operate as a waiver thereof nor will any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise of any other right hereunder.

4.10 Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void, invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement will continue in full force and effect and the application of such provision to other Persons or

 

8


circumstances will be interpreted so as reasonably to effect the intent of the Parties. The Parties further agree to replace such illegal, void, invalid or unenforceable provision of this Agreement with a legal, valid and enforceable provision that achieves, to the extent possible, the economic, business and other purposes of such illegal, void, invalid or unenforceable provision.

4.11 Interpretation. When a reference is made in this Agreement to an Article or Section, such reference will be to an Article or Section of this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. Whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they will be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” The words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement will refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. All terms defined in this Agreement will have the defined meanings when used in any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant thereto unless otherwise defined therein. The definitions contained in this Agreement are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms and to the masculine as well as to the feminine and neuter genders of such term. Any agreement, instrument or statute defined or referred to herein or in any agreement or instrument that is referred to herein means such agreement, instrument or statute as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, including (in the case of agreements or instruments) by waiver or consent and (in the case of statutes) by succession of comparable successor statutes and references to all attachments thereto and instruments incorporated therein. The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and do not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. The terms “or”, “any” and “either” are not exclusive. The word “extent” in the phrase “to the extent” will mean the degree to which a subject or other thing extends, and such phrase will not mean simply “if”. The word “will” will be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”. All terms defined in this Agreement will have the defined meanings when used in any document made or delivered pursuant hereto unless otherwise defined therein. References to a Person are also to its permitted assigns and successors.

4.12 Construction. Each of the Parties has participated in the drafting and negotiation of this Agreement. If an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement must be construed as if it is drafted by all the Parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

4.13 Counterparts; Effectiveness. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (including by facsimile or by electronic transmission in “portable document format” (“.pdf”) form), each of which will be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument, and will become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered (by telecopy or otherwise) to the other Parties.

 

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4.14 Termination. This Agreement will terminate on the earlier to occur of the Effective Time and the termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms. Termination will not relieve any Party from liability for any breach of its obligations hereunder committed prior to such termination.

4.15 Certain Definitions. In addition to the terms defined elsewhere herein, as used in this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings when used herein with initial capital letters (with capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement having the meanings given them in the Merger Agreement):

Business Day” means any day ending at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which the banks in the City of New York are authorized by law or executive order to be closed.

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Contracts” means any contracts, agreements, licenses, notes, bonds, mortgages, indentures, commitments, leases or other instruments or obligations, whether written or oral.

Effective Time” means the time that the Merger becomes effective in accordance with the Merger Agreement.

Foundation Pledge” means the pledge by each of Elie Weiss, Gary Weiss, Jeffrey Weiss and Zev Weiss of all of their equity interests in Stone LLC to the Irving I. Stone Foundation pursuant to pledge and security agreements, which pledge secures approximately $15,000,000 of indebtedness owed by such individuals to the Irving I. Stone Foundation under promissory notes issued in 2006.

Governmental Entity” means any United States or foreign governmental or regulatory agency, commission, court, body, entity or authority.

Law” means any federal, state, local or foreign law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, order, injunction, decree or agency requirement of or undertaking to or agreement with any Governmental Entity.

Lien” means a lien, claim, mortgage, encumbrance, pledge, security interest, equity or charge of any kind.

Order” means any order, judgment, injunction, award, decree, ruling, charge or writ of any Governmental Entity.

Person” means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, a limited liability company, an association, a trust or any other entity, group (as such term is used in Section 13 of the Exchange Act) or organization, including a Governmental Entity, and any permitted successors and assigns of such Person.

 

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Rolled Shares” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals and includes any Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares acquired by a Rolling Shareholder subsequent to the date of this Agreement.

Subsidiary” means any corporation, partnership, association, trust or other form of legal entity of which (i) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities are on the date hereof directly or indirectly owned by such party, or (ii) such party or any Subsidiary of such party is a general partner (excluding partnerships in which such party or any Subsidiary of such party does not have a majority of the voting interests in such partnership).

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

THREE-TWENTY-THREE FAMILY HOLDINGS, LLC
By:  

/s/ Zev Weiss

  Name:   Zev Weiss
  Title:   Sole Member
CENTURY INTERMEDIATE HOLDING COMPANY
By:  

/s/ Zev Weiss

  Name:   Zev Weiss
  Title:   Vice President and Secretary
IRVING I. STONE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
By:  

/s/ Gary Weiss

  Name:   Gary Weiss
  Title:   Manager

/s/ Morry Weiss

Morry Weiss

/s/ Judith Weiss

Judith Weiss

[Signature page to Rollover and Contribution Agreement]


/s/ Jeffrey Weiss

Jeffrey Weiss

/s/ Elie Weiss

Elie Weiss

/s/ Gary Weiss

Gary Weiss

/s/ Zev Weiss

Zev Weiss

[Signature page to Rollover and Contribution Agreement]


Annex A

Ownership of Family Shareholders and Rollover

 

     Total Common Shares as of
the Date of this Agreement
     Total Family LLC Units after
Rollover
 

Name and Address of Family Shareholder

   Class A      Class B      Class A
Voting
     Class B
Non-voting
 

Morry Weiss

c/o American Greetings Corporation

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44144

     —           222,241         0.0         225,846   

Judith Stone Weiss

c/o American Greetings Corporation

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44144

     —           78,800         0.0         97,165   

Zev Weiss

c/o American Greetings Corporation

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44144

     —           70,935         1.0         539,167   

Jeffrey Weiss

c/o American Greetings Corporation

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44144

     —           52,919         1.0         523,472   

Gary Weiss

c/o American Greetings Corporation

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44144

     3,130         11,430         1.0         466,150   

Elie Weiss

c/o American Greetings Corporation

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44144

     —           23,430         1.0         473,384   


     Total Common Shares as of
the Date of this Agreement
    Total Family LLC Units after
Rollover
 

Name and Address of Family Shareholder

   Class A      Class B     Class A
Voting
     Class B
Non-voting
 

Irving I Stone Limited Liability Company

c/o American Greetings Corporation

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44144

Attention: Gary Weiss

     —           1,818,182 1      N/A         N/A   

 

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Prior to the dissolution of Stone LLC as described in the Agreement, the power to vote these shares resides with the Irving I. Stone Oversight Trust. Following the Stone Distribution described in the Agreement, Stone LLC will not hold any Common Shares.


Annex B

Stone Distribution

 

Name of Family Shareholder Participating in Stone Distribution

   Class B Common Shares
Received from Stone LLC
 

Judith Stone Weiss

     18,365   

Zev Weiss

     449,954   

Jeffrey Weiss

     449,954   

Gary Weiss

     449,954   

Elie Weiss

     449,954   


Annex C

Treatment of Company Stock Options, Company RSUs and Company

Performance Shares held by Family Shareholders

Company Stock Options, Company RSUs and Company Performance Shares held by Family Shareholders will be treated in accordance with Section 2.3 of the Merger Agreement. On May 2, 2013, Company RSUs held by Morry Weiss, Zev Weiss, Jeffrey Weiss and Gary Weiss are expected to vest and be converted into Class A Common Shares or Class B Common Shares, and such Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares will be subject to the Rollover.

EX-9 5 d514424dex9.htm EX-9 EX-9

Exhibit 9

American Greetings Announces Definitive Acquisition Agreement

CLEVELAND, April 1, 2013 – American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM) (the “Company” or “American Greetings”) announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement under which a newly organized entity owned by the Weiss Family, including the Company’s Chairman, Morry Weiss; Director and Chief Executive Officer, Zev Weiss; and Director, President and Chief Operating Officer, Jeffrey Weiss and related persons and entities, will acquire the Company.

Under the agreement, American Greetings Class A and Class B shareholders, excluding the Weiss Family and related entities, will receive $18.20 per share in cash, and, if declared by the Board of Directors, one regular quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share declared and payable in a manner consistent with the Company’s past practice. If the transaction closed in July 2013, the targeted closing date, the total cash amount shareholders would receive would be $18.35 per share. The total value of the transaction is approximately $878 million, including the assumption of the Company’s 7 3/8% notes due 2021, which will remain outstanding after the transaction, the repayment of borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit facility and the settlement of stock options not held by the Weiss Family.

The $18.20 per share price represents a premium of 26.9% over the trading price for Class A shares on September 25, 2012, the date on which the Weiss Family initially proposed to acquire the Company, and a premium of 13.0% over the closing trading price on March 28, 2013.

The transaction will be financed through a combination of the contributions of the American Greetings shares owned by the Weiss Family, cash funded by a $240 million non-voting preferred stock investment committed by Koch AG Investment, LLC, a subsidiary of Koch Industries Inc., and $600 million in committed debt financing, consisting of a $400 million term loan and a $200 million revolving credit facility, and cash on hand. The senior lender group consists of Bank of America, N.A., Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, KeyBank National Association, Macquarie Capital USA, Inc. and PNC Bank National Association (listed alphabetically).

The American Greetings Board of Directors formed a Special Committee of independent directors after the Weiss Family first expressed its interest in a possible transaction last September. The Special Committee was charged by the Board with conducting a process intended to examine the Weiss Family’s proposal and explore alternatives, and ensure that the terms of any transaction were fair, if any agreement was reached. The Special Committee completed a review of the proposal, considered alternatives, negotiated the price and other transaction terms with the Weiss Family, and concluded unanimously that the transaction with the Weiss Family was fair and in the best interests of the Company’s public shareholders (other than the Weiss Family shareholders). Based in part on the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee, the


agreement was also approved unanimously by the other independent members of the Board. Members of the Weiss Family did not participate in the deliberations of the Special Committee and recused themselves from the vote of the Board of Directors.

Zev Weiss, the Company’s CEO, said, “The family believes the transaction is a win for all concerned, including public shareholders. The negotiations with the Special Committee and its advisors were vigorous and arm’s length, but we’re pleased that we were able to come to an agreement that properly respects all parties’ interests.”

Jeffrey Weiss, the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, said, “We are excited to be able to lead the Company into the next chapter of its history. The transaction returns the company to private ownership in a way that we believe enables the Company to continue to serve the interests of its customers, employees, suppliers and the communities in which it operates as it has for over a century.”

Completion of the transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including receipt of the financing pursuant to the commitments described above, shareholder approval and other customary conditions. In addition, the closing of the merger is subject to a condition that the holders of a majority of all outstanding shares not held by the Weiss Family or by any director or executive officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries approve the merger.

Further information regarding the terms and conditions in the definitive agreement, will be contained in a Current Report on Form 8-K which will be filed promptly with the SEC.

Peter J. Solomon Company, L.P. is acting as financial advisor, and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is acting as legal advisor, to the Special Committee of American Greetings’ Board of Directors. Baker & Hostetler LLP is acting as legal advisor to American Greetings. KeyBanc Capital Markets and Macquarie Capital are acting as preferred stock placement agents to the Weiss Family, KeyBanc Capital Markets is acting as financial advisor to the Weiss Family, and Jones Day is providing legal counsel to the Weiss Family. Latham & Watkins LLP is providing legal counsel to Koch AG Investment.

About American Greetings Corporation

For more than 100 years, American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM) has been a creator and manufacturer of innovative social expression products that assist consumers in enhancing their relationships to create happiness, laughter and love. The Company’s major greeting card lines are American Greetings, Carlton Cards, Gibson, Recycled Paper Greetings and Papyrus, and other paper product offerings include DesignWare party goods and American Greetings and Plus Mark gift-packaging and boxed cards. American Greetings also has one of the largest collections of greetings on the Web, including greeting cards available at Cardstore.com and electronic greeting cards available at AmericanGreetings.com. In addition to its product lines, American Greetings creates and licenses popular character brands through the American Greetings Properties group. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, American Greetings


generates annual revenue of approximately $1.7 billion, and its products can be found in retail outlets worldwide. For more information on the Company, visit http://corporate.americangreetings.com.

Forward Looking Statement Disclosure

Statements about the expected timing, completion and effects of the proposed transaction and all other statements in this release, other than historical facts, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and any such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the following cautionary statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and are based on current expectations and involve a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. The Company may not be able to complete the proposed transaction on the terms described above or other acceptable terms or at all because of a number of factors, including the failure to obtain shareholder approval or the failure to satisfy other closing conditions. Factors that may affect the business or financial results of the Company are described in the risk factors included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the Company’s 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K and later Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The Company expressly disclaims a duty to provide updates to forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or other occurrences.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed merger transaction, the Company will file with the SEC and furnish to the Company’s shareholders a proxy statement and other relevant documents. This press release does not constitute a solicitation of any vote or approval. Shareholders are urged to read the proxy statement when it becomes available and any other documents to be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed merger or incorporated by reference in the proxy statement because they will contain important information about the proposed merger.

Investors will be able to obtain a free copy of documents filed with the SEC at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, investors may obtain a free copy of the Company’s filings with the SEC from the investors section of the Company’s Web site at http://investors.americangreetings.com or by directing a request to the Company’s Corporate Secretary at our World Headquarters address at One American Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44144-2398, or via email to investor.relations@amgreetings.com.


Participants in the Solicitation

The Company and its directors, executive officers and certain other members of management and employees of the Company may be deemed “participants” in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders of the Company in favor of the proposed merger. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be considered participants in the solicitation of the stockholders of the Company in connection with the proposed merger will be set forth in the proxy statement and the other relevant documents to be filed with the SEC. You can find information about certain of the Company’s executive officers and its directors in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012 and in its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on Schedule 14A on May 11, 2012.

CONTACT:

Gregory M. Steinberg

Treasurer and Executive Director of Investor Relations

American Greetings Corporation

216-252-4864

investor.relations@amgreetings.com

EX-10 6 d514424dex10.htm EX-10 EX-10

Exhibit 10

EXECUTION VERSION

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated March 29, 2013 (this “Agreement”), among Century Intermediate Holding Company, a Delaware corporation (“Parent”), Century Merger Company, an Ohio corporation and a wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”), and American Greetings Corporation, an Ohio corporation (the “Company” and, together with Parent and Merger Sub, the “Parties”).

RECITALS

A. As of the date hereof, the Family Shareholders Beneficially Own, in the aggregate, 3,130 Class A Common Shares and 2,277,937 Class B Common Shares, 325,420 Class B Common Shares of such shares being Beneficially Owned by the Officer Shareholders;

B. Concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Family Shareholders are entering into an agreement with Three-Twenty-Three Family Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Family LLC”), and Parent, dated the date of this Agreement (the “Rollover and Contribution Agreement”), providing for (i) the contribution to Family LLC immediately prior to the Effective Time of all of the Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares Beneficially Owned by the Family Shareholders (the “Rolled Shares”) in exchange for all of the membership interests of Family LLC and (ii) the contribution to Parent by Family LLC immediately prior to the Effective Time of all of the Rolled Shares, on the terms and subject to the conditions provided in the Rollover and Contribution Agreement;

C. Concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Family Shareholders are entering into a guaranty and voting agreement in favor of the Company (the “Guaranty and Voting Agreement”) with respect to certain obligations of Parent and Merger Sub under this Agreement on the terms and subject to the conditions provided in the Guaranty and Voting Agreement, and pursuant to which the Family Shareholders agree to vote their Common Shares in favor of the adoption of this Agreement;

D. The Parties intend that Merger Sub be merged with and into the Company (the “Merger”), with the Company surviving the Merger, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement;

E. The Board of Directors of the Company (the “Company Board”) (other than the Officer Shareholders, who abstained and recused themselves from all deliberations of the Company Board relating to the Merger), acting upon the unanimous recommendation of a special committee thereof consisting solely of disinterested and independent directors (the “Special Committee”), has unanimously: (i) determined that the Merger is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders (other than the Family Shareholders, Parent and Merger Sub), and declared advisable that the Company enter into this Agreement, (ii) approved the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Transactions, and (iii) resolved to recommend adoption of this Agreement by the shareholders of the Company;


F. The Board of Directors of Parent and Merger Sub have each unanimously approved this Agreement and declared it advisable that Parent and Merger Sub, respectively, enter into this Agreement; and

G. Parent, Merger Sub and the Company desire to make certain representations, warranties and covenants in connection with the Merger and the Transactions and also to prescribe certain conditions to the Merger as specified herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

I. THE MERGER

1.1 The Merger. At the Effective Time (as hereinafter defined), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement and in accordance with the Ohio General Corporation Law (“Ohio Law”), Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company, whereupon the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub will cease, and the Company will continue as the surviving corporation in the Merger (the “Surviving Corporation”) and a wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent.

1.2 Closing. The closing of the Merger (the “Closing”) will take place at the offices of Jones Day, North Point, 901 Lakeside Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44114 at 10:00 a.m. on the third Business Day after the satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions set forth in Article VI (other than any condition that by its nature cannot be satisfied until the Closing, but subject to satisfaction of any such condition) (such date, the “Closing Date”), or at such other place, date and time as the Company and Parent may agree in writing.

1.3 Effective Time. On the Closing Date, the Parties will cause a certificate of merger (the “Certificate of Merger”) to be executed, acknowledged and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Ohio in accordance with the relevant provisions of Ohio Law. The Merger will become effective at such time as the Certificate of Merger is duly filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Ohio, or at such later date or time as may be agreed by Parent and the Company in writing and specified in the Certificate of Merger in accordance with Ohio Law (such time as the Merger becomes effective, the “Effective Time”).

1.4 Effects of the Merger. The Merger will have the effects set forth in this Agreement and in the applicable provisions of Ohio Law. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, at the Effective Time, all the property, rights, privileges, immunities, powers, franchises and authority of the Company and Merger Sub will vest in the Surviving Corporation and all debts, liabilities and duties of the Company and Merger Sub will become the debts, liabilities and duties of the Surviving Corporation.

1.5 Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations of the Surviving Corporation. At the Effective Time, the articles of incorporation and code of regulations of the Company, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, will be amended and restated as of the Effective Time to be in the form of (except with respect to the name of the Company) the articles of incorporation and code of regulations of Merger

 

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Sub, and as so amended will be the articles of incorporation and code of regulations of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter amended as provided therein or by applicable Law (and subject to Section 5.8 hereof).

1.6 Directors and Officers of the Surviving Corporation. The directors of the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time will be the initial directors of the Surviving Corporation until such time as their resignations shall become effective as contemplated by Section 5.11 or, in the case of any directors who do not submit resignations that are effective immediately after the Effective Time, until their earlier death, resignation or removal, in accordance with the articles of incorporation and the code of regulations of the Surviving Corporation. The officers of the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time will be the initial officers of the Surviving Corporation until their successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal, in accordance with the articles of incorporation and the code of regulations of the Surviving Corporation.

1.7 Subsequent Actions. If, at any time after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation considers or is advised that any deeds, bills of sale, assignments, assurances or any other actions or things are necessary or desirable to vest, perfect or confirm of record or otherwise in the Surviving Corporation, its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the rights, properties or assets of either of the Company or Merger Sub vested in or to be vested in the Surviving Corporation as a result of, or in connection with, the Merger or otherwise to carry out this Agreement, the officers and directors of the Surviving Corporation will execute and deliver, in the name and on behalf of either the Company or Merger Sub, all such deeds, bills of sale, assignments and assurances and to take and do, in the name and on behalf of each of such corporations or otherwise, all such other actions and things as may be necessary or desirable to vest, perfect or confirm any and all right, title and interest in, to and under such rights, properties or assets in the Surviving Corporation or otherwise to carry out this Agreement.

II. CONVERSION OF SHARES; EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES

2.1 Effect on Capital Stock. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of Parent, the Company, Merger Sub or the holders of any securities of the Company or Merger Sub:

(a) Conversion of Common Shares. Subject to Sections 2.1(c), 2.1(e) and 2.1(f), each Common Share (other than any Cancelled Shares, any Dissenting Shares and any Rolled Shares) will thereupon be converted automatically into and will thereafter represent the right to receive $18.20 in cash, without interest (the “Merger Consideration”). At the Effective Time, all Common Shares will be automatically cancelled and will cease to exist, and subject to Section 2.1(f), the holders of certificates which immediately prior to the Effective Time represented such Common Shares, and holders of Book-Entry Shares, will cease to have any rights with respect to Common Shares other than the right to receive the Merger Consideration.

 

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(b) Rolled Shares. Each Rolled Share owned, directly or indirectly, by Family LLC, Parent or the Family Shareholders immediately prior to the Effective Time will, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be cancelled and will cease to exist, and no consideration will be delivered in exchange for such cancellation.

(c) Company and Merger Sub Owned Shares. Each Common Share that is held by the Company or Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time (the “Cancelled Shares”) will, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be cancelled and will cease to exist, and no consideration will be delivered in exchange for such cancellation.

(d) Conversion of Merger Sub Common Shares. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, each share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Merger Sub issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be converted into and become one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable common share, par value $0.01 per share, of the Surviving Corporation and will constitute the only outstanding capital shares of the Surviving Corporation (the “Surviving Shares”). From and after the Effective Time, all certificates representing the common shares of Merger Sub will be deemed for all purposes to represent the number of common shares of the Surviving Corporation into which they were converted in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence.

(e) Adjustments. If at any time during the period between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time, any change in the outstanding capital shares of the Company, or securities convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for capital shares of the Company, shall occur as a result of any reclassification, recapitalization, stock split (including a reverse stock split), subdivision or combination, exchange or readjustment of shares, or any stock dividend or stock distribution with a record date during such period (excluding, in each case, normal quarterly cash dividends), the Merger Consideration will be equitably adjusted to reflect such change; provided, however, that nothing herein will be construed to permit the Company to take any action with respect to its securities that is prohibited or not expressly permitted by the terms of this Agreement.

(f) Dissenters’ Rights. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary and to the extent required by Ohio Law, any Common Shares that are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time that are held by any shareholder who was a record holder of Common Shares as to which such shareholder seeks relief as of the date fixed for determination of shareholders entitled to notice of the Company Meeting, and who delivers to the Company, in accordance with Ohio Law (including Section 1701.85 of Ohio Law), a written demand for payment of the fair cash value for such Common Shares that have not been voted in favor of the proposal to adopt this Agreement at the Company Meeting (the “Dissenting Shares”, and together with the Cancelled Shares and the Rolled Shares, the “Excluded Shares”), will not be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration, unless and until such holder of Dissenting Shares fails to perfect or otherwise waives, withdraws or loses any

 

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such rights as a dissenting shareholder under Ohio Law. If a holder of Dissenting Shares fails to perfect or otherwise waives, withdraws or loses any such rights as a dissenting shareholder under Ohio Law, then as of the Effective Time or the occurrence of such event, whichever later occurs, such holder’s Common Shares will automatically be converted into and represent only the right to receive the Merger Consideration, without interest, and will no longer be Excluded Shares. The Company will give Parent prompt notice of, and copies of all correspondence from, each shareholder who asserts rights as a dissenting shareholder following receipt of such shareholder’s written demand delivered as provided in Section 1701.85 of Ohio Law. Prior to the Effective Time, the Company may not, except with the prior written consent of Parent given or withheld in its sole discretion, voluntarily make any payment or commit or agree to make any payment, or settle or commit to offer to settle, any rights of a dissenting shareholder.

2.2 Exchange of Certificates. (a) Paying Agent. Concurrently with the Effective Time, Parent will deposit, or will cause to be deposited, with a U.S. bank or trust company appointed by Parent with the Company’s prior approval (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) to act as a paying agent hereunder (the “Paying Agent”), in trust for the benefit of holders of the Common Shares, cash in U.S. dollars in immediately available funds sufficient to pay the aggregate Merger Consideration deliverable pursuant to this Article II, payable upon due surrender of the certificates that immediately prior to the Effective Time represented the Common Shares (“Certificates”) or non-certificated Common Shares represented by book-entry (“Book-Entry Shares”) pursuant to the provisions of this Article II (such cash being hereinafter referred to as the “Exchange Fund”). The Paying Agent agreement pursuant to which Parent shall appoint the Paying Agent shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Company.

(b) Payment Procedures. (i) As soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time and in any event not later than the third Business Day following the Effective Time, the Paying Agent will mail to each holder of record of Common Shares whose Common Shares were converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration pursuant to Section 2.1 (A) a letter of transmittal (which will specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to Certificates shall pass, only upon delivery of Certificates (or affidavits of loss in lieu of Certificates as provided in Section 2.2(g)) or Book-Entry Shares to the Paying Agent and shall be in such form and have such other provisions as Parent and the Company shall reasonably determine) and (B) instructions for use in effecting the surrender of Certificates (or affidavits of loss in lieu of Certificates as provided in Section 2.2(g)) or Book-Entry Shares in exchange for the Merger Consideration.

(ii) Upon surrender of Certificates (or affidavits of loss in lieu of Certificates as provided in Section 2.2(g)) or Book-Entry Shares to the Paying Agent together with such letter of transmittal, duly completed and validly executed in accordance with the instructions thereto, and such other documents as may customarily be required by the Paying Agent, the holder of such Certificates or Book-Entry Shares will be entitled to receive in exchange therefor a payment in an amount equal to the product of (x) the

 

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number of Common Shares formerly represented by such holder’s properly surrendered Certificates (or affidavits of loss in lieu of Certificates as provided in Section 2.2(g)) or Book-Entry Shares multiplied by (y) the Merger Consideration. No interest will be paid or accrued on any amount payable upon due surrender of Certificates or Book-Entry Shares. In the event of a transfer of ownership of Common Shares that is not registered in the transfer or stock records of the Company, the Merger Consideration to be paid upon due surrender of the Certificate formerly representing such Common Shares may be paid to such a transferee if such Certificate is presented to the Paying Agent, accompanied by all documents required to evidence and effect such transfer and to evidence that any applicable stock transfer or other Taxes have been paid or are not applicable.

(iii) The Surviving Corporation, Parent and the Paying Agent will be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise payable under this Agreement to any holder of Common Shares or any holder of Company Stock Options, Company Performance Shares or Company RSUs, such amounts as are required to be withheld or deducted under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or any provision of U.S. state or local or foreign Tax Law with respect to the making of such payment. To the extent that amounts are so withheld or deducted and paid over to the applicable Governmental Entity, such withheld or deducted amounts will be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the holder of the Common Shares, Company Stock Options, Company Performance Shares or Company RSUs in respect of which or whom such deduction and withholding were made.

(c) Closing of Transfer Books. At the Effective Time, the stock transfer books of the Company will be closed, and there will be no further registration of transfers on the stock transfer books of the Surviving Corporation of the Common Shares (other than the Surviving Shares) that were outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after the Effective Time, Certificates (other than with respect to Surviving Shares) are presented to the Surviving Corporation, Parent or the Paying Agent for transfer, they will be cancelled and exchanged for payment in the proper amount pursuant to and subject to the requirements of this Article II.

(d) Termination of Exchange Fund. Any portion of the Exchange Fund (including the proceeds of any investments thereof) that remains undistributed to the former holders of Common Shares for six months after the Effective Time will be delivered to the Surviving Corporation, and any former holders of Common Shares who have not surrendered their Certificates or Book-Entry Shares in accordance with this Section 2.2 will thereafter look only to the Surviving Corporation (subject to abandoned property, escheat or other similar Laws) as general creditors thereof for payment of their claim for the Merger Consideration (after giving effect to any required Tax withholdings as provided in Section 2.2(b)(iii)), without any interest thereon, upon due surrender of their Certificates (or affidavits of loss in lieu of Certificates) or Book-Entry Shares. Any amounts remaining unclaimed by such holders at such time at which such amounts would otherwise escheat to or become property of any Governmental Entity will become, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, the property of the Surviving Corporation or its designee, free and clear of all claims or interest of any Person previously entitled thereto.

 

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(e) No Liability. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, none of the Company, Parent, Merger Sub, the Surviving Corporation, the Paying Agent or any other Person will be liable to any former holder of Common Shares for any amount properly delivered to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar Law.

(f) Investment of Exchange Fund. The Paying Agent will invest all cash included in the Exchange Fund as directed by Parent; provided, however, that any investment of such cash will be limited to direct short-term obligations of, or short-term obligations fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by, the United States of America in commercial paper obligations rated A-1 or P-1 or better by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor’s Corporation, respectively, and, in any such case, no such instrument will have a maturity exceeding three months, and that no such investment or loss thereon will affect the amounts payable to holders of Certificates or Book-Entry Shares pursuant to this Article II. Any interest and other income resulting from such investments will be paid to the Surviving Corporation pursuant to Section 2.2(d). To the extent that there are losses with respect to such investments, or the Exchange Fund diminishes for other reasons below the level required to make prompt payments of the Merger Consideration as contemplated hereby, Parent will promptly replace or restore the portion of the Exchange Fund lost through investments or other events so as to ensure that the Exchange Fund is, at all times, maintained at a level sufficient to make such payments.

(g) Lost Certificates. In the case of any Certificate that has been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the Person claiming such Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if required by Parent or the Paying Agent, the posting by such Person of an indemnity agreement or, at the election of Parent or the Paying Agent, a bond in customary amount as indemnity against any claim that may be made against it with respect to such Certificate, in each case, as may reasonably be requested by Parent or the Paying Agent, the Paying Agent will pay in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate the applicable Merger Consideration with respect to the number of Common Shares formerly represented by such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate.

2.3 Treatment of Company Equity Awards. (a) Company Stock Options. Except as set forth on Section 2.3 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, effective as of the Effective Time, (i) each outstanding Company Stock Option held by a person who is then an officer, director or employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and that has not otherwise been canceled, forfeited or exercised prior to or as of the Effective Time will, without any further action on the part of such holder, vest and (ii) all Company Stock Options and any other Company Stock Options that have not otherwise been canceled, forfeited or exchanged prior to the Effective Time will be, without any further action, canceled in the Merger in consideration of the payment of the Option Value. For this purpose, the “Option Value” will equal an amount in cash calculated as follows: (A)

 

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with respect to any such Company Stock Option with a per share exercise price that is less than $18.20 (an “In-the-Money Option”), the product of (x) the excess of $18.20 over such per share exercise price and (y) the number of Common Shares subject to such In-the-Money Option immediately prior to its cancellation, and (B) with respect to any such Company Stock Option with a per share exercise price that equals or exceeds $18.20 (an “Out-of-the-Money Option”), the Out-of-the-Money Option Value. The Out-of-the-Money Option Value will be calculated as promptly as practicable after the Effective Time by a valuation advisor to be reasonably agreed upon by the Special Committee and Parent (the “Valuation Advisor”), based on the Black-Scholes option valuation methodology and using the Option Valuation Assumptions. For this purpose, the “Option Valuation Assumptions” are: (1) an assumed price of $18.20 per Common Share, (2) the actual exercise price under each Out-of-the-Money Option, (3) an option term equal to 50% of the remaining contractual term of the particular Out-of-the-Money Option as of the Effective Time (the “Remaining Option Term”), (4) expected volatility of the Class A Common Shares over the Remaining Option Term of the particular Out-of-the Money Option, estimated using the historical volatility of the Class A Common Shares over a period beginning on the grant date of the respective Out-of-the Money Option and ending on March 29, 2013, (5) a risk-free rate of interest over the Remaining Option Term of the particular Out-of-the Money Option equal to the United States Treasury Note rate as of the date of the Agreement, as reported in The Wall Street Journal (interpolated between reported rates where applicable), and (6) an expected dividend rate over the Remaining Option Term of the particular Out-of-the Money Option equal to the quotient of the most recent periodic annualized dividend payment, divided by $18.20. The determination of Option Value for Out-of-the-Money Options by the Valuation Advisor will be final and binding absent manifest error. The fees and expenses of the Valuation Advisor will be paid by the Company.

(b) Company RSUs. Except as set forth on Section 2.3 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, effective as of the Effective Time, each Company RSU that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will continue to have, and be subject to, the same terms and conditions (including vesting terms) as were applicable to such Company RSU immediately before the Effective Time, except that each such Company RSU will represent only the right to receive an amount of cash calculated by reference to a per Common Share reference price of $18.20, and will no longer represent the right to receive Common Shares or any other shares of capital stock or equity interest in the Company, Parent, the Surviving Corporation or any of their respective Affiliates.

(c) Company Performance Shares. Except as set forth on Section 2.3 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, effective as of the Effective Time, each grant of Company Performance Shares that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will continue to have, and be subject to, the same terms and conditions (including vesting terms) as were applicable to such grant of Company Performance Shares immediately before the Effective Time, provided that (i) each such grant of Company Performance Shares will represent only the right to receive an amount of cash equal to the product of (A) the number of Common Shares that would have been delivered as of the end of the applicable performance period under the applicable terms and conditions of the arrangements governing such award of Company Performance Shares and (B)

 

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$18.20, and will no longer represent the right to receive Common Shares or any other shares of capital stock or equity interest in the Company, Parent, the Surviving Corporation or any of their respective Affiliates, and (ii) subject to the Company Stock Plans, the Board of Directors (or a committee thereof) of the Surviving Corporation may modify or adjust any performance goals relating to a grant of Company Performance Shares as it determines to be necessary or desirable following the Closing Date.

(d) General Provisions. (i) All amounts payable pursuant to this Section 2.3 will be subject to any required withholding of Taxes and will be paid by the Surviving Corporation (A) with respect to In-the-Money Options, by no later than 30 days after the Closing Date, (B) with respect to Out-of-the-Money Options, by no later than December 31, 2013 and (C) with respect to Company RSUs and Company Performance Shares, on the date the applicable amounts become payable pursuant to the existing terms thereof.

(ii) The Company covenants that it will take all such actions as may be reasonably requested by Parent that are necessary to carry out the purposes and intent of this Section 2.3, provided that such actions do not violate applicable law or the terms of any Company Benefit Plan, and would not reasonably be expected to result in adverse tax consequences to the holder of such Company equity award under Section 409A of the Code.

(iii) The Company will provide Parent with drafts of, and a reasonable opportunity to comment upon, (A) all consents, resolutions and other written actions or materials as may be required to give effect to the provisions of this Section 2.3 and (B) any communications to holders of Company Stock Options, Company RSUs and Company Performance Shares.

III. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

Except as disclosed (i) in the Company SEC Documents filed or furnished on or prior to the Measurement Date (the “Filed SEC Documents”), other than any disclosure set forth in such Filed SEC Documents contained in any risk factor section thereof, in any section relating to forward-looking statements and any other disclosures included therein to the extent that they are cautionary, predictive or forward looking in nature, or (ii) in the disclosure schedule delivered by the Company to Parent (the “Company Disclosure Schedule”) prior to the execution of this Agreement (with specific reference to the representations and warranties in this Article III to which the information in such schedule relates, provided that any disclosure set forth in any section of the Company Disclosure Schedule will be deemed set forth for purposes of any other section to the extent that it is reasonably apparent that such disclosure is relevant to such other section), the Company represents and warrants to Parent and Merger Sub as follows:

3.1 Qualification, Organization, Subsidiaries, etc. (a) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries is a corporation, limited liability company or other legal entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of its respective jurisdiction of incorporation or organization. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has the requisite corporate or similar power and authority to own, lease and operate its

 

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properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries is duly qualified to do business or licensed to do business as a foreign corporation, limited liability company or other legal entity and is in good standing (with respect to jurisdictions that recognize the concept of good standing) in each jurisdiction where the ownership, leasing or operation of its assets or properties or conduct of its business requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.

(b) The Company has delivered or made available to Parent a true and correct copy of the articles of incorporation, regulations or similar organizational documents, each as amended to date (collectively, the “Charter Documents”), of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries.

3.2 Capital Stock. (a) The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 187,600,000 Class A Common Shares and 15,832,968 Class B Common Shares. As of March 27, 2013, (i) 29,008,278 Class A Common Shares were issued and outstanding, (ii) 2,883,083 Class B Common Shares were issued and outstanding, (iii) 54,849,240 Class A Common Shares and 3,174,033 Class B Common Shares were held in treasury, (iv) 1,128,069 Class A Common Shares and 0 Class B Common Shares were reserved for issuance in respect of future awards under the Company’s 1997 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan and 2007 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (together, the “Company Stock Plans”), (v) 3,209,128 Class A Common Shares and 857,581 Class B Common Shares were reserved for issuance in respect of outstanding options under the Company Stock Plans (“Company Stock Options”), (vi) 466,641 Class A Common Shares and 117,601 Class B Common Shares were reserved for issuance in respect of outstanding restricted stock units under the Company Stock Plans (“Company RSUs”), and (vii) 1,279,860 Class A Common Shares and 718,992 Class B Common Shares were reserved for issuance in respect of outstanding performance share awards under the Company Stock Plans (“Company Performance Shares”). All outstanding Common Shares, and all Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares reserved for issuance as noted in clauses (iv), (v), (vi) and (vii), when issued in accordance with the respective terms thereof, are or will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and free of preemptive rights and issued in compliance with all applicable securities Laws.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in Section 3.2(a), there are not issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding (i) any shares of capital stock or other voting securities of the Company, (ii) any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of capital stock or voting securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iii) any warrants, calls, options or other rights to acquire from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries any capital stock, voting securities or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for capital stock or voting securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Except as otherwise provided in Section 3.2(a) above, there are no outstanding obligations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to (A) issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, any capital stock, voting securities or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for capital stock or voting securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (B) repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any such securities.

 

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(c) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other obligations, the holders of which have the right to vote (or which are convertible into or exercisable for securities having the right to vote) with the shareholders of the Company on any matter.

(d) There are no shareholder agreements, voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party with respect to the voting of the capital stock or other equity interest of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

(e) Section 3.2(e) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and correct list of each Subsidiary of the Company. All equity interests (including partnership interests and limited liability company interests) of the Company’s Subsidiaries are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company as described in Section 3.2(e) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, and all such interests have been duly and validly authorized and were validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and were not issued in violation of any preemptive or similar rights, purchase option, call or right of first refusal or similar rights. All such equity interests are free and clear of any Liens or any other limitations or restrictions on such equity interests (including any limitation or restriction on the right to vote, pledge or sell or otherwise dispose of such equity interests).

3.3 Corporate Authority Relative to This Agreement; Noncontravention. (a) The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and, subject to receipt of the Company Shareholder Approval and the Minority Shareholder Approval, to consummate the Transactions. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions have been duly and validly authorized by the Company Board, acting upon the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee, and, except for the Company Shareholder Approval and the Minority Shareholder Approval, no other corporate proceedings on the part of the Company are necessary to authorize the consummation of the Transactions. The Company Board (acting upon the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee) has unanimously (with the Officer Shareholders abstaining) determined that this Agreement is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders (other than the Family Shareholders, Parent and Merger Sub) and declared it advisable to enter into this Agreement, has approved this Agreement, and has resolved to recommend that the Company’s shareholders adopt this Agreement (including the Special Committee’s recommendation, the “Recommendation”). This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming this Agreement constitutes the valid and binding agreement of Parent and Merger Sub, constitutes the valid and binding agreement of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles (the “Bankruptcy and Equity Exception”).

 

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(b) Other than in connection with or in compliance with (i) Ohio Law, (ii) the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), (iii) rules and regulations of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), (iv) the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the “HSR Act”), or (v) as may otherwise be set forth in Section 3.3(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule (collectively, the “Company Approvals”), no authorization, consent or approval of, or filing with, any United States or foreign governmental or regulatory agency, commission, court, body, entity or authority (each, a “Governmental Entity”) is necessary for the consummation by the Company of the Merger in accordance with applicable Law, other than any authorizations, consents, approvals or filings that, if not obtained, made or given, would not reasonably be expected to be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or prevent or materially impair or delay the consummation of the Merger.

(c) The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement does not, and the consummation of the Transactions and compliance with the provisions hereof by the Company will not, (i) conflict with or result in any violation of any provision of the Charter Documents of (A) the Company or (B) any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) assuming that the authorizations, consents and approvals referred to in Section 3.3(b) and the Company Shareholder Approval and the Minority Shareholder Approval are obtained and the filings referred to in Section 3.3(b) are made, (x) result in any violation of, or default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, require consent under, or give rise to a right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation or to the loss of any benefit under, any loan, guarantee of indebtedness or credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease, agreement, contract, instrument, permit, Company Permit, concession, franchise, right or license binding upon the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (y) result in the creation of any liens, claims, mortgages, encumbrances, pledges, security interests, equities or charges of any kind (each, a “Lien”), upon any of the properties or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (z) conflict with or violate any applicable Laws, other than, in the case of clauses (i)(B) and (ii), any such violation, conflict, default, termination, cancellation, acceleration, right, loss or Lien that has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.

3.4 Reports and Financial Statements. (a) The Company and its Subsidiaries have filed all forms, documents, statements and reports required to be filed prior to the date hereof by them with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) since March 1, 2011 (the “Company SEC Documents”). As of their respective dates or, if amended, as of the date of the last such amendment prior to the date hereof, the Company SEC Documents complied, and each of the Company SEC Documents filed subsequent to the date of this Agreement will comply, in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder applicable to such Company SEC Documents, and none of the

 

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Company SEC Documents so filed or that will be filed subsequent to the date of this Agreement, as of such respective dates, contained or will contain, as the case may be, any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

(b) The financial statements (including all related notes and schedules) of the Company and its Subsidiaries included in the Company SEC Documents fairly present in all material respects the financial position of the Company and its Subsidiaries, as at the respective dates thereof, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the respective periods then ended (subject, in the case of the unaudited statements, to normal year-end audit adjustments and to any other adjustments described therein, and the absence of notes thereto) in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) (except, in the case of the unaudited statements, as permitted by the SEC) applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated therein or in the notes thereto or as permitted by Regulation S-X).

3.5 No Undisclosed Liabilities. Except (i) as reflected or reserved against in the Company’s consolidated statement of financial position (or the notes thereto) included in the Company SEC Documents filed on or prior to the date hereof, (ii) for the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) for liabilities and obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice since November 23, 2012, and (iv) for liabilities or obligations which have been discharged or paid in full in the ordinary course of business, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary of the Company has any liabilities that would be required to be reflected or reserved against on the Company’s consolidated statement of financial position (or described in the notes thereto) prepared in accordance with GAAP, that have had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.

3.6 Compliance with Law; Permits. (a) The Company and its Subsidiaries are, and since March 1, 2011 have been, in compliance with and are not in default under or in violation of any applicable federal, state, local or foreign law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, order, injunction, decree or agency requirement of or undertaking to or agreement with any Governmental Entity (collectively, “Laws” and each, a “Law”), except where such non-compliance, default or violation has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.

(b) The Company and its Subsidiaries are in possession of all franchises, grants, authorizations, licenses, permits, easements, variances, exceptions, consents, certificates, approvals and orders of any Governmental Entity legally required for the Company and its Subsidiaries to own, lease and operate their properties and assets or to carry on their businesses as they are now being conducted (the “Company Permits”), except where the failure to have any of the Company Permits has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. All Company Permits are in full force and effect,

 

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except where the failure to be in full force and effect has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. No suspension or cancellation of any of the Company Permits is pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened, except where such suspension or cancellation has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. The Company and its Subsidiaries are not in violation or breach of, or default under, any Company Permit, except where such violation, breach or default has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.

3.7 Environmental Laws and Regulations. Except as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) the Company and each of its Subsidiaries have conducted their respective businesses in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws (as hereinafter defined), (ii) since March 1, 2011, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notices, demand letters or requests for information from any Governmental Entity indicating that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries may be in violation of, or liable under, any applicable Environmental Law, (iii) no Hazardous Substance has been disposed of, released or transported in violation of any applicable Environmental Law, or in a manner giving rise to any liability under Environmental Law (including remedial obligations and corrective action requirements), by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or from any properties owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as a result of any activity of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and (iv) neither the Company, its Subsidiaries nor any of their respective properties are, or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened to become, subject to any liabilities relating to any suit, settlement, court order, administrative order, regulatory requirement, judgment or written claim asserted or arising under any applicable Environmental Law or any agreement relating to environmental liabilities. Notwithstanding any other representation or warranty in this Article III, the representations and warranties in this Section 3.7 constitute the sole representations and warranties relating to any Environmental Law or Hazardous Substances.

3.8 Employee Benefit Plans. (a) Except for such claims which have not had or would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, no action, dispute, suit, claim, arbitration or legal, administrative or other proceeding or governmental action (other than claims for benefits in the ordinary course) is pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened with respect to any Company Benefit Plan.

(b) Each Company Benefit Plan has been maintained and administered in compliance with its terms and with applicable Law, including ERISA and the Code to the extent applicable thereto, except for such non-compliance which has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. Any Company Benefit Plan intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) or 401(k) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter from the IRS which has not been revoked and, to the Company’s Knowledge, no circumstances exist which could adversely affect such qualification.

 

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(c) Neither the Company nor any member of the Controlled Group has any actual or potential liability with respect to a “defined benefit plan” as defined in Section 3(35) of ERISA, a pension plan subject to the funding standards of Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code, a “multiemployer plan” as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA or Section 414(f) of the Code or a “multiple employer plan” within the meaning of Section 210(a) of ERISA or Section 413(c) of the Code.

(d) The execution and performance of this Agreement will not (i) constitute an event under any Company Benefit Plan that will result in any payment (whether of severance pay or otherwise) becoming due from the Company to any current or former officer, employee, director or consultant (or dependents of such Persons) or (ii) accelerate the time of payment or vesting, or materially increase the amount of compensation due to any current or former officer, employee, director or consultant (or dependents of such Persons) of the Company.

(e) No amount that could be received (whether in cash or property or the vesting of property) as a result of the Transactions by any employee, officer or director of the Company or any of its affiliates who is a “disqualified individual” (as such term is defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1) under any employment, severance or termination agreement, other compensation arrangement or Company Benefit Plan currently in effect would be characterized as an “excess parachute payment” (as such term is defined in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code).

(f) Each Company Benefit Plan that is a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” (as such term is defined in Section 409A(d)(1) of the Code) is in material documentary compliance with and has been operated in material compliance with Section 409A of the Code or, for the period prior to January 1, 2009, had been operated in good faith compliance with Section 409A of the Code.

3.9 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Since November 23, 2012, except as otherwise required or contemplated by this Agreement, the businesses of the Company and its Subsidiaries have been conducted, in all material respects, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice. Since March 1, 2012 through the date of this Agreement, there have not been any facts, circumstances, events, changes, effects or occurrences that have had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.

3.10 Investigations; Litigation. There are no (i) investigations or proceedings pending (or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened) by any Governmental Entity with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) actions, suits, inquiries, investigations or proceedings pending (or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened) against or affecting the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective properties at law or in equity before, and there are no orders, judgments or decrees of, any Governmental Entity against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, in each case of clause (i) or (ii), which have had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

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3.11 Proxy Statement; Other Information. The Proxy Statement (as hereinafter defined) will not at the time of the mailing of the Proxy Statement to the shareholders of the Company, at the time of the Company Meeting, and at the time of any amendments thereof or supplements thereto, and the information supplied or to be supplied by the Company for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Schedule 13E-3 (as hereinafter defined) to be filed with the SEC concurrently with the filing of the Proxy Statement, will not, at the time of its filing with the SEC, and at the time of any amendments thereof or supplements thereto, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; except that no representation is made by the Company with respect to statements made or incorporated by reference therein based on information supplied by or on behalf of Parent or Merger Sub (including with respect to any of the Family Shareholders, other than solely with respect to any such Person’s capacity as an officer or director of the Company). The Proxy Statement and the Schedule 13E-3 will comply as to form in all material respects with the Exchange Act, except that no representation is made by the Company with respect to statements made or incorporated by reference therein based on information supplied by or on behalf of Parent or Merger Sub (including with respect to any of the Family Shareholders, other than solely with respect to any such Person’s capacity as an officer or director of the Company). The letter to shareholders, notice of meeting, proxy statement and forms of proxy to be distributed to shareholders in connection with the Merger to be filed with the SEC in connection with seeking the adoption of this Agreement are collectively referred to herein as the “Proxy Statement.” The Rule 13E-3 Transaction Statement on Schedule 13E-3 to be filed with the SEC in connection with seeking the adoption of this Agreement is referred to herein as the “Schedule 13E-3”.

3.12 Material Contracts. (a) As of the date of this Agreement, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or is bound by any Contract (i) which is a “material contract” (as such term is defined in Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K), (ii) which contains covenants that materially limit the ability of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its current or future Affiliates to compete in any business or with any Person or in any geographic area or distribution or sales channel, or to sell, supply or distribute any service or product, (iii) for or relating to indebtedness for borrowed money or obligations reflected as indebtedness on the Company’s consolidated statement of financial position, in each case for or relating to an obligation to any Person other than the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, exceeding $500,000 at any one time outstanding, or under which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has made advances or loans to any other Person (other than the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) other than advances made to employees with respect to business expenses in the ordinary course of business, or which grants any Liens (other than Permitted Liens) on any property or asset of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and other than trade payables, advances to customers under customer contracts and other accrued liabilities made or incurred in the ordinary course of business or (iv) concerning the use or licensing of any Company Intellectual Property and is material to the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole (each, a “Company Material Contract”).

 

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(b) (i) Each Company Material Contract is valid and binding on the Company and/or its Subsidiaries, as applicable, and in full force and effect (subject to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception) relative to the Company or its applicable Subsidiary and, to the Company’s Knowledge, is in full force and effect (subject to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception) relative to the other party thereto, except where the failure to be valid, binding and in full force and effect has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, (ii) the Company and each of its Subsidiaries has in all material respects performed all obligations required to be performed by it to date under each Company Material Contract, and (iii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received notice of or, to the Company’s Knowledge, is aware of any event or condition which constitutes, or, after notice or lapse of time or both, will constitute, a default on the part of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under any such Company Material Contract, except where such default has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.

3.13 Tax Matters. Except as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) the Company and each of its Subsidiaries have prepared and timely filed (taking into account any extension of time within which to file) all Tax Returns required to be filed by any of them and all such Tax Returns are complete and accurate, (ii) the Company and each of its Subsidiaries have timely paid all Taxes that are required to be paid by any of them, except with respect to matters contested in good faith and for which adequate reserves have been established on the financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, (iii) as of the date hereof, there are not pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened, any audits, examinations, investigations or other proceedings in respect of Taxes of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (iv) there are no Liens for Taxes on any of the assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries other than Permitted Liens, and (v) the Company has not been a “controlled corporation” or a “distributing corporation” in any distribution occurring during the two-year period ending on the date hereof that was purported or intended to be governed by Section 355 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law).

3.14 Labor Matters. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is party to, bound by, or in the process of negotiating a collective bargaining agreement, work rules or practices or similar labor-related agreement with any labor union, labor organization or works council. Except for such matters which have not had or would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) as of the date hereof, there are no pending strikes or lockouts with respect to any employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (“Employees”), (ii) to the Knowledge of the Company, as of the date hereof, there is no union organizing effort pending or threatened against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (iii) there is no unfair labor practice, labor dispute or labor arbitration proceeding pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (iv) as of the date hereof, there is no slowdown, or work stoppage pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened with respect to Employees, and (v) the

 

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Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable Laws respecting employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment and wages and hours and unfair labor practices. Except for such matters which have not had or would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any liabilities under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act of 1998. Except for such matters which have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, each individual who renders or has rendered services to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and who is not or has not been classified by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as an employee and paid on one of their respective payrolls has, to the Company’s Knowledge, at all times been properly characterized as to his or her relationship to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to the extent that any erroneous classification would not reasonably be anticipated to result in the failure to satisfy any qualification requirement with respect to any Company Benefit Plan, a violation of ERISA, the imposition of penalties or excise taxes with respect to any Company Benefit Plan, or result in any other liability to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

3.15 Real and Personal Property. Except as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company owns and has good and valid title to all of its owned real property and good title to all of its personal property and has valid leasehold interests under enforceable leases in all of its leased properties, in the case of each of the foregoing, free and clear of all Liens (except for Permitted Liens). Except as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, all leases under which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries lease any real or personal property are valid and effective against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and the counterparties thereto, in accordance with their respective terms, and there is not, under any of such leases, any existing default by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or the counterparties thereto, or event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would become a default by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or the counterparties thereto.

3.16 Company Intellectual Property. (a) Except as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have (individually or in the aggregate) a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) the Company or one of its Subsidiaries owns, or has a right or license to use, the Company Intellectual Property necessary for the operation of their respective businesses as currently conducted, (ii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written claim from any third party contesting the validity, enforceability, use or ownership of any of the Company Intellectual Property that is currently unresolved and outstanding or, to the Knowledge of the Company, has any such claim been threatened, (iii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notices of infringement or misappropriation by any third party with respect to the Company Intellectual Property, and (iv) to the Knowledge of the Company, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has infringed or misappropriated any intellectual property rights of any third parties.

 

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(b) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) the Transactions will not affect the right, title and interest of the Company and its Subsidiaries in and to the Company Intellectual Property and (ii) the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, has taken reasonable steps to maintain and protect the value of the Company Intellectual Property owned by the Company or such Subsidiary.

3.17 Insurance. Except as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company and its Subsidiaries maintain, or are entitled to the benefits of, insurance covering their properties, operations, personnel and businesses against such losses and risks customarily insured against by companies in similar lines of business as the Company and its Subsidiaries and in amounts as are reasonably adequate to protect them and their businesses. None of the Company or its Subsidiaries has received notice from any insurer or agent of such insurer that substantial capital improvements or other expenditures will have to be made in order to continue such insurance, and all such insurance is outstanding and duly in force on the date hereof and, to the Company’s Knowledge, will be outstanding and duly in force on the Closing Date.

3.18 Opinion of Financial Advisor. The Special Committee and the Company Board have received the opinion of Peter J. Solomon Company (the “Financial Advisor”) dated March 28, 2013 that based on, and subject to, the assumptions, qualifications and limitations set forth therein, the Merger Consideration to be received by holders of Common Shares (other than the Family Shareholders, Parent, Merger Sub and the holders of Dissenting Shares) in connection with the Merger is fair from a from a financial point of view to such holders. A true, complete and executed copy thereof has been delivered to Parent. It is agreed and understood that such opinion is for the information of the Special Committee and the Company Board and may not be relied on by Parent or Merger Sub

3.19 Required Vote of the Company Shareholders Under Applicable Law. The affirmative vote of the holders of issued and outstanding Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares, voting together as a single class, representing at least two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast thereupon by holders of Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares is the only vote of holders of securities of the Company that is required to adopt this Agreement under applicable Law and the Company’s governing documents (the “Company Shareholder Approval”).

3.20 Finders or Brokers. Except for the Financial Advisor, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has engaged any investment banker, broker or finder in connection with the Merger that might be entitled to any fee or any commission in connection with or upon consummation of the Merger.

3.21 State Takeover Statutes; Rights Agreement. The Company Board and the Company have taken all necessary actions to ensure that the “moratorium,” “fair price,” “control share acquisition” or other similar anti-takeover provisions of Ohio Law or similar Laws of any jurisdiction and any anti-takeover or similar provisions contained in

 

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the governing documents of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries do not, and will not, apply to the Transactions. The Company is not party to a rights agreement, “poison pill” or similar agreement or plan that would have the effect of preventing the Transactions.

3.22 No Other Representations or Warranties. Except for the representations and warranties made by the Company in this Article III, none of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any other Person makes any representations or warranties, and the Company hereby disclaims any other representations or warranties, with respect to the Company, its Subsidiaries, or its or their businesses, operations, assets, liabilities, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects or the negotiation, execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement by the Company. None of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, or any other Person, will have or be subject to any liability or indemnification obligation to Parent or Merger Sub resulting from the delivery or disclosure to Parent or its Affiliates or representatives of any documentation, forecasts or other information with respect to any one or more of the foregoing, and each of Parent and Merger Sub acknowledge the foregoing.

IV. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB

Except as disclosed in the disclosure schedule delivered by Parent to the Company (the “Parent Disclosure Schedule”) prior to the execution of this Agreement (with specific reference to the representations and warranties in this Article IV to which the information in such schedule relates, provided that any disclosure set forth in any section of the Parent Disclosure Schedule will be deemed set forth for purposes of any other section to the extent that it is reasonably apparent that such disclosure is relevant to such other section), Parent and Merger Sub represent and warrant to the Company as follows:

4.1 Qualification; Organization. Each of Family LLC, Parent and Merger Sub is a legal entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of its respective jurisdiction of organization and has the requisite corporate, limited liability company or similar power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted and is qualified to do business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation or limited liability company, as applicable, in each jurisdiction where the ownership, leasing or operation of its assets or properties or conduct of its business requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so organized, validly existing, qualified or in good standing, or to have such power or authority, would not, individually or in the aggregate, prevent or materially delay or materially impair the ability of Family LLC, Parent or Merger Sub to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby (a “Parent Material Adverse Effect”). Parent has made available to the Company true and correct copies of the articles of incorporation, regulations or similar organizational documents, each as amended to date, of Family LLC, Parent and Merger Sub.

4.2 Corporate Authority Relative to This Agreement; Noncontravention. (a) Each of Parent and Merger Sub has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and, in the case of Family LLC, Parent and Merger Sub, to

 

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consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement, in the case of Parent and Merger Sub, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, in the case of Family LLC, Parent and Merger Sub, have been duly and validly authorized by the Boards of Directors of Parent and Merger Sub, and the members of Family LLC having the authority to authorize such transactions, as applicable, and, except for the adoption of this Agreement by Parent as sole shareholder of Merger Sub (which will occur immediately after the execution and delivery of this Agreement), no other corporate or equivalent proceedings on the part of Family LLC, Parent or Merger Sub are necessary to authorize the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Parent and Merger Sub and, assuming this Agreement constitutes the valid and binding agreement of the Company, this Agreement constitutes the valid and binding agreement of Parent and Merger Sub, enforceable against each of Parent and Merger Sub in accordance with its terms, subject to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception.

(b) Other than in connection with or in compliance with (i) Ohio Law, (ii) the Exchange Act, (iii) the HSR Act, or (iv) as may otherwise be set forth in Section 4.2(b) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule (collectively, the “Parent Approvals”), no authorization, consent or approval of, or filing with, any Governmental Entity is necessary for the consummation by Family LLC, Parent or Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in accordance with applicable Law, other than any authorizations, consents or approvals or filings that, if not obtained, made or given, would not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.

(c) The execution and delivery by Parent and Merger Sub of this Agreement does not, and, in the case of Family LLC, Parent and Merger Sub, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and compliance with the provisions hereof will not (i) conflict with or result in any violation of any provision of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws or other equivalent organizational document, in each case as amended, of (A) Family LLC, (B) Parent, or (C) any Subsidiaries of Parent, or (ii) assuming that the authorizations, consents and approvals referred to in Section 4.2(b) are obtained and the filings referred to in Section 4.2(b) are made, (x) result in any violation of, or default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, require consent under, or give rise to a right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation or to the loss of any benefit under any loan, guarantee of indebtedness or credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease, agreement, contract, instrument, permit, concession, franchise, right or license binding upon Family LLC, Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, (y) result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of Family LLC, Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or (z) conflict with or violate any applicable Laws, other than, in the case of clauses (i)(C) and (ii), any such violation, conflict, default, termination, cancellation, acceleration, right, loss or Lien that has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect.

4.3 Proxy Statement; Other Information. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by Parent or Merger Sub in writing for inclusion or incorporation by

 

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reference in the Proxy Statement will at the time of the mailing of the Proxy Statement to the shareholders of the Company, at the time of the Company Meeting, and at the time of any amendments thereof or supplements thereto, and none of the information supplied or to be supplied by Parent or Merger Sub and contained in the Schedule 13E-3 to be filed with the SEC concurrently with the filing of the Proxy Statement, will, at the time of its filing with the SEC, and at the time of any amendments thereof or supplements thereto, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, at the time and in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

4.4 Rollover Agreement. Parent has delivered to the Company, as of the date hereof a true, accurate and complete copy of the executed Rollover and Contribution Agreement executed by Family LLC, Parent and the Family Shareholders. The Rollover and Contribution Agreement is in full force and effect and is a legal, valid and binding obligation of Family LLC, Parent and the Family Shareholders. It has not been withdrawn or terminated or otherwise amended or modified in any respect, and no withdrawal, termination, amendment or modification is contemplated. No event has occurred which, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, would or would reasonably be expected to constitute a default or breach on the part of Family LLC, Parent or the Family Shareholders under the Rollover and Contribution Agreement. There are no conditions precedent or other contingencies related to the obligations of the Family Shareholders under the Rollover and Contribution Agreement to contribute to Family LLC or Parent prior to the Effective Time all of the Rolled Shares, other than as expressly set forth in or expressly contemplated by the Rollover and Contribution Agreement.

4.5 Financing. Parent has delivered to the Company, as of the date hereof, true, complete and accurate copies of (i) an executed commitment letter and the Redacted Fee Letter, each dated the date hereof, among Parent, Merger Sub and the financial institutions party thereto, providing for the debt financing described therein (being collectively referred to as the “Senior Financing”) (the “Senior Commitment Letters”) and (ii) an executed Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, dated the date hereof, between Parent and the investor party thereto, providing for the financing described therein (being collectively referred to as the “Preferred Financing”) (the “Financing Agreement” and, together with the Senior Commitment Letters, the “Financing Commitments”). The Financing Commitments are in full force and effect as of the date hereof, and are legal, valid and binding obligations of Parent, Merger Sub (with respect to the Senior Commitment Letter), and to the Knowledge of Parent, each of the other parties thereto. As of the date hereof, (A) no amendment or modification of the Financing Commitments has been made or is contemplated and (B) the respective commitments contained in the Financing Commitments have not been withdrawn, terminated or rescinded in any respect. Parent or Merger Sub has fully paid any and all commitment fees or other fees in connection with the Financing Commitments that are payable on or prior to the date hereof. As of the date hereof, there are no conditions precedent or other contingencies related to the funding of the full amount of the Financing, other than as expressly set forth in or expressly contemplated by the

 

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Financing Commitments (including any “market flex” provisions applicable to the Financing Commitments). Assuming (x) the Financing is funded in accordance with the Financing Commitments and (y) the Company is not in breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement such that the conditions to Closing set forth in Section 6.1 and Section 6.3 are not capable of being satisfied, the net proceeds contemplated from the financing described in the Financing Commitments (the “Financing”), together with cash on hand of the Company and its Subsidiaries on the Closing Date, will, in the aggregate, be sufficient for the satisfaction of all of Parent’s and Merger Sub’s obligations under this Agreement, including the payment of all amounts required to be paid pursuant to Article II and the payment of any debt required to be repaid, refinanced, redeemed, retired, cancelled, terminated or otherwise satisfied in connection with the Merger and of all fees, expenses and amounts required to be paid in connection with consummating the Merger and the Financing. As of the date of this Agreement, no event has occurred which, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, would or would reasonably be expected to constitute a default or breach on the part of Parent or Merger Sub or, to the Knowledge of Parent, any other party thereto, under the Financing Commitments, provided that Parent is not making any representation or warranty regarding the effect of any inaccuracy of the representations and warranties in Article III or breach by the Company of any of its covenants hereunder. As of the date of this Agreement, Parent does not have any reason to believe that any of the conditions to the Financing will not be satisfied or that the Financing will not be available to Parent or Merger Sub as of the Effective Time, provided that Parent is not making any representation regarding the accuracy of the representations and warranties set forth in Article III, or compliance by the Company of its covenants hereunder. As of the date of this Agreement, there are no side letters or other Contracts to which Parent or any of its Affiliates is a party related to the funding or investing, as applicable, of the full amount of the Financing other than (1) as expressly set forth in the Financing Commitments, (2) any customary engagement letter(s) and non-disclosure agreements(s), and (3) as do not impact the conditionality, availability or aggregate amount of the Financing. Promptly following the funding thereof, Parent will contribute the proceeds of the Preferred Financing to Merger Sub.

4.6 Guaranty and Voting Agreement. Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, Parent has delivered to the Company the duly executed Guaranty and Voting Agreement. The Guaranty and Voting Agreement is in full force and effect and is the legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligation of each Family Shareholder, subject to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception. No event has occurred which, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, would constitute a default on the part of any Family Shareholder under such Guaranty and Voting Agreement.

4.7 Finders or Brokers; Payments. (a) As of the date of this Agreement, except for KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. and Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc., none of Family LLC, Parent nor Merger Sub has engaged any investment banker, broker or finder in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement who might be entitled to any fee or any commission in connection with or upon consummation of the Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby.

 

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(b) Section 4.7(b) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule sets forth a good faith estimate of the fees and expenses incurred by the Family Shareholders, Family LLC or Parent on or prior to the date of this Agreement and expected to be incurred prior to the Closing in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

4.8 Solvency. Assuming (a) satisfaction of the conditions to Parent and Merger Sub’s obligation to consummate the Merger, and after giving effect to the Financing and the payment of the aggregate Merger Consideration, (b) any repayment or refinancing of debt as may be contemplated in the Financing Commitments, (c) the accuracy in all material respects of the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Article III and the Company’s performance of and compliance with, in all material respects, its covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, (d) all estimates, projections or forecasts of the Company that have been provided to Parent and its representatives prior to the date of this Agreement have been prepared in good faith based upon assumptions that were and continue to be reasonable, (e) payment of all amounts required to be paid in connection with the consummation of the Merger, and (f) payment of all related fees and expenses, each of Family LLC, Parent and the Surviving Corporation will be Solvent as of the Effective Time and immediately after consummation of the Merger.

4.9 Certain Arrangements. Except as set forth on Section 4.9 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, there are no Contracts (i) between Family LLC, Parent, Merger Sub or any of their respective Affiliates (other than the Company), on the one hand, and any member of the Company’s management or directors, on the other hand, as of the date hereof that relate to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or the Merger or (ii) between Family LLC, Parent or Merger Sub and any shareholder of the Company pursuant to which such shareholder of the Company would be entitled to receive consideration of a different amount or nature than the Merger Consideration or pursuant to which any such shareholder of the Company agrees to vote to adopt this Agreement or the Merger (other than the Guaranty and Voting Agreement) or agrees to vote against any Superior Proposal.

4.10 Investigations; Litigation. There are no (a) investigations or proceedings pending (or, to the Knowledge of Parent or Merger Sub, threatened) by any Governmental Entity with respect to Family LLC, Parent or Merger Sub or (b) actions, suits, inquiries, investigations or proceedings pending (or, to the Knowledge of Parent or Merger Sub, threatened) against or affecting Family LLC, Parent or Merger Sub, or any of their respective properties at law or in equity before, and there are no orders, judgments or decrees of, any Governmental Entity against Family LLC, Parent or Merger Sub, in each case of clause (a) or (b), which have had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect.

4.11 Ownership and Operations of Merger Sub, Parent and Family LLC. The authorized capital stock of Merger Sub consists solely of 100 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, all of which are validly issued and outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding stock of Merger Sub is, and as of the Effective Time will be, directly owned by Parent. Section 4.11 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule sets forth a

 

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complete and correct statement of the capitalization of Parent as of the date hereof and as of immediately prior to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Rollover and Contribution Agreement. As of the date hereof, Zev Weiss owns, and as of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Rollover and Contribution Agreement, the Family Shareholders will own, all of the membership interests of Family LLC. Parent, Merger Sub and, except as set forth in Section 4.11 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, Family LLC have each been formed solely for the purpose of engaging in the transactions contemplated hereby. Prior to the Effective Time, none of Parent, Merger Sub or Family LLC will have engaged in other business activities or will have incurred any liabilities or obligations other than as contemplated herein.

4.12 Company Estimates, Projections, Forecasts, Forward-Looking Statements and Business Plans. In connection with the due diligence investigation of the Company by Parent and Merger Sub, Parent and Merger Sub have received and may continue to receive from the Company certain estimates, projections, forecasts and other forward-looking information, as well as certain business plan information, regarding the Company and its business and operations. Parent and Merger Sub hereby acknowledge that there are uncertainties inherent in attempting to make such estimates, projections, forecasts and other forward-looking statements, as well as in such business plans, with which Parent and Merger Sub and their Affiliates are familiar, that Parent and Merger Sub are taking full responsibility for making their own evaluation of the adequacy and accuracy of all estimates, projections, forecasts and other forward-looking information, as well as such business plans, so furnished to them (including the reasonableness of the assumptions underlying such estimates, projections, forecasts, forward-looking information or business plans), and that Parent and Merger Sub will have no claim against the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, or any other Person, with respect thereto.

4.13 No Other Representations or Warranties. Except for the representations and warranties made by Parent and Merger Sub in this Article IV, Parent and Merger Sub make no representations or warranties, and Parent and Merger Sub hereby disclaim any other representations or warranties, with respect to Family LLC, Parent, Merger Sub, their Affiliates or their businesses, operations, assets, liabilities, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects or the negotiation, execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement by Parent and its Affiliates, notwithstanding the delivery or disclosure to the Company or its affiliates or representatives of any documentation or other information with respect to any one or more of the foregoing.

V. COVENANTS

5.1 Conduct of Business by the Company and Parent. (a) From and after the date hereof and prior to the Effective Time or the date, if any, on which this Agreement is earlier terminated pursuant to Section 7.1, and except (i) as may be required by applicable Law or as expressly required by this Agreement or as permitted by Section 5.1(b), (ii) as disclosed in Section 5.1(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, or (iii) as otherwise consented to by Parent with respect to clauses (A) and (B) below (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), the Company will,

 

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and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to (A) conduct its business in all material respects in the ordinary course consistent with past practice, (B) use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain and preserve intact its business organization and advantageous business relationships and to retain the services of its key officers and key employees, and (C) take no action which would materially and adversely affect or delay the ability of any of the Parties to obtain any necessary approvals of any regulatory agency or other Governmental Entity required for the Transactions or otherwise materially delay or prohibit the Transactions.

(b) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, between the date hereof and the Effective Time, except (i) as set forth in Section 5.1(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (ii) as Parent may consent in writing (which consent, with respect to any matter referred to in items (v), (vii), (viii), (ix), (x), (xi), (xviii) and (xix) (with respect to any of the foregoing enumerated items) below, shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) or (iii) as otherwise expressly contemplated by this Agreement, the Company will and will cause each of its Subsidiaries not to:

(i) adjust, split, combine or reclassify any capital stock or otherwise amend the terms of its capital stock;

(ii) make, declare or pay any dividend, or make any other distribution on, or directly or indirectly redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire or encumber, any shares of its capital stock or any securities or obligations convertible (whether currently convertible or convertible only after the passage of time or the occurrence of certain events) into or exchangeable for any shares of its capital stock, except (A) for dividends paid by any direct or indirect wholly owned Subsidiary to the Company or to any other direct or indirect wholly owned Subsidiary, and one regular quarterly dividend paid by the Company on its Common Shares not to exceed $0.15 per share, declared and paid consistent with prior timing and (B) in connection with the cashless exercises pursuant to the exercise of stock options issued and outstanding as of the date hereof under the Company Stock Plans;

(iii) grant any Person any right to acquire any shares of its capital stock;

(iv) issue any shares of capital stock except pursuant to (A) the exercise of Company Stock Options, (B) the vesting of Company RSUs or Company Performance Shares, granted under the Company Stock Plans and outstanding as of the date hereof and in accordance with the terms of such instruments as of the date hereof, and (C) the Company’s deferred compensation plans in accordance with the terms thereof as of the date hereof, and other than the issuance of shares by a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company to the Company or another wholly owned Subsidiary;

(v) purchase, sell, transfer, mortgage, encumber or otherwise dispose of any properties or assets having a value in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate to any Person (other than to a wholly owned Subsidiary), other than encumbrances, acquisitions or dispositions pursuant to Contracts in effect as of the date of this Agreement or in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

 

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(vi) incur, assume, guarantee, prepay or become obligated with respect to any indebtedness for borrowed money or offer, place or arrange any issue of debt securities, other than any of the foregoing that is pursuant to working capital borrowings or letter of credit issuances under existing credit facilities, in each case, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and would not reasonably be expected to delay, adversely affect or impede Parent’s ability to obtain the Financing;

(vii) except as specifically contemplated in Section 5.1(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, make any investment in excess of $5,000,000 in the aggregate, whether by purchase of stock or securities of, contributions to capital to, or purchase of any property or assets of any other Person;

(viii) make any acquisition of another Person or business, whether by purchase of stock or securities or contributions to capital in excess of $5,000,000 in the aggregate, other than acquisitions pursuant to Contracts in effect as of the date of this Agreement;

(ix) except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, enter into, renew, extend, amend or terminate (A) any Company Material Contract or Contract which if entered into prior to the date hereof would be a Company Material Contract or (B) any Contracts not in the ordinary course, involving the commitment or transfer of value in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate in any year;

(x) except to the extent required by Law or any Company Benefit Plan in effect as of the date hereof, (A) increase in any manner the compensation or benefits of any employees, officers, directors, consultants or independent contractors of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except for increases in base salary in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (B) pay any severance or retirement benefits to any employees, directors, consultants or independent contractors of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except with respect to officers, directors and consultants in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (C) accelerate the vesting of, or the lapsing of forfeiture restrictions or conditions with respect to, any equity or equity-based awards, (D) establish or cause the funding of any “rabbi trust” or similar arrangement, (E) establish, adopt, amend or terminate any arrangement that would be a Company Benefit Plan if in effect on the date hereof or (F) enter into, amend, alter, adopt, implement or otherwise make any commitment to do any of the foregoing;

(xi) except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, waive, release, assign, settle or compromise any claim, action or proceeding, other than waivers, releases, assignments, settlements or compromises that involve only the payment of monetary damages not in excess of $1,000,000 or any obligation or liability of the Company in excess of such amount;

(xii) amend or waive any provision of the Charter Documents;

(xiii) take any action that is intended or would reasonably be expected to result in any of the conditions to the Merger set forth in Article VI not being satisfied;

 

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(xiv) enter into any “non-compete” or similar agreement that would materially restrict the businesses of the Surviving Corporation, its Subsidiaries or its current or future Affiliates following the Effective Time;

(xv) adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization of such entity;

(xvi) implement or adopt any material change in its Tax or financial accounting principles, practices or methods, other than as may be required by GAAP or applicable Law;

(xvii) (A) make, change or revoke any material Tax election, (B) change any method of reporting for Tax purposes, (C) settle or compromise any material Tax claim, audit or dispute, or (D) make or surrender any claim for a material refund of Taxes, in the case of each of (C) or (D) in excess of $1,000,000;

(xviii) other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, enter into any new, or materially amend or otherwise materially alter any current, agreement or obligations with any Affiliate of the Company; or

(xix) agree to take or make any commitment to take any of the actions prohibited by this Section 5.1(b); provided, that nothing in this Section 5.1(b) will preclude the fiduciaries of the 401(k) Plan from purchasing, or selling or otherwise disposing of, Common Shares in the open market in connection with administering the common stock fund being maintained in connection with said 401(k) Plan.

(c) For purposes of this Section 5.1 and the definition of Company Material Adverse Effect, the consent of any Officer Shareholder will be deemed the consent of Parent.

5.2 Access and Information. From the date hereof until the Effective Time and subject to the requirements of applicable Law and the Confidentiality Agreement, the Company will (a) provide to Parent, its counsel, financial advisors, auditors and other authorized representatives and Financing Sources and their representatives, reasonable access during normal business hours to the offices, properties, books and records of the Company and its Subsidiaries and to such other information as Parent reasonably requests and (b) instruct the employees, counsel, financial advisors, auditors and other authorized representatives of the Company and its Subsidiaries to cooperate reasonably with Parent with respect to the foregoing matters. Prior to the Effective Time, the Company will provide to Parent and its representatives and the Financing Sources and their respective representatives, as promptly as practicable when finalized and available for distribution, (i) consolidated financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries (including statement of financial position, income statement and statement of cash flows) for each month through the Effective Time, as prepared by management for internal use and (ii) any update of quarterly projections. Any activities pursuant to this Section 5.2 will be conducted in such manner as not to interfere unreasonably with the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries. No information or knowledge obtained by Parent or Merger Sub pursuant to the activities contemplated by this Section 5.2 will affect or be deemed to modify any representation or warranty made by the Company in Article III.

 

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5.3 No Solicitation. (a) Subject to Section 5.3(c) through Section 5.3(g), the Company will not, nor will it authorize or permit any of its Subsidiaries to, and will use its reasonable best efforts to instruct and cause any of its or their respective officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives, including any investment banker, attorney or accountant retained by it or any of its Subsidiaries (“Representatives”) not to, directly or indirectly, (i) initiate, solicit, encourage (including by providing information) or knowingly facilitate any inquiries, proposals or offers with respect to, or the making or completion of, an Alternative Proposal, (ii) engage or participate in any negotiations concerning, or provide or cause to be provided any non-public information or data relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with an actual or proposed Alternative Proposal, or otherwise encourage or knowingly facilitate any effort or attempt to make or implement an Alternative Proposal, (iii) approve, endorse or recommend, or propose publicly to approve, endorse or recommend, any Alternative Proposal, (iv) approve, endorse or recommend, or propose to approve, endorse or recommend, or execute or enter into, any letter of intent, agreement in principle, merger agreement, acquisition agreement or other similar agreement relating to any Alternative Proposal, (v) amend, terminate, fail to enforce, or grant any consent under, any confidentiality, standstill or similar agreement (except that the Company may allow the counterparty thereto to make an Alternative Proposal and otherwise amend, terminate or fail to enforce (or grant a consent under) the provisions thereof in connection with negotiations and discussions permitted by this Section 5.3), or (vi) resolve to propose or agree to do any of the foregoing.

(b) The Company will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, and will use its reasonable best efforts to instruct and cause each of its and its Subsidiaries’ respective Representatives to, immediately cease any existing solicitations, discussions or negotiations with any Person (other than the Parties) that has made or indicated an intention to make an Alternative Proposal.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 5.3(a) or 5.3(b), if following the date of this Agreement and prior to obtaining the Company Shareholder Approval and the Minority Shareholder Approval, (i) the Company receives an unsolicited Alternative Proposal, (ii) the Company has not breached Section 5.3(a) or 5.3(b) (except where such breaches, individually or in the aggregate, did not materially contribute to the making of the Alternative Proposal described in the preceding clause (i)), (iii) the Company Board (acting through the Special Committee) determines, in good faith based on the information then available, after consultation with counsel and financial advisors, that such Alternative Proposal constitutes or is reasonably likely to result in a Superior Proposal, and (iv) after consultation with its counsel, the Company Board (acting through the Special Committee, if then in existence) determines in good faith based on the information then available that failure to take such action would be inconsistent with the directors’ fiduciary duties under applicable Ohio Law, then the Company may (A) furnish information to the Person making such Alternative Proposal and its Representatives pursuant to a confidentiality agreement containing terms no

 

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less restrictive than those contained in the Confidentiality Agreement, provided that such confidentiality agreement will not contain any provisions that would prevent the Company from complying with its obligation to provide the required disclosures to Parent pursuant to this Section 5.3 and it being understood that such confidentiality agreement need not prohibit the making, or amendment, of an Alternative Proposal, and (B) participate in discussions or negotiations with such Person and its Representatives regarding such Alternative Proposal; provided, however, that the Company will promptly provide to Parent any non-public information concerning the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that is provided to the Person making such Alternative Proposal or its Representatives which was not previously provided or made available to Parent.

(d) Neither the Company Board nor any committee thereof, including the Special Committee, may (i) (A) withdraw or modify in a manner adverse to Parent or Merger Sub, or publicly propose to withdraw or modify in a manner adverse to Parent or Merger Sub, the Recommendation or (B) fail to recommend against acceptance of any tender offer or exchange offer that is publicly disclosed (other than by Parent or Merger Sub) prior to the earlier of the date of the Company Meeting and ten Business Days after the commencement of such tender offer or exchange offer pursuant to Rule 14d-2 under the Exchange Act or recommend that the shareholders of the Company tender their shares in such tender offer or exchange offer, (ii) approve or recommend, or publicly propose to approve, endorse or recommend, any Alternative Proposal ((i) and (ii), a “Recommendation Change”), or (iii) approve any letter of intent, agreement in principle, acquisition agreement or similar agreement (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, entering into a confidentiality agreement as contemplated by Section 5.3(c)) relating to any Alternative Proposal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time prior to obtaining the Company Shareholder Approval and the Minority Shareholder Approval, the Special Committee may, in response to an Intervening Event, effect a Recommendation Change, provided that the Special Committee determines in good faith, after consultation with its counsel, that the failure to do so would be inconsistent with the directors’ fiduciary duties under Ohio Law.

(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time prior to obtaining the Company Shareholder Approval or the Minority Shareholder Approval, the Special Committee may, in response to a Superior Proposal, terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(c)(ii) if: (i) such Superior Proposal did not result from a breach of Section 5.3 and is not withdrawn, (ii) the Company Board (acting through the Special Committee) determines, in good faith after consultation with counsel, that the failure to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(c)(ii) would be inconsistent with the directors’ fiduciary duties under Ohio Law, (iii) the Company provides Parent five Business Days prior written notice of its intention to take such action, which notice includes the information with respect to such Superior Proposal that is specified in Section 5.3(f), (iv) after providing such notice and prior to taking any action pursuant to Section 7.1(c)(ii), with respect to a Superior Proposal, the Company negotiates in good faith with Parent during such five Business Day period (to the extent that Parent desires to negotiate) to make such revisions to the terms of this Agreement as would permit the Company Board and the Special Committee not to take such action pursuant to Section 7.1(c)(ii) and (v) the Company Board and the Special Committee have considered in

 

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good faith any changes to this Agreement offered in writing by Parent and shall have determined in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisors, that the Superior Proposal would continue to constitute a Superior Proposal if such changes offered in writing by Parent were to be given effect; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, neither the Company Board nor any committee thereof may take any action pursuant to Section 7.1(c)(ii) with respect to a Superior Proposal prior to the time that is five Business Days after it has provided the written notice required by clause (iii) above, provided further that in the event that the Superior Proposal is thereafter modified by the party making such Superior Proposal, the Company provides written notice of such modified Superior Proposal to Parent and again complies with this Section 5.3(e), except that the Company’s advance written notice obligation will be reduced to three Business Days (rather than the five Business Days otherwise contemplated by this Section 5.3(e)).

(f) The Company will promptly (and in any event within 48 hours) advise Parent orally and in writing of (i) any Alternative Proposal or inquiry with respect to or that would reasonably be expected to lead to any Alternative Proposal and (ii) any inquiry or request for discussion or negotiation regarding an Alternative Proposal including, in each case, the identity of the Person making any such Alternative Proposal or inquiry and the material terms of any such Alternative Proposal or inquiry (including, if applicable, copies of any document or correspondence evidencing such Alternative Proposal or inquiry). The Company, upon the request of Parent, will keep Parent reasonably informed of the status (including any material change to the terms thereof) of any such Alternative Proposal or inquiry.

(g) Nothing contained in this Agreement prohibits the Company, the Company Board or any committee thereof from disclosing to its shareholders a position contemplated by Rules 14d-9 and 14e-2(a) promulgated under the Exchange Act (or any similar communication to shareholders) in order to comply with federal or state Law or making any “stop, look and listen” communication to the shareholders of the Company pursuant to Rule 14d-9(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that any communication to shareholders other than a “stop, look and listen” of the type contemplated by Rule 14d-9(f) and Rule 14e-2(a) promulgated under the Exchange Act will be deemed to be a Recommendation Change unless such disclosure expressly reaffirms the Company Board’s recommendation in favor of adoption of this Agreement or expressly rejects any applicable Alternative Proposal.

(h) Nothing contained in this Agreement affects the rights of the Family Shareholders in respect of the voting or disposition of their Common Shares, including in respect of any Superior Proposal or other event; provided that this Section 5.3(h) does not affect the rights and obligations under the Guaranty and Voting Agreement of the parties thereto.

5.4 Filings; Shareholder Approval. (a) As promptly as practicable following the date of this Agreement, the Company will prepare the Proxy Statement, and the Company and Parent will prepare the Schedule 13E-3. Parent and the Company will cooperate with each other in connection with the preparation of the foregoing

 

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documents. The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to have the Proxy Statement, and Parent and the Company will use their reasonable best efforts to have the Schedule 13E-3, cleared by the SEC as promptly as practicable after such filing. The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Proxy Statement to be mailed to the Company’s shareholders as promptly as practicable after the Proxy Statement is cleared by the SEC. The Company will as promptly as practicable notify Parent of the receipt of any oral or written comments from the SEC relating to the Proxy Statement. The Company will cooperate and provide Parent with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on the draft of the Proxy Statement (including each amendment or supplement thereto), and Parent and the Company will cooperate and provide each other with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment in good faith on the draft Schedule 13E-3 (including each amendment or supplement thereto) and all responses to requests for additional information by and replies to comments of the SEC, prior to filing such with or sending such to the SEC, and Parent and the Company will provide each other with copies of all such filings made and correspondence with the SEC with respect thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company assumes no responsibility with respect to information supplied in writing by or on behalf of Parent or Merger Sub (including with respect to any of the Family Shareholders) for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Proxy Statement. If at any time prior to the Company Meeting, any information should be discovered by any Party which should be set forth in an amendment or supplement to the Proxy Statement or the Schedule 13E-3 so that the Proxy Statement or the Schedule 13E-3 would not include any misstatement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, the Party which discovers such information will promptly notify the other Parties and, to the extent required by applicable Law, an appropriate amendment or supplement describing such information shall be promptly filed by the appropriate Party with the SEC and disseminated by the Company to the shareholders of the Company.

(b) The Company will (i) take all action necessary in accordance with Ohio Law and its articles of incorporation and code of regulations to duly call, give notice of, convene and hold a meeting of its shareholders as promptly as practicable following the mailing of the Proxy Statement for the purpose of obtaining the Company Shareholder Approval and the Minority Shareholder Approval (such meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, the “Company Meeting”) and (ii) subject to Section 5.3, use reasonable best efforts to solicit from its shareholders proxies in favor of the adoption of this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, unless this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Section 7.1 and subject to compliance with Section 7.2, the Company will take all of the actions contemplated by this Section 5.4 and will submit this Agreement for adoption by the shareholders of the Company at such meeting.

5.5 Reasonable Best Efforts. (a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, each of the Parties will use its reasonable best efforts (subject to, and in accordance with, applicable Law) to take promptly, or to cause to be taken, all actions, and to do promptly, or to cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with

 

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the other Parties in doing, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby, including (i) the obtaining of all necessary actions or nonactions, waivers, consents and approvals, including the Company Approvals and the Parent Approvals, from Governmental Entities and the making of all necessary registrations and filings and the taking of all steps as may be necessary to obtain an approval or waiver from, or to avoid an action or proceeding by, any Governmental Entity, (ii) the obtaining of all necessary consents, approvals or waivers from third parties, (iii) the defending of any lawsuits or other legal proceedings, whether judicial or administrative, challenging this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and (iv) the execution and delivery of any additional instruments reasonably necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

(b) Subject to the terms and conditions herein provided and without limiting the foregoing, the Company and Parent will (i) promptly, but in no event later than 20 days after the date hereof, make their respective filings and thereafter make any other required submissions under the HSR Act as promptly as reasonably practicable, (ii) cooperate with each other in (A) determining whether any other filings are required to be made with, or consents, permits, authorizations, waivers or approvals are required to be obtained from, any third parties or other Governmental Entities in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and (B) timely making all such filings and timely seeking all such consents, permits, authorizations or approvals, (iii) use reasonable efforts to take, or to cause to be taken, all other actions and to do, or to cause to be done, all other things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby, and to avoid or eliminate each and every impediment under any Law that may be asserted by any Governmental Entity with respect to the Merger so as to enable the Closing to occur as soon as reasonably possible (and in any event no later than the End Date (as hereinafter defined)), (iv) subject to applicable Law, keep each other apprised in all material respects of the status of matters relating to the completion of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement including, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, promptly furnishing the other with true and complete copies of notices or other material communications sent or received by the Company or Parent, as the case may be, or any of their Subsidiaries, to or from any third party and/or any Governmental Entity with respect thereto, and permit the other to review in advance any proposed material communication by such party to any supervisory or Governmental Entity, and (v) give the other reasonable notice of, and, to the extent permitted by such Governmental Entity, allow the other to attend and participate at any meeting with any Governmental Entity in respect of any filings, investigation or other inquiry or proceeding relating thereto. The Company and Parent will permit counsel for the other party reasonable opportunity to review in advance, and consider in good faith the views of the other party in connection with, any proposed written communication to any Governmental Entity.

(c) Subject to Section 5.5(d), each of Parent and the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to resolve such objections, if any, as may be asserted by any Governmental Entity with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement

 

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under the HSR Act, the Sherman Act, as amended, the Clayton Act, as amended, the Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended, and any other federal, state or foreign Laws that are designed to prohibit, restrict or regulate actions having the purpose or effect of monopolization or restraint of trade (collectively, “Antitrust Laws”). In connection therewith and subject to Section 5.5(d), if any Action is instituted (or threatened to be instituted) challenging any transaction contemplated by this Agreement as violative of any Antitrust Law, each of Parent and the Company will cooperate in all respects with each other and use their respective reasonable best efforts to contest and resist any such Action (through negotiation, litigation or otherwise), and to have vacated, lifted, reversed or overturned any decree, judgment, injunction or other order whether temporary, preliminary or permanent (each, an “Order”), that is in effect and that prohibits, prevents, delays or restricts consummation of the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including by vigorously pursuing all available avenues of administrative and judicial appeal and all available legislative action. Each of Parent and the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to take such action as may be required to cause the expiration or termination of the waiting periods under the HSR Act or other Antitrust Laws with respect to such transactions as promptly as possible after the execution of this Agreement.

(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, neither Parent nor the Company will be required to divest, hold separate (including by trust or otherwise) or otherwise commit to take any action that limits its freedom of action with respect to its respective ability to retain or operate any of its businesses, services or assets; provided, however, that unless Parent or the Company otherwise agree, if necessary to avoid the Federal Trade Commission, Department of Justice or other Governmental Entity instituting an Action under Antitrust Laws challenging the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and seeking an Order, then Parent and the Company will agree collectively to divest or hold separate (including by trust or otherwise) or otherwise take any action that limits Parent’s or the Company’s freedom of action with respect to its respective ability to retain or operate any of its businesses, services or assets, except to the extent such action would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect after the Closing on Parent and the Surviving Corporation, taken as a whole, provided further, however, that neither Parent nor the Company may agree, without the other’s prior written consent, to divest or hold separate or take any other action or agree to any limitation that limits its freedom of action with respect to its ability to retain or operate any of its businesses, services or assets unless such actions are conditioned upon the occurrence of the Closing or are effective only on or after the Closing.

(e) Subject to the rights of Parent in Section 5.10, and in furtherance and not in limitation of the covenants of the Parties contained in this Section 5.5, if any administrative or judicial action or proceeding, including any proceeding by a private party, is instituted (or threatened to be instituted) challenging the Merger or any other transaction contemplated by this Agreement, each of the Company and Parent will cooperate in all respects with each other and use their respective reasonable best efforts to contest and resist any such action or proceeding and to have vacated, lifted, reversed or overturned any decree, judgment, injunction or other order, whether

 

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temporary, preliminary or permanent, that is in effect and that prohibits, prevents or restricts consummation of the Merger or any other transactions contemplated hereby. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Agreement, nothing in this Section 5.5 will limit a Party’s right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to the terms hereof so long as such Party has, prior to such termination, complied with its obligations under this Section 5.5.

5.6 Takeover Statute. If any “fair price,” “moratorium,” “control share acquisition” or other form of anti-takeover statute or regulation becomes applicable to the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, each of the Company and Parent and the members of their respective Boards of Directors will grant such approvals and take such actions as are reasonably necessary so that the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby may be consummated as promptly as practicable on the terms contemplated herein and otherwise act to eliminate or minimize the effects of such statute or regulation on the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby.

5.7 Public Announcements. Neither the Company nor Parent will issue any press release or other public statement or comment relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby without the prior consent of the other party and each of Parent and the Company will consult with each other prior to making any filings with any third party and/or any Governmental Entity (including any national securities exchange) with respect thereto, in all cases except as a Party may determine in good faith is required by applicable Law, by obligations pursuant to any listing agreement with any national securities exchange, by request of any Governmental Entity or as permitted under Section 5.3. The press release announcing the execution and delivery of this Agreement will be in substantially the form previously approved by the Parties.

5.8 Indemnification and Insurance. (a) From and after the Effective Time through the sixth anniversary of the date on which the Effective Time occurs, each of Parent and the Surviving Corporation will indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Party with respect to all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, judgments, fines, penalties, costs (including amounts paid in settlement or compromise) and expenses (including fees and expenses of legal counsel) in connection with any claim, suit, action, proceeding or investigation (whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative), whenever asserted, based on or arising out of, in whole or in part, (i) the fact that an Indemnified Party was a director or officer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) acts or omissions by such Indemnified Party in the Indemnified Party’s capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company or taken at the request of the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company (including in connection with serving at the request of the Company or such Subsidiary as a director, officer, employee, agent, trustee or fiduciary of another Person), in each case under (i) or (ii), at, or at any time prior to, the Effective Time (including any claim, suit, action, proceeding or investigation relating in whole or in part to the Merger or the enforcement of this provision or any other indemnification or advancement right of any Indemnified Party), to the fullest extent permitted under Ohio Law, but only to the extent that such Indemnified Party may be indemnified pursuant to

 

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the respective Charter Documents of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as in effect on the date of this Agreement or in any written agreement in existence as of the date of this Agreement providing for indemnification between an Indemnified Party and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

(b) Parent guarantees, and the Surviving Corporation will assume, all obligations of the Company and any of its Subsidiaries in respect of rights of exculpation, indemnification and advancement of expenses for acts or omissions occurring at or prior to the Effective Time, whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the Effective Time, existing in favor of the Indemnified Parties as provided in the respective Charter Documents of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or in any written agreement described on the Company Disclosure Schedule or filed as an exhibit to any Filed SEC Document or available under Ohio Law; provided, however, that all rights to indemnification in respect of any Action (as hereinafter defined) pending or asserted or any claim made within such period will continue until the disposition of such Action or resolution of such claim. Without limiting the foregoing, Parent, from and after the Effective Time until six years from the Effective Time, will cause, unless otherwise required by Law, the articles of incorporation and code of regulations or similar organizational documents of the Surviving Corporation to contain provisions no less favorable to the Indemnified Parties with respect to limitation of liabilities of directors and officers and indemnification than are set forth as of the date of this Agreement in the Charter Documents and/or available under Ohio Law, which provisions will not be amended, repealed or otherwise modified in a manner that would adversely affect the rights thereunder of the Indemnified Parties. In addition, from the Effective Time until six years from the Effective Time, Parent will, and will cause the Surviving Corporation to, advance any expenses (including fees and expenses of legal counsel) of any Indemnified Party under this Section 5.8 (including in connection with enforcing the indemnity and other obligations referred to in this Section 5.8) as incurred to the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law, provided that the individual to whom expenses are advanced provides an undertaking to repay such advances if it shall be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified pursuant to this Section 5.8(b).

(c) For a period of six years from the Effective Time, Parent will either cause to be maintained in effect the current policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and fiduciary liability insurance maintained by the Company and its Subsidiaries, or provide substitute policies or purchase or cause the Surviving Corporation to purchase, a “tail policy” with reputable insurers, in each case of at least the same coverage and scope, and in amounts, and containing terms and conditions, that are no less favorable to such individuals than such policy in effect on the date hereof, with respect to matters arising on or before the Effective Time covering without limitation the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby; provided, however, that after the Effective Time, Parent will not be required to pay annual premiums in excess of 250% of the last annual premium paid by the Company prior to the date hereof in respect of the coverage required to be obtained pursuant hereto, but in such case will purchase as much coverage as reasonably practicable for such amount; and further provided that if the Surviving Corporation purchases a “tail policy” and the same coverage costs (on an annualized basis) more than 250% of such last annual premium, the Surviving

 

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Corporation will purchase the maximum amount of coverage that can be obtained (on an annualized basis) for 250% of such last annual premium. The Company may prior to the Effective Time purchase a six-year prepaid “tail policy” on terms and conditions providing at least substantially equivalent benefits as the current policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance maintained by the Company and its Subsidiaries with respect to matters existing or occurring prior to the Effective Time, covering without limitation the Transactions. If such prepaid “tail policy” has been obtained by the Company, it will be deemed to satisfy all obligations to obtain insurance pursuant to this Section 5.8(c) and the Surviving Corporation will use its reasonable best efforts to cause such policy to be maintained in full force and effect, for its full term, and to honor all of its obligations thereunder.

(d) Parent or the Surviving Corporation will have the right, but not the obligation, to assume and control the defense of any threatened or actual litigation, claim or proceeding relating to any acts or omissions covered under this Section 5.8 (each, a “Claim”), provided that none of Parent or the Surviving Corporation will settle, compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment in any such Claim for which indemnification has been sought by an Indemnified Party hereunder, unless such settlement, compromise or consent includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Party from all liability arising out of, and no admission of wrongdoing in respect of, such Claim or such Indemnified Party otherwise consents in writing to such settlement, compromise or consent. Each of Parent, the Surviving Corporation and the Indemnified Parties will cooperate in the defense of any Claim and will provide access to properties and individuals as reasonably requested and furnish or cause to be furnished records, information and testimony, and attend such conferences, discovery proceedings, hearings, trials or appeals, as may be reasonably requested in connection therewith.

(e) The provisions of this Section 5.8 will survive the consummation of the Merger and expressly are intended to benefit, and are enforceable by, each Indemnified Party, and his or her heirs and his or her representatives, and are in addition to, and not in substitution for, any other rights to indemnification or contribution that any such individual may have under the Charter Documents, by contract or otherwise. The obligations of Parent and the Surviving Corporation under this Section 5.8 may not be terminated or modified in such a manner as to adversely affect the rights of any Indemnified Party to whom this Section 5.8 applies unless (i) such termination or modification is required by applicable Law or (ii) the affected Indemnified Party shall have consented in writing to such termination or modification (it being expressly agreed that the Indemnified Parties to whom this Section 5.8 applies will be third party beneficiaries of this Section 5.8).

(f) In the event Parent, the Surviving Corporation or any of their respective successors or assigns (i) consolidates with or merges into any other Person and is not the continuing or surviving corporation or entity in such consolidation or merger or (ii) transfers all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person, then, and in either such case, proper provision will be made so that the successors and assigns of Parent or the Surviving Corporation, as the case may be, assume the obligations set forth in this Section 5.8.

 

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5.9 Financing. (a) (i) Parent and Merger Sub will use their respective reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to arrange and obtain the Financing on the terms and conditions described in the Financing Commitments (including any applicable “market flex” provisions), and use reasonable best efforts to (A) maintain in effect the Financing Commitments until the Merger is consummated, (B) negotiate and enter into definitive agreements with respect to the Financing on the terms and conditions (including any applicable “market flex” provisions) contemplated by the Financing Commitments (or on other terms that are acceptable to Parent and could not reasonably be expected to (1) reduce the aggregate amount of net cash proceeds available from the Financing, (2) introduce new or additional conditions or otherwise be reasonably likely to prevent, impede, delay or impair the availability of the Financing or the ability of Parent or Merger Sub to consummate the Merger as of the Closing or (3) adversely impact the ability of Parent or Merger Sub to enforce its rights against the other parties to the Financing Commitments, (C) satisfy on or prior to the Closing all conditions precedent applicable to Parent and Merger Sub in the Financing Commitments, (D) consummate the Financing at or prior to the Closing, (E) enforce the rights of Parent and Merger Sub under the Financing Commitments and (F) comply in all material respects with its covenants and other obligations under the Financing Commitments. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, neither Parent nor Merger Sub will permit any amendment, supplement or other modification of, or waiver of any provision or remedy under, the Financing Commitments to the extent such amendment, supplement, other modification or waiver could reasonably be expected to (1) reduce the aggregate amount of net cash proceeds available from the Financing, (2) introduce new or additional conditions or otherwise be reasonably likely to prevent, impede, delay or impair the availability of the Financing or the ability of Parent or Merger Sub to consummate the Merger as of the Closing, or (3) adversely impact the ability of Parent or Merger Sub to enforce its rights against the other parties to the Financing Commitments. Parent and Merger Sub will deliver to the Company copies of any such amendment, modification, replacement or waiver promptly upon its execution thereof.

(ii) Upon request, Parent will keep the Company reasonably informed of the status of its efforts to arrange the Financing and provide to the Company copies of the material definitive documents for the Financing. Parent will give the Company prompt notice (which shall in no event be more than two Business Days from the date of Knowledge): (A) of any actual or alleged breach or default by any party to any Financing Commitments or definitive document related to the Financing, (B) of the receipt of any written notice or other written communication from a financing source for the Financing with respect to any (x) actual or alleged breach, default, termination or repudiation by any party to any Financing Commitments or any definitive document related to the Financing or any provisions of the Financing Commitments or any definitive document related to the Financing or (y) material dispute or disagreement between or among any parties to any Financing Commitments or any definitive document related to the

 

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Financing with respect to the obligation to fund the Financing or the amount of the Financing to be funded at the Closing, and (C) if Parent and Merger Sub determine in good faith that they will not be able to satisfy any of the obligations to, or otherwise be able to obtain, all or any portion of the Financing contemplated by the Financing Commitments on the terms, in the manner or form the sources contemplated by the Financing Commitments or the definitive documents related to the Financing. As soon as reasonably practicable, but in any event within two Business Days after the date the Company delivers a request to Parent or Merger Sub, Parent and Merger Sub will provide any information reasonably requested by the Company relating to any circumstance referred to in the immediately preceding sentence. If any portion of the Financing becomes unavailable on the terms and conditions contemplated by the Financing Commitments and such portion is reasonably required to fund the amounts contemplated to be paid by Parent or Merger Sub pursuant to this Agreement, Parent and Merger Sub will promptly (and in any event within two Business Days) notify the Company and will use their respective reasonable best efforts to arrange and obtain in replacement thereof alternative financing from alternative sources as promptly as practicable following the occurrence of such event but no later than the Business Day immediately prior to the End Date in an amount sufficient, and on terms that will enable Parent and Merger Sub, to consummate the Merger and on terms and conditions, taken as a whole, not materially less favorable to the Company or Parent than the terms set forth in the Financing Commitments (including the flex provisions thereof) or that are otherwise approved by the Company (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). Parent and Merger Sub will deliver to the Company true and complete copies of all agreements (including any fee letters and engagement letters, provided that amounts in such letters may be redacted unless such redactions are related to provisions that could adversely affect the amount, conditionality, enforceability or availability of the Financing) pursuant to which any such alternative source shall have committed to provide Parent, Merger Sub or the Surviving Corporation with any portion of the Financing. Any alternative financing will (x) be in an amount sufficient to consummate the Merger (including paying the Merger Consideration, and all fees and expenses) and (y) not impose new or additional conditions or otherwise expand, amend or modify any of the conditions to the receipt of the Financing in a manner that would reasonably be expected to (1) delay or prevent the Closing Date or (2) make the funding of the Financing (or satisfaction of the conditions to obtaining the Financing) less likely to occur. Upon obtaining any commitment for any alternative Financing, such alternative Financing shall be deemed to be part of the Financing for purposes of this Agreement. The Parties will use their respective reasonable best efforts to market the Financing concurrently with the solicitation of proxies in connection with the Company Meeting, subject to the concurrence of the underwriters and lead arrangers that doing so will not adversely affect the marketing of the Financing, with the objective of completing the Merger as promptly as practicable after the date of the Company Meeting. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, nothing contained in this Section 5.9 will require, and in no event will the reasonable best efforts of Parent or Merger Sub be deemed or construed to require, either Parent or Merger Sub to (i) seek the Preferred Financing from any source other than those counterparty to, or in any amount in excess of that contemplated by, the Financing Agreement or (ii) pay any fees, any interest rates or other amounts applicable to the Senior Financing in

 

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excess of those contemplated by the Senior Commitment Letters (including the flex provisions), or agree to any “market flex” term less favorable to Parent or Merger Sub than such corresponding market flex term contained in or contemplated by the Senior Commitment Letters (in either case, whether to secure waiver of any conditions contained therein or otherwise); provided that Parent or Merger Sub, as the case may be, will pay all fees required by the Senior Commitment Letters as they become due. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, neither Parent nor the Company will be required to provide any information or notice (i) solely in the case of Parent, to the extent that providing such information or notice is restricted by a confidentiality provision contained in the Financing Commitments as in effect on the date hereof or (ii) would violate applicable Law or would result in the loss of attorney-client privilege.

(b) Prior to the Closing, upon the request of Parent, the Company will use reasonable best efforts to provide and cause its Subsidiaries and its and their respective officers, directors, managers, employees, accountants, consultants, legal counsel, agents and other representatives to provide all cooperation reasonably requested by Parent that is customary in connection with arranging, obtaining and syndicating the Financing, including: (i) participating in a reasonable number of meetings, presentations, road shows, drafting sessions, due diligence sessions with prospective lenders and investors and sessions with rating agencies in connection with the Financing, including direct contact between senior management (with appropriate seniority and expertise) and representatives (including accountants) of the Company and its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and the Financing Sources and potential lenders and purchasers of, the Financing, on the other hand, (ii) furnishing all financial statements required by the Financing Commitments (as in effect on the date hereof) as an express condition to the obligations of a Financing Source thereunder within the time periods specified therein, (iii) assisting with the preparation and entering into as of the Effective Time of definitive agreements with respect to the Financing (including review of any disclosure schedules related thereto for completeness and accuracy) or the amendment of any of the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ currency or interest hedging agreements, in each case, on terms reasonably satisfactory to Parent and that are reasonably requested by Parent in connection with the Financing, provided that any such agreements or amendments will not take effect until Closing and no obligation of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under any such agreements or amendments will be effective until the Effective Time, (iv) assisting with the preparation of customary materials for rating agency presentations, offering and syndication documents (including public and private information memoranda and lender presentations), business projections and similar marketing documents required in connection with the Financing; (v) furnishing Parent and the Financing Sources as promptly as practicable following Parent’s request with financial and other pertinent information regarding the Company and its Subsidiaries of the type required by Regulation S-X and Regulation S-K under the Securities Act (excluding pro forma financial statements, pro forma adjustments and information relating specifically to the Financing (but not historical information relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries and forward looking information regarding the Company and its Subsidiaries otherwise required by applicable Law) included in liquidity and capital resources disclosure and risk factors relating to the Financing which shall be

 

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the responsibility of Parent and Merger Sub) for registered offerings of unsecured high yield non-convertible debt securities on Form S-1, as at the time during the Company’s fiscal year when such an offering will be made to finance the Merger, to the extent that the same is of the type and form that would be customarily included in offering documents used in private placements of unsecured high yield non-convertible debt securities under Rule 144A of the Securities Act (provided that in no circumstance shall the Company be required to provide subsidiary financial statements or any other information of the type required by Rule 3-09, Rule 3-10 or Rule 3-16 of Regulation S-X, Compensation Disclosure and Analysis required by Regulation S-K Item 402(b) or other information customarily excluded from a Rule 144A Offering Memorandum for high-yield non-convertible debt securities), (vi) cooperating reasonably with the Financing Sources for compliance with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including U.S.A. Patriot Act of 2001, (vii) cooperating reasonably with the Financing Sources’ due diligence to the extent customary, (viii) executing customary authorization letters, (ix) reasonably cooperating in respect of the conditions precedent set forth in the Financing Commitments or any definitive document relating to the Financing (to the extent the satisfaction of such condition requires the cooperation of, and is within the control of, the Company and its Subsidiaries), subject to the occurrence of the Effective Time, (x) using commercially reasonable efforts to obtain legal opinions (it being understood that Parent’s counsel will provide customary opinions as to matters of Delaware corporate law, and Ohio law and New York law, including, in each case, the Uniform Commercial Code, and U.S. federal law and the laws of other jurisdictions as appropriate), accountants’ comfort letters and consents to the use of accountants’ audit reports relating to the Company, in each case to the extent customary for financings similar to the Financing and reasonably requested by Parent, (xi) executing and delivering, which will not be effective prior to the Effective Time, any guarantees, pledge and security documents, other definitive financing documents, or other certificates or documents contemplated by the Senior Commitment Letter and hedging agreements as may be reasonably requested by Parent or Merger Sub (including a customary certificate of the chief financial officer of the Company with respect to solvency matters substantially in the form attached to the Senior Commitment Letter as at the date hereof and otherwise reasonably facilitating the pledging of collateral or provision of guarantees in connection with the Financing), (xii) using commercially reasonable efforts to obtain such consents, approvals, authorizations and instruments which may reasonably be requested by Parent or Merger Sub to be delivered at the Closing to permit the consummation of the Financing, including collateral arrangements, including obtaining payoff letters, releases, terminations, landlord waivers and access agreements, waivers, consents, estoppels and approvals as may be required in connection therewith, (xiii) reasonably cooperating with the marketing efforts of Parent and its Financing Sources for any portion of any Financing (including consenting to the use of the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ logos; provided that such logos are used solely in a manner that is not intended to or reasonably likely to harm or disparage the Company or its Subsidiaries or the reputation or goodwill of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries), (xiv) using commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the Financing Sources benefit from the existing lending relationships of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and (xv) as of the Effective Time, taking all corporate actions necessary and reasonably requested by Parent to authorize the consummation

 

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of the Financing and to permit the proceeds thereof to be made available to the Surviving Corporation immediately after the Effective Time; provided, however, that with respect to each of sub-clauses (i) through (xv), (I) all non-public information or other confidential information provided pursuant to this Section 5.9 will be kept confidential in accordance with the Confidentiality Agreement, except that Parent and Merger Sub will be permitted to disclose such information to potential private side syndicate members during syndication, subject to customary confidentiality undertakings by such potential syndicate members, (II) no obligation of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under any agreement, certificate, document or instrument will be effective until the Effective Time, and none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries will be required to pay any commitment or other similar fee or incur any other liability, cost or expense in connection with the Financing prior to the Effective Time, (III) such requested cooperation does not unreasonably interfere with the ongoing operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and (IV) the Company will be permitted a reasonable period to comment on any documents or other information circulated to potential financing sources. Parent will promptly, upon request by the Company, reimburse the Company for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the cooperation of the Company and its Subsidiaries contemplated by this Section 5.9 and will indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its Subsidiaries and their respective Representatives from and against any and all liabilities, losses, damages, claims, costs, expenses, interest, awards, judgments and penalties suffered or incurred by any of them in connection with this Section 5.9.

(c) As may be reasonably requested by Parent, the Company will promptly take such actions in respect of the Senior Notes Indentures and the notes issued pursuant thereto and the Credit Agreement (including taking such actions necessary to repay in full and terminate all obligations under the Credit Agreement at the time of the Closing), in each case as directed by and in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in writing by Parent, and the Company will consult with Parent before taking any action with respect to any of the foregoing, provided that (i) any such action will not be effective prior to the Effective Time and all costs in respect of any such action will be borne by Parent, (ii) Parent shall not request the Company to take any actions or deliver any notices to repay, refinance, redeem, retire, cancel or terminate, as applicable, the Senior Notes Indentures and the notes issued pursuant thereto, and (iii) the Company may obtain a reasonable waiver, consent or amendment under the 2021 Senior Notes Indenture as the Company determines in good faith to be necessary to permit the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Senior Financing in a manner that does not result in a breach of Section 4.11(b)(vi) of the 2021 Senior Notes Indenture.

5.10 Shareholder Litigation. Prior to the Effective Time, Parent will give prompt notice to the Company, and the Company will give prompt notice to Parent, of any actions, suits, claims or proceedings commenced or, to the Company’s Knowledge, on the one hand, and Parent’s Knowledge, on the other hand, threatened against such party which relate to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. The Company will give Parent the opportunity to participate in the defense or settlement of

 

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any shareholder litigation against the Company and/or its directors relating to the Merger or any other transactions contemplated hereby, whether commenced prior to or after the execution and delivery of this Agreement; provided, however, that the Company will not settle any such litigation without Parent’s prior written consent.

5.11 Resignation of Directors of the Company; Nomination of Directors of the Surviving Corporation. Prior to the Effective Time, to the extent requested by Parent, the Company will use reasonable best efforts to cause each member of the Company Board to execute and deliver a letter effectuating his or her resignation as a member of the Company Board effective immediately after the Effective Time and to nominate a successor director thereto specified by Parent for election to the board of directors of the Surviving Corporation by Parent, in its capacity as the sole shareholder of the Surviving Corporation.

5.12 Notification of Certain Matters. The Company will give prompt notice to Parent, and Parent will give prompt notice to the Company, of (a) any notice or other communication received by such party from any Governmental Entity in connection with the Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby or from any Person alleging that the consent of such Person is or may be required in connection with the Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby, if the subject matter of such communication or the failure of such party to obtain such consent could be material to the Company, the Surviving Corporation or Parent, (b) any actions, suits, claims, investigations or proceedings commenced or, to such party’s Knowledge, threatened against, relating to or involving or otherwise affecting such party or any of its Subsidiaries which relate to the Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby, or (c) the discovery of any fact or circumstance that, or the occurrence or non-occurrence of any event the occurrence or non-occurrence of which, would reasonably be expected to cause or result in any of the conditions to the Merger set forth in Article VI not being satisfied or satisfaction of those conditions being materially delayed in violation of any provision of this Agreement; provided, however, that the delivery of any notice pursuant to this Section 5.12 will not (i) cure any breach of, or non-compliance with, any other provision of this Agreement or (ii) limit the remedies available to the party receiving such notice.

5.13 Rule 16b-3. Prior to the Effective Time, the Company will take all steps as may be reasonably requested by any Party to cause dispositions of Company equity securities (including derivative securities) pursuant to the Merger by each individual who is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act with respect to the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time to be exempt under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.

5.14 Parent Vote. Immediately following the execution of this Agreement, Parent will execute and deliver, in accordance with Section 1701.54 of Ohio Law and in its capacity as the sole shareholder of Merger Sub, a written consent adopting the Agreement.

 

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5.15 Stock Exchange Delisting. Parent will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Company’s securities to be de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange and de-registered under the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable following the Effective Time.

5.16 Merger Sub and Surviving Corporation. Parent will take all actions necessary to (a) cause Merger Sub and the Surviving Corporation to perform promptly their respective obligations under this Agreement, as applicable and (b) cause Merger Sub to consummate the Merger on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

VI. CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER

6.1 Conditions to Each Party’s Obligation to Effect the Merger. The respective obligations of each Party to effect the Merger are subject to the fulfillment or waiver by all Parties at or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions:

(a) The Company Shareholder Approval shall have been obtained;

(b) The Minority Shareholder Approval shall have been obtained;

(c) No restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by any court of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing, or making illegal, the consummation of the Transactions shall be in effect; and

(d) Any applicable waiting period under the HSR Act shall have expired or been earlier terminated.

6.2 Conditions to Obligation of the Company to Effect the Merger. The obligation of the Company to effect the Merger is further subject to the fulfillment or waiver in writing by the Company of the following conditions:

(a) The representations and warranties of Parent and Merger Sub shall be true and correct at and as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Closing Date as though made at and as of the Closing Date except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct (without giving effect to any “materiality” or “Parent Material Adverse Effect” qualifications set forth therein) does not have, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect; provided, however, that representations and warranties that are made as of a specified date or period shall be so true and correct as described above only as of such specified date or period;

(b) Each of Parent and Merger Sub shall have in all material respects performed all obligations and complied with all covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it at or prior to the Effective Time; and

(c) Parent shall have delivered to the Company a certificate, dated the Effective Time and signed by its Chief Executive Officer or another senior executive officer, certifying that the conditions set forth in Section 6.2(a) and Section 6.2(b) have been satisfied.

 

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6.3 Conditions to Obligation of Parent and Merger Sub to Effect the Merger. The obligation of Parent and Merger Sub to effect the Merger is further subject to the fulfillment or waiver in writing by Parent and Merger Sub of the following conditions:

(a) The representations and warranties of the Company shall be true and correct at and as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Closing Date as though made at and as of the Closing Date, except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct (without giving effect to any “materiality” or “Company Material Adverse Effect” qualification set forth therein) does not have, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect; provided, however, that representations and warranties that are made as of a specified date or period shall be so true and correct as described above only as of such specified date or period; and provided further, however, that (i) the representations and warranties contained in Section 3.1(a) (Qualification, Organization, Subsidiaries, etc.) (with respect to the Company only), Section 3.20 (Finders or Brokers) and Section 3.21 (State Takeover Statutes; Rights Agreement) shall be true and correct in all material respects and (ii) the representations and warranties contained in Section 3.2 (Capital Stock) shall be true and correct in all respects, except for such inaccuracies as are de minimis in nature and amount relative to each such representation and warranty taken as a whole and (iii) the representations and warranties contained in Section 3.3(a) (Corporate Authority Relative to this Agreement; Noncontravention), the second sentence of Section 3.9 (Absence of Certain Changes or Events), Section 3.18 (Opinion of Financial Advisor) and Section 3.19 (Required Vote of the Company Shareholders Under Applicable Law) shall be true and correct in all respects;

(b) The Company shall have in all material respects performed all obligations and complied with all covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it at or prior to the Effective Time; and

(c) The Company shall have delivered to Parent a certificate, dated the Effective Time and signed by a senior executive officer of the Company (other than any Affiliate of Parent), certifying that the conditions set forth in Section 6.3(a) and Section 6.3(b) have been satisfied;

(d) Parent and Merger Sub shall have received the proceeds of the Financing as contemplated by the Financing Commitments; and

(e) Since the date of this Agreement, there shall not have been any Company Material Adverse Effect; provided, however, that, for the purposes of this Section 6.3(e), facts, circumstances, events, changes, effects or occurrences that are set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule (to the extent that it is reasonably apparent that such disclosure is relevant) will not be taken into account for purposes of determining whether a Company Material Adverse Effect has occurred.

 

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6.4 Frustration of Closing Conditions. None of Parent, Merger Sub or the Company may rely on the failure of any condition set forth in Sections 6.1, 6.2, or 6.3, as the case may be, to be satisfied if such failure was caused by such Party’s failure to use the standard of efforts required from such Party to consummate the Transactions (and, in the case of Parent and Merger Sub, the Financing), including as required by and subject to Section 5.5.

VII. TERMINATION

7.1 Termination. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, this Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after the Company Shareholder Approval and the Minority Shareholder Approval:

(a) by the mutual written consent of the Company (authorized by the Special Committee) and Parent;

(b) by either the Company (with the prior approval of the Special Committee) or Parent, if:

(i) the Effective Time shall not have occurred on or before 11:59 p.m. on September 30, 2013 (the “End Date”), provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.1(b)(i) is not available to any Party whose failure to perform any of its obligations under this Agreement has been the primary cause of the failure of the Merger to be consummated by such time;

(ii) any Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction enters an injunction, order, decision, opinion, decree or ruling or takes other action permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the Merger and such injunction, other legal restraint or order shall have become final and non-appealable; provided, that the Party seeking to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.1(b)(ii) shall have used its reasonable best efforts to remove such injunction, other legal restraint or order in accordance with Section 5.5; or

(iii) if the Company Meeting (including any adjournment or postponement thereof) has concluded, and the Company Shareholder Approval and the Minority Shareholder Approval shall not have been obtained;

(c) by the Company (with the prior approval of the Special Committee):

(i) if there shall have been a breach of any of the covenants or failure to be true of any of the representations or warranties on the part of Parent, which breach or failure to be true, either individually or in the aggregate (A) would result in a failure of a condition set forth in Section 6.1 or Section 6.2 and (B) which is not cured within the earlier of (1) the End Date and (2) 30 days following written notice to Parent; provided, that (x) the Company shall have given Parent written notice, delivered at least 30 days prior to such termination (or promptly, if such notice is given within 30 days of the End Date), stating the Company’s intention to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this

 

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Section 7.1(c)(i) and the basis for such termination and (y) the Company will not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.1(c)(i) if the Company is then in material breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement; or

(ii) if, prior to obtaining the Company Shareholder Approval and the Minority Shareholder Approval, the Company (A) has otherwise complied in all material respects with the terms of this Agreement, including Section 5.3 (including having complied fully with the notice and information requirements thereof) and (B) concurrently with the termination of this Agreement, enters into a definitive transaction agreement providing for the consummation of the transaction contemplated by a Superior Proposal;

(d) by Parent:

(i) if there shall have been a breach of any of the covenants or failure to be true of any of the representations or warranties on the part of the Company which breach or failure to be true, either individually or in the aggregate (A) would result in a failure of a condition set forth in Section 6.1 or Section 6.3 and (B) which is not cured within the earlier of (1) the End Date and (2) 30 days following written notice to the Company; provided, that Parent shall have given the Company written notice, delivered at least 30 days prior to such termination (or promptly, if such notice is given within 30 days of the End Date), stating Parent’s intention to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.1(d)(i) and the basis for such termination; provided, further, that Parent shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.1(d)(i) if Parent is then in material breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement;

(ii) if, prior to obtaining the Company Shareholder Approval and the Minority Shareholder Approval, the Company Board or the Special Committee (A) makes a Recommendation Change or (B) fails to make the Recommendation; or

(iii) if, prior to obtaining the Company Shareholder Approval and the Minority Shareholder Approval, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Representatives materially breaches its obligations under Section 5.3 or Section 5.4 and such breach is not cured within five Business Days following written notice by Parent to the Company.

7.2 Specified Expenses. (a) In the event that:

(i) (A) an Alternative Proposal has been publicly disclosed or has been made directly to the Company’s shareholders generally or any Person has publicly announced an intention (whether or not conditional) to make a bona fide Alternative Proposal, (B) thereafter this Agreement is terminated by the Company or Parent pursuant to Section 7.1(b)(i) or by the Parent pursuant to Section 7.1(d)(i), and (C) the Company enters into a definitive agreement with respect to, or consummates, a transaction contemplated by any Alternative Proposal within 12 months of the date this Agreement is terminated; provided that for purposes of clause (C) of this Section 7.2(a)(i), the references to “20%” in the definition of Alternative Proposal will be deemed to be references to “50%”;

 

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(ii) this Agreement is terminated by the Company pursuant to Section 7.1(c)(ii);

(iii) this Agreement is terminated by Parent pursuant to Section 7.1(d)(ii) or Section 7.1(d)(iii); or

(iv) this Agreement is terminated by either Parent or the Company pursuant to Section 7.1(b)(iii);

then in any such event under clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) of this Section 7.2(a), the Company will pay to Parent an amount equal to the sum of Parent’s and Merger Sub’s expenses up to $7,300,000 (the “Specified Expenses”); provided, however, that the amount of the Specified Expenses payable in connection with a termination pursuant to Section 7.2(a)(i) will be reduced by the amount of any expenses actually paid by the Company to Parent pursuant to Section 8.2.

(b) Any payment required to be made pursuant to Section 7.2(a)(i) will be made to Parent promptly following the earlier of the execution of a definitive agreement with respect to, or the consummation of, any transaction contemplated by an Alternative Proposal. Any payment required to be made pursuant to Section 7.2(a)(iii) or Section 7.2(a)(iv) will be made to Parent promptly (and in any event not later than two Business Days after delivery to the Company of notice of demand for payment) following termination of this Agreement by Parent pursuant to Section 7.1(d)(ii) or Section 7.1(d)(iii) or by either Parent or the Company pursuant to Section 7.1(b)(iii), as applicable, and such payment will be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account to be designated by Parent. Any payment required to be made pursuant to Section 7.2(a)(ii) will be made to Parent simultaneously with such termination by the Company pursuant to Section 7.1(c)(ii).

(c) In the event that the Company fails to pay any amount required pursuant to this Section 7.2 or any other expenses when due, such amounts will accrue interest for the period commencing on the date such amount became past due, at a rate equal to the rate of interest publicly announced by Citibank, in the City of New York from time to time during such period, as such bank’s prime lending rate plus 2%. In addition, if the Company fails to pay such amount when due, the Company will also pay all of Parent and Merger Sub’s costs and expenses (including reasonable and documented attorneys’ fees) in connection with efforts to collect such amounts. Parent and the Company acknowledge that the provisions of this Section 7.2 and Section 8.2 are an integral part of the Merger and that, without these provisions, Parent would not enter into this Agreement.

7.3 Effect of Termination. In the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article VII, this Agreement will terminate, and there will be no other liability on the part of the Company, Parent, Merger Sub or any Financing Source or their respective directors, officers, Affiliates, successors or assigns, except that (a) the provisions of Section 7.2 and Section 7.3, Article VIII, the Confidentiality Agreement and the Guaranty and Voting Agreement, all of which shall survive termination of this Agreement as provided therein and (b) no Party will be relieved or released from liability

 

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for damages of any kind, including consequential damages and any other damages (whether or not communicated or contemplated at the time of execution of this Agreement) arising out of, any (i) knowing material breach of any of its representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or (ii) deliberate material breach of any of its covenants contained in this Agreement, in the case of the Company, up to an amount equal to the Specified Expenses, and in the case of Parent and Merger Sub, subject to the terms and limitations of the Guaranty and Voting Agreement. No Party claiming that such breach occurred will have any duty or otherwise be obligated to mitigate any such damages. For purposes of this Section 7.3, (A) a “knowing” breach of a representation and warranty will be deemed to have occurred only if the officers of the Company excluding the Officer Shareholders (in the case of the Company) or the Officer Shareholders (in the case of Parent) had actual knowledge of such breach as of the date of this Agreement (without any independent duty of investigation or verification other than an actual reading of the representations and warranties as they appear in this Agreement by such parties) and (B) a “deliberate” breach of any covenant or agreement will be deemed to have occurred only if the other Party took or failed to take action with actual knowledge that the action so taken or omitted to be taken constituted a breach of such covenant or agreement.

VIII. MISCELLANEOUS

8.1 No Survival of Representations and Warranties. This Article VIII and the agreements of the Company, Parent and Merger Sub contained in Article II and Section 5.8 (Indemnification and Insurance) will survive the consummation of the Merger. All other representations and warranties, covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement will terminate at the Effective Time. This Section 8.1 will not affect any covenant or obligation of the Parties that by its terms contemplates performance after the Effective Time.

8.2 Expenses. Except as expressly set forth in Section 7.2, whether or not the Merger is consummated, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Merger shall be paid by the Party incurring or required to incur such expenses; provided, however, if the Merger is consummated, all costs and expenses incurred by Parent or Merger Sub in connection with the Merger, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby will be paid by the Surviving Corporation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the costs and expenses of printing and mailing the Proxy Statement and the Schedule 13E-3, and all filing and other fees paid to the SEC in connection with the Merger will be borne by the Company, and the filing fees under the HSR Act will be borne by Parent.

8.3 Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Ohio without reference to such state’s principles of conflict of laws. Each of the Parties irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Cleveland, Ohio (or the appellate courts thereof) in connection with any matter based upon or arising out of this Agreement or the matters contemplated herein, agrees that process may be served upon them in any manner authorized by the Laws of the State of Ohio for such Persons and waives and covenants not to assert or plead any objection that they might otherwise have.

 

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8.4 Specific Performance; Remedies. (a) The Parties agree that irreparable harm would occur in the event any of the provisions of this Agreement were not to be performed in accordance with the terms hereof (including failing to take such actions as are required of them hereunder to consummate the Merger), that the right of specific performance is an integral part of this Agreement and that without that right neither the Company nor Parent or Merger Sub would have entered into this Agreement and that, except as set forth in Section 8.4(b), the Parties will be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement or to enforce specifically the performance of the terms hereof without proof of damages or otherwise, in addition to any other remedies to which they are entitled at Law or in equity. Each of the Parties hereby waives any defenses in any action for specific performance, including the defense that a remedy at Law would be adequate. Except as otherwise provided herein, all remedies available under this Agreement, at Law or otherwise, will be deemed cumulative and not alternative or exclusive of other remedies. The exercise by any Party of a particular remedy will not preclude the exercise of any other remedy. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each of the Parties agrees that it will not bring or support any action, cause of action, claim, cross-claim or third-party claim of any kind or description, whether in law or in equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, against any of the Financing Sources in any way relating to this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including any dispute arising out of or relating in any way to the Financing Commitments or the performance thereof, in any forum other than the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, or, if under applicable law exclusive jurisdiction is vested in the Federal courts, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (and in each case appellate courts thereof), provided, however that if the action, cause of action, claim, cross-claim or third party claim involves no Financing Sources other than Financing Sources who are party to the Preferred Financing, then such action, cause of action, claim, cross-claim or third-party claim will be subject to the jurisdiction of the Delaware Court of Chancery or, if under applicable law such court does not have jurisdiction, other Delaware state court or any Federal court located in the State of Delaware of other (and in each case appellate courts thereof).

(b) The Company will be entitled to seek specific performance of Parent’s obligation to cause the transactions contemplated by the Rollover and Contribution Agreement to be effected and to consummate the Merger only in the event that (i) the conditions to Closing set forth in Section 6.1 and Section 6.3 have been satisfied, (ii) the conditions to the funding of the Financing have been satisfied (other than any conditions related to Parent or its obligations under the Financing), (iii) Parent and Merger Sub fail to complete the Closing in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and (iv) the Company has irrevocably confirmed that if specific performance is granted and the Financing is funded, then it will take the actions required of it by this Agreement to cause the Closing to occur. For the avoidance of doubt, without prejudice to the provisions of the Guaranty and Voting Agreement, in no event will the Company be entitled to enforce or seek to enforce specifically Parent’s obligation to cause the

 

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transactions contemplated by the Rollover and Contribution Agreement to be effected or to complete the Merger if the Financing has not been funded (or will not be funded at the Closing if the transactions contemplated by the Rollover and Contribution Agreement are effected at the Closing). Each of the Parties agrees that it will not oppose the granting of an injunction, specific performance and other equitable relief when expressly available pursuant to the terms of this Agreement on the basis that the other Parties have an adequate remedy at law or an award of specific performance is not an appropriate remedy for any reason at law or equity. Any Party seeking an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement when expressly available pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement when expressly available pursuant to the terms of this Agreement will not be required to provide any bond or other security in connection with such order or injunction. The provisions of Section 7.3, Section 8.4, Section 8.5, Section 8.8 and Section 8.9 will be enforceable by each Financing Source and its successors and assigns.

8.5 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING BETWEEN THE PARTIES HERETO ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

8.6 Notices. Any notice required to be given hereunder must be in writing, and sent by facsimile transmission (which is confirmed) (provided that any notice received by facsimile transmission or otherwise at the addressee’s location on any Business Day after 5:00 p.m. (addressee’s local time) will be deemed to have been received at 9:00 a.m. (addressee’s local time) on the next Business Day), by reliable overnight delivery service (with proof of service) or hand delivery (return receipt requested and first-class postage prepaid), addressed as follows:

 

To Parent or Merger Sub:

  

Century Intermediate Holding Company

c/o American Greetings Corporation

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

   Facsimile:    (216) 252-6741
  

Attention:

   Zev Weiss

with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:

   Jones Day
   North Point
   901 Lakeside Avenue
   Cleveland, Ohio 44114
   Facsimile:    (216) 579-0212
   Attention:    Lyle G. Ganske, Esq.
      James P. Dougherty, Esq.

 

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   and
  

Jones Day

222 East 41st Street

New York, New York 10017

   Facsimile:    (212) 755-7306
   Attention:    Robert A. Profusek, Esq.

To the Company or the Special Committee:

  

American Greetings Corporation

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44144

   Facsimile:    (216) 252-6741
   Attention:    Scott S. Cowen
      Chairman, Special Committee

with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:

   Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
   125 Broad Street
   New York, New York 10004
   Facsimile:    (212) 291-9337
   Attention:    Joseph B. Frumkin, Esq.
      Brian E. Hamilton, Esq.
   and   
   BakerHostetler LLP
   PNC Center
   1900 East 9th Street, Suite 3200
   Cleveland, Ohio 44114
   Facsimile:    (216) 696-0740
   Attention:    Robert A. Weible, Esq.
      John M. Gherlein, Esq.

or to such other address as any Party may specify by written notice so given, and such notice will be deemed to have been delivered as of the date so telecommunicated or personally delivered or the next Business Day for notices delivered by overnight delivery service. Any Party may notify any other Party of any changes to the address or any of the other details specified in this Section 8.6; provided, however, that such notification will only be effective on the date specified in such notice or five Business Days after the notice is given, whichever is later. Rejection or other refusal to accept or the inability to deliver because of a changed address of which no notice was given will be deemed to be receipt of the notice as of the date of such rejection, refusal or inability to deliver.

 

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8.7 Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder may be assigned by any of the Parties (whether by operation of Law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other parties. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement will be binding upon and will inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and assigns.

8.8 Entire Agreement; Parties in Interest. (a) This Agreement (including the exhibits and schedules hereto), the Rollover and Contribution Agreement, the Financing Commitments, the Confidentiality Agreement and the Guaranty and Voting Agreement constitute the entire agreement, and supersede all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the Parties, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof.

(b) This Agreement will be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each Party and their respective successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns, and, except for the provisions of Section 5.8, which will be enforceable by the beneficiaries contemplated thereby, nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person any rights, benefits or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement, except for the right of shareholders to receive the Merger Consideration under Article II following the Closing, and the Financing Sources and their respective successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns with respect to their respective rights under Section 7.3, Section 8.4, Section 8.5, Section 8.8 and Section 8.9. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Company acknowledges and agrees that (i) the Company derives no contractual rights, whether as third party beneficiary or otherwise, under the Financing Commitments or any financing documents related to the Financing and will not be entitled to enforce the Financing Commitments or any document against any agent, arranger, bookrunner, lender, letter of credit issuer or other financing party that is a party to the Financing Commitments or any financing documents related to the Financing or its Affiliates (collectively, the “Financing Group”), (ii) the Company waives and agrees not to pursue any claim (including any claim under contracts, any claim in tort and any claim for specific performance) it may have against any member of the Financing Group with respect to the failure of the Financing to close, (iii) no member of the Financing Group shall have any liability of Parent or its Affiliates hereunder, and (iv) the members of the Financing Group will have no obligation to provide any Financing except in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Financing Commitments or any definitive agreements with respect to the Financing.

8.9 Amendments; Waivers. At any time prior to the Effective Time, any provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived if, and only if, such amendment or waiver is in writing and signed, in the case of an amendment, by the Company, Parent and Merger Sub, or in the case of a waiver, by the Party against whom the waiver is to be effective; provided, however, that after receipt of the Company Shareholder Approval and the Minority Shareholder Approval, if any such amendment or waiver shall, by applicable Law or in accordance with the rules and regulations of NYSE, require further approval of the shareholders of the Company, the effectiveness of such amendment or waiver shall be subject to the approval of the shareholders of the

 

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Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no knowledge, investigation or inquiry, or failure or delay by the Company or Parent in exercising any right hereunder will operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise of any other right hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment, waiver or other modification may be made to Section 7.3, Section 8.4, Section 8.5, Section 8.8 and Section 8.9 that is adverse to the Financing Sources without the consent of the Financing Sources (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned).

8.10 Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void, invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement will continue in full force and effect and the application of such provision to other Persons or circumstances will be interpreted so as reasonably to effect the intent of the Parties. The Parties further agree to replace such illegal, void, invalid or unenforceable provision of this Agreement with a legal, valid and enforceable provision that achieves, to the extent possible, the economic, business and other purposes of such illegal, void, invalid or unenforceable provision.

8.11 Interpretation. When a reference is made in this Agreement to an Article or Section, such reference will be to an Article or Section of this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. Whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they will be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” The words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement will refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. All terms defined in this Agreement will have the defined meanings when used in any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant thereto unless otherwise defined therein. The definitions contained in this Agreement are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms and to the masculine as well as to the feminine and neuter genders of such term. Any agreement, instrument or statute defined or referred to herein or in any agreement or instrument that is referred to herein means such agreement, instrument or statute as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, including (in the case of agreements or instruments) by waiver or consent and (in the case of statutes) by succession of comparable successor statutes and references to all attachments thereto and instruments incorporated therein. The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and do not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. The terms “or”, “any” and “either” are not exclusive. The word “extent” in the phrase “to the extent” shall mean the degree to which a subject or other thing extends, and such phrase shall not mean simply “if”. The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”. All terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined meanings when used in any document made or delivered pursuant hereto unless otherwise defined therein. References to a Person are also to its permitted assigns and successors.

8.12 Construction. Each of the Parties has participated in the drafting and negotiation of this Agreement. If an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation

 

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arises, this Agreement must be construed as if it is drafted by all the Parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

8.13 Counterparts; Effectiveness. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (including by facsimile or by electronic transmission in “portable document format” (“.pdf”) form), each of which will be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument, and will become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered (by telecopy or otherwise) to the other Parties.

8.14 Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms will have the following meanings when used herein with initial capital letters:

2021 Senior Notes Indenture” means the Indenture, dated as of November 30, 2011, by and between the Company and the Trustee, together with the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 30, 2011, by and between the Company and the Trustee.

2028 Senior Notes Indenture” means the Indenture, dated as of July 27, 1998, by and between the Company and the Trustee, together with the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 25, 2006, by and between the Company and the Trustee.

Action” means any actual or threatened claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative.

Affiliate” means, as to any Person, any other Person which, directly or indirectly, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person. As used in this definition, “control” (including, with its correlative meanings, “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of securities or partnership or other ownership interests, by Contract or otherwise.

Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Alternative Proposal” means any inquiry, proposal or offer from any Person (other than Parent and its Subsidiaries) or “group”, within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, relating to any (i) direct or indirect acquisition or purchase of a business that constitutes 20% or more of the net sales, net income or the total assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (ii) direct or indirect acquisition or purchase of 20% or more of any class of equity securities of the Company, (iii) tender offer or exchange offer that if consummated would result in any Person beneficially owning 20% or more of the outstanding shares of any class of equity securities of the Company, (iv) merger, consolidation, business combination, asset purchase, recapitalization or similar transaction involving the Company, or any of its Subsidiaries constituting 20% or more of the value of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, other than the Merger, or (v) related combination of the foregoing types of

 

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transactions if the sum of any of (A) percentage of net sales, (B) net income, or (C) total assets, in each case taken separately, of the Company and its Subsidiaries (on a consolidated basis) that is subject to the related combination is 20% or more; in each case other than the Merger.

Antitrust Laws” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.5(c).

Bankruptcy and Equity Exception” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a).

Beneficially Own” means ownership in accordance with Section 240.13d-3 of the SEC regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act.

Book-Entry Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a).

Business Day” means any day ending at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which the banks in the City of New York are authorized by law or executive order to be closed.

Cancelled Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(c).

Certificate of Merger” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.3.

Certificates” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a).

Charter Documents” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b).

Claim” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).

Class A Common Shares” means the issued and outstanding class A common shares, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time.

Class B Common Shares” means the issued and outstanding class B common shares, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time.

Closing” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.2.

Closing Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.2.

Code” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(b)(iii).

Common Shares” means the issued and outstanding shares of the Company, including the Class A Common Shares and the Class B Common Shares.

Company” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Company Approvals” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b).

 

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Company Benefit Plans” means (i) all “employee benefit plans,” as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, (ii) all other severance pay, salary continuation, bonus, incentive, stock option, retirement, pension, profit sharing or deferred compensation plans, contracts, programs, funds, or arrangements of any kind, and (iii) all other employee benefit plans, contracts, programs, funds, or arrangements (whether written or oral, qualified or nonqualified, funded or unfunded, foreign or domestic) and any trust, escrow, or similar agreement related thereto, whether or not funded, in respect of any present or former employees, directors, officers, shareholders, consultants, or independent contractors of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that are sponsored or maintained by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or with respect to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is required to make payments, transfers, or contributions.

Company Board” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Company Disclosure Schedule” has the meaning set forth in Article III.

Company Intellectual Property” means all of the following that is owned by, issued or licensed to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or used in the business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries: (i) all patents, trademarks, trade names, trade dress, assumed names, service marks, logos, copyrights, Internet domain names and corporate names together with all applications, registrations, renewals and all goodwill associated therewith, (ii) all trade secrets and confidential information (including know-how, formulae, manufacturing and production processes, research, financial business information and marketing plans), (iii) information technologies (including software programs, data and related documentation), and (iv) other intellectual property rights.

Company Material Adverse Effect” means any fact, circumstance, event, change, effect or occurrence (whether or not constituting any breach of a representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in this Agreement) that (i) has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the assets, properties, liabilities, business, results of operation or financial condition of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, but will not include facts, circumstances, events, changes, effects or occurrences to the extent, or to the extent attributable to: (A) generally affecting the greeting card or social expressions industry in the geographies in which the Company operates, (B) generally affecting the economy, credit or financial markets in the geographies in which the Company operates, (C) changes after the date of this Agreement in Law or in generally accepted accounting principles or in accounting standards, or any regulatory and political conditions or developments, (D) the announcement of this Agreement or the consummation of the Merger (other than for purposes of any representation or warranty contained in Sections 3.3(b)-(c)), (E) acts of war or military action, sabotage or terrorism, or any escalation or worsening of any such acts of war or military action, sabotage or terrorism, (F) earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados or other natural disasters, except, in the case of each of clauses (A), (B), (C), (E) and (F), to the extent any fact, circumstance, event, change, effect or occurrence disproportionately impacts the assets, properties, business, results of operation or financial condition of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, relative to other participants in the industries in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate,

 

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(G) any action taken by the Company or its Subsidiaries (1) that is expressly required by this Agreement (other than with respect to the Company’s obligations to comply with Section 5.1(a) or Section 5.5), (2) taken with Parent’s written consent, or (3) resulting from any action taken at the written request of Parent, (H) resulting from any change in the market price or trading volume of securities of the Company in and of itself; provided that a fact, circumstance, event, change, effect or occurrence causing or contributing to the change in market price or volume will not be disregarded from the determination of a Company Material Adverse Effect, or (I) the fact of any failure to meet revenue or earnings projections, forecasts, estimates or guidance for any period, whether relating to financial performance or business metrics, including revenues, net incomes, cash flows or cash positions, provided that a fact, circumstance, event, change, effect or occurrence causing or contributing to such failure shall not be disregarded from the determination of a Company Material Adverse Effect; or (ii) that would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially delay or impair the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the Transactions.

Company Material Contract” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.12.

Company Meeting” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.4(b).

Company Performance Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).

Company Permits” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(b).

Company RSUs” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).

Company SEC Documents” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(a).

Company Shareholder Approval” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.19.

Company Stock Options” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).

Company Stock Plans” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).

Confidentiality Agreement” means the letter agreement, dated November 2, 2012, among the Company and certain of the Family Shareholders.

Contracts” means any contracts, agreements, licenses, notes, bonds, mortgages, indentures, commitments, leases or other instruments or obligations, whether written or oral.

Controlled Group” means a trade or business (whether or not incorporated) (i) under common control within the meaning of Section 4001(b)(1) of ERISA with the Company or (ii) which together with the Company is treated as a single employer under Section 414(t) of the Code.

Credit Agreement” means the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 11, 2010, by and among the Company, various lending institutions party

 

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thereto, as amended from time to time prior to the date hereof, together with the Amended and Restated Pledge and Security Agreement and the Amended and Restated Guaranty of Payment of Debt entered into in connection therewith.

Dissenting Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(f).

Effective Time” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.3.

Employees” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.14.

End Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b)(i).

Environmental Law” means any Law relating to (i) the protection, preservation or restoration of the environment (including air, water vapor, surface water, groundwater, drinking water supply, surface land, subsurface land, plant and animal life or any other natural resource) or (ii) the exposure to, or the use, storage, recycling, treatment, generation, transportation, processing, handling, labeling, production, release or disposal of Hazardous Substances.

ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

Exchange Act” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b).

Exchange Fund” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a).

Excluded Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(f).

Family LLC” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Family Shareholders” means the Persons listed on Exhibit A.

Filed SEC Documents” has the meaning set forth in Article III.

Financial Advisor” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.18.

Financing” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.5.

Financing Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.5.

Financing Commitments” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.5.

Financing Group” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.8(b).

Financing Sources” means the parties to the Financing Commitments other than Parent and Merger Sub, together with, to the extent alternative financing from alternative parties is obtained in accordance with this Agreement, any such alternative parties and, in each case, any joinder agreements relating thereto.

 

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GAAP” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(b).

Governmental Entity” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b).

Guaranty and Voting Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Hazardous Substance” means any substance presently listed, defined, designated or classified as hazardous, toxic, radioactive or dangerous, or otherwise regulated, under any Environmental Law. Hazardous Substance includes any substance to which exposure is regulated by any Governmental Entity or any Environmental Law including any toxic waste, pollutant, contaminant, hazardous substance, toxic substance, hazardous waste, special waste, industrial substance or petroleum or any derivative or byproduct thereof, radon, radioactive material, asbestos or asbestos containing material, urea formaldehyde, foam insulation or polychlorinated biphenyls.

HSR Act” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b).

In-the-Money Option” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(a).

Indemnified Party” means each current and former director or officer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and each such person who serves or served at the request of the Company as a director, officer, member, trustee or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, pension or other employee benefit plan or enterprise, together with such person’s heirs, executors or administrators.

Intervening Event” means an event, change, development, effect, occurrence or state of facts relating to the Company’s prospects that was not known to the Company Board or the Special Committee on the date of this Agreement, becomes known to the Company Board or the Special Committee before the Company Shareholder Approval or the Minority Shareholder Approval shall have been obtained and, if it had occurred prior to the date of this Agreement, would have improved the Company’s prospects such that the Special Committee determines in good faith, after consulting with its legal and financial advisors, that the Transactions are less favorable to the shareholders than the Company continuing to pursue its business as a publicly traded company; provided, however, that in no event will the receipt, existence of or terms of an Alternative Proposal or any inquiry relating thereto constitute an Intervening Event; and provided, further, that a potential leveraged recapitalization of the Company will not constitute an Intervening Event if the conditions in credit markets generally (including interest rates) as of the time in question are substantially similar to such conditions as of the date of this Agreement.

IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

Knowledge” means, with respect to the Company, the actual knowledge after due inquiry of the officers of the Company (other than the Officer Shareholders) and, with respect to Parent or Merger Sub the actual knowledge after due inquiry of the members of Family LLC.

 

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Law” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(a).

Laws” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(a).

Lien” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(c).

Measurement Date” means 5 P.M., New York City time, on the Business Day immediately preceding the date hereof.

Merger” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Merger Consideration” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

Merger Sub” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Minority Shareholder Approval” means an affirmative vote of the holders of issued and outstanding Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares, in each case not beneficially owned by the Family Shareholders or by any director or executive officer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, voting together as a single class, representing at least a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast thereupon by holders of Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares, in each case not beneficially owned by the Family Shareholders or by any director or executive officer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; provided, however, that for purposes of the Minority Shareholder Approval, each Class B Common Share shall be entitled to one vote.

NYSE” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b).

Officer Shareholders” means Zev Weiss, Morry Weiss and Jeffrey Weiss.

Ohio Law” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1.

Option Value” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(a).

Option Valuation Assumptions” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(a).

Order” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.5(c).

Out-of-the-Money Option” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(a).

Parent” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Parent Approvals” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(b).

Parent Disclosure Schedule” has the meaning set forth in Article IV.

Parent Material Adverse Effect” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.

Parties” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

 

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Paying Agent” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a).

Permitted Liens” means (a) easements, rights-of-way, encroachments, restrictions, conditions and other similar Liens incurred or suffered in the ordinary course of business and which, individually or in the aggregate, do not and would not materially impair the use (or contemplated use), utility or value of the applicable real property or otherwise materially impair the present or contemplated business operations at such location, (b) zoning, entitlement, building and other land use regulations imposed by Governmental Entities having jurisdiction over such real property, (c) statutory Liens for current Taxes or other governmental charges not yet due and payable or the amount or validity of which is being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been established in the Company SEC Documents, (d) mechanics’, materialmen’s, carriers’, workmen’s, warehouseman’s, repairmen’s, landlords’ and similar Liens granted or which arise in the ordinary course of business, (e) pledges or deposits by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under workers’ compensation Laws, unemployment insurance Laws or similar legislation, or good faith deposits in connection with bids, tenders, Contracts (other than for the payment of indebtedness) or leases to which such entity is a party, or deposits to secure public or statutory obligations of such entity or to secure surety or appeal bonds to which such entity is a party, or deposits as security for contested Taxes, (f) rights of consignors of goods or bailors of equipment, whether or not perfected by the filing of a financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code, (g) statutory rights of setoff in favor of depository institutions in funds of the Company and its Subsidiaries held in operating accounts at such institutions, together with Liens that are contractual rights of setoff in such funds relating to the establishment of depository relationships with banks, and not given in connection with the issuance of indebtedness, (h) non-exclusive licenses to Company Intellectual Property granted in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (i) other encumbrances securing indebtedness that do not, individually or in the aggregate, materially impair the continued use, operation, value or marketability of the property to which they relate or the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as presently conducted, (j) Liens arising from judgments, decrees or attachments not constituting an Event of Default under the Credit Agreement (as defined thereunder), (k) Liens placed upon fixed or capital assets acquired, constructed or improved by the Company, provided that such Liens satisfy the conditions set forth in Sections 7.03(c) and 7.03(i) of the Credit Agreement, and (l) Liens securing indebtedness under, or otherwise permitted under, the Credit Agreement or under the Company’s accounts receivables program.

Person” means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, a limited liability company, an association, a trust or any other entity, group (as such term is used in Section 13 of the Exchange Act) or organization, including a Governmental Entity, and any permitted successors and assigns of such Person.

Preferred Financing” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.5.

Proxy Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.11.

 

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Recommendation” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a).

Recommendation Change” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(d).

Redacted Fee Letter” means the fee letter from Bank of America, N.A. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., PNC Bank, National Association and PNC Capital Markets LLC, and KeyBank National Association, and Macquarie Capital (USA), Inc. and MIHI LLC, in which the only redactions do not relate to any terms that would adversely affect the conditionality, enforceability, availability, termination or aggregate principal amount of the debt financing or other funding being made available by such financing source, except to the extent a reduction from such financing source would be offset by an increase in the debt financing or other funding being made available by such financing source or another financing source.

Remaining Option Term” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(a).

Representatives” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(a).

Rolled Shares” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Rollover and Contribution Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Schedule 13E-3” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.11.

SEC” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(a).

Securities Act” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(a).

Senior Commitment Letters” has the meaning set forth in the Section 4.5.

Senior Financing” has the meaning set forth in the Section 4.5.

Senior Notes Indentures” means the 2021 Senior Notes Indenture together with the 2028 Senior Notes Indenture.

Solvent” when used with respect to any Person, means that, as of any date of determination (a) the amount of the “fair saleable value” of the assets of such Person will, as of such date, exceed (i) the value of all “liabilities of such Person, including contingent and other liabilities,” as of such date, as such quoted terms are generally determined in accordance with applicable Laws governing determinations of the insolvency of debtors, and (ii) the amount that will be required to pay the probable liabilities of such Person, as of such date, on its existing debts (including contingent and other liabilities) as such debts become absolute and mature, (b) such Person will not have, as of such date, an unreasonably small amount of capital for the operation of the businesses in which it is engaged or proposed to be engaged following such date, (c) such Person will be able to pay its liabilities, as of such date, including contingent and

 

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other liabilities, as they mature and (d) such Person is not insolvent under Section 1336 of the Ohio Revised Code (the Ohio Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act). For purposes of this definition, “not have an unreasonably small amount of capital for the operation of the businesses in which it is engaged or proposed to be engaged” and “able to pay its liabilities, including contingent and other liabilities, as they mature” means that such Person will be able to generate enough cash from operations, asset dispositions and refinancing, or a combination thereof, to meet its obligations as they become due.

Special Committee” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Specified Expenses” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Subsidiaries” of any party means any corporation, partnership, association, trust or other form of legal entity of which (i) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities are on the date hereof directly or indirectly owned by such party, or (ii) such party or any Subsidiary of such party is a general partner (excluding partnerships in which such party or any Subsidiary of such party does not have a majority of the voting interests in such partnership); provided, however, that the definition of Subsidiary with respect to the Company shall not include The Hatchery, LLC.

Superior Proposal” means a bona fide written Alternative Proposal (except that the references to “20%” in the definition thereof will be deemed “50%”) that the Special Committee determines in its good faith judgment (after consulting with outside counsel and its financial advisor), taking into account all legal, financial and regulatory and other aspects of the proposal (including any break-up fees, expense reimbursement provisions and conditions to consummation), the likelihood and timing of required governmental approvals and consummation and the Person making the proposal, would be more favorable to the shareholders of the Company (other than the Family Shareholders, Parent and Merger Sub) (solely in their capacity as such) from a financial point of view than the Merger (including any adjustment to the terms and conditions proposed by Parent in response to such Alternative Proposal, including with respect to the Merger Consideration).

Surviving Corporation” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1.

Surviving Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(d).

Tax Return” means any return, report or similar filing (including attached schedules) required to be filed with respect to Taxes, including any information return, claim for refund, amended return or declaration of estimated Taxes.

Taxes” means any and all domestic or foreign, federal, state, local or other taxes of any kind (together with any and all interest, penalties, additions to tax and additional amounts imposed with respect thereto) imposed by any Governmental Entity, including taxes on or with respect to income, franchises, windfall or other profits, gross receipts, property, sales, use, capital stock, payroll, employment, unemployment, social security, workers’ compensation or net worth, and taxes in the nature of excise, withholding, ad valorem or value added.

 

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Transactions” means the Merger and other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, other than the Financing.

Trustee” means The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York, a trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York.

Valuation Advisor” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(a).

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

 

CENTURY INTERMEDIATE HOLDING COMPANY
By:  

/s/ Zev Weiss

  Name:   Zev Weiss
  Title:   Vice President and Secretary
CENTURY MERGER COMPANY
By:  

/s/ Zev Weiss

  Name:   Zev Weiss
  Title:   Vice President and Secretary
AMERICAN GREETINGS CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ Christopher W. Haffke

  Name:   Christopher W. Haffke
  Title:   Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

SIGNATURE PAGE TO AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER


Exhibit A

Family Shareholders

 

     Class A
Common
Shares
     Class B
Common
Shares
 

Morry Weiss

     —           222,241   

Judith Weiss

     —           78,800   

Zev Weiss

     —           70,935   

Jeffrey Weiss

     —           52,919   

Gary Weiss

     3,130         11,430   

Elie Weiss

     —           23,430   

Irving I. Stone Limited Liability Company

     —           1,818,182   
EX-11 7 d514424dex11.htm EX-11 EX-11

Exhibit 11

EXECUTION VERSION

GUARANTY AND VOTING AGREEMENT

This Guaranty and Voting Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2013 (this “Agreement”), is made by and among each of the shareholders listed on Annex A hereto (each a “Guarantor” and collectively, the “Guarantors”) and, solely with respect to Sections 4 through 8 and 10 through 18, each of the shareholders listed on Annex B hereto (each a “Family Shareholder” and collectively, the “Family Shareholders”) (provided that the foregoing limitation of the rights and obligations of the Family Shareholders to Sections 4 through 8 and 10 through 18 of this Agreement will not apply to those Family Shareholders who are also Guarantors), and American Greetings Corporation, an Ohio corporation (the “Guaranteed Party”).

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, Century Intermediate Holding Company, a Delaware corporation (“Parent”), Century Merger Company, an Ohio corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub” and, together with Parent, “Buyers”), and the Guaranteed Party are entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), which provides, among other things, for the merger of Merger Sub with and into the Guaranteed Party, with the Guaranteed Party surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (the “Merger”);

WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, each Guarantor is the beneficial owner of, and has the right to vote and dispose of, (i) that number of Class A Common Shares, par value $1.00 per share, of the Guaranteed Party and (ii) that number of Class B Common Shares, par value $1.00 per share, of the Guaranteed Party (collectively, the “Guarantor Shares”), set forth opposite such Guarantor’s name on Annex A hereto;

WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, each Family Shareholder is the beneficial owner of, and has right to vote and dispose of, (i) that number of Class A Common Shares, par value $1.00 per share, of the Guaranteed Party and (ii) that number of Class B Common Shares, par value $1.00 per share, of the Guaranteed Party (collectively with the Guarantor Shares, and together with any Class A Common Shares or Class B Common Shares acquired by a Family Shareholder subsequent to the date hereof, the “Shares”) set forth opposite such Family Shareholder’s name on Annex B hereto; and

WHEREAS, as a condition to its willingness to enter into the Merger Agreement, the Guaranteed Party has required that each of the Guarantors and Family Shareholders agree, and each of the Guarantors and Family Shareholders, as applicable, is willing to agree, to the matters set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the agreements set forth below, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. GUARANTY.

(a) To induce the Guaranteed Party to enter into the Merger Agreement, the Guarantors hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably guaranty, on a joint and


several basis, to the Guaranteed Party, the due and punctual payment of any obligation or liability payable by Buyers as a result of a breach by Buyers of their obligations under the Merger Agreement (collectively, the “Obligation”). All payments hereunder shall be made in lawful money of the United States, in immediately available funds. Each Guarantor promises and undertakes to make all payments hereunder free and clear of any deduction, offset, defense, claim or counterclaim of any kind, except as expressly provided in this Agreement; provided, that in no event shall the Guarantors’ liability under this Agreement exceed $7,300,000, in the aggregate (the “Cap”).

(b) If any Buyer fails to discharge any Obligation when due, then each Guarantor’s liabilities to the Guaranteed Party hereunder in respect of such Obligation shall, at the Guaranteed Party’s option, become immediately due and payable up to the Cap, and the Guaranteed Party may at any time and from time to time, at the Guaranteed Party’s option, and so long as any Buyer has failed to discharge any Obligation, take any and all actions available hereunder to collect any Guarantor’s liabilities hereunder in respect of such Obligation, up to the Cap.

2. NATURE OF GUARANTY. The Guaranteed Party shall not be obligated to file any claim relating to the Obligation in the event that either Buyer becomes subject to a bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding, and the failure of the Guaranteed Party to so file shall not affect the Guarantors’ obligations hereunder. In the event that any payment to the Guaranteed Party in respect of the Obligation is rescinded or must otherwise be returned for any reason whatsoever, the Guarantors shall remain liable hereunder with respect to the Obligation as if such payment had not been made. This is an unconditional guaranty of payment and not of collectability.

3. CHANGES IN OBLIGATIONS, CERTAIN WAIVERS.

(a) The Guaranteed Party may at any time and from time to time, without notice to or further consent of the Guarantors, extend the time of payment of the Obligation, and may also make any agreement with Buyers for the extension, renewal, payment, compromise, discharge or release thereof, in whole or in part, or for any modification of the terms thereof or of any agreement between the Guaranteed Party and Buyers without in any way impairing or affecting the Guarantors’ obligations under this Agreement. Each Guarantor agrees that the obligations of the Guarantors hereunder shall not be released or discharged, in whole or in part, or otherwise affected by, among other things: (i) the failure (or delay) on the part of the Guaranteed Party to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against Buyers; (ii) any change in the time, place or manner of payment of the Obligation or any rescission, waiver, compromise, consolidation or other amendment or modification of any of the terms or provisions of the Merger Agreement or any other agreement evidencing, securing or otherwise executed, in each case to the extent a Guarantor is a party, in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement or the Obligation; (iii) the addition, substitution or release of any Guarantor; (iv) any change in the existence, structure or ownership of Buyers or any Guarantor; (v) any insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization or other similar proceeding affecting Buyers or any Guarantor; (vi) the existence of any claim, set-off or other right which the Guarantors

 

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may have at any time against Buyers or the Guaranteed Party or any of its Affiliates, whether in connection with the Obligation or otherwise; (vii) the adequacy of any other means the Guaranteed Party may have of obtaining payment of the Obligation; (viii) the death, disability or incapacity of any Guarantor, (ix) the value, genuineness, validity, regularity, illegality or enforceability of the Commitment Letters against the Buyers, in each case in accordance with the terms thereof, and (x) any other act or omission which might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of the Guarantors or otherwise operate as a release or discharge of the Guarantors. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Guarantors hereby expressly waive any and all rights or defenses arising by reason of any law which would otherwise require any election of remedies by the Guaranteed Party. The Guarantors waive promptness, diligence, notice of the acceptance of this Agreement and of the Obligation, presentment, demand for payment, notice of non-performance, default, dishonor and protest, notice of the incurrence of the Obligation and all other notices of any kind, all defenses which may be available by virtue of any valuation, stay, moratorium law or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, any right to require the marshalling of assets of Buyers or Guarantors, and all suretyship defenses generally (other than defenses to the payment of the Obligation that are available to Buyers under the Merger Agreement or a breach by the Guaranteed Party of this Agreement or the Merger Agreement). The Guarantors acknowledge that they will receive substantial direct and indirect benefits from the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and that the waivers set forth in this Agreement are knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits. In furtherance of the foregoing and subject to the limitations contained herein, each Guarantor acknowledges that the Guaranteed Party may, in its sole discretion, bring and prosecute a separate action or actions against such Guarantor for the full amount of the Obligations, regardless of whether any action is brought against Parent, Merger Sub or any other Guarantor or whether Parent, Merger Sub or any other Guarantor is joined in any action or actions.

(b) The Guarantors hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agree not to exercise any rights that they may now have or hereafter acquire against Buyers with respect to the Obligation that arise from the existence, payment, performance or enforcement of the Guarantors’ obligations under or in respect of this Agreement or any other agreement in connection therewith, including, without limitation, any right of subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration, contribution or indemnification and any right to participate in any claim or remedy of the Guaranteed Party against Buyers, whether or not such claim, remedy or right arises in equity or under contract, statute or common law, including, without limitation, the right to take or receive from Buyers, directly or indirectly, in cash or other property or by set-off or in any other manner, payment or security on account of such claim, remedy or right, unless and until the Obligation shall have been satisfied in full. If any amount shall be paid to any Guarantor in violation of the immediately preceding sentence at any time prior to the payment in full in cash of the Obligation and all other amounts payable under this Agreement, such amount shall be received and held in trust for the benefit of the Guaranteed Party, shall be segregated from other property and funds of such Guarantor and shall forthwith be paid or delivered to the Guaranteed Party in the same form as so received (with any necessary endorsement or assignment) to be credited and applied to the Obligation or

 

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to be held as collateral for the Obligation thereafter arising. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Guaranteed Party hereby agrees that to the extent any of Buyers’ representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in the Merger Agreement are waived by the Guaranteed Party, then such waiver shall extend to the Guarantors.

4. VOTING AGREEMENT.

(a) Each Family Shareholder hereby agrees to vote (or cause to be voted) all of such Family Shareholder’s Shares at any annual, special or other meeting of the shareholders of the Guaranteed Party, and at any adjournment or adjournments or postponement thereof, or pursuant to any consent in lieu of a meeting or otherwise, at which such Family Shareholder has the right to so vote in favor of the adoption of the Merger Agreement; provided, however, that if a Recommendation Change shall have occurred, each Family Shareholder’s respective obligations under this Section 4(a) shall terminate and be of no further force and effect. Each Family Shareholder hereby waives any rights of appraisal or rights to dissent from the Merger that are available under applicable law.

(b) Solely with respect to the matters specified in, and subject to the provisions of, Section 4(a), each Family Shareholder constitutes and appoints the Guaranteed Party, its general counsel, each member of the Special Committee and such other officer of the Guaranteed Party as the Special Committee may designate, from and after the date hereof until the earlier of (i) the Effective Time and (ii) any termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms (at which point such constitution and appointment shall be automatically revoked), as such Family Shareholder’s attorney, agent and proxy (each such constitution and appointment, an “Irrevocable Proxy”), with full power of substitution, for and in the name, place and stead of such Family Shareholder to vote and otherwise act with respect to all of such Family Shareholder’s Shares at any annual, special or other meeting of the shareholders of the Company, and at any adjournment or adjournments or postponement thereof, and in any action by written consent of the shareholders of the Company, on the matters and in the manner specified in Section 4(a). EACH SUCH PROXY AND POWER OF ATTORNEY IS IRREVOCABLE AND COUPLED WITH AN INTEREST AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, SHALL BE VALID AND BINDING ON ANY PERSON TO WHOM SUCH FAMILY SHAREHOLDER MAY TRANSFER ANY OF SUCH FAMILY SHAREHOLDER’S SHARES IN BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT. Each Family Shareholder hereby revokes all other proxies and powers of attorney with respect to all of such Family Shareholder’s Shares that may have heretofore been appointed or granted with respect to the matters covered by Section 4(a), and no subsequent proxy or power of attorney shall be given (and if given, shall not be effective) by such Family Shareholder with respect thereto on the matters covered by Section 4(a). All authority conferred or agreed to be conferred by any Family Shareholder in this Section 4(b) shall survive the death or incapacity of such Family Shareholder and any obligation of any Family Shareholder under this Agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns of such Family Shareholder. It is agreed that

 

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no party shall use the Irrevocable Proxy granted by any Family Shareholder pursuant to this Section 4(b) unless such Family Shareholder fails to comply with Section 4(a) and that, to the extent a party uses any such Irrevocable Proxy, it will only vote the applicable Family Shareholder’s Stock subject to such Irrevocable Proxy with respect to the matters specified in, and subject to the provisions of, Section 4(a).

(c) Until the earliest to occur of (i) the termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms, (ii) a Recommendation Change and (iii) the date on which both the Company Shareholder Approval and the Minority Shareholder Approval shall have been obtained, each Family Shareholder agrees not to, except as contemplated by the Merger Agreement, (X) sell, sell short, transfer (including by gift), pledge, encumber, assign or otherwise dispose of, or enter into any contract, option or other arrangement or understanding with respect to the sale, transfer, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or other disposition of, any of such Family Shareholder’s Shares, other than pursuant to this Agreement, transfers (including by gift) of Shares from a Family Shareholder to an Affiliate thereof who executes a joinder agreement agreeing to be bound by this Agreement as a Family Shareholder hereunder and other than transfers to another Family Shareholder (each, a “Permitted Transfer”), (Y) with respect to any of such Family Shareholder’s Shares, grant any proxy or power of attorney or enter into any voting agreement or other arrangement relating to the matters covered in this Section 4, other than pursuant to this Agreement or (Z) deposit any of such Family Shareholder’s Shares into a voting trust. Without limiting any provisions of the Merger Agreement, in the event of any share dividend, share split, recapitalization, reclassification, combination or exchange of shares or capital stock of the Company on or affecting any Family Shareholder’s Shares, then the terms of this Agreement, as applicable, shall apply to the shares of capital stock or other such securities of the Company held by such Family Shareholder immediately following the effectiveness of such event.

5. NO WAIVER; CUMULATIVE RIGHTS. No failure on the part of the Guaranteed Party to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right, remedy or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise by the Guaranteed Party of any right, remedy or power hereunder or under the Merger Agreement or otherwise preclude any other or future exercise of any right, remedy or power hereunder. Each and every right, remedy and power hereby granted to the Guaranteed Party or allowed it by law or other agreement shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any other, and may be exercised by the Guaranteed Party at any time or from time to time. The Guaranteed Party shall not have any obligation to proceed at any time or in any manner against, or exhaust any or all of its rights against, Buyer for any Obligation prior to proceeding against either Guarantor. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be valid and binding unless it is in writing and signed, in the case of an amendment, by the Family Shareholders and the Guaranteed Party, or in the case of waiver, by the party or parties against whom the waiver is sought to be enforced. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Guaranteed Party shall act solely at the direction of the Special Committee with respect to any amendment or waiver hereunder.

 

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6. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Each Guarantor and each Family Shareholder, hereby represents and warrants to the Guaranteed Party that:

(a) such Guarantor or Family Shareholder has the legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by such Guarantor or Family Shareholder does not contravene any agreement or other document to which such Guarantor or Family Shareholder is a party or any law, regulation, rule, decree, order, judgment or contractual restriction binding on such Guarantor or Family Shareholder or such Guarantor’s or Family Shareholder’s assets and the execution, delivery and performance by such Guarantor or Family Shareholder hereunder does not require the consent from any spouse of such Guarantor or Family Shareholder or any other Person;

(b) all consents, approvals, authorizations, permits of, filings with and notifications to, any Governmental Entity necessary for the due execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by such Guarantor or Family Shareholder has been obtained or made and all conditions thereof have been duly complied with, and no other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any Governmental Entity or regulatory body is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement;

(c) this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Guarantor or Family Shareholder enforceable against such Guarantor or Family Shareholder in accordance with its terms;

(d) the Guarantors, together, have the financial capacity to satisfy the Obligation to the extent of the Cap, and all financial resources necessary for the Guarantors to fulfill their obligations under this Agreement shall be available to the Guarantors for so long as this Agreement shall remain in effect in accordance with Section 9 hereof;

(e) such Guarantor is the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which meaning will apply for all purposes of this Agreement) of the number of Shares set forth opposite such Guarantor’s name in Annex A hereto and, upon acquisition, will be the beneficial owner of any Shares acquired by such Guarantor after the date hereof, free and clear of Liens or other limitations or restrictions (including any restriction on the right to vote, sell or otherwise dispose of such Shares), except as may exist by reason of this Agreement; and

(f) such Family Shareholder is the beneficial owner of, and has the power to vote and dispose of, the number of Shares set forth opposite such Family Shareholder’s name in Annex B hereto and, upon acquisition, will be the beneficial owner of, and will have the power to vote and dispose of, any Shares acquired by such Family Shareholder after the date hereof, free and clear of Liens (other than the Foundation Pledge) or other limitations or restrictions (including any restriction on the right to vote, sell or otherwise dispose of such Shares), except as may exist by reason of this Agreement. Except as provided in this Agreement, there are no outstanding options or

 

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other rights to acquire from such Family Shareholder, or obligations of such Family Shareholder to sell or to dispose of, any Shares. For purposes of this Agreement, “Foundation Pledge” means the pledge by each of Elie Weiss, Gary Weiss, Jeffrey Weiss and Zev Weiss of all of their equity interests in Irving I. Stone Limited Liability Company to the Irving I. Stone Foundation pursuant to pledge and security agreements, which pledge secures approximately $15,000,000 of indebtedness owed by such individuals to the Irving I. Stone Foundation under promissory notes issued in 2006.

7. NO ASSIGNMENT. Neither any Guarantor or Family Shareholder nor the Guaranteed Party may assign its rights, interests or obligations hereunder to any other Person (except in the case of (i) an assignment by the Guaranteed Party by operation of law or (ii) a Permitted Transfer) without the prior written consent of the Guaranteed Party (in the case of such an assignment by a Guarantor or Family Shareholder) or the Guarantors and Family Shareholders (in the case of such an assignment by the Guaranteed Party).

8. NOTICES. Any notice required to be given hereunder must be in writing, and sent by facsimile transmission (which is confirmed) (provided that any notice received by facsimile transmission or otherwise at the addressee’s location on any Business Day after 5:00 p.m. (addressee’s local time) will be deemed to have been received at 9:00 a.m. (addressee’s local time) on the next Business Day), by reliable overnight delivery service (with proof of service) or hand delivery (return receipt requested), addressed as follows:

 

  (a) if to the Guaranteed Party, to it at:

 

American Greetings Corporation

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44144

Facsimile:    (216) 252-6741
Attention:    General Counsel

with copies to (which shall not constitute notice):

 

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

125 Broad Street

New York, New York 10004

Facsimile:    (212) 291-9337
Attention:    Joseph B. Frumkin, Esq.
   Brian E. Hamilton, Esq.

 

and

  

 

BakerHostetler LLP

PNC Center

1900 East 9th Street, Suite 3200

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Facsimile:    (216) 696-0740
Attention:   

Robert A. Weible, Esq.

John M. Gherlein, Esq.

 

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  (b) if to the Guarantors:

To them at the address and facsimile number set forth opposite such Guarantor’s name on Annex A hereto

with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Jones Day

North Point

901 Lakeside Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Facsimile:    (216) 579-0212
Attention:   

Lyle G. Ganske, Esq.

James P. Dougherty, Esq.

 

and

 

Jones Day

222 East 41st Street

New York, New York 10017

Facsimile:    (212) 755-7306
Attention:    Robert A. Profusek, Esq.

 

  (c) if to the Family Shareholders:

To them at the address and facsimile number set forth opposite such Family Shareholder’s name on Annex B hereto

with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Jones Day

North Point

901 Lakeside Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Facsimile:    (216) 579-0212
Attention:   

Lyle G. Ganske, Esq.

James P. Dougherty, Esq.

 

and

  

 

Jones Day

222 East 41st Street

New York, New York 10017

Facsimile:    (212) 755-7306
Attention:    Robert A. Profusek, Esq.

 

 

-8-


or to such other address as any party may specify by written notice so given, and such notice will be deemed to have been delivered as of the date so telecommunicated or personally delivered or the next business day for notices delivered by overnight delivery service. Any party to this Agreement may notify any other party of any changes to the address or any of the other details specified in this Section 8; provided, however, that such notification will only be effective on the date specified in such notice or five Business Days after the notice is given, whichever is later. Rejection or other refusal to accept or the inability to deliver because of changed address of which no notice was given will be deemed to be receipt of the notice as of the date of such rejection, refusal or inability to deliver.

9. CONTINUING GUARANTY. This Agreement may not be revoked or terminated and shall remain in full force and effect and shall be binding on the Guarantors, their heirs, estates, survivors, conservators, personal representative, successors and assigns until the Obligation is satisfied in full or the Cap has been reached. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall terminate and the Guarantors shall have no further obligations under this Agreement as of the earlier of (i) the Effective Time and (ii) 45 days after the termination of the Merger Agreement (unless, in the case of clause (ii) above, the Guaranteed Party has made a claim under this Agreement against any Guarantor, in which case the termination date shall be the date that such claim is finally satisfied or otherwise resolved by agreement of the parties hereto or a final, non-appealable judgment of a Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction).

10. NO RECOURSE. The Guaranteed Party acknowledges that recourse against the Guarantors under this Agreement constitutes the sole and exclusive remedy of the Guaranteed Party against the Guarantors and all other direct and indirect current and prospective holders of shares in Parent in respect of any liabilities or obligations arising under or in connection with the Merger Agreement. The Guaranteed Party by its acceptance of the benefits hereof, covenants, agrees and acknowledges that, except as set forth in Section 9, no Person other than the Guarantors and the Family Shareholders shall have any obligation under this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Guaranteed Party may assert claims: (i) under, and pursuant to the terms of, the Confidentiality Agreement and the Rollover Agreement; (ii) against the Guarantors (and the legal successors and assigns of any such Guarantor’s Obligations hereunder) under, and pursuant to the terms of, this Agreement; (iii) the Family Shareholders (and the legal successors and assigns of any such Family Shareholder’s obligations hereunder) under and solely to the extent related to their obligations pursuant to, this Agreement; and (iv) against Parent or Merger Sub in accordance with and pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement.

11. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Ohio without reference to such state’s principles of conflict of laws. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Cleveland, Ohio in connection with any matter based upon or arising out of this Agreement or the matters

 

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contemplated herein, agrees that process may be served upon them in any manner authorized by the Laws of the State of Ohio for such Persons and waives and covenants not to assert or plead any objection that they might otherwise have.

12. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING BETWEEN THE PARTIES HERETO ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

13. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (including by facsimile or by electronic transmission in “portable document format” (“.pdf”) form), each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument, and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered (by telecopy or otherwise) to the other parties.

14. EXPENSES. Each Guarantor agrees to pay on demand all out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Guaranteed Party in connection with the enforcement of its rights hereunder if (i)(A) any Guarantor or Family Shareholder asserts in any litigation that this Agreement is illegal, invalid or unenforceable in accordance with its terms and (B) the Guaranteed Party prevails in such litigation which is not subject to appeal or (ii) any Guarantor refuses or fails to make any payment to the Guaranteed Party hereunder when due and payable and it is finally judicially determined that such Guarantor is required to make such payment hereunder.

15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement (including the Annexes hereto), the Merger Agreement, the Rollover Agreement, the Financing Commitments and the Confidentiality Agreement constitute the entire agreement, and supersede all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties or their Affiliates, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof.

16. SEVERABILITY. In the event that any provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void, invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement will continue in full force and effect and the application of such provision to other Persons or circumstances will be interpreted so as reasonably to effect the intent of the parties hereto. The parties further agree to replace such illegal, void, invalid or unenforceable provision of this Agreement with a legal, valid and enforceable provision that achieves, to the extent possible, the economic, business and other purposes of such illegal, void, invalid or unenforceable provision.

17. SPECIFIC ENFORCEMENT. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with its specific terms or were otherwise breached and further agree that the Guaranteed Party or any Guarantor or Family Shareholder, as applicable, shall be entitled to an injunction, specific performance and

 

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other equitable relief against any Guarantor or Family Shareholder or the Guaranteed Party, respectively, to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, in addition to any other remedy to which the parties are entitled at law or in equity (subject, in all cases, to the terms and provisions hereof), and that the parties shall not be required to provide any bond or other security in connection with any such order or injunction. Each party hereto further agrees that it will not oppose the granting of any such injunction, specific performance or other equitable relief on the basis that (i) any other party has an adequate remedy at law or (ii) an award of an injunction, specific performance or other equitable relief is not an appropriate remedy for any reason at law or equity.

18. MISCELLANEOUS. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings given to them in the Merger Agreement. The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and do not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Each of the parties has participated in the drafting and negotiation of this Agreement. If an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement must be construed as if it is drafted by all the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Guarantors have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first written above.

 

MORRY WEISS

/s/ Morry Weiss

ZEV WEISS

/s/ Zev Weiss

JEFFREY WEISS

/s/ Jeffrey Weiss

[Signature Page to Guaranty and Voting Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, as to Sections 4 through 8, and 10 through 18 only, the Family Shareholders have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first written above.

 

ELIE WEISS

/s/ Elie Weiss

GARY WEISS

/s/ Gary Weiss

JEFFREY WEISS

/s/ Jeffrey Weiss

JUDITH WEISS

/s/ Judith Weiss

MORRY WEISS

/s/ Morry Weiss

ZEV WEISS

/s/ Zev Weiss

[Signature Page to Guaranty and Voting Agreement]


IRVING I. STONE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
By:  

/s/ Gary Weiss

Name:   Gary Weiss
Title:   Manager
IRVING I. STONE FOUNDATION
By:  

/s/ Gary Weiss

Name:   Gary Weiss
Title:   President

[Signature Page to Guaranty and Voting Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Guaranteed Party has caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first written above by its officer thereunto duly authorized.

 

AMERICAN GREETINGS CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ Christopher W. Haffke

Name:   Christopher W. Haffke
Title:   Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

[Signature Page to Guaranty and Voting Agreement]


ANNEX A

GUARANTORS

 

Name of Guarantor

  

Address and Facsimile Number

   Class A Shares      Class B Shares  

Zev Weiss

  

c/o American Greetings Corporation

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44144

(216) 252-6777

     0         70,935   

Morry Weiss

  

c/o American Greetings Corporation

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44144

(216) 252-6777

     0         222,241   

Jeffrey Weiss

  

c/o American Greetings Corporation

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44144

(216) 252-6777

     0         52,919   

 

A-1


ANNEX B

FAMILY SHAREHOLDERS

 

Name of Family Shareholder

  

Address and Facsimile Number

   Class A Shares      Class B Shares  

Zev Weiss

  

c/o American Greetings Corporation

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44144

(216) 252-6777

     0         70,935   

Morry Weiss

  

c/o American Greetings Corporation

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44144

(216) 252-6777

     0         222,241   

Jeffrey Weiss

  

c/o American Greetings Corporation

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44144

(216) 252-6777

     0         52,919   

Judith Weiss

  

c/o American Greetings Corporation

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44144

(216) 252-6777

     0         78,800   

Gary Weiss

  

c/o American Greetings Corporation

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44144

(216) 252-6777

     3,130         11,430   

Elie Weiss

  

c/o American Greetings Corporation

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44144

(216) 252-6777

     0         23,430   

 

B-1


Irving I. Stone Limited Liability Company

  

c/o American Greetings Corporation

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44144

(216) 252-6777
Attention: Garry Weiss

     0         1,818,182   

Irving I. Stone Foundation

  

c/o American Greetings Corporation

One American Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44144

(216) 252-6777

     0         203,964   

 

B-2

EX-12 8 d514424dex12.htm EX-12 EX-12

Exhibit 12

AGREEMENT OF JOINT FILING

In accordance with Rule 13d-1(k) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the undersigned hereby agree to the joint filing with all other persons signatory below of a statement on Schedule 13D or any amendments thereto, with respect to the Class B common shares of American Greetings Corporation and that this Agreement be included as an attachment to such filing.

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned hereby execute this Agreement on the 1st day of April, 2013.

 

/s/ Zev Weiss
Zev Weiss
/s/ Jeffrey Weiss
Jeffrey Weiss
/s/ Gary Weiss
Gary Weiss
/s/ Elie Weiss
Elie Weiss
/s/ Morry Weiss
Morry Weiss
/s/ Judith Stone Weiss
Judith Stone Weiss
IRVING I. STONE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
By:   /s/ Gary Weiss
Name:   Gary Weiss
Title:   Manager
IRVING I. STONE FOUNDATION
By:   /s/ Gary Weiss
Name:   Gary Weiss
Title:   President