KE 71939261

KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP COOLEY LLP

Cullen D. Speckhart (VSB 79096)

Admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Missouri and 

Texas; Not admitted to practice in DC, supervised by 

members of DC bar

Olya Antle (VSB 83153)

Admitted to practice in Virginia; Not admitted to practice 

in

DC, supervised by members of DC bar

1299 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 700

Washington, DC 20004-2400

Telephone: (202) 842-7800

Facsimile: (202) 842-7899

KIRKLAND & ELLIS INTERNATIONAL LLP

Edward O. Sassower, P.C. 

Steven N. Serajeddini, P.C. (admitted pro hac vice)

601 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Telephone: (212) 446-4800

Facsimile: (212) 446-4900

-andJohn R. Luze (admitted pro hac vice)

300 North LaSalle

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Telephone: (312) 862-2000

Facsimile: (312) 862-2200

Co-Counsel to the Debtors and Debtors in Possession

IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA

RICHMOND DIVISION

)

In re: ) Chapter 11

)

ASCENA RETAIL GROUP, INC., et al.,

1 ) Case No. 20-33113 (KRH)

)

Debtors. ) (Jointly Administered)

)

ORDER (I) APPROVING THE STALKING HORSE PROTECTIONS, 

(II) APPROVING BIDDING PROCEDURES FOR THE SALE OF THE JUSTICE 

ASSETS, AND (III) APPROVING ASSUMPTION AND ASSIGNMENT PROCEDURES

Upon the Supplemental Motion (the “Bidding Procedures Motion”)2 of the abovecaptioned debtors and debtors in possession (the “Debtors”), for entry of an order (this “Order”): 

(a) authorizing and approving the Bidding Procedures, substantially in the form attached hereto 

as Exhibit A-1; (b) authorizing and approving the Debtors to enter into and perform under the 

1 A complete list of each of the Debtors in these chapter 11 cases may be obtained on the website of the Debtors’ 

claims and noticing agent at http://cases.primeclerk.com/ascena. The location of Debtor Ascena Retail Group, 

Inc.’s principal place of business and the Debtors’ service address in these chapter 11 cases is 933 MacArthur 

Boulevard, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430.

2 Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Bidding 

Procedures Motion or the Bidding Procedures (as defined below), as applicable.

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 1 of 140
2

Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit A-2; (c) approving procedures 

for assuming and assigning certain executory contracts, and approving the Cure Notice, 

substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A-3; and the Court having reviewed any 

evidence in support of the Bidding Procedures Motion; and the Court having reviewed the 

Bidding Procedures Motion and having heard the statements in support of the relief requested 

therein at a hearing before the Court (the “Hearing”); and the Court having determined that the 

legal and factual bases set forth in the Bidding Procedures Motion and at the Hearing establish 

just cause for the relief granted herein; and any objections to the Bidding Procedures Motion 

having been withdrawn with prejudice or overruled on the merits at the Hearing; and upon all of 

the proceedings had before the Court; and after due deliberation and sufficient cause appearing 

therefor, THE COURT HEREBY FINDS AS FOLLOWS:3

A. Jurisdiction and Venue. The Court has jurisdiction to consider the Bidding 

Procedures Motion and the relief requested therein pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1334, and venue is 

proper before this Court pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409. The statutory and legal 

predicates for the relief requested in the Motion, sections 105, 363, 365, 503, and 507 of the 

Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rules 2002, 6004, 6006, and 9014 have been satisfied.

B. Notice of the Bidding Procedures Motion. The notice of the Bidding Procedures 

Motion and the Hearing is reasonable and sufficient in light of the circumstances and nature of 

the relief requested in the Bidding Procedures Motion, and no other or further notice of the 

Bidding Procedures Motion or the Hearing is necessary. A reasonable and fair opportunity to 

object to the Bidding Procedures Motion and the relief granted in this Order has been afforded 

3 The findings of fact and conclusions of law herein constitute the Court’s findings of fact and conclusions of law 

for the purposes of Bankruptcy Rule 7052, made applicable pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9014. To the extent 

any findings of facts are conclusions of law, they are adopted as such. To the extent any conclusions of law are 

findings of fact, they are adopted as such.

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 2 of 140
3

under the circumstances.

C. Stalking Horse Bid and the Stalking Horse Protections. The Debtors have 

demonstrated and proven to the satisfaction of this Court that their performance of the 

obligations related to the Stalking Horse Bid and the Stalking Horse Protections are in the best 

interests of the Debtors, their creditors, and their estates, and that the foregoing represents a 

prudent exercise of the Debtors’ sound business judgment. The Debtors have articulated good, 

sufficient, and sound business justifications and compelling circumstances for performance of 

obligations related to the Stalking Horse Bid and the Stalking Horse Protections in that, among 

other things, the Stalking Horse Bid constitutes the highest or otherwise best proposal that the 

Debtors have received to date and the approval of the relief requested is a necessary and 

constructive step toward the confirmation and consummation of a chapter 11 plan, and the 

Stalking Horse Bid and the Stalking Horse Protections allow the Debtors to solicit the highest or 

otherwise best bid for the Justice Assets through the Bidding Procedures. 

D. The Stalking Horse Bid and the Stalking Horse Protections were negotiated by the 

parties at arm’s-length and in good faith by the Debtors and the Stalking Horse Bidder. 

Furthermore, the Stalking Horse Bid will serve as a minimum or floor bid on which the Debtors, 

their creditors, suppliers, vendors, and other bidders may rely. The Stalking Horse Bidder and 

the Stalking Horse Protections are providing a material benefit to the Debtors and their creditors 

by increasing the likelihood that, given the circumstances, the best possible price for the Justice 

Assets will be received. Accordingly, the Stalking Horse Bid and the Stalking Horse Protections 

are fair, reasonable, appropriate, and represent the best method for maximizing value for the 

benefit of the Debtors’ estates. 

E. Justice Brand Holdings LLC (“Justice Brand”) shall act as the Stalking Horse 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 3 of 140
4

Bidder pursuant to the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement annexed to the Motion, and the offer

embodied therein shall be subject to higher and better offers in connection with the Bidding 

Procedures. The Stalking Horse Bidder is not an “insider” or “affiliate” of any of the Debtors, as 

those terms are defined in section 101 of the Bankruptcy Code, and no common identity of 

incorporators, directors, or controlling stockholders exists between the Stalking Horse Bidder 

and the Debtors. The Stalking Horse Bidder and its counsel and advisors have acted in “good 

faith” within the meaning of section 363(m) of the Bankruptcy Code in connection with the 

Stalking Horse Bidder’s negotiation of the Stalking Horse Protections and the Bidding 

Procedures and the Stalking Horse Bidder’s negotiation and entry into the Stalking Horse 

Purchase Agreement.

F. Bidding Procedures. The Debtors have articulated good and sufficient reasons for 

authorizing and approving the Bidding Procedures attached hereto as Exhibit A-1, which are 

fair, reasonable, and appropriate under the circumstances and designed to maximize value for the 

benefit of the Debtors’ estates, their creditors, and other parties in interest. 

G. Assumption and Assignment Procedures. The Cure Notice is reasonably 

calculated to provide counterparties to the Justice Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases to 

be assumed or assumed and assigned with proper notice of the intended assumption or 

assumption and assignment of their Justice Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases, any Cure 

Amounts, and the Assumption and Assignment Procedures, and no other or further notice of such 

intention, the Cure Amounts, or the Assumption and Assignment Procedures shall be required.

The Assumption and Assignment Procedures are fair, reasonable, and appropriate, and comply 

with the provisions of section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 6006.

H. Auction. The Auction, if held, is necessary to determine whether any entity other 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 4 of 140
5

than the Stalking Horse Bidder is willing to enter into a definitive agreement on terms and 

conditions more favorable to the Debtors than the Stalking Horse Bid. Good and sufficient cause 

has been shown to waive the stay of effectiveness of this Order under Bankruptcy Rules 6004(h), 

6006(d), 7062, or 9014, or any applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Rules or the Local 

Bankruptcy Rules.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED THAT:

1. The Motion is granted to the extent set forth herein.

2. Any objections to the relief granted herein that have not been withdrawn with 

prejudice, waived, or settled, and all reservations of rights included in such objections, hereby 

are overruled and denied on the merits with prejudice.

A. The Bidding Procedures.

3. The Bidding Procedures, attached hereto as Exhibit A-1, in connection with the 

Sale pursuant to the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit A-2, and 

incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein, are hereby approved and the Debtors 

are authorized to solicit bids and conduct an Auction, if necessary, on the terms set forth in 

the Bidding Procedures. The Bidding Procedures shall govern the submission, receipt, and 

analysis of all bids, and any party desiring to submit a higher or otherwise better offer must do so 

strictly in accordance with the terms of the Bidding Procedures and this Order. The failure to 

specifically include or reference any particular provision of the Bidding Procedures in the 

Motion or this Order shall not diminish or otherwise impair the effectiveness of such procedures, 

it being the Court’s intent that the Bidding Procedures are approved in their entirety, as if fully 

set forth in this Order. The Debtors are authorized to take all actions necessary or appropriate to 

implement the Bidding Procedures.

4. Subject to the right of parties-in-interest to object and the Court’s entry of an 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 5 of 140
6

order approving the sale, the Debtors are authorized to enter into the Stalking Horse Purchase 

Agreement, and the Stalking Horse Bid shall be subject to higher or better Qualified Bids, in 

accordance with the terms and procedures of the Bidding Procedures.

5. The Stalking Horse Bidder is hereby deemed a Qualified Bidder, and the offer, as 

reflected in the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement, is a Qualified Bid for all purposes and 

requirements pursuant to the Bidding Procedures. If no other Qualified Bid with respect to the 

Justice Assets is received on or before Bid Deadline, the Debtors shall not conduct an Auction 

for the Justice Assets, and the Stalking Horse Bidder will be named the Successful Bidder.

B. Stalking Horse Protections.

6. The Stalking Horse Protections are approved and the Debtors are authorized to 

incur and pay the Stalking Horse Protections. The Debtors’ performance of any other 

obligations related to the Stalking Horse Bid shall be subject to entry of a further Court order 

approving the Sale. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, including, without 

limitation, this Order’s authorization of, and approval of the Debtors’ performance of obligations 

related to the Stalking Horse Protections, the entry of this Order and the relief granted hereby is 

without prejudice to the rights of any party to object or respond to the Sale, the Plan, the Stalking 

Horse Purchase Agreement, or any other document or instrument contemplated by any of the 

foregoing, and all such rights are reserved and preserved in all respects.

7. The Stalking Horse Protections, to the extent payable under the Stalking Horse 

Agreement, (i) shall be deemed an actual and necessary cost of preserving the Debtors’ estates 

within the meaning of the Bankruptcy Code section 503(b), (ii) are of substantial benefit to the

Debtors’ estates, (iii) are reasonable and appropriate, including in light of the size and nature of 

the transactions and the efforts that have been and will be expended by the Stalking Horse 

Bidder, (iv) have been negotiated by the parties and their respective advisors at arm’s-length and 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 6 of 140
7

in good faith and (v) are necessary to ensure that the Stalking Horse Bidder will continue to 

pursue the proposed Sale. The Stalking Horse Protections are material inducements for, and a 

condition of, the Stalking Horse Bidder’s entry into the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement. 

The Stalking Horse Bidder is unwilling to commit to the Sale under the terms of the Stalking 

Horse Purchase Agreement unless the Stalking Horse Bidder receives the Stalking Horse 

Protections.

8. The Stalking Horse Protections shall be accorded treatment as an administrative 

expense claim in the chapter 11 cases.

9. Subject to the right of parties-in-interest to object to, and the Court’s entry of an 

order approving, the Sale, the Debtors are authorized to enter into the Stalking Horse Purchase 

Agreement, and the Stalking Horse Bid shall be subject to higher or better Qualified Bids in 

accordance with the terms and procedures of the Bidding Procedures. 

10. As soon as reasonably practicable after the conclusion of the Auction, if any, but 

no later than two (2) business days thereafter, the Debtors will file on the docket, but not serve, a 

notice (the “Post-Auction Notice”) identifying the Successful Bidder. Within five (5) business 

days of the filing of the Post-Auction Notice and, if the Successful Bidder is not the Stalking 

Horse Bidder, the Debtors will file on the docket, but not serve, a notice detailing the 

Expense Reimbursement proposed to be paid to the Stalking Horse Bidder. All parties will have 

fourteen days from the date such notice is filed to file a written objection, compliant with the 

Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rules, Local Bankruptcy Rules, and all orders of the Court, to the 

Expense Reimbursement and serve such objection on the Debtors, counsel to the Debtors, and 

the Notice Parties. If any party objects within fourteen days in accordance with the foregoing, 

the Court shall adjudicate any unresolved dispute as soon as the Court’s schedule permits.

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 7 of 140
8

C. The Assumption and Assignment Procedures.

11. The Assumption and Assignment Procedures set forth in the Bidding Procedures 

Motion regarding the assumption or assumption and assignment of the Justice Executory 

Contracts and Unexpired Leases proposed to be assumed by the Debtors and assigned to a 

Successful Bidder are approved:

i. Cure Notice. No later than October 26, 2020, if applicable, the 

Debtors shall file with the Court and serve via first class mail, 

electronic mail, or overnight delivery the Cure Notice on all 

applicable non-Debtor contract counterparties (at the notice 

address set forth in the applicable contract or lease) to the Justice 

Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases (collectively, the 

“Contract Parties,” and each, a “Contract Party”) and by email on 

their counsel of record, if known;

ii. Content of Cure Notice. The Cure Notice shall notify the 

applicable Contract Parties that the Justice Executory Contracts 

and Unexpired Leases may be subject to assumption or assumption 

and assignment in connection with the proposed Sale and contain 

the following information: (a) identification of the applicable 

Justice Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases; (b) the 

applicable Contract Parties; (c) the Debtors’ good faith estimates 

of the corresponding Cure Amounts required to cure all monetary 

defaults under the Justice Executory Contracts and Unexpired 

Leases; (d) with respect to any Justice Unexpired Leases, to the 

extent applicable, adequate assurance information to the extent 

required under section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code (the “Adequate 

Assurance Information”); and (e) the deadline by which any 

Contract Party to a Justice Executory Contract or Justice 

Unexpired Lease may file an objection to the proposed assumption, 

assignment, cure, and/or adequate assurance and the procedures 

relating thereto (the “Cure Objection”); provided that service of a 

Cure Notice does not constitute an admission that such Justice 

Executory Contract or Justice Unexpired Lease is an executory 

contract or unexpired lease or that such Justice Executory Contract 

or Justice Unexpired Lease will be assumed at any point by the 

Debtors or assumed and assigned pursuant to the Stalking Horse 

Purchase Agreement or any other Successful Bid. To the extent 

the Cure Notice includes a Justice Unexpired Lease, such Cure 

Notice shall be accompanied by the following Adequate Assurance 

Information:

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 8 of 140
9

a. The legal name of the proposed assignee of the Justice 

Unexpired Lease (the “Proposed Assignee”) and any 

guarantors, as applicable;

b. Financial statements for the calendar or fiscal years ended 

2018 and 2019 for the Proposed Assignee and any 

guarantors, as applicable, and other financial information 

about the Proposed Assignee to demonstrate its ability to 

provide adequate assurance of future performance; and

c. Summary documentation regarding the Proposed 

Assignee’s and any guarantor’s, as applicable, retail 

experience and present retail operations.

iii. Cure Objections. Cure Objections, if any, to a Cure Notice must: 

(a) be in writing; (b) comply with the applicable provisions of the 

Bankruptcy Rules, the Local Bankruptcy Rules, and any order 

governing the administration of these chapter 11 cases; (c) state 

with specificity the nature of the Cure Objection and, if the Cure 

Objection pertains to the proposed Cure Amount, state the cure 

amount alleged to be owed to the objecting Contract Party, 

together with any applicable and appropriate documentation in 

support thereof; and (d) be filed with the Court and served so as to 

be actually received by counsel to the Debtors, counsel to the 

Stalking Horse Bidder or any other Successful Bidder, and counsel 

to each of the Consultation Parties within fourteen days of the date 

of service of the Cure Notice at 5:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern 

Time) (the “Cure Objection Deadline”);

iv. Effects of Filing a Cure Objection. A properly filed and served 

Cure Objection will reserve such objecting party’s rights against 

the Debtors only with respect to the assumption or assumption and 

assignment of the Justice Executory Contract or Justice Unexpired 

Lease at issue and/or objection to the accompanying Cure Amount, 

as set forth in the Cure Objection, but will not constitute an 

objection to the remaining relief requested in this Motion; 

v. Dispute Resolution. Any objection to the proposed assumption or 

assumption and assignment of a Justice Executory Contract, 

Justice Unexpired Lease, or Cure Amount that remains unresolved 

after the Sale Hearing, shall be heard at the next scheduled 

omnibus hearing that is at least seven days from which such 

objection is deemed unresolved by the parties (or at such later date 

as may be fixed by the Court). To the extent that any Cure 

Objection cannot be resolved by the parties, such Justice Executory 

Contract or Justice Unexpired Lease shall be assumed and assigned 

only upon satisfactory resolution of the Cure Objection, to be 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 9 of 140
10

determined in the Stalking Horse Bidder’s (if applicable) or other 

Successful Bidder’s reasonable discretion. If a Cure Objection is 

not satisfactorily resolved, the Stalking Horse Bidder or other 

Successful Bidder may determine that such Justice Executory 

Contract or Justice Unexpired Lease should be rejected and not 

assigned, in which case the Stalking Horse Bidder or other 

Successful Bidder will not be responsible for any Cure Amounts in 

respect of such contract unless otherwise provided in the Stalking 

Horse Purchase Agreement;

vi. Supplemental Cure Notice. If the Debtors discover Justice 

Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases inadvertently omitted 

from the Cure Notice, the Successful Bidder identifies other Justice 

Executory Contracts and Leases that it desires to assume or assume 

and assign in connection with the Sale, or the Debtors elect to 

consummate a transaction with the Back-Up Bidder, the Debtors 

may, in consultation with the Successful Bidder and in accordance 

with the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement or as otherwise 

agreed by the Debtors and the Successful Bidder, at any time 

before the closing of the Sale supplement the Cure Notice with 

previously omitted Justice Executory Contracts and Leases, which 

shall include all Adequate Assurance Information, or modify a 

previously filed Cure Notice, including modify the previously 

stated Cure Amounts associated with any Justice Executory 

Contract or Justice Unexpired Lease (the “Supplemental Cure 

Notice”); provided that, if the Debtors elect to consummate a 

transaction with the Back-Up Bidder, then the Debtors shall serve 

a Supplemental Notice on any parties to Justice Executory 

Contracts or Unexpired Leases that are being assumed or assumed 

and assigned to the Back-Up Bidder in connection with the Sale;

vii. Objection to the Supplemental Cure Notice. Any Contract Party 

listed on the Supplemental Cure Notice may file an objection (a 

“Supplemental Cure Objection”) only if such objection is to the 

proposed assumption or assumption and assignment of the 

applicable Justice Executory Contract and/or Justice Unexpired 

Lease or the proposed Cure Amounts, if any. All Supplemental 

Cure Objections must: (a) state, with specificity, the legal and 

factual basis for the objection as well as what Cure Amounts are 

required, if any; (b) include appropriate documentation in support 

thereof; and (c) be filed no later than 5:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern 

Time) on the date that is 14 days following the date of service of 

such Supplemental Cure Notice, which date will be set forth in the 

Supplemental Cure Notice;

viii. Dispute Resolution of Supplemental Cure Objection. If a Contract

Party files a Supplemental Cure Objection in a manner that is 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 10 of 140
11

consistent with the requirements set forth above, and the parties are 

unable to consensually resolve the dispute, the Debtors shall seek a 

hearing before the Court to determine the Cure Amounts, if any, 

and approve the assumption and/or assignment of the relevant 

Justice Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases. Such dispute

shall be heard at the omnibus hearing date that is at least seven 

days from the date on which the Debtors determine to seek such a 

hearing. If there is no such objection, then the Debtors shall obtain 

an order of this Court fixing the Cure Amount and approving the 

assumption and/or assignment of any Justice Executory Contracts 

and Unexpired Leases listed on a Supplemental Cure Notice; and

ix. No Cure Objections. If there are no objections to a Cure Notice or 

a Supplemental Cure Notice, or if a Contract Party does not file 

and serve a Cure Objection or a Supplemental Cure Notice in a 

manner that is consistent with the requirements set forth above, 

and absent a subsequent order of the Court establishing an 

alternative Cure Amounts, (a) the Cure Amount, if any, set forth in 

the Cure Notice (or Supplemental Cure Notice) shall be 

controlling, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Justice 

Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases or any other document, 

and (b) to the extent the Contract Party’s consent is required under 

applicable law, the Contract Party will be deemed to have 

consented to the assumption or assumption and assignment of the 

Justice Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases and the Cure 

Amounts, if any, and will be forever barred from objecting to the 

assumption or assumption and assignment of such Justice 

Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases and rights thereunder, 

including the Cure Amounts, if any, and from asserting any other 

claims related to such Justice Executory Contracts and Unexpired 

Leases against the Debtors or the Successful Bidder, or the 

property of any of them.

12. Any objections to the Successful Bidder’s proposed form of adequate assurance 

of future performance must be filed no later than the later of (a) the Cure Objection Deadline, 

and (b) 4:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern Time) on the date that is 14 days following (i) the date of 

service of the Cure Notice, or (ii) the date of service of the Supplemental Cure Notice, as 

applicable. 

13. The inclusion of a Justice Executory Contract or Justice Unexpired Lease in the 

Cure Notice (or Supplemental Cure Notice) will not: (a) obligate the Debtors to assume any 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 11 of 140
12

Justice Executory Contract or Justice Unexpired Lease listed thereon or obligate the Successful 

Bidder to take assignment of such Justice Executory Contract or Justice Unexpired Lease; or (b) 

constitute any admission or agreement of the Debtors that such Justice Executory Contract or 

Justice Unexpired Lease is an executory contract. Only those Justice Executory Contracts and 

Unexpired Leases that are included on a schedule of assumed and assigned contracts attached to 

the Definitive Purchase Agreement with the Successful Bidder (including amendments or 

modifications to such schedules in accordance with such agreement) will be assumed and 

assigned to the Successful Bidder. 

14. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing herein shall be deemed to extend the Debtors’ 

deadline to assume or reject any of its leases pursuant to section 365(d)(4) of the Bankruptcy 

Code. 

15. Nothing in this Order or the Bidding Procedures shall be deemed a waiver of any 

rights, remedies or defenses that any party (including the sureties, the Debtors, the Debtors’ 

lenders, the Stalking Horse Bidder, or any other prospective purchaser) has or may have under 

applicable bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy law, under any indemnity agreements, surety bonds, 

or related agreements or any letters of credit relating thereto, or any rights, remedies or defenses 

of the Debtors with respect thereto, including seeking Bankruptcy Court relief with regard to 

the Auction, the Bidding Procedures, the Sale, and any related items (including, if necessary, to 

seek an extension of the Bid Deadline).

16. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Order, any payment made or 

action taken by any of the Debtors pursuant to the authority granted in this Order must be in 

compliance with, and shall be subject to: (i) the final order approving the Debtors’ use of cash 

collateral and postpetition financing facility [Docket No. 587] (the “Final DIP Order”); (ii) the 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 12 of 140
13

documentation in respect of any such use of cash collateral and postpetition financing; and 

(iii) the budget governing any such use of cash collateral and postpetition financing. To the 

extent there is any inconsistency between the term of the Final DIP Order and this Order, the 

terms of the Final DIP Order shall control.

17. To the extent there is any inconsistency between the terms of the Bidding 

Procedures Motion and this Order, the terms of this Order shall control.

18. All time periods set forth in this Order shall be calculated in accordance with 

Bankruptcy Rule 9006(a). 

19. The Debtors are authorized to take all actions necessary to effectuate the relief 

granted pursuant to this Order in accordance with the Bidding Procedures Motion. 

20. The requirements set forth in Local Bankruptcy Rule 9013-1 are satisfied by the 

contents of the Bidding Procedures Motion. 

21. This Order shall be immediately effective and enforceable upon entry hereof. 

22. The Court retains exclusive jurisdiction with respect to all matters arising from or 

related to the implementation of this Order. 

Dated: __________

Richmond, Virginia United States Bankruptcy Judge

Oct 21 2020 /s/ Kevin R Huennekens

Entered On Docket:Oct 21 2020

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 13 of 140
WE ASK FOR THIS:

/s/ Cullen D. Speckhart 

KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP COOLEY LLP

Cullen D. Speckhart (VSB 79096)

Admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Missouri and 

Texas; Not admitted to practice in DC, supervised by 

members of DC bar

Olya Antle (VSB 83153)

Admitted to practice in Virginia; Not admitted to practice in 

DC, supervised by members of DC bar

1299 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 700

Washington, DC 20004-2400

Telephone: (202) 842-7800

Facsimile: (202) 842-7899

KIRKLAND & ELLIS INTERNATIONAL LLP

Edward O. Sassower, P.C. 

Steven N. Serajeddini, P.C. (admitted pro hac vice)

601 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Telephone: (212) 446-4800

Facsimile: (212) 446-4900

-andJohn R. Luze (admitted pro hac vice)

300 North LaSalle

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Telephone: (312) 862-2000

Facsimile: (312) 862-2200

Co-Counsel to the Debtors and Debtors in Possession

CERTIFICATION OF ENDORSEMENT 

UNDER LOCAL BANKRUPTCY RULE 9022-1(C)

Pursuant to Local Bankruptcy Rule 9022-1(C), I hereby certify that the foregoing proposed order has been endorsed by 

or served upon all necessary parties.

/s/ Cullen D. Speckhart

 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 14 of 140
Exhibit A-1

Bidding Procedures

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 15 of 140
KE 71075274

KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP COOLEY LLP

Cullen D. Speckhart (VSB 79096)

Admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Missouri and 

Texas; Not admitted to practice in DC, supervised by 

members of DC bar

Olya Antle (VSB 83153)

Admitted to practice in Virginia; Not admitted to practice in

DC, supervised by members of DC bar

1299 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 700

Washington, DC 20004-2400

Telephone: (202) 842-7800

Facsimile: (202) 842-7899

KIRKLAND & ELLIS INTERNATIONAL LLP

Edward O. Sassower, P.C. 

Steven N. Serajeddini, P.C. (admitted pro hac vice)

601 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Telephone: (212) 446-4800

Facsimile: (212) 446-4900

-andJohn R. Luze (admitted pro hac vice)

300 North LaSalle

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Telephone: (312) 862-2000

Facsimile: (312) 862-2200

Co-Counsel to the Debtors and Debtors in Possession

IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA

RICHMOND DIVISION

)

In re: ) Chapter 11

)

ASCENA RETAIL GROUP, INC., et al.,

1 ) Case No. 20-33113 (KRH)

)

Debtors. ) (Jointly Administered)

)

BIDDING PROCEDURES

FOR THE SALE OF THE JUSTICE ASSETS

On July 23, 2020, the above-captioned debtors and debtors in possession (collectively, 

the “Debtors”) filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States 

Code, 11 U.S.C. §§ 101-1532 (the “Bankruptcy Code”), in the United States Bankruptcy Court for 

the Eastern District of Virginia (the “Bankruptcy Court”).

On [__], 2020, the Bankruptcy Court entered the Order (I) Approving the Stalking Horse 

Protections, (II) Approving Bidding Procedures for the Sale of the Justice Assets, and 

(III) Approving Assumption and Assignment Procedures [Docket No. [__]] (the “Bidding 

1 A complete list of each of the Debtors in these chapter 11 cases may be obtained on the website of the Debtors’ 

claims and noticing agent at http://cases.primeclerk.com/ascena. The location of Debtor Ascena Retail Group, 

Inc.’s principal place of business and the Debtors’ service address in these chapter 11 cases is 933 MacArthur 

Boulevard, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430.

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 16 of 140
2

Procedures Order”),2 by which the Bankruptcy Court approved the following procedures (the 

“Bidding Procedures”). 

These Bidding Procedures set forth the process for a potential auction (the “Auction”) and 

sale (the “Sale”) of the right, title, and interest of the Debtors in and to certain Tween Brands, Inc. 

assets (the “Justice Assets”), subject to the option of the Stalking Horse Bidder (as defined below) 

to require the Debtors to consummate the Sale in accordance with the Stalking Horse Purchase 

Agreement (as defined below). 

The Debtors selected the bid (the “Stalking Horse Bid”) for the Justice Assets submitted 

by Justice Brand Holdings LLC (“Justice Brand” and/or the “Stalking Horse Bidder”), after a 

comprehensive public bidding process. The Stalking Horse Bidder has executed that certain 

purchase agreement dated October 20, 2020 entered into by and among certain of the Debtors and 

Justice Brand (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified by the parties thereto, and 

including the disclosure schedules and exhibits attached thereto, the “Stalking Horse Purchase 

Agreement”) pursuant to which the Stalking Horse Bidder has agreed to purchase the Acquired 

Assets (as defined in the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement), subject to the terms and conditions 

set forth therein. Having announced the Stalking Horse Bid, the Debtors will now conduct a round 

of open bidding during these chapter 11 cases intended to obtain the highest or otherwise best bid 

for the Justice Assets. The Stalking Horse Bid is subject to higher or better offers submitted in 

accordance with the terms and conditions of these Bidding Procedures. 

Copies of the Bidding Procedures Order or any other documents in the Debtors’ chapter 11 

cases are available upon request to Prime Clerk LLC by calling (877) 930-4319 (toll free) or 

(347) 899-4594 (international) or visiting the Debtors’ restructuring website at 

(https://cases.primeclerk.com/ascena).

I. Assets to be Auctioned.

These Bidding Procedures set forth the terms by which prospective bidders may qualify 

for and participate in the Auction. The Justice Assets will be offered for sale through the Auction. 

The Debtors may consider bids from multiple bidders (including multiple bids submitted by the 

same bidder) for the Justice Assets. The Stalking Horse Bid referenced herein provides for the 

Stalking Horse Bidder’s acquisition of the Justice Assets in the absence of a higher or otherwise 

better offer.

II. Public Announcement of Auction.

As soon as reasonably practicable after entry of the Bidding Procedures Order the Debtors 

shall (I) serve on the Notice Parties (as defined below) a notice of the Auction and Sale in the form 

attached hereto as Schedule 1 (the “Sale Notice”), and (II) publish the Sale Notice, with any 

2 All capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Bidding 

Procedures Order.

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 17 of 140
3

modifications necessary for ease of publication, in The New York Times (National Edition) to 

provide notice to any other potential interested parties.

III. Potential Bidder Requirements.

To participate in the bidding process or otherwise be considered for any purpose hereunder, 

a person or entity (other than the Stalking Horse Bidder) interested in purchasing the Justice Assets

(a “Potential Bidder”) must deliver or have previously delivered to the Debtors the following

preliminary documentation (collectively, the “Preliminary Bid Documents”):

a. an executed confidentiality agreement (a “Confidentiality Agreement”) in form and 

substance acceptable to the Debtors; and

b. sufficient information that the Potential Bidder has or can reasonably obtain the 

financial capacity to close the Sale (including current audited or verified financial 

statements of, or verified financial commitments obtained by, the Potential Bidder

(or, if the Potential Bidder is an entity formed for the purpose of acquiring the 

property to be sold, the party that will bear liability for a breach) as well as an 

overview of any recent transactions), the adequacy of which must be acceptable to 

the Debtors.

Only those Potential Bidders that have submitted acceptable Preliminary Bid 

Documentation (each, an “Acceptable Bidder”) to the reasonable satisfaction of the Debtors and 

their advisors, in consultation with the Consultation Parties,3 may submit bids to purchase the 

Justice Assets. 

IV. Qualified Bid Requirements.

To participate in the Auction, an Acceptable Bidder (other than the Stalking Horse Bidder)

must deliver to the Debtors and their advisors an irrevocable offer for the purchase of the Justice 

Assets (each, a “Bid”), and shall meet the following criteria, in each case, on or prior to the Bid 

Deadline:

a. Purchased Assets and Assumed Liabilities: Each Bid must clearly state which 

of the Justice Assets the Acceptable Bidder seeks to acquire and which liabilities 

of the applicable Debtor the Acceptable Bidder agrees to assume;

b. Good Faith Deposit: The Bid must be accompanied by a cash deposit in the 

amount equal to the greater of (i) $10,000,000 and (ii) 10% of the aggregate 

3 The term “Consultation Parties” shall mean (a) the DIP Agents, (b) the DIP Lenders, (c) counsel to the DIP 

Agents, (d) one or more Initial Consenting Stakeholders under the RSA; (e) counsel to the Ad Hoc Group; and 

(f) the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (the “Committee”) and counsel to the Committee; provided

that any party otherwise included as a Consultation Party shall not serve as a Consultation Party with respect to 

the sale of Justice Assets to which such party has submitted a Bid unless and until such party unequivocally 

revokes its Bid and waives its right to continue in the Auction process; provided further that any member of the 

Committee that submits a Bid shall not participate in any deliberations by the Committee as a Consultation Party.

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 18 of 140
4

purchase price of the Bid to be held in an interest-bearing escrow account to be

identified and established by the Debtors (the “Good Faith Deposit”);

c. Purchase Price: Each Bid must clearly set forth the cash purchase price to be paid, 

assuming a purchase of the Justice Assets and any assumption of liabilities 

(the “Purchase Price”). The Purchase Price should be a single point value in 

U.S. Dollars for the applicable Justice Assets on a cash-free, debt-free basis;

d. Minimum Bid:

4 At a minimum, each Bid must have a Purchase Price equal to, or 

in excess of, of an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Cash Purchase Price, plus (ii) 

the assumption of Assumed Liabilities, plus (iii) payments made for Inventory 

subject to Assigned POs pursuant to Section 1.1(a) of the Stalking Horse Purchase 

Agreement, plus (iv) $2,000,000;

e. Markup of the Purchase Agreement: Each Acceptable Bidder must provide a

draft purchase agreement as well as a redline of such agreement marked to reflect 

the amendments and modifications made to the form of the Stalking Horse Purchase 

Agreement, which amendments and modifications may not be inconsistent with 

these Bidding Procedures. Significant alterations to the Stalking Horse Purchase 

Agreement are discouraged and may negatively impact a Bid;

f. Same or Better Terms; Bid Documents: Except as otherwise provided in 

the Bidding Procedures, each Bid must be, in the Debtors’ reasonable business 

judgment, in consultation with the Consultation Parties, substantially on the same 

or better terms than the terms of the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement. Each Bid 

must include duly executed transaction documents, including a proposed purchase 

agreement and any other ancillary documentation necessary to effectuate the 

transactions contemplated in such Bid (such documents, the “Bid Documents”). 

The bid must be expressly made subject to the Debtors’ obligations to pay the 

Expense Reimbursement pursuant to the terms of the Stalking Horse Purchase 

Agreement, as modified by the Bidding Procedures Order.

g. No Qualified Bidder Bid Protections: Except as provided with respect to the 

Stalking Horse Bidder, a Qualified Bid must include a statement that the bid does 

not entitle such bidder to any break-up fee, termination fee, expense 

reimbursement, or similar type of payment or reimbursement and a waiver of any 

substantial contribution administrative expense claim under section 503(b) of the 

Bankruptcy Code related to bidding for the Justice Assets;

h. Employee Obligations: Each Bid must indicate whether the Acceptable Bidder 

intends to hire all employees who are primarily employed in connection with

the Justice Assets included in such Bid;

4 Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this section IV.d. shall have the meanings ascribed to such 

terms in the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement. 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 19 of 140
5

i. Sources of Financing: To the extent that the Bid is not accompanied by evidence 

of the Acceptable Bidder’s capacity to consummate the Sale set forth in its Bid with 

cash on hand, the Bid must include committed financing, documented to the 

Debtors’ satisfaction, that demonstrates that the Acceptable Bidder has received 

sufficient debt and/or equity funding commitments to satisfy the Acceptable 

Bidder’s obligations under the proposed Sale and other obligations under its Bid. 

Such funding commitments or other financing must be unconditional and must not 

be subject to any internal approvals, syndication requirements, diligence, or credit 

committee approvals, and shall have covenants and conditions acceptable to the 

Debtors;

j. Contingencies; No Financing or Diligence Outs: Any Bid (i) may not contain 

representations and warranties, covenants, or termination rights materially more 

onerous in the aggregate to the Debtors than those set forth in the Stalking Horse 

Purchase Agreement and (ii) shall not be conditioned on the obtaining or the 

sufficiency of financing, any internal approval, or on the outcome or review of due 

diligence;

k. Identity: Each Bid must fully disclose the identity of each entity and each entity’s 

shareholders, partners, investors, and ultimate controlling entities that will be 

bidding for or purchasing the applicable Justice Assets or otherwise participating 

in connection with such Bid, and the complete terms of any such participation, 

along with sufficient evidence that the Acceptable Bidder is legally empowered to 

complete the transactions on the terms contemplated by the parties. Each Bid must 

also include contact information for the specific person(s) whom Guggenheim and 

Kirkland & Ellis LLP should contact regarding such Bid;

l. As-Is, Where-Is: Each Bid must include a written acknowledgement and 

representation that the Acceptable Bidder: (i) has had an opportunity to conduct 

any and all due diligence prior to making its offer; (ii) has relied solely upon its 

own independent review, investigation, and/or inspection of any documents and/or 

the assets in making its Bid; and (iii) did not rely upon any written or oral 

statements, representations, promises, warranties, or guaranties whatsoever, 

whether express, implied, by operation of law, or otherwise, regarding the 

completeness of any information provided in connection therewith, except as 

expressly stated in the Acceptable Bidder’s proposed purchase agreement;

m. Authorization: Each Bid must contain evidence that the Acceptable Bidder has 

obtained all necessary authorizations or approvals from its shareholders and/or its 

board of managers or directors, or any other internal and other approvals, as 

applicable, with respect to the submission of its Bid and the consummation of the 

transactions contemplated in such Bid;

n. Adequate Assurance of Future Performance: Each Bid (other than the Stalking 

Horse Bid) must (i) identify the Justice Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases

to be assumed or assumed and assigned in connection with the proposed Sale, 

(ii) provide for the payment of all Cure Amounts related to such Justice Executory 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 20 of 140
6

Contracts and Unexpired Leases and by the Acceptable Bidder, and 

(iii) demonstrate, in the Debtors’ reasonable business judgment, in consultation 

with the Consultation Parties, that the Acceptable Bidder can provide adequate 

assurance of future performance under all such Justice Executory Contracts and 

Unexpired Leases sufficient to satisfy the requirements of sections 365(b)(3) and 

365(f)(2)(B) of the Bankruptcy Code, as evidenced by the provision of the 

following:

(i) The legal name of the proposed assignee of the Justice Unexpired 

Lease (the “Proposed Assignee”) and any guarantors, as applicable;

(ii) Financial statements for the calendar or fiscal years ended 2018 and 

2019 for the Proposed Assignee and any guarantors, as applicable,

and other financial information about the Proposed Assignee to 

demonstrate its ability to provide adequate assurance of future 

performance; and

(iii) Summary documentation regarding the Proposed Assignee’s and 

any guarantor’s, as applicable, retail experience and present retail 

operations;

o. Compliance with Bankruptcy Code and Non-Bankruptcy Law; 

Acknowledgment: Each Bid must comply in all respects with the Bankruptcy 

Code and any applicable non-bankruptcy law;

p. Compliance with the Debtors’ Privacy Policy: Each Bid must comply in all 

respects with the Debtors’ Justice privacy policy, which restricts the transfer of the 

personally identifiable information of its customers, and contain a statement 

acknowledging such compliance;

q. No Collusion: The Acceptable Bidder must acknowledge in writing (a) that it has 

not engaged in any collusion with respect to any Bids or the Sale, specifying that it 

did not agree with any Acceptable Bidders or Potential Bidders to control price; 

and (b) agree not to engage in any collusion with respect to any Bids, the Auction, 

or the Sale. For the avoidance of doubt, this requirement does not restrict Potential 

Bidder(s) from working with other Potential Bidder(s) with the Debtors’ prior 

written consent (email shall suffice);

r. Good Faith Offer: The Bid must constitute a good faith, bona fide offer to 

consummate the Sale;

s. Irrevocable: Each Bid must state that in the event a Bid is chosen as the Back-Up 

Bid (as defined below), it shall remain irrevocable until the Debtors and the 

Successful Bidder consummate the applicable Sale;

t. Back-Up Bid: Each Bid shall provide that the Acceptable Bidder will serve as a 

back-up bidder if the Acceptable Bidder’s Bid is the next highest or otherwise best 

bid;

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 21 of 140
7

u. Conditions to Closing: Each Bid must identify with particularity each and every 

condition to closing, including the Justice Executory Contracts and Unexpired 

Leases (each as defined in the Bidding Procedures Motion) for which assumption 

and assignment is required; and

v. Expected Closing Date: Each Bid must state the Acceptable Bidder’s expected 

date of closing of the Sale.

Only Bids fulfilling all of the preceding requirements contained in this section may, or 

otherwise in the Debtors’ reasonable discretion, in consultation with the Consultation Parties, be 

deemed to be “Qualified Bids,” and only those parties submitting Qualified Bids may, at the 

Debtors’ reasonable discretion, be deemed to be “Qualified Bidders.”

Within one (1) business day after the Bid Deadline, the Debtors, in consultation with the 

Consultation Parties, shall determine which Acceptable Bidders are Qualified Bidders and will 

notify the Acceptable Bidders whether Bids submitted constitute Qualified Bids, which will enable 

such Qualified Bidders to participate in the Auction. Any Bid that is not deemed a Qualified Bid 

shall not be considered by the Debtors; provided that if the Debtors receive a Bid prior to the Bid 

Deadline that does not satisfy the requirements of a Qualified Bid, the Debtors may provide the

Acceptable Bidder with the opportunity to remedy any deficiencies prior to the Auction.

The Stalking Horse Bidder shall be deemed to be a Qualified Bidder, the Stalking Horse Bid shall 

be deemed a Qualified Bid, and the Stalking Horse Bidder shall be entitled to participate in the 

Auction with respect to the Justice Assets. The Debtors shall inform counsel to the Stalking Horse 

Bidder whether the Debtors consider any Bid to be a Qualified Bid as soon as practicable after the 

Bid Deadline and in no event later than one (1) business day after the Bid Deadline.

V. Obtaining Due Diligence Access.

Only Acceptable Bidders shall be eligible to receive due diligence information, access to 

the Debtors’ electronic data room, and additional non-public information regarding the Debtors. 

No Acceptable Bidder will be permitted to conduct any due diligence without entry into a 

Confidentiality Agreement. Beginning on the date the Debtors determine that a party is an 

Acceptable Bidder, or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, the Debtors will provide such 

Acceptable Bidder with access to an electronic data room and reasonable due diligence 

information, as requested by such Acceptable Bidder, as soon as reasonably practicable after such 

request. The Debtors shall post substantially all written due diligence provided to any Acceptable 

Bidder to the Debtors’ electronic data room for the benefit of all Acceptable Bidders. Acceptable 

Bidders will not, directly or indirectly, contact or initiate or engage in discussions in respect of 

matters relating to the Debtors or a potential transaction with any customer, supplier, or other 

contractual counterparty of the Debtors without the prior written consent of the Debtors. The due 

diligence period will end on the Bid Deadline and subsequent to the Bid Deadline the Debtors shall 

have no obligation to furnish any due diligence information. 

In connection with the provision of due diligence information to Acceptable Bidders, 

the Debtors shall not furnish any confidential information relating to the Debtors or a potential 

transaction to any person except an Acceptable Bidder or such Acceptable Bidder’s duly 

authorized representatives to the extent provided in an applicable Confidentiality Agreement.

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 22 of 140
8

The Debtors and their advisors shall coordinate all reasonable requests for additional 

information and due diligence access from Acceptable Bidders; provided that the Debtors may 

decline to provide such information to Acceptable Bidders who, in the Debtors’ reasonable 

business judgment have not established, or who have raised doubt, that such Acceptable Bidders 

intend in good faith to, or have the capacity to, consummate a Sale. For any bidder who is a 

competitor or customer of the Debtors or is affiliated with any competitors or customers of the 

Debtors, the Debtors reserve the right to withhold or modify any diligence materials that the 

Debtors determine are business-sensitive or otherwise inappropriate for disclosure to such bidder.

A. Communications with Acceptable Bidders (including Qualified 

Bidders).

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Bidding Procedures, all substantive 

direct communications, including any diligence requests, with Acceptable Bidders (including any 

Qualified Bidders) shall be through Guggenheim.

B. Due Diligence from Acceptable Bidders (including Qualified Bidders).

Each Acceptable Bidder (including any Qualified Bidder) shall comply with all reasonable 

requests for additional information and due diligence access requested by the Debtors or their 

advisors and their respective advisors, regarding the ability of such Acceptable Bidder (including 

any Qualified Bidder) to consummate its contemplated transaction. Failure by an Acceptable 

Bidder (including any Qualified Bidder, other than the Stalking Horse Bidder) to comply with such 

reasonable requests for additional information and due diligence access may be a basis for the 

Debtors, to determine that such bidder is no longer an Acceptable Bidder (including any Qualified

Bidder, other than the Stalking Horse Bidder) or that a bid made by such bidder is not a Qualified 

Bid.

Guggenheim Securities LLC, 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017,

Attn.: Michael Gottlieb (Michael.Gottlieb@guggenheimpartners.com) and Stuart Erickson

(Stuart.Erickson@guggenheimpartners.com), shall coordinate all requests for additional 

information and due diligence access on behalf of the Debtors.

VI. Indications of Interest.

The Debtors reserve the right to require Acceptable Bidders to submit non-binding written 

indications of interest prior to the Bid Deadline specifying, among other things, the Justice Assets

proposed to be acquired, the amount and type of consideration to be offered, and any other material 

terms to be included in a bid by such party. If an Acceptable Bidder fails to comply with any such 

request by the Debtors, the Debtors may, in consultation with one or more Required Consenting 

Stakeholders under the RSA and the Consultation Parties, deny such Acceptable Bidder further 

diligence access or deny such Acceptable Bidder further participation in the Auction process; 

provided that such Acceptable Bidder shall be granted the opportunity to cure such noncompliance 

with any request by the Debtors before being denied further participation in the Auction process.

The Debtors also reserve the right to exclude any Acceptable Bidder (prior to its submission of a 

Qualified Bid) from continuing in the Auction process if the Debtors determine, in consultation 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 23 of 140
9

with one or more Required Consenting Stakeholders under the RSA and the Consultation Parties,

that the consideration proposed to be paid by such Acceptable Bidder is insufficient.

VII. Bid Deadline.

Binding Bids must be received by (a) the Debtors’ counsel, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, 

300 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654, Attn: John R. Luze (john.luze@kirkland.com)

and Jeff Michalik (jeff.michalik@kirkland.com), (b) the Debtors’ financial advisor, Guggenheim 

Securities, LLC, 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017, Attn: Michael Gottlieb 

(Michael.Gottlieb@guggenheimpartners.com) and Stuart Erickson 

(Stuart.Erickson@guggenheimpartners.com), (c) proposed counsel to the Creditors’ Committee, 

Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP, 780 Third Avenue, 34th Floor, New York, New York 10017, 

Attn: Robert Feinstein (rfeinstein@pszjlaw.com), Bradford Sandler (bsandler@pszjlaw.com), 

and Shirley Cho (scho@pszjlaw.com), and (d) the proposed financial advisor to the Creditors’ 

Committee, Province, Inc., 2360 Corporate Circle, Suite 330, Henderson, NV 89074, Attn: Paul 

Huygens (phuygens@provincefirm.com) and Ed Kim (ekim@provincefirm.com), in each case so 

as to be actually received no later than 5:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern Time) on November 2, 2020

(the “Bid Deadline”). 

VIII. Evaluation of Qualified Bids.

The Debtors shall evaluate Qualified Bids and identify the Qualified Bid that is, in 

the Debtors’ business judgment, and in consultation with the Consultation Parties, the highest or 

otherwise best Qualified Bid or combination of Qualified Bids for the Justice Assets

(the “Starting Bid”). When determining the highest or otherwise best Qualified Bid, as compared 

to other Qualified Bids, the Debtors may consider the following factors, in addition to any other 

factors that the Debtors deem appropriate: (a) the amount and nature of the total consideration; 

(b) the likelihood of the Qualified Bidder’s ability to close a transaction and the timing thereof; 

(c) the net economic effect of any changes to the value to be received by each of the Debtors’ 

estates from the transaction contemplated by the Bid Documents; and (d) the tax consequences of 

such Qualified Bid. Two (2) business days prior to the date of the Auction, the Debtors shall notify 

the Stalking Horse Bidder and all Qualified Bidders as to which Qualified Bid is the Starting Bid 

for the Auction with respect to the applicable assets. At such time, the Debtors shall also distribute 

copies of the Starting Bid to the Stalking Horse Bidder and each Qualified Bidder.

IX. No Qualified Bids.

If no Qualified Bids other than the Stalking Horse Bid are received by the Bid Deadline, 

then the Auction shall be cancelled, the Stalking Horse Bid shall be designated as the Successful 

Bid (as defined below) and the Debtors shall pursue entry of an order approving a Sale of the 

Justice Assets to the Stalking Horse Bidder pursuant to the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement.

The Debtors shall promptly file notice of any cancellation of the Auction and designation of the 

Stalking Horse Bid as the Successful Bid with the Bankruptcy Court.

X. Auction.

If one or more Qualified Bids (other than the Stalking Horse Bid) are received by the Bid 

Deadline with respect to the Justice Assets, then the Debtors shall conduct the Auction with respect 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 24 of 140
10

to such assets. The Auction for the Justice Assets shall commence on November 5, 2020, at 10:00 

a.m. (prevailing Eastern Time) via videoconference or such other form of remote communication

arranged by counsel to the Debtors, or such later time or other place as the Debtors determine, in 

which case the Debtors shall timely notify the Stalking Horse Bidder and all other Qualified 

Bidders of such later time or other place, and file a notice of the change on the Bankruptcy Court’s 

docket for these chapter 11 cases.

The Auction will be conducted in accordance with the following procedures 

(the “Auction Procedures”):

a. the Auction will be conducted openly;

b. only Qualified Bidders shall be entitled to bid at the Auction;

c. the Qualified Bidders shall appear at the Auction via videoconference or such other 

form of remote communication or through duly authorized representatives;

d. bidding shall begin with the Starting Bid;

e. subsequent bids (each, an “Overbid”) shall be made in minimum increments 

of $250,000;

f. each Qualified Bidder will be permitted a reasonable time to respond to previous 

bids at the Auction, as determined by the Debtors;

g. during the course of the Auction, the Debtors shall, after submission of each 

Overbid, promptly inform each Qualified Bidder of the terms of the previous bids 

and inform each Qualified Bidder which Overbid(s) reflect, in the Debtors’ view,

in consultation with the Consultation Parties, the highest or otherwise best bid(s) 

for the Justice Assets;

h. the Auction will be transcribed to ensure an accurate recording of the bidding at 

the Auction;

i. each Qualified Bidder will be required to confirm on the record that it has not 

engaged in any collusion with respect to the bidding or any Sale;

j. each Qualified Bidder will be required to confirm that its bid is a good faith, bona 

fide offer and it intends to consummate the Sale if selected as the Successful Bid;

k. the Bankruptcy Court and the Debtors will not consider bids made after the Auction 

has been closed; and

l. notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Debtors may at any time 

choose to adjourn the Auction by announcement at the Auction. The Debtors shall 

promptly file notice of such adjournment with the Bankruptcy Court.

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 25 of 140
11

At the Auction, the Debtors, in consultation with the Consultation Parties, shall have the 

right to modify the Auction Procedures or adopt and announce additional Auction Procedures, 

including, for example and without limitation, other Auction Procedures necessary for the Debtors 

to consider any bids to purchase fewer than all of the Justice Assets; provided, however that the 

Debtors shall not modify the Auction Procedures such that the bidding is (i) inconsistent in any 

material respect with the Bidding Procedures or the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement and/or 

(ii) not transparent to the Qualified Bidders. Any Auction rules adopted by the Debtors will not 

modify any of the terms of the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement or the rights of the Stalking 

Horse Bidder under the Bid Procedures without the consent of the Stalking Horse Bidder.

Except as otherwise determined by the Debtors, in consultation with the Consultation

Parties, only (i) the Debtors, (ii) the Debtors’ secured creditors, (iii) the Office of the United States 

Trustee, (iv) the Creditors’ Committee, (v) the Stalking Horse Bidder, (vi) any other Qualified 

Bidders, (vii) any creditor of the Debtors that at least five (5) business days prior to the Auction 

delivers to Debtors’ counsel (by mail or email at the address or email address identified 

hereinabove) a written request to attend the Auction, and (viii) the respective professionals of all 

of the foregoing shall be entitled to attend the Auction; provided that (x) the Debtors reserve the 

right to object to any request to attend the Auction made by the creditor pursuant to clause (vii) 

immediately above, and (y) if the Debtors and such creditor are unable to consensually resolve 

such objection promptly, the Debtors shall seek a teleconference with the Bankruptcy Court prior

to the Auction to adjudicate such objection. 

XI. Acceptance of the Successful Bid.

The Auction shall continue until (i) there is only one Qualified Bid or a combination of 

Qualified Bids that the Debtors determine, in their reasonable business judgment and in a manner 

consistent with the exercise of their fiduciary duties and outlined below in further detail, and in 

consultation with the Consultation Parties, is the highest or otherwise best bid to purchase any or 

all of the Justice Assets (each, a “Successful Bid”), and (ii) the Debtors determine, in their 

reasonable business judgment, in consultation with the Consultation Parties, that further bidding 

is unlikely to result in a different Successful Bid or Successful Bids that would be reasonably 

acceptable to the Debtors, at which point, the Auction will be closed.

When determining the highest or otherwise best Qualified Bid, as compared to other 

Qualified Bids, the Debtors may consider the following factors in addition to any other factors that 

the Debtors deem appropriate: (a) the amount and nature of the total consideration, which includes 

but is not limited to, assumed liabilities (administrative liabilities, cure payments), and the amount 

of executory contracts and leased locations being assumed; (b) the likelihood of the Qualified 

Bidder’s ability to close a transaction and the timing thereof; (c) the net economic effect of any 

changes to the value to be received by each of the Debtors’ estates from the transaction 

contemplated by the Bid Documents; and (d) the tax consequences of such Qualified Bid; and (e) 

any other consideration that may impact the Debtors’ stakeholders.

Any Qualified Bidder that submits a Successful Bid will be deemed a “Successful Bidder”

with respect to the Justice Assets. The Debtors shall promptly file notice of the Successful Bid 

and the Successful Bidder with the Bankruptcy Court. Following conclusion of the Auction and 

selection of a Successful Bidder, the Debtors shall present the results of the Auction at a hearing 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 26 of 140
12

(the “Sale Hearing”) and shall seek Bankruptcy Court approval to enter into a binding purchase 

agreement with the Successful Bidder on the terms of the Successful Bid (the order approving such 

entry, the “Definitive Purchase Agreement Order”). For the avoidance of doubt, the Definitive 

Purchase Agreement Order shall deem the Debtors’ selection of the Successful Bid final and, 

subject to the designation of the Back-Up Bid, the Debtors shall not solicit and /or accept any 

further bids or offers to submit a bid after such selection; provided that, notwithstanding anything 

to the contrary in these Bidding Procedures, nothing in these Bidding Procedures shall require the 

board of directors, board of managers, or such similar governing body of any Debtor to take or 

refrain from taking any action that would be inconsistent with applicable law or its fiduciary 

obligations under applicable law.

Within one (1) business day of the selection of the Successful Bidder, such Successful 

Bidder (including both the Stalking Horse Bidder and Back-Up Bidder, if applicable) shall make 

a cash deposit, in addition to its Good Faith Deposit, in an amount calculated on the basis of the 

increased aggregate purchase price, submitted by wire transfer of immediately available funds to 

an escrow account to be identified and established by the Debtors pursuant to a customary and 

reasonable escrow agreement. Each Successful Bidder and the Debtors shall, as soon as 

commercially reasonable and practicable, complete and sign all agreements, contracts, 

instruments, or other documents evidencing and containing the terms upon which each such 

Successful Bid was made. 

XII. Designation of Back-Up Bidder.

The Qualified Bidder with the second highest or otherwise best bid or combination of bids 

(the “Back-Up Bid”) to purchase any or all of the Justice Assets (the “Back-Up Bidder”) will be 

determined by the Debtors at the conclusion of the Auction, in consultation with the Consultation 

Parties, and will be announced at that time to all the Qualified Bidders participating in the Auction. 

The Debtors’ selection of a Back-Up Bid shall be deemed final and the Debtors shall not accept 

any further bids or offers to submit a bid after such selection. If for any reason a Successful Bidder 

fails to consummate the purchase of such assets within the time permitted, then the Back-Up 

Bidder will automatically be deemed to have submitted the Successful Bid for such assets, and the 

Back-Up Bidder shall be deemed a Successful Bidder for such assets and shall be required to

consummate any Sale with the Debtors as soon as is reasonably practicable without further order 

of the Bankruptcy Court, provided that the Debtors shall file a notice with the Bankruptcy Court.

Except as otherwise provided in the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement, the Back-Up Bid 

shall remain open and irrevocable until the earliest to occur of (i) forty-five (45) days after 

completion of the Auction, (ii) consummation of an Alternative Transaction with one or more 

Successful Bidders at an Auction, and (iii) the release of such Back-Up Bid by the Debtors in 

writing (the “Back-Up Termination Date”). The Debtors shall return the Back-Up Bidder’s deposit 

and pay any Expense Reimbursement owed within three (3) business days of the Back-Up 

Termination Date. 

XIII. Stalking Horse Protections.

Pursuant to the Bidding Procedures Order, the Stalking Horse Bidder is entitled to the 

Stalking Horse Protections in the amounts set forth in, and in accordance with the terms of, the 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 27 of 140
13

Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement and the Bidding Procedures Order. For the avoidance of 

doubt, except for the Stalking Horse Bidder, no other party submitting an offer or Bid or a 

Qualified Bid shall be entitled to any expense reimbursement, break-up fee, termination fee, or 

similar fee or payment.

XIV. Approval of the Sale.

A hearing to consider approval of the Sale (the “Sale Hearing”), is currently scheduled to 

take place on November 12, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. (prevailing Eastern Time), before the Honorable 

Kevin R Huennekens, at the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, 

Richmond Division, 701 East Broad Street, 5th Floor, Richmond, Virginia, 23219 or conducted 

consistent with the procedures established pursuant to the Bankruptcy Court’s standing orders 

regarding remote hearings in bankruptcy cases due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all of which are

facilitated via Zoomgov.

At the Sale Hearing certain findings will be sought from the Bankruptcy Court regarding 

the Auction, including, among other things, that: (1) the Auction was conducted, and 

the Successful Bidder was selected, in accordance with the Bidding Procedures; (2) the Auction 

was fair in substance and procedure; (3) the Successful Bid was a Qualified Bid as defined in 

the Bidding Procedures; and (4) consummation of any Sale as contemplated by the Successful Bid 

in the Auction will provide the highest or otherwise best offer for the Justice Assets and is in the 

best interests of the Debtors and their estates. The Sale Hearing may be continued to a later 

date by the Debtors by sending notice prior to, or making an announcement at, the Sale 

Hearing. No further notice of any such continuance will be required to be provided to any 

party (including the Stalking Horse Bidder).

Objections to the Sale, any of the relief requested in the Motion, and entry of any order 

approving the sale (the “Sale Order”) must (i) be in writing and specify the nature of such 

objection; (ii) comply with the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rules, Local Bankruptcy Rules, and 

all orders of the Court; and (iii) be filed with the Court and served so as to by actually received

by the Debtors, counsel to the Debtors, and the Notice Parties by November 9, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. 

(prevailing Eastern Time).

XV. Return of Good Faith Deposit.

Subject to the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement, the Good Faith Deposit of a Successful 

Bidder shall, upon consummation of any Sale, be credited to the Purchase Price paid for the 

applicable Justice Assets. Subject to the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement, if a Successful 

Bidder fails to consummate any Sale, then the Good Faith Deposit shall be forfeited to, and retained 

irrevocably by, the Debtors, and all parties in interest, and the Debtors specifically, reserve the 

right to seek all available damages from the defaulting Successful Bidder.

Subject to the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement, the Good Faith Deposit of any 

Qualified Bidders that are not Successful Bidders or Back-Up Bidders will be returned within 

five business days after the Auction or upon the permanent withdrawal of the proposed Sale, and 

the Good Faith Deposit of any Back-Up Bidders will be returned within five business days after 

the consummation of any Sale. 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 28 of 140
14

XVI. Reservation of Rights.

The Debtors reserve their rights to, subject to the terms of the Stalking Horse Purchase 

Agreement and these Bidding Procedures, and in consultation with the Consultation Parties, to 

modify these Bidding Procedures in their reasonable business judgment and in a manner consistent 

with the exercise of their fiduciary duties in any manner that will best promote the goals of the 

bidding process, or impose, at or before the Auction, additional customary terms and conditions 

on the sale of the Justice Assets, including, without limitation: (1) extending the deadlines set 

forth in the Bidding Procedures; (2) adjourning the Auction without further notice; (3) adding 

procedural rules that are reasonably necessary or advisable under the circumstances for conducting 

the Auction; (4) canceling the Auction; (5) rejecting any or all Bids or Qualified Bids; and (6) 

adjusting the applicable minimum overbid increment. The Debtors shall provide advance notice 

in writing of any such modification to any Qualified Bidder, including the Stalking Horse Bidder. 

For the avoidance of doubt, subject to the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement, the Debtors reserve 

the right at any point prior to the selection of the Successful Bidder to terminate the Sale processes 

contemplated hereunder with respect to any or all of the Justice Assets.

All parties expressly reserve all of their rights (and do not waive any such rights) to seek 

Bankruptcy Court relief with regard to the Auction, the Bidding Procedures, the Sale, and any 

related items (including, if necessary, to seek an extension of the Bid Deadline). 

XVII. Consent to Jurisdiction.

All Qualified Bidders at the Auction will be deemed to have consented to the core 

jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and waived any right to a jury trial in connection with any 

disputes relating to the Sale, the Auction and the construction and enforcement of these Bidding 

Procedures, and/or any written indications of interest, Preliminary Bid Documents, or the Bid 

Documents, as applicable, and consented to the entry of a final order or judgment in any way 

related to these Bidding Procedures, the bid process, the Auction, the Sale Hearing, or the 

construction and enforcement of any agreement or any other document relating to a Sale if it is 

determined that the Bankruptcy Court would lack Article III jurisdiction to enter such a final order 

or judgment absent the consent of the parties. 

Any parties raising a dispute relating to these Bidding Procedures must request that such 

dispute be heard by the Bankruptcy Court on an expedited basis.

XVIII. Fiduciary Out.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Bidding Procedures, nothing in these 

Bidding Procedures or the Bidding Procedures Order shall require a Debtor or the board of 

directors, board of managers, or similar governing body of a Debtor to take any action or to refrain 

from taking any action related to any sale transaction or with respect to these Bidding Procedures, 

to the extent such Debtor, board of director, board of managers, or such similar governing body 

reasonably determines in good faith, in consultation with counsel, that taking or failing to take 

such action, as applicable, would be inconsistent with applicable law or its fiduciary obligations 

under applicable law.

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 29 of 140
15

XIX. Alternative Proposals.

Further, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Bidding Procedures, and subject 

to the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement, through the acceptance of the Successful Bid, the 

Debtors and their respective directors, officers, employees, investment bankers, attorneys,

accountants, consultants, and other advisors or representatives shall have the right to: (a) consider, 

respond to, and facilitate alternate proposals for sales or other restructuring transactions involving 

any or all of the Justice Assets (each an “Alternate Proposal”); (b) subject to the terms and

conditions of these Bidding Procedures, provide access to non-public information concerning 

the Debtors to any entity or enter into confidentiality agreements or nondisclosure agreements with 

any entity; (c) maintain or continue discussions or negotiations with respect to Alternate Proposals; 

(d) otherwise cooperate with, assist, participate in, or facilitate any inquiries, proposals, 

discussions, or negotiation of Alternate Proposals; and (e) enter into or continue discussions or 

negotiations with holders of claims against or equity interests in a Debtor, any other party in 

interest in these chapter 11 cases (including the Creditors’ Committee and the United States 

Trustee), or any other entity regarding Alternate Proposals. Nothing in these Bidding Procedures 

shall be construed as a waiver of any parties’ rights with respect to an Alternative Transaction.

XX. Notice Parties.

Information that must be provided to the “Notice Parties” under these Bidding Procedures 

must be provided to the following parties or their respective counsel, if known (collectively, 

the “Notice Parties”): (a) the United States Trustee for the Eastern District of Virginia; (b) the 

holders of the 50 largest unsecured claims against the Debtors (on a consolidated basis); (c) the

agents under the Debtors’ prepetition secured facilities and counsel thereto; (d) the DIP Agents

and their respective counsel thereto; (e) the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District 

of Virginia; (f) the Internal Revenue Service; (g) the office of the attorneys general for the states 

in which the Debtors operate; (h) the Securities and Exchange Commission; (i) the Stalking Horse 

Bidder (and counsel to the Stalking Horse Bidder); (j) all parties who have expressed a written 

interest in some or all of the Justice Assets; (k) all known holders of liens, encumbrances, and 

other claims secured by the Justice Assets; (l) each governmental agency that is an interested party 

with respect to the Sale and transactions proposed thereunder; (m) the Creditors’ Committee; and 

(n) any party that has requested notice pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 2002.

XXI. Consultation Rights of the Consultation Parties.

The Debtors will consult with the Consultation Parties (a) with respect to any action, 

evaluation, or determination by the Debtors that is expressly contemplated or authorized by these 

Bidding Procedures, or (b) to the extent not explicitly required by these Bidding Procedures, in 

any event before making any material decision with respect to the Sale or Auction. 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 30 of 140
Schedule 1

Notice of Auction and Sale Hearing

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 31 of 140
KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP COOLEY LLP

Cullen D. Speckhart (VSB 79096)

Admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Missouri and 

Texas; Not admitted to practice in DC, supervised by 

members of DC bar

Olya Antle (VSB 83153)

Admitted to practice in Virginia; Not admitted to practice in

DC, supervised by members of DC bar

1299 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 700

Washington, DC 20004-2400

Telephone: (202) 842-7800

Facsimile: (202) 842-7899

KIRKLAND & ELLIS INTERNATIONAL LLP

Edward O. Sassower, P.C. 

Steven N. Serajeddini, P.C. (admitted pro hac vice)

601 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Telephone: (212) 446-4800

Facsimile: (212) 446-4900

-andJohn R. Luze (admitted pro hac vice)

300 North LaSalle

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Telephone: (312) 862-2000

Facsimile: (312) 862-2200

Co-Counsel to the Debtors and Debtors in Possession

IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA

RICHMOND DIVISION

)

In re: ) Chapter 11

)

ASCENA RETAIL GROUP, INC., et al.,

1 ) Case No. 20-33113 (KRH)

)

Debtors. ) (Jointly Administered)

)

NOTICE OF SALE BY AUCTION AND SALE HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on [__], 2020, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the 

Eastern District of Virginia (the “Court”) entered the Order (I) Approving the Stalking Horse 

Protections, (II) Approving Bidding Procedures for the Sale of the Justice Assets, and 

(III) Approving Assumption and Assignment Procedures [Docket No. [__]] (the “Bidding 

Procedures Order”)2 in the chapter 11 cases of the above-captioned debtors and debtors in 

possession (collectively, the “Debtors”). 

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Debtors are soliciting offers for the 

purchase of the Justice Assets consistent with the bidding procedures (the “Bidding Procedures”) 

1 A complete list of each of the Debtors in these chapter 11 cases may be obtained on the website of the Debtors’ 

claims and noticing agent at http://cases.primeclerk.com/ascena. The location of Debtor Ascena Retail Group, 

Inc.’s principal place of business and the Debtors’ service address in these chapter 11 cases is 933 MacArthur 

Boulevard, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430.

2 Capitalized terms used but not defined in this notice have the meanings given to them in the Bidding Procedures 

Order.

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 32 of 140
2

approved by the Court by Bidding Procedures Order. All interested bidders should carefully 

read the Bidding Procedures and Bidding Procedures Order. To the extent that there are any 

inconsistencies between this notice and the Bidding Procedures or Bidding Procedures Order, the 

Bidding Procedures or Bidding Procedures Order, as applicable, shall govern in all respects.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that, if the Debtors receive qualified competing 

bids within the requirements and time frame specified by the Bidding Procedures, the Debtors will 

conduct an auction (the “Auction”) of the Assets on November 5, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. (prevailing 

Eastern Time) via videoconference or such other form of remote communication arranged by 

counsel to the Debtors. 

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Debtors will seek approval of the Sale at 

a hearing scheduled to commence on or before November 12, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. (prevailing 

Eastern Time) (the “Sale Hearing”) before the Honorable Kevin R Huennekens, at the United 

States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division, 701 East Broad

Street, 5th Floor, Richmond, Virginia, 23219 or conducted consistent with the procedures 

established pursuant to the Bankruptcy Court’s standing orders regarding remote hearings in 

bankruptcy cases due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all of which are facilitated via Zoomgov.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that, except as otherwise set forth in the Bidding 

Procedures Order, objections to consummation or approval of the Sale must (a) be in writing; 

(b) conform to the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Rules and the Local Bankruptcy Rules; 

(c) state with particularity the legal and factual bases for the objection and the specific grounds 

therefor; and (d) be filed with the Court and served so as to be actually received on or before 

November 9, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern Time) by the following parties: (i) the 

Debtors, Ascena Group Retail, Inc., 933 MacArthur Boulevard, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430, 

Attn: Michael Veitenheimer; (ii) counsel to the Debtors, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, 300 North 

LaSalle, Chicago, Illinois 60654, Attn: John R. Luze and Jeff Michalik and Kirkland & Ellis LLP, 

601 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022, Attn: Steven N. Serajeddini, P.C.; 

(iii) co-counsel to the Debtors, Cooley LLP, 1299 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 700,

Washington, D.C. 20004-2400, Attn: Cullen D. Speckhart and Olya Antle; (iv) counsel to the 

ABL agent, (a) Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP, One Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, 

Attn: Matthew F. Furlong, Julia Frost-Davies and Christopher L. Carter, and (b) Hunton Andrews 

Kurth LLP, Riverfront Plaza, East Tower, 951 East Byrd Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, 

Attn: Tyler P. Brown; (v) the United States Trustee for the Eastern District of Virginia, 701 East 

Broad Street, Suite 4304, Richmond, Virginia 23219, Attn: Kathryn Montgomery; (vi) proposed 

counsel to the Creditors’ Committee, Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP, 780 Third Avenue, 34th

Floor, New York, New York 10017, Attn: Robert Feinstein, Bradford Sandler, and Shirley Cho; 

(vii) counsel to the term loan ad hoc group, Milbank LLP, 55 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 1001, 

Attn: Evan R. Fleck, Esq; (viii) counsel to the Stalking Horse Bidder, Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP, 

919 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10022, Attn: Kristine Manoukian and Kelly Knight. 

CONSEQUENCES OF FAILING TO TIMELY MAKE AN OBJECTION

ANY PARTY OR ENTITY WHO FAILS TO TIMELY MAKE AN OBJECTION TO 

THE SALE ON OR BEFORE THE SALE OBJECTION DEADLINE IN ACCORDANCE 

WITH THE BIDDING PROCEDURES ORDER SHALL BE FOREVER BARRED FROM 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 33 of 140
3

ASSERTING ANY OBJECTION TO THE SALE, INCLUDING WITH RESPECT TO THE 

TRANSFER OF THE DEBTORS’ ASSETS FREE AND CLEAR OF ALL LIENS, 

CLAIMS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND OTHER INTERESTS, EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN 

THE APPLICABLE PURCHASE AGREEMENT.

Dated: October 21, 2020

/s/ Cullen D. Speckhart

KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP COOLEY LLP

Cullen D. Speckhart (VSB 79096)

Admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Missouri and 

Texas; Not admitted to practice in DC, supervised by 

members of DC bar

Olya Antle (VSB 83153)

Admitted to practice in Virginia; Not admitted to practice 

in DC, supervised by members of DC bar

1299 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 700

Washington, DC 20004-2400

Telephone: (202) 842-7800

Facsimile: (202) 842-7899

Email: cspeckhart@cooley.com

oantle@cooley.comKIRKLAND & ELLIS INTERNATIONAL LLP

Edward O. Sassower, P.C. 

Steven N. Serajeddini, P.C. (admitted pro hac vice)

601 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Telephone: (212) 446-4800

Facsimile: (212) 446-4900

Email: edward.sassower@kirkland.com

steven.serajeddini@kirkland.com

-andJohn R. Luze (admitted pro hac vice)

300 North LaSalle Street

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Telephone: (312) 862-2000

Facsimile: (312) 862-2200

Email: john.luze@kirkland.com

Co-Counsel to the Debtors and Debtors in Possession

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 34 of 140
Exhibit A-2

Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 35 of 140
Execution Copy 

KE 71937705.12 

______________________________________________________________________________

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT 

DATED AS OF OCTOBER 20, 2020 

BY AND BETWEEN 

JUSTICE BRAND HOLDINGS LLC, AS PURCHASER, 

ASCENA RETAIL GROUP, INC., AS THE COMPANY, 

AND

THE OTHER SELLERS NAMED HEREIN 

______________________________________________________________________________

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 36 of 140
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Page

 i 

Article I

Purchase and Sale of the Acquired Assets; 

Assumption of Assumed Liabilities

1.1 Purchase and Sale of the Acquired Assets ...............................................................1

1.2 Excluded Assets .......................................................................................................3

1.3 Assumption of Certain Liabilities ............................................................................4

1.4 Excluded Liabilities .................................................................................................5

1.5 Assumption/Rejection of Certain Contracts ............................................................5

Article II

CONSIDERATION; CLOSING

2.1 Consideration; Payment ...........................................................................................7

2.2 Deposit. ....................................................................................................................7

2.3 Closing .....................................................................................................................8

2.4 Closing Deliveries by Sellers ...................................................................................8

2.5 Closing Deliveries by Purchaser to the Company ...................................................9

2.6 Withholding .............................................................................................................9

Article III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLERS

3.1 Organization and Qualification ..............................................................................10

3.2 Authorization of Agreement ..................................................................................10

3.3 Conflicts; Consents ................................................................................................10

3.4 Title to Properties ...................................................................................................11

3.5 Insurance ................................................................................................................11

3.6 Contracts ................................................................................................................11

3.7 Litigation ................................................................................................................12

3.8 Permits; Compliance with Laws ............................................................................12

3.9 Intellectual Property ...............................................................................................12

3.10 Data Privacy ...........................................................................................................13

3.11 Brokers ...................................................................................................................14

3.12 Suppliers ................................................................................................................14

Article IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER

4.1 Organization and Qualification ..............................................................................14

4.2 Authorization of Agreement ..................................................................................15

4.3 Conflicts; Consents ................................................................................................15

4.4 Financing................................................................................................................15

4.5 Brokers ...................................................................................................................15

4.6 No Litigation ..........................................................................................................16

4.7 Certain Arrangements ............................................................................................16

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 37 of 140
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Page

 ii 

4.8 No Additional Representations or Warranties .......................................................16

4.9 No Outside Reliance ..............................................................................................16

Article V

BANKRUPTCY COURT MATTERS

5.1 Bankruptcy Actions ...............................................................................................17

5.2 Cure Costs ..............................................................................................................18

5.3 The Sale Order .......................................................................................................19

5.4 Bid Protections .......................................................................................................19

5.5 Approval ................................................................................................................20

5.6 Contracts ................................................................................................................20

5.7 No Shop .................................................................................................................20

Article VI

COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS

6.1 Conduct of Business of Sellers ..............................................................................20

6.2 Access to Information ............................................................................................21

6.3 Employee Matters ..................................................................................................23

6.4 Regulatory Approvals ............................................................................................24

6.5 Reasonable Efforts; Cooperation ...........................................................................24

6.6 Notification of Certain Matters ..............................................................................25

6.7 Further Assurances.................................................................................................25

6.8 Insurance Matters ...................................................................................................25

6.9 Receipt of Misdirected Assets ...............................................................................26

6.10 Acknowledgment by Purchaser .............................................................................26

6.11 Use of Customer Data after Closing ......................................................................27

6.12 Wind Down License ..............................................................................................28

6.13 Guaranty .................................................................................................................29

Article VII

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

7.1 Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of Purchaser and Sellers ........................29

7.2 Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of Purchaser ..........................................29

7.3 Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of the Company .....................................30

7.4 Waiver of Conditions .............................................................................................30

Article VIII

Termination

8.1 Termination of Agreement .....................................................................................31

8.2 Effect of Termination .............................................................................................32

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 38 of 140
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Page

 iii 

Article IX

TAXES

9.1 Transfer Taxes .......................................................................................................33

9.2 Allocation of Purchase Price ..................................................................................33

9.3 Cooperation ............................................................................................................33

9.4 Preparation of Tax Returns and Payment of Taxes ...............................................33

9.5 Wage Reporting .....................................................................................................34

Article X

MISCELLANEOUS

10.1 Non-Survival of Representations and Warranties and Certain Covenants; 

Certain Waivers .....................................................................................................34

10.2 Expenses ................................................................................................................35

10.3 Notices ...................................................................................................................35

10.4 Binding Effect; Assignment ...................................................................................37

10.5 Amendment and Waiver ........................................................................................37

10.6 Third Party Beneficiaries .......................................................................................37

10.7 Non-Recourse ........................................................................................................37

10.8 Severability ............................................................................................................37

10.9 Construction ...........................................................................................................38

10.10 Schedules ...............................................................................................................38

10.11 Complete Agreement .............................................................................................38

10.12 Specific Performance .............................................................................................38

10.13 Jurisdiction and Exclusive Venue ..........................................................................39

10.14 Governing Law; Waiver of Jury Trial ...................................................................40

10.15 No Right of Set-Off ...............................................................................................40

10.16 Counterparts and PDF ............................................................................................40

10.17 Publicity .................................................................................................................41

10.18 Bulk Sales Laws .....................................................................................................41

10.19 Fiduciary Obligations.............................................................................................41

Article XI

ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETIVE MATTERS

11.1 Certain Definitions .................................................................................................41

11.2 Index of Defined Terms .........................................................................................47

11.3 Rules of Interpretation ...........................................................................................48

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 39 of 140
ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT 

This ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of October 20, 

2020, by and among Justice Brand Holdings LLC, a New York limited liability company 

(“Purchaser”), solely for purposes of Section 6.13, Bluestar Alliance LLC, a New York limited 

liability company, (“Guarantor”), Ascena Retail Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the 

“Company”), and the Subsidiaries of the Company that are indicated on the signature pages 

attached hereto (together with the Company, each a “Seller” and collectively “Sellers”). Purchaser 

and Sellers are referred to herein individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.” 

Capitalized terms used in herein shall have the meanings set forth herein or in Article XI. 

WHEREAS, the Company and the other Sellers filed voluntary petitions for relief under 

chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. §§ 101-1532 

(the “Bankruptcy Code”), in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of 

Virginia (Richmond Division) (the “Bankruptcy Court”), which chapter 11 cases will be jointly 

administered for procedural purposes (collectively, the “Bankruptcy Case”); 

WHEREAS, Purchaser desires to purchase the Acquired Assets and assume the Assumed 

Liabilities from Sellers, and Sellers desire to sell, convey, assign, and transfer to Purchaser the 

Acquired Assets together with the Assumed Liabilities, in a sale authorized by the Bankruptcy 

Court pursuant to, inter alia, sections 105, 363 and 365 of the Bankruptcy Code, in accordance 

with the other applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy 

Procedure and the local rules for the Bankruptcy Court, all on the terms and subject to the 

conditions set forth in this Agreement; and 

WHEREAS, the transactions contemplated herein are subject to the approval of the 

Bankruptcy Court, and will be consummated only pursuant to and upon entry of the Sale Order by 

the Bankruptcy Court on the terms and conditions set forth herein. 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual representations, 

warranties, covenants, and agreements set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, 

Purchaser and Sellers hereby agree as follows. 

ARTICLE I

PURCHASE AND SALE OF THE ACQUIRED ASSETS; 

ASSUMPTION OF ASSUMED LIABILITIES 

1.1 Purchase and Sale of the Acquired Assets. Pursuant to sections 105, 363 and 365 

of the Bankruptcy Code, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the Sale 

Order, at the Closing, Sellers shall sell, transfer, assign, convey, and deliver to Purchaser, or 

Purchaser’s designee, and Purchaser, or Purchaser’s designee, shall purchase, acquire, and accept 

from Sellers, all of Sellers’ right, title and interest in and to the Acquired Assets, free and clear of 

all Encumbrances other than Permitted Encumbrances. “Acquired Assets” means the following 

assets of Sellers (but excluding in all cases the Excluded Assets): 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 40 of 140
 2 

to the extent assignable under applicable Law, all (i) Contracts (other than 

purchase orders) listed on Schedule 1.1(a)(i) and (ii) purchase orders for Inventory that is 

designated exclusively for sale via the Business or the business of operating brick-and-mortar retail 

stores under a Transferred Trademark (the “Retail Business”) and that has not yet been delivered 

to Sellers’ distribution centers and is delivered during the period beginning on December 1, 2020 

and ending on April 30, 2021, subject to a maximum aggregate purchase amount under such 

purchase orders of $20,000,000, which purchase orders are either listed on Schedule 1.1(a)(ii) or 

are entered into after the date hereof in accordance with Section 6.1(b) (collectively, the “Assigned 

POs”; the Contracts and the Assigned POs to be assigned to Purchaser in accordance with the 

terms of this Agreement shall be referred to herein as the “Assigned Contracts”); 

all interests of Sellers in and to all Intellectual Property exclusively used or 

held for use in the Business and the Retail Business, including the following: (i) copyright 

registrations set forth on Schedule 1.1(b)(i); (ii) internet domain name registrations and social 

media accounts set forth on Schedule 1.1(b)(ii); (iii) patents and patent applications listed on 

Schedule 1.1(b)(iii) (all such patents and patent applications, collectively, “Scheduled Patents”), 

including, for clarity, reissues, reexaminations, continuations, continuations in part (only with 

respect to subject matter disclosed in the Scheduled Patents), divisionals, requests for continuing 

examinations or continuing prosecution applications, or design registrations of any Scheduled 

Patent; (iv) Trademark registrations and applications for registration set forth on Schedule 

1.1(b)(iv) (the “Transferred Trademarks”), including, to the extent in Sellers’ possession, the 

historical trademark file for each; and (v) without limiting the foregoing, the name “Justice” and 

any derivation thereof (the assets described in this Section 1.1(b), collectively, the “Transferred 

Intellectual Property”); 

all rights to collect royalties and proceeds in connection with the 

Transferred Intellectual Property with respect to the period from and after the Closing, all rights 

to sue and recover for past, present and future infringements, dilutions, misappropriations of, or 

other conflicts with, the Transferred Intellectual Property and any and all corresponding rights that, 

now or hereafter, may be secured throughout the world with respect to the Transferred Intellectual 

Property;

to the extent transferable under applicable Law (including as an asset that is 

part of an acquisition, bankruptcy, or other transaction under the exemption from the definition of 

“sale” set forth in California Civ. Code Section 1798.140(t)(2)(D)) and Sellers’ privacy policy 

attached hereto as Schedule 6.11, the Customer Data (for clarity, it is understood and agreed by 

Purchaser that Sellers and its Affiliates may have, now or in the future, certain data, pertaining to 

current, former or prospective customers of one or more of such Sellers or Affiliates that is similar 

or identical to certain Customer Data (e.g., an individual may be a customer or prospective 

customer of both the Business and Sellers’ or one or more of their Affiliates’ other businesses)) 

and nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to transfer, assign or convey any rights to Purchaser 

with respect to such data that relates to such other businesses (such data of Sellers and Affiliates 

of Sellers being referred to as “Other Data”) or to in any way restrict the use of any Other Data by 

any Seller or Affiliates of Sellers (or by their successors or assigns); and 

to the extent transferable under applicable Law (including as an asset that is 

part of an acquisition, bankruptcy, or other transaction under the exemption from the definition of 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 41 of 140
 3 

“sale” set forth in California Civ. Code Section 1798.140(t)(2)(D)) and Seller’s privacy policy 

attached hereto as Schedule 6.11, all Documents (except as expressly excluded in Section 1.2) to 

the extent used or held for use in the Business or the Retail Business. 

1.2 Excluded Assets. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, in 

no event shall Sellers be deemed to sell, transfer, assign, or convey, and Sellers shall retain all 

right, title and interest to, in and under all assets, properties, interests and rights of such Sellers 

that are not expressly included in the Acquired Assets (collectively, the “Excluded Assets”), 

including the following: 

all assets expressly excluded from the definition of Acquired Assets 

pursuant to Section 1.1; 

all Cash and Cash Equivalents, all bank accounts, and all deposits 

(including maintenance deposits, customer deposits, and security deposits for rent, electricity, 

telephone or otherwise) or prepaid or deferred charges and expenses, including all lease and rental 

payments, that have been prepaid by any Seller, and any retainers or similar amounts paid to 

Advisors or other professional service providers; 

all Contracts of Sellers other than the Assigned Contracts (the “Excluded 

Contracts”);

all Documents (i) to the extent they relate to any of the Excluded Assets or 

Excluded Liabilities (including information stored on the computer systems, data networks or 

servers of any Seller); (ii) that are Sellers’ financial accounting Documents, all minute books, 

organizational documents, stock registers and such other books and records of any Seller as 

pertaining to ownership, organization or existence of such Seller, Tax Returns (and any related 

work papers) and any other Tax information or records, corporate seal, checkbooks, and canceled 

checks; (iii) that any Seller is required by Law to retain; provided that, in the case of (i) 

through (iii), to the extent not prohibited by applicable Law, Purchaser shall have the right to make 

copies of any portions of such Documents; 

all Documents prepared or received by any Seller or any of its Affiliates in 

connection with the sale of the Acquired Assets, this Agreement, or the transactions contemplated 

hereby, including (i) all records and reports prepared or received by Sellers, any of their respective 

Affiliates or Advisors in connection with the sale of the Acquired Assets and the transactions 

contemplated hereby, including all analyses relating to the business of Purchaser or its Affiliates 

so prepared or received; (ii) all bids and expressions of interest received from third parties with 

respect to the acquisition of any of Sellers’ businesses or assets; or (iii) all privileged materials, 

documents and records of a Seller or any of its Affiliates; and (iv) copies of documents, materials 

and data to the extent related to the Acquired Assets prior to the Closing Date; 

all current and prior insurance policies of any of Sellers, including for the 

avoidance or doubt all director and officer insurance policies, and all rights and benefits of any 

nature of Sellers with respect thereto, including all insurance recoveries thereunder and rights to 

assert claims with respect to any such insurance recoveries; 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 42 of 140
 4 

all membership interests or other equity interests of any Seller or any of 

their respective Subsidiaries or securities convertible into, exchangeable, or exercisable for any 

such membership interests or other equity interests; 

the sponsorship of all benefits plans, and any right, title or interest in any of 

the assets thereof or relating thereto; 

(i) other than those against any go forward contract counterparties under the 

Assigned Contracts, all preference or avoidance claims or actions arising under the Bankruptcy 

Code or applicable Law, (ii) all other rights, claims, causes of action, rights of recovery, rights of 

set-off, and rights of recoupment as of the Closing of any Seller, in each case, arising out of or 

relating to events occurring on or prior to the Closing Date, and (iii) all claims that any of Sellers 

may have against any Person with respect to any other Excluded Assets or any Excluded 

Liabilities; 

Sellers’ claims or other rights under this Agreement, including the Purchase 

Price hereunder, or any agreement, certificate, instrument, or other document executed and 

delivered between any Seller and Purchaser in connection with the transactions contemplated 

hereby, or any other agreement between any Seller and Purchaser entered into on or after the date 

hereof;

all Tax Refunds and Tax attributes or any rights with respect thereto; 

all real estate and all interests in real estate; 

except as set forth in Section 1.1(c), all demands, allowances, refunds, 

rebates (including any vendor or supplier rebates), rights (including under or with respect to 

express or implied guarantees, warranties, representations, covenants and indemnities), claims, 

counterclaims, defenses, credits, causes of action, rights of set off, rights of recovery or rights of 

recoupment relating to or arising against suppliers, vendors, merchants, manufacturers and 

counterparties to leases, licenses or any Contract, arising out of or relating to events occurring on 

or prior to the Closing Date; 

Other Data; 

the properties and assets set forth on Schedule 1.2(o); and 

Inventory, other than Inventory acquired pursuant to Assigned POs. 

1.3 Assumption of Certain Liabilities. On the terms and subject to the conditions set 

forth herein and in the Sale Order, effective as of the Closing, Purchaser shall irrevocably assume 

from Sellers (and from and after the Closing pay, perform, discharge, or otherwise satisfy in 

accordance with their respective terms), and Sellers shall irrevocably convey, transfer, and assign 

to Purchaser, only the following Liabilities, without duplication and only to the extent not paid 

prior to the Closing (collectively, the “Assumed Liabilities”): 

all Liabilities of Sellers under the Assigned Contracts (excluding the 

Assigned POs) that become due from and after the Closing, but only to the extent that such 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 43 of 140
 5 

Liabilities (i) are required to be performed after the Closing and (ii) are not (A) trade accounts 

payable or (B) Liabilities that (1) arise from breaches of or violations with respect to (including, 

without limitation, in contravention of their obligations set forth in this Agreement) such Assigned 

Contracts by Sellers or (2) were, pursuant to the terms of the applicable Assigned Contracts, to be 

performed on or prior to the Closing; 

all Liabilities of Sellers under the Assigned POs, other than Liabilities 

arising out of or related to any breach, act or omission by Sellers prior to the Closing; 

all amounts, if any, necessary to cure all monetary defaults, if any, and to 

pay all actual pecuniary losses, if any, that have resulted from such defaults under the Assigned 

Contracts, in each case as of the Petition Date and to the extent required by Section 365(b)(1)(A) 

and (B) of the Bankruptcy Code and any Order of the Bankruptcy Court (the “Cure Costs”); 

all Liabilities arising out of the ownership or operation of the Acquired 

Assets by Purchaser from and after the Closing Date; 

all Liabilities, including, for the avoidance of doubt, all Taxes (other than 

income Taxes of Sellers) with respect to the Acquired Assets attributable to any Post-Closing Tax 

Period;

all Liabilities for Transfer Taxes; 

all Liabilities agreed to be assumed by Purchaser or for which Purchaser has 

agreed to be responsible in accordance with this Agreement; and 

all Liabilities set forth on Schedule 1.3(h). 

1.4 Excluded Liabilities. Purchaser shall not assume, be obligated to pay, perform or 

otherwise discharge or in any other manner be liable or responsible for any Liabilities of, or Action 

against, Sellers or relating to the Acquired Assets, of any kind or nature whatsoever, whether 

absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise, liquidated or unliquidated, due or to become due, 

known or unknown, currently existing or hereafter arising, matured or unmatured, direct or 

indirect, and however arising, whether existing on the Closing Date or arising thereafter as a result 

of any act, omission, or circumstances taking place prior to the Closing, other than the Assumed 

Liabilities (all such Liabilities that are not Assumed Liabilities being referred to collectively herein 

as the “Excluded Liabilities”). 

1.5 Assumption/Rejection of Certain Contracts. 

Assumption and Assignment of Executory Contracts. Sellers shall provide 

timely and proper written notice of the Sale Motion to all parties to any executory Contracts to 

which any Seller is a party and take all other actions reasonably necessary to cause such Contracts 

elected by Purchaser to be Assigned Contracts hereunder to be assumed by Sellers and assigned to 

Purchaser pursuant to section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code to the extent that such Contracts are 

Assigned Contracts at Closing. The Sale Order shall provide, among other things, that as of and 

conditioned on the occurrence of the Closing, Sellers shall assign or cause to be assigned to 

Purchaser, as applicable, the Assigned Contracts, each of which shall be identified by the name or 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 44 of 140
 6 

appropriate description and date of the Assigned Contract (if available), the other party to the 

Assigned Contract and the address of such party for notice purposes, all included on an exhibit 

attached to a notice filed with the Bankruptcy Court in accordance with the Bidding Procedures 

Order. Such exhibit shall also set forth Sellers’ good faith estimate of the amounts necessary to 

cure any defaults under each of the Assigned Contracts as determined by Sellers based on Sellers’ 

books and records, and the Bidding Procedures Order shall require any counterparty to any 

Assigned Contracts to respond or be bound to estimate designated in such notice as the Cure Cost 

for such Assigned Contract or such other Cure Cost as otherwise determined by the Bankruptcy 

Court. At the Closing, Sellers shall, pursuant to the Sale Order and the Assignment and 

Assumption Agreement(s), assume and assign to Purchaser (the consideration for which is 

included in the Purchase Price), all Assigned Contracts that may be assigned by any such Seller to 

Purchaser pursuant to sections 363 and 365 of the Bankruptcy Code, subject to adjustment 

pursuant to Section 1.5(b). At the Closing (or promptly thereafter upon the determination by 

Purchaser of an agreed Cure Cost amount), Purchaser shall (i) pay all Cure Costs and (ii) assume 

each Assigned Contract pursuant to section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code. Purchaser shall use 

reasonable efforts to provide sufficient adequate assurance of future performance in accordance 

with the Bidding Procedures Order necessary to satisfy the conditions contained in Sections 

365(b)(1)(C) and 365(f) of the Bankruptcy Code with respect to Assigned Contracts. 

Excluding or Adding Assigned Contracts Prior to Closing. Purchaser shall 

have the right to notify Sellers in writing of any Assigned Contract (other than any Assigned POs) 

that it does not wish to assume or a Contract to which any Seller is a party that is exclusively used 

or held for use in the Business or the Retail Business that Purchaser wishes to add as an Assigned 

Contract, in each case up to one (1) Business Day prior to the Closing and (i) any such previously 

considered Assigned Contract that Purchaser no longer wishes to assume shall be automatically 

deemed removed from the Schedules related to Assigned Contracts and automatically deemed 

added to the Schedules related to Excluded Contracts, in each case, without any adjustment to the 

Purchase Price, and (ii) any such previously considered Excluded Contract that Purchaser wishes 

to assume as an Assigned Contract shall be automatically deemed added to the Schedules related 

to Assigned Contracts, automatically deemed removed from the Schedules related to Excluded 

Contracts, and assumed by Sellers to sell and assign to Purchaser, in each case, without any 

adjustment to the Purchase Price. Purchaser shall be solely responsible for the payment, 

performance and discharge when due of the Liabilities under the Assigned Contracts arising or 

that are otherwise payable from the time of and after the Closing. 

Non-Assignment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Contract shall not be an 

Assigned Contract hereunder and shall not be assigned to, or assumed by, Purchaser to the extent 

that such Contract (i) is rejected by a Seller or terminated by a Seller or any other party thereto, or 

terminates or expires by its terms, on or prior to such time as it is to be assumed by Purchaser as 

an Assigned Contract hereunder and is not continued or otherwise extended upon assumption or 

(ii) requires a Consent or Governmental Authorization (other than, or in addition to, that of the 

Bankruptcy Court) in order to permit the sale or transfer to Purchaser of the applicable Seller’s 

rights under such Contract, and such Consent or Governmental Authorization has not been 

obtained prior to such time as it is to be assumed by Purchaser as an Assigned Contract hereunder. 

In addition, no Acquired Asset shall be assigned to, or assumed by, Purchaser to the extent that 

such Acquired Asset requires a Consent or Governmental Authorization (other than, or in addition 

to, that of the Bankruptcy Court) in order to permit the sale or transfer to Purchaser of the 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 45 of 140
 7 

applicable Seller’s rights with respect to such Acquired Asset, and no such Consent or 

Governmental Authorization has been obtained prior to the Closing. In the event that any Acquired 

Asset is deemed not to be assigned pursuant to clause (ii) of the first sentence of this Section 1.5(c) 

or the immediately preceding sentence, the Closing shall nonetheless take place subject to the 

terms and conditions set forth herein and, thereafter, through the earlier of such time as such 

Consent or Governmental Authorization is obtained and six (6) months following the Closing (or 

the remaining term of any such Acquired Asset that is a Contract or the closing of the Bankruptcy 

Case, if shorter), Sellers and Purchaser shall (A) use reasonable best efforts to secure such Consent 

or Governmental Authorization as promptly as practicable after the Closing (which reasonable best 

efforts shall not require any payment or other consideration from Sellers or Purchaser (other than 

the Cure Costs, which shall be the responsibility of Purchaser)) and (B) cooperate in good faith in 

any lawful and commercially reasonable arrangement reasonably proposed by Purchaser, 

including subcontracting, licensing, or sublicensing to Purchaser any or all of any Seller’s rights 

and obligations with respect to any such Acquired Asset, under which (1) Purchaser shall obtain 

(without infringing upon the legal rights of such third party or violating any Law) the economic 

rights and benefits (net of the amount of any related Tax costs imposed on Sellers or their 

respective Affiliates) under such Acquired Asset with respect to which the Consent and/or 

Governmental Authorization has not been obtained and (2) Purchaser shall assume any related 

burden and obligation (including performance) with respect to such Acquired Asset. Upon 

satisfying any requisite Consent or Governmental Authorization requirement applicable to such 

Acquired Asset after the Closing, such Acquired Asset shall promptly be transferred and assigned 

to Purchaser in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Sale Order and the Bankruptcy 

Code.

ARTICLE II

CONSIDERATION; CLOSING 

2.1 Consideration; Payment. 

The aggregate consideration (collectively, the “Purchase Price”) to be paid 

by Purchaser for the purchase of the Acquired Assets shall be: (i) the assumption of Assumed 

Liabilities and (ii) the payment of an amount equal to the sum of $44,000,000 (the “Cash Purchase 

Price”). 

At the Closing, Purchaser shall pay to Sellers an amount equal to (i) the 

Cash Purchase Price, minus (ii) the Deposit (the “Closing Date Payment”). The Closing Date 

Payment and any payment required to be made pursuant to any other provision hereof shall be 

made in cash by wire transfer of immediately available funds to such bank account as shall be 

designated in writing by the applicable Party to (or for the benefit of) whom such payment is to be 

made at least two (2) Business Days prior to the date such payment is to be made. 

2.2 Deposit. 

Purchaser has, on or prior to the date hereof, made an earnest money deposit 

in the amount of $10,000,000 (the “Deposit”), by wire transfer of immediately available funds for 

deposit into the escrow account identified and established by Sellers with its claims agent subject 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 46 of 140
 8 

to the procedures set forth in the Bidding Procedures Order (as modified by the motion filed in 

connection therewith). The Deposit shall not be subject to any lien, attachment, trustee process, or 

any other judicial process of any creditor of any of Sellers or Purchaser and shall be applied against 

payment of the Cash Purchase Price on the Closing Date. Notwithstanding anything in this 

Agreement to the contrary, in the event Purchaser is not designated by the Bankruptcy Court as 

the stalking horse bidder in accordance with the Bidding Procedures Order on or prior to the close 

of business on October 20, 2020, the escrow agent shall return the Deposit to Purchaser without 

offset or deduction for any purpose not later than October 23, 2020. 

If this Agreement has been terminated by the Company pursuant to 

Section 8.1(f) or 8.1(h) (or by Purchaser pursuant to Section 8.1(b), 8.1(c), 8.1(d) or 8.1(e), in each 

case in circumstances where the Company would be entitled to terminate this Agreement pursuant 

to Section 8.1(f) or 8.1(h)), then the Company shall retain the Deposit together with all received 

investment income, if any. 

If this Agreement has been terminated by any Party, other than as 

contemplated by Section 2.2(b), then the Deposit, together with all received investment income, if 

any, shall be returned to Purchaser within five (5) Business Days after such termination. 

The Parties agree that the Company’s right to retain the Deposit, as set forth 

in Section 2.2(b), is not a penalty, but rather is liquidated damages in a reasonable amount that will 

compensate Sellers for their respective efforts and resources expended and the opportunities 

foregone while negotiating this Agreement and in reliance on this Agreement and on the 

expectation of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, which amount would 

otherwise be impossible to calculate with precision. 

If the Closing occurs, the Deposit shall be transferred to the Company. 

2.3 Closing. The closing of the purchase and sale of the Acquired Assets, the delivery 

of the Closing Date Payment, the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities and the consummation of 

the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing”) will take place by telephone 

conference and electronic exchange of documents (or, if the Parties agree to hold a physical 

closing, at the offices of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, located at 300 North LaSalle, Chicago, Illinois 

60654) at 8:00 a.m. Chicago time on the second (2nd) Business Day following full satisfaction or 

due waiver (by the Party entitled to the benefit of such condition) of the closing conditions set 

forth in Article VII (other than conditions that by their terms or nature are to be satisfied at the 

Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of those conditions), or at such other place and 

time as the Parties may agree. The date on which the Closing actually occurs is referred to herein 

as the “Closing Date.” 

2.4 Closing Deliveries by Sellers. At or prior to the Closing, Sellers shall deliver to 

Purchaser:

a bill of sale and assignment and assumption agreement substantially in the 

form of Exhibit A (the “Assignment and Assumption Agreement”) duly executed by Sellers; 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 47 of 140
 9 

an assignment agreement with respect to the Transferred Intellectual 

Property substantially in the form of Exhibit B ( the “IP Assignment Agreement”), duly executed 

by Seller(s) party thereto; 

a copy of the Sale Order, as entered by the Bankruptcy Court; 

a duly executed IRS Form W-9 with respect to each Seller (or, in the case 

of any disregarded entity, the regarded parent entity of such Seller); provided that the sole remedy 

of the Purchaser for the failure of any Seller to deliver such certificate and notice shall be the 

withholding of Tax as provided in Section 2.6 and the delivery of such certificate and notice shall 

in no event be a condition to the Closing; and 

an officer’s certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, executed by a duly 

authorized officer of the Company certifying that the conditions set forth in Sections 7.2(a), 7.2(b) 

and 7.2(d) have been satisfied. 

2.5 Closing Deliveries by Purchaser to the Company. At the Closing, Purchaser shall 

deliver to (or at the direction of) the Company: 

the Closing Date Payment; 

the Assignment and Assumption Agreement, duly executed by Purchaser; 

the IP Assignment Agreement, duly executed by Purchaser; and 

an officer’s certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, executed by a duly 

authorized officer of Purchaser certifying that the conditions set forth in Sections 7.3(a) and 7.3(b) 

have been satisfied. 

2.6 Withholding. Purchaser shall not be entitled to deduct and withhold from any 

amounts otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement, except to the extent resulting from a 

Seller’s failure to satisfy its obligations under Section 2.4(d). In the event that any such 

withholding is made, Purchaser shall give Sellers at least five (5) Business Days’ prior written 

notification of its intention to make any such deduction or withholding and shall cooperate with 

Sellers to mitigate, reduce or eliminate any such deduction or withholding. To the extent Purchaser 

deducts or withholds any amount from Sellers that was not required to be deducted or withheld, 

Purchaser shall promptly return such amount to Sellers, as applicable, within 10 days of a 

reasonable good faith determination by Purchaser that such amount was improperly deducted or 

withheld. 

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLERS 

Except as disclosed in any forms, statements or other documents filed with the Bankruptcy 

Court or as set forth in the Schedules delivered by the Company concurrently herewith (subject to 

Sections 6.6(a) and 10.10), Sellers represent and warrant to Purchaser as follows as of the date 

hereof and as of the Closing Date: 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 48 of 140
 10 

3.1 Organization and Qualification. Each of Sellers (a) is an entity duly incorporated 

or organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its 

incorporation or organization, as applicable, (b) has all requisite power and authority to own and 

operate its properties and to carry on its businesses as now conducted, subject to the provisions of 

the Bankruptcy Code, and (c) is qualified to do business and is in good standing (or its equivalent) 

in every jurisdiction in which its ownership of property or the conduct of its business as now 

conducted requires it to qualify, except where the failure to be so qualified would not reasonably 

be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 

3.2 Authorization of Agreement. Subject to the Sale Order having been entered and 

still being in effect and not subject to any stay pending appeal at the time of Closing, the execution, 

delivery, and performance of this Agreement by each Seller, and the consummation by such Seller 

of the transactions contemplated hereby, have been duly and validly authorized by all requisite 

corporate or similar organizational action, and no other corporate or similar organizational 

proceedings on its part are necessary to authorize the execution, delivery or performance of this 

Agreement by such Seller. Subject to requisite Bankruptcy Court approvals, this Agreement has 

been duly and validly executed and delivered by such Seller, and, assuming this Agreement is a 

valid and binding obligation of Purchaser, this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding 

obligation of such Seller, enforceable against such Seller in accordance with its terms, except as 

limited by the application of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, 

moratorium, or other Laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights or general principles of equity 

(whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) (the “Enforceability Exceptions”). 

3.3 Conflicts; Consents. 

Except as set forth on Schedule 3.3(a) and assuming (x) compliance with 

all requirements of the Bankruptcy Code, and (y) the notices, authorizations, approvals, Orders, 

permits or consents set forth on Schedule 3.3(b) are made, given or obtained (as applicable), and 

(z) the Sale Order has been entered, still in effect and not subject to any stay pending appeal at the 

time of Closing, the execution, delivery and performance by Sellers of this Agreement and the 

consummation by Sellers of the transactions contemplated hereby, do not: (i) violate the certificate 

of formation, limited liability company agreement or equivalent organizational documents of the 

Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (ii) violate any Law applicable to the Company or any of its 

Subsidiaries or by which any of the Acquired Assets is bound; or (iii) result in any breach of, 

constitute a default (or an event that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would become a default) 

under, create in any party thereto the right to terminate or cancel, or require any consent under, or 

result in the creation or imposition of any Encumbrance (other than a Permitted Encumbrance) on 

any property or asset of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under, any Assigned Contracts; 

except, in each case, for any such violations, breaches, defaults or other occurrences that are not 

material to the Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities, taken as a whole. 

Except as set forth on Schedule 3.3(b), after giving effect to the Sale Order 

and any applicable Order of the Bankruptcy Court authorizing the assignment and assumption of 

the Assigned Contracts Sellers are not required to file, seek or obtain any notice, authorization, 

approval, Order, permit, or consent of or with any Governmental Body in connection with the 

execution, delivery and performance by Sellers of this Agreement or the consummation by Sellers 

of the transactions contemplated hereby, except (i) requisite Bankruptcy Court approvals, (ii) such 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 49 of 140
 11 

filings as may be required by any applicable federal or state securities or “blue sky” Laws, 

(iii) where failure to obtain such consent, approval, authorization or action, or to make such filing 

or notification, is not material to the Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities taken as a whole, 

or (iv) as may be necessary as a result of any facts or circumstances relating to Purchaser or any 

of its Affiliates. 

3.4 Title to Properties. Subject to entry of the Sale Order and obtaining any other 

requisite Bankruptcy Court approvals, and assumption by the applicable Seller of the applicable 

Contract in accordance with applicable Law (including satisfaction of any applicable Cure Costs) 

and except as a result of the commencement of the Bankruptcy Case, the Company and its 

Subsidiaries own good title to, or hold a valid leasehold interest in, all of the Acquired Assets, free 

and clear of all Encumbrances, except for Permitted Encumbrances, other than any failure to own 

or hold such Acquired Assets that is not material to the Acquired Assets taken as a whole. At the 

Closing, Sellers will convey, subject to the Sale Order having been entered and still being in effect 

and not subject to any stay pending appeal at the time of Closing, good and valid title to, or valid 

leasehold interests in, all of Sellers’ interests in the Acquired Assets, free and clear of all 

Encumbrances (except for Permitted Encumbrances), to the fullest extent permissible under 

Section 363(f) of the Bankruptcy Code and subject to the rights of licensees under Section 365(n) 

of the Bankruptcy Code. 

3.5 Insurance. Each material insurance policy maintained by the Company and its 

Subsidiaries on the Acquired Assets is legal, valid, binding, enforceable on the Company or its 

Subsidiaries, as applicable, and in full force and effect, and all premiums with respect thereto 

covering all periods up to and including the date hereof have been paid, and no notice of 

cancellation, termination or denial of coverage for any material claim has been received with 

respect to any such insurance policy. 

3.6 Contracts. Subject to requisite Bankruptcy Court approvals, and assumption by the 

applicable Seller of the applicable Contract in accordance with applicable Law (including 

satisfaction of any applicable Cure Costs) and except as a result of the commencement of the 

Bankruptcy Case, each of the Assigned Contracts is in full force and effect and is a valid, binding 

and enforceable obligation of the Company and its Subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of the 

Company, each of the other parties thereto, except as may be limited by the Enforceability 

Exceptions. Except as a result of the commencement of the Bankruptcy Case or as would not 

reasonably be expected to be material to the Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities, taken as a 

whole, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, is in material default, or is 

alleged in writing by the counterparty thereto to have materially breached or to be in material 

default, under any Assigned Contract, and, to the knowledge of the Company, the other party to 

each Assigned Contract is not in material default thereunder. The Company has made available to 

Purchaser complete and correct copies of all Assigned Contracts, each as amended to the date 

hereof. None of the Assigned Contracts has been canceled or otherwise terminated, and neither the 

Company nor its Subsidiaries has received any written notice from any Person regarding any such 

cancellation or termination. No Seller has assigned, delegated or otherwise transferred to any third 

party any of its rights or obligations with respect to any Assigned Contract. Sellers have not, and, 

to the Company’s knowledge, no other party to any Assigned Contract has, commenced any Action 

against any of the parties to any Assigned Contract or given or received any written notice of any 

material default or violation under any Assigned Contract, in each case that has not been withdrawn 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 50 of 140
 12 

or dismissed except to the extent such default or violation will be cured as a result of the payment 

of the applicable Cure Costs, assuming entry of the Sale Order. 

3.7 Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.7 and other than the Bankruptcy Case, 

there are, and during the prior two (2) years there have been, no Actions pending against or by the 

Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to the Acquired Assets or the Assumed Liabilities, 

at law or in equity, or before or by any Governmental Body, other than any Action pursuant to 

which no injunctive or equitable relief is sought and where the monetary damages are covered by 

insurance or would not reasonably be expected to be material to the Acquired Assets and Assumed 

Liabilities, taken as a whole. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.7 and other than in connection with 

the Bankruptcy Case, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is, or during the prior two (2) 

years has been, subject to any outstanding Order with respect to the Acquired Assets or the 

Assumed Liabilities, other than any such Order where no injunctive or equitable relief was granted 

and where the monetary damages were covered by insurance or were not be material to the 

Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities, taken as a whole. 

3.8 Permits; Compliance with Laws. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.8: 

Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries holds and is in compliance, in all 

material respects, with all material permits, certificates, licenses, approvals, registrations and 

authorizations that are required in connection with the ownership, operation and use of the 

Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities under applicable Laws (the “Permits”). All of the 

Permits are valid and in full force and effect. 

The Company and its Subsidiaries are, and have been during the prior 

two (2) years, in compliance, in all material respects, with all Laws applicable to the ownership, 

operation and use of the Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities, and during the prior two (2) 

years neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice of any action 

or proceeding against it alleging any failure to comply in any material respect with any such Laws, 

except in each case as would not reasonably be expected to be material to the Acquired Assets and 

Assumed Liabilities, taken as a whole. No investigation by any Governmental Body with respect 

to the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ ownership, operation and use of the Acquired Assets 

and Assumed Liabilities is pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened, and during the 

prior two (2) years neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice 

of any such investigation, except, in each case, for any such investigation that would not reasonably 

be expected to be material to the Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities taken as a whole. 

3.9 Intellectual Property. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.9: 

Schedule 1.1(b) contains a correct and complete list of all copyright 

registrations, internet domain name registrations, Scheduled Patents, and Transferred Trademarks, 

in each case, included in the Transferred Intellectual Property. A Seller owns each item of 

Transferred Intellectual Property, free and clear of all Encumbrances, other than Permitted 

Encumbrances, and the material registered Transferred Trademarks are valid, subsisting and 

enforceable and any applications for material Transferred Trademarks are pending in the name of 

a Seller and filed in accordance with applicable Laws.

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 51 of 140
 13 

To the knowledge of the Company, neither the Company’s nor any of its 

Subsidiaries’ operation of the Business infringes, misappropriates or otherwise violates any 

Intellectual Property of any other Person, except where such infringement, misappropriation or 

violation is not material to the Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities, taken as a whole. 

To the knowledge of the Company, no third party infringes, misappropriates 

or otherwise violates any Transferred Intellectual Property, except where such infringement, 

misappropriation or violation is not material to the Acquired Assets and the Assumed Liabilities 

taken as a whole. The Company and its Subsidiaries have used efforts that are reasonable under 

the circumstances to maintain the secrecy of their material trade secrets included in the Acquired 

Assets, except where such failure to maintain such material trade secrets would not be material to 

the Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities taken as a whole. 

Except for office actions issued in the ordinary course of prosecution by the 

United States Patent and Trademark Office or analogous foreign Governmental Body, in the prior 

two (2) years, no claim by any third party contesting the validity or enforceability of any of the 

Transferred Intellectual Property has been made or threatened against the Company or any of its 

Subsidiaries, in each case in writing. 

During the prior two (2) years, neither the Company nor any of its 

Subsidiaries has made any claim of a violation or infringement by others of its rights to or in 

connection with the Transferred Intellectual Property, except for any violation or infringement that 

is not material to the Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities taken as a whole. 

There is no material Transferred Intellectual Property developed by any 

shareholder, director, officer, consultant or employee of the Company or one or more of its 

Subsidiaries that is used by the Business and (i) that has not been transferred to the applicable 

Seller or (ii) for which all rights have not vested in the applicable Seller by operation of applicable 

Law.

This Section 3.9 contains the sole and exclusive representations and 

warranties of the Company with respect to Intellectual Property. 

3.10 Data Privacy. With respect to the Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities, the 

Company and its Subsidiaries maintain commercially reasonable policies and procedures 

regarding data privacy, protection and security designed to protect any personally identifiable 

information from any individuals, including any customers, prospective customers, employees 

and/or other third parties collected by it. The Company and its Subsidiaries and the conduct of 

their businesses, in each case with respect to the Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities, are in 

material compliance with, and at all times during the prior two (2) years have been in material 

compliance with, all applicable Privacy Laws, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard 

and other applicable contractual requirements with respect to data protection, privacy or security, 

and their applicable published privacy policies. The transactions contemplated by this Agreement 

will not result in (i) a breach of the Company’s or any of its Subsidiary’s published privacy policies 

in effect as of the date hereof or any Customer Data Use Requirements and (ii) do not require the 

consent of or notice to any individual. In the past two (2) years (a) no personally identifiable 

information from any individuals in the possession or under the control of the Company and its 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 52 of 140
 14 

Subsidiaries has been subject to any data breach or other security incident that has resulted in or 

presents material risk of unauthorized access, disclosure, use, denial of use, alteration, corruption, 

destruction, or loss of such personally identifiable information (a “Security Incident”), and 

(b) Seller has not notified and, to Sellers’ knowledge, there have been no facts or circumstances 

that would require Seller to notify, any Governmental Body or other Person of any Security 

Incident. In the past two (2) years, Seller has not received any notice, request, claim, complaint, 

correspondence, or other communication in writing from any Governmental Body or other Person, 

and there has not been any audit, investigation, enforcement action (including any fines or other 

sanctions) or other Action, in each case relating to any actual, alleged or suspected Security 

Incident or violation of any Privacy Law or any individual’s privacy rights involving personally 

identifiable information in the possession or under the control of the Company and its Subsidiaries 

in the conduct of the Business and there are no facts or circumstances that would reasonably be 

expected to give rise to any of the foregoing. Sellers and their Affiliates have the right to use the 

Customer Data, including for marketing purposes, subject to the Customer Data Use 

Requirements. Immediately following the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, 

Purchaser will have the right to use the Customer Data included in the Acquired Assets on the 

same terms as Sellers and their Affiliates had the right to use such Customer Data immediately 

prior to Closing, including for marketing purposes, subject to the Customer Data Use 

Requirements. This Section 3.10 contains the sole and exclusive representations and warranties 

of the Company with respect to data privacy, protection, and security. 

3.11 Brokers. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.11, there is no investment banker, 

broker, finder or other such intermediary that has been retained by, or has been authorized to act 

on behalf of, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and is entitled to a fee or commission in 

connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement from the Company or any of its 

Subsidiaries.

3.12 Suppliers. Schedule 3.12 sets forth the ten (10) largest suppliers (measured by 

aggregate expenses) of the Business for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2020 and the amount of 

expenses attributable to each such supplier during such period. 

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER 

Purchaser represents and warrants to the Company as follows as of the date hereof and as 

of the Closing Date. 

4.1 Organization and Qualification. Purchaser (a) is an entity duly incorporated or 

organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its 

incorporation or organization, as applicable, (b) has all requisite power and authority to own and 

operate its properties and to carry on its businesses as now conducted, and (c) is qualified to do 

business and is in good standing (or its equivalent) in every jurisdiction in which its ownership of 

property or the conduct of its business as now conducted requires it to qualify, except where the 

failure to be so qualified would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the 

aggregate, a material adverse effect on Purchaser’s ability to consummate the transactions 

contemplated hereby. 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 53 of 140
 15 

4.2 Authorization of Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this 

Agreement by Purchaser, and the consummation by Purchaser of the transactions contemplated 

hereby, have been duly and validly authorized by all requisite corporate or similar organizational 

action, and no other corporate or similar organizational proceedings on its part are necessary to 

authorize the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement by Purchaser. This Agreement 

has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Purchaser, and, assuming this Agreement is 

a valid and binding obligation of Sellers, this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation 

of Purchaser, enforceable against Purchaser in accordance with its terms, except as limited by the 

Enforceability Exceptions. 

4.3 Conflicts; Consents. 

Except as set forth on Schedule 4.3(a) and assuming that the notices, 

authorizations, approvals, Orders, permits or consents set forth on Schedule 4.3(b) are made, given 

or obtained (as applicable) the execution, delivery and performance by Purchaser of this 

Agreement and the consummation by Purchaser of the transactions contemplated hereby, do not: 

(i) violate the certificate of incorporation, stockholders agreement or equivalent organizational 

documents of Purchaser; (ii) violate any Law applicable to Purchaser or by which any property or 

asset of Purchaser is bound; or (iii) result in any breach of, constitute a default (or an event that, 

with notice or lapse of time or both, would become a default) under, create in any party thereto the 

right to terminate or cancel, or require any consent under, or result in the creation or imposition of 

any Encumbrance on any property or asset of Purchaser under, any Contract; except, in each case, 

for any such violations, breaches, defaults or other occurrences that would not, individually or in 

the aggregate, reasonably be expected to prevent or materially delay the ability of Purchaser to 

consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. 

Except as set forth on Schedule 4.3(a), Purchaser is not required to file, seek 

or obtain any notice, authorization, approval, Order, permit or consent of or with any 

Governmental Body in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by Purchaser of 

this Agreement or the consummation by Purchaser of the transactions contemplated hereby, except 

(i) such filings as may be required by any applicable federal or state securities or “blue sky” Laws, 

or (ii) where failure to obtain such consent, approval, authorization or action, or to make such 

filing or notification, would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to prevent 

or materially delay the ability of Purchaser to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. 

4.4 Financing. Purchaser has, and will have at the Closing, sufficient funds in an 

aggregate amount necessary to pay the Purchase Price, to perform the Assumed Liabilities as they 

become due in accordance with their terms and to consummate all of the other transactions 

contemplated by this Agreement, including the payment of the Purchase Price and all fees, 

expenses of, and other amounts required to be paid by, Purchaser in connection with the 

transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Purchaser is and shall be capable of satisfying the 

conditions contained in sections 365(b)(1)(C) and 365(f) of the Bankruptcy Code with respect to 

the Assigned Contracts and the related Assumed Liabilities. 

4.5 Brokers. There is no investment banker, broker, finder, or other intermediary which 

has been retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of Purchaser that might be entitled to any fee 

or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 54 of 140
 16 

4.6 No Litigation. There are no Actions pending or, to Purchaser’s knowledge, 

threatened against or affecting Purchaser that will adversely affect Purchaser’s performance under 

this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. 

4.7 Certain Arrangements. As of the date hereof, there are no Contracts, undertakings, 

commitments, agreements or obligations, whether written or oral, between any member of the 

Purchaser Group, on the one hand, and any member of the management or board of directors (or 

applicable governing body) of the Company or its Subsidiaries, any holder of equity or debt 

securities of the Company or its Subsidiaries, or any lender or creditor of the Company or its 

Subsidiaries, on the other hand, (a) relating in any way to the acquisition of the Acquired Assets 

or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (b) that would be reasonably likely to 

prevent, restrict, impede or affect adversely the ability of the Company to entertain, negotiate or 

participate in any such transactions. 

4.8 No Additional Representations or Warranties. Except for the representations and 

warranties contained in this Article IV, each of Sellers acknowledges that neither Purchaser nor 

any other Person on behalf of Purchaser makes any other express or implied representation or 

warranty with respect to Purchaser or with respect to any other information provided to any Seller 

by Purchaser. 

4.9 No Outside Reliance. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article IV or any 

other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, Purchaser acknowledges and agrees, on its own 

behalf and on behalf of the Purchaser Group, that the representations and warranties made by 

Sellers to Purchaser in Article III (as qualified by the Schedules and in accordance with the express 

terms and conditions (including limitations and exclusions) of this Agreement) (the “Express 

Representations”) are the sole and exclusive representations, warranties and statements of any kind 

made to Purchaser or any member of the Purchaser Group and on which Purchaser and the 

Purchaser Group may rely in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. 

Purchaser acknowledges and agrees, on its own behalf and on behalf of the Purchaser Group, that

(other than solely to the extent expressly set forth in the Express Representations) all other 

representations, warranties and statements of any kind or nature expressed or implied, whether in 

written, electronic or oral form, including (a) with respect to the completeness or accuracy of, or 

any omission to state or to disclose, any information, including in the Projections, the confidential 

information presentation prepared by Guggenheim Securities, LLC (the “Information 

Presentation”), in that certain datasite administered by Intralinks (the “Dataroom”), any 

Projections or in any meetings, calls or correspondence with management of the Company and its 

Subsidiaries or any other Person on behalf of the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of their 

respective Affiliates or Advisors and (b) the historical, current or future business, financial 

condition, results of operations, assets, liabilities, properties, contracts, or prospects of the 

Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or the quality, quantity or condition of the Company’s or its 

Subsidiaries’ assets, in each case, are specifically disclaimed by Sellers, and that neither Purchaser 

nor any member of the Purchaser Group has relied on any such representations, warranties or 

statements. Purchaser acknowledges and agrees, on its own behalf and on behalf of the Purchaser 

Group, that it has conducted to its full satisfaction an independent investigation and verification of 

the business, financial condition, results of operations, assets, liabilities, properties, contracts and 

prospects of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and, in making its determination to proceed with 

the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, Purchaser has relied solely on the results of the 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 55 of 140
 17 

Purchaser Group’s own independent investigation and verification, and has not relied on, is not 

relying on, and will not rely on, the Information Presentation, any Projections or any information, 

statements, disclosures, documents, projections, forecasts or other material made available to 

Purchaser or any of its Affiliates or Advisors in the Dataroom or otherwise, in each case, whether 

written or oral, made or provided by, or as part of, any of the foregoing or the Company, its 

Subsidiaries or any of their respective Affiliates or Advisors, or any failure of any of the foregoing 

to disclose or contain any information, except to the extent express set forth in the Express 

Representations (it being understood that Purchaser and the Purchaser Group have relied only on 

the Express Representations). 

ARTICLE V

BANKRUPTCY COURT MATTERS 

5.1 Bankruptcy Actions. 

As promptly as practicable after the date hereof, but in any event no later 

than five (5) Business Days hereafter, Sellers shall file with the Bankruptcy Court a motion (the 

“Sale Motion”), reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser, seeking approval of (i) the Bidding 

Procedures Order, (ii) the form of this Agreement, (iii) Sellers’ authority to enter into this 

Agreement and (iv) the Sale Order. Purchaser shall promptly take all actions as are reasonably 

requested by the Company to assist in obtaining the Bankruptcy Court’s entry of the Sale Order 

and any other Order reasonably necessary in connection with the transactions contemplated by this 

Agreement as promptly as practicable, including furnishing affidavits, financial information, or 

other documents or information for filing with the Bankruptcy Court and making such employees 

and Advisors of Purchaser and its Affiliates available to testify before the Bankruptcy Court for 

the purposes of, among other things providing necessary assurances of performance by Purchaser 

under this Agreement and the Plan, and demonstrating that Purchaser is a “good faith” purchaser 

under section 363(m) of the Bankruptcy Code, as well as demonstrating Purchaser’s ability to pay 

and perform or otherwise satisfy any Assumed Liabilities following the Closing. 

Subject to the Bidding Procedures and any further order of the Bankruptcy 

Court, if an Auction is conducted, and Purchaser is not the prevailing party at the conclusion of 

such Auction (such prevailing party, the “Successful Bidder”) but is the next highest bidder at the 

Auction, Purchaser shall be required to serve as a back-up bidder (the “Backup Bidder”) and keep 

Purchaser’s bid to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement on the terms and 

conditions set forth in this Agreement (as the same may be revised in the Auction) open and 

irrevocable until the Back-Up Termination Date as set forth in the Bidding Procedures. If the 

Successful Bidder fails to consummate the applicable Alternative Transaction, the Backup Bidder 

will be deemed to have the new prevailing bid, and the Company shall consummate the 

transactions contemplated by this Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth in this 

Agreement as such terms may have been improved upon in the Auction. For the avoidance of 

doubt, nothing herein shall bind Purchaser to serve as the Successful Bidder or the Backup Bidder 

beyond the Outside Date, unless otherwise agreed by Sellers and Purchaser.

The Company and Purchaser acknowledge that this Agreement and the sale 

of the Acquired Assets are subject to higher and better bids and Bankruptcy Court approval. The 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 56 of 140
 18 

Company and Purchaser acknowledge that Sellers must take reasonable steps to demonstrate that 

they have sought to obtain the highest or otherwise best price for the Acquired Assets, including 

giving notice thereof to the creditors of Sellers and other interested parties, providing information 

about the Company to prospective bidders, entertaining higher and better offers from such 

prospective bidders, and, in the event that additional qualified prospective bidders desire to bid for 

the Acquired Assets, conducting an Auction. The bidding procedures to be employed with respect 

to this Agreement and any Auction shall be those approved in the Bidding Procedures Order. Each 

of Purchaser and Sellers shall act in a manner that causes the transactions contemplated by this 

Agreement to be compliant with the terms of sections 363(m) and 363(n) of the Bankruptcy Code, 

as applicable. 

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, 

following the entry of the Bidding Procedures Order, Sellers and their Affiliates and Advisors are 

and may continue soliciting inquiries, proposals or offers for the Acquired Assets in connection 

with any Alternative Transaction. 

Subject to the terms of this Agreement, nothing in this Section 5.1 shall 

prevent Sellers from modifying the bidding procedures as necessary or appropriate to maximize 

value for Sellers’ estates in accordance with each Seller’s fiduciary obligations; provided, 

however, that this Section 5.1(e) shall not be construed as a waiver of Purchaser’s right to terminate 

this Agreement in accordance with Section 8.1.

To the extent reasonably practicable, from and after the Execution Date and 

until the Closing Date, Sellers shall deliver to Purchaser, at least two (2) Business Days in advance 

of Sellers’ filing or submission thereof, drafts of any and all pleadings, motions, notices, 

statements, schedules, applications, reports and other papers to be filed or submitted in connection 

with or related to this Agreement for Purchaser’s prior review and comment. Such filings shall be 

reasonably acceptable to Purchaser to the extent they relate to the Business, the Acquired Assets, 

any Assumed Liabilities or the transactions contemplated hereby, including any of Purchaser’s 

rights or obligations hereunder. Sellers shall use reasonable best efforts to consult and cooperate 

with Purchaser regarding any such pleadings, motions, notices, statements, schedules, 

applications, reports or other papers. In the event the entry of the Bidding Procedures Order or any 

other Order reasonably necessary in connection with the transactions contemplated by this 

Agreement shall be appealed, Sellers shall use commercially reasonably efforts to defend such 

appeal. The Company shall promptly serve true and correct copies of the motion seeking entry of 

the Sale Order and all related pleadings in accordance with the Bidding Procedures Order, the 

Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules and any other applicable Order of the Bankruptcy Court 

and otherwise comply with all notice requirements of the Bankruptcy Code and the Bankruptcy 

Rules in connection with any pleading, notice or motion to be filed in connection herewith. 

5.2 Cure Costs. Subject to entry of the Sale Order, Purchaser shall, on or prior to the 

Closing (or, in the case of any Contract that is to be assigned following the Closing pursuant to 

Section 1.5, on or prior to the date of such assignment), pay the Cure Costs and cure any and all 

other monetary defaults and breaches under the Contracts elected by Purchaser to be Assigned 

Contracts so that such Contracts may be assumed by the applicable Seller and assigned to 

Purchaser in accordance with the provisions of section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code and this 

Agreement. 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 57 of 140
 19 

5.3 The Sale Order. Sellers shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain entry of 

the Sale Order of the Bankruptcy Court. The Sale Order shall, among other things, (a) approve, 

pursuant to sections 105, 363, and 365 of the Bankruptcy Code, (i) the execution, delivery and 

performance by Sellers of this Agreement, (ii) the sale of the Acquired Assets to Purchaser on the 

terms set forth herein and free and clear of all Encumbrances (other than Encumbrances included 

in the Assumed Liabilities and Permitted Encumbrances), and (iii) the performance by Sellers of 

their respective obligations under this Agreement; (b) authorize and empower Sellers to assume 

and assign to Purchaser the Assigned Contracts; (c) find that Purchaser is a “good faith” buyer 

within the meaning of section 363(m) of the Bankruptcy Code, find that Purchaser is not a 

successor to any Seller, and grant Purchaser the protections of section 363(m) of the Bankruptcy 

Code; (d) find that Purchaser shall have no Liability or responsibility for any Liability or other 

obligation of any Seller arising under or related to the Acquired Assets other than as expressly set 

forth in this Agreement, including successor or vicarious Liabilities of any kind or character, 

including any theory of antitrust, successor, or transferee Liability, labor law, de facto merger, or 

substantial continuity; (e) find that Purchaser has provided adequate assurance (as that term is used 

in section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code) of future performance in connection with the assumption 

of the Assigned Contracts; and (f) find that Purchaser shall have no Liability for any Excluded 

Liability. Purchaser agrees that it will promptly take such actions as are reasonably requested by 

the Company to assist in obtaining Bankruptcy Court approval of the Sale Order, including 

furnishing affidavits or other documents or information for filing with the Bankruptcy Court for 

purposes, among others, of (x) demonstrating that Purchaser is a “good faith” purchaser under 

section 363(m) of the Bankruptcy Code and (y) establishing adequate assurance of future 

performance within the meaning of section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code. 

5.4 Bid Protections. Sellers shall use commercially reasonable best efforts to obtain 

entry of the Bidding Procedures Order by fourteen (14) days after the date hereof or as soon as 

reasonably practicable thereafter as the Bankruptcy Court may hear a motion seeking entry of the 

Bidding Procedures Order and enter the Bidding Procedures Order. Notwithstanding Section 8.2, 

in the event that (a) this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 8.1(k) or Section 8.1(l) and 

(b) at the time of such termination, Purchaser is not then in material breach of any of its 

representations, warranties, covenants or agreements hereunder, Sellers shall pay to Purchaser a 

cash amount equal to $0 (the “Break-Up Fee”) and the Expense Reimbursement as set forth below, 

due and payable within two (2) days of the Sellers’ consummation of an Alternative Transaction. 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Parties agree that (i) 

the Purchaser’s right to receive the Break-Up Fee and the Expense Reimbursement as set forth 

herein is not a penalty, but rather is liquidated damages in a reasonable amount that will 

compensate the Purchaser for its efforts and resources expended and the opportunities foregone 

while negotiating this Agreement and in reliance on this Agreement and on the expectation of the 

consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, which amount would otherwise be 

impossible to calculate with precision as of the date hereof, and (ii) the Purchaser’s receipt of the 

Break-Up Fee and the Expense Reimbursement as provided herein shall be the sole and exclusive 

remedy of Purchaser against Sellers and any of their respective Affiliates for, and upon payment 

of the Break-Up Fee and the Expense Reimbursement in accordance herewith the Parties and their 

respective representatives and Affiliates shall be fully released and discharged from, any Liability, 

damage or other loss suffered by Purchaser or any of its Affiliates under or resulting from this 

Agreement (including any breach hereof) or the transactions contemplated hereby, and Purchaser 

shall have no other remedy or cause of action under or relating to this Agreement. 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 58 of 140
 20 

5.5 Approval. Sellers’ obligations under this Agreement and in connection with the 

transactions contemplated hereby are subject to entry of and, to the extent entered, the terms of 

any Orders of the Bankruptcy Court (including entry of the Sale Order). Nothing in this Agreement 

shall require the Company or its Affiliates to give testimony to or submit a motion to the 

Bankruptcy Court that is untruthful or to violate any duty of candor or other fiduciary duty to the 

Bankruptcy Court or its stakeholders. 

5.6 Contracts. Sellers shall serve on all non-Seller counterparties to all of Assigned 

Contracts in compliance with the Bidding Procedures Order, a Cure Notice stating that Sellers are 

or may be seeking the assumption and assignment of such Assigned Contract and shall notify such 

non-Seller counterparties of the deadline for objecting to the amount of Cure Costs proposed by 

Sellers. In the event of any objection to the assumption and assignment of any Assigned Contract, 

the Sellers shall continue to use commercially reasonable efforts to seek authority to assume and 

assign or otherwise transfer, as applicable, to Purchaser all of the Assigned Contracts. From the 

Effective Date until the Closing, Sellers shall not seek Bankruptcy Court approval to reject any 

Assigned Contract unless agreed to in writing by Purchaser. 

5.7 No Shop. From the date hereof until such time as the Bidding Procedures Order has 

been entered by the Bankruptcy Court, Sellers shall not, and shall not authorize any of their 

Affiliates or any of its or their Representatives to, directly or indirectly, encourage, solicit or 

initiate any inquiries regarding an Alternative Transaction from any third party who has not as of 

the date hereof entered into a non-disclosure agreement with the Company or any of its 

Subsidiaries with respect to the possibility of an Alternative Transaction; provided that the 

foregoing shall not restrict, prohibit or otherwise limit Sellers or any of their Affiliates or 

Representatives from (a) continuing ongoing communications with third parties bound as of the 

date hereof by non-disclosure agreements with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect 

to an Alternative Transaction or (b) responding to any third parties who, absent any prior 

encouragement, solicitation or initiation of any inquiries regarding an Alternative Transaction by 

Sellers in violation of this Section 5.7, contact the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect 

to an Alternative Transaction. 

ARTICLE VI

COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS 

6.1 Conduct of Business of Sellers. Until the earlier of the termination of this 

Agreement and the Closing, except (v) for any limitations on operations imposed by the 

Bankruptcy Court or the Bankruptcy Code or Sellers’ debtor-in-possession financing, (w) as 

required by applicable Law, (x) as otherwise required by or reasonably necessary to carry out the 

terms of this Agreement or as set forth on Schedule 6.1, (y) actions taken in good faith business 

judgement in response to the “coronavirus” or “COVID-19” and any Laws or government action 

taken in connection therewith or (z) with the prior written consent of Purchaser (which consent 

shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), Sellers shall conduct their business 

with respect to the ownership, operation and use of the Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities 

only in the Ordinary Course and shall not: 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 59 of 140
 21 

terminate (other than by expiration), or amend, modify (other than by 

automatic extension or renewal) or waive any rights under, in any material respect, the terms of 

any Assigned Contract (other than any purchase orders); 

without Purchaser's prior written consent, enter into any new purchase 

order, or terminate (other than by expiration), or amend, modify (other than by automatic extension 

or renewal) or waive any rights under, in any material respect, the terms of any purchase order in 

effect as of the date of this Agreement, in each case for Inventory designated exclusively for sale 

via the Business or the Retail Business, that is intended to become an Assigned PO; 

settle or compromise any pending or threatened Action that would 

reasonably be expected to give rise to Liabilities that are not Excluded Liabilities; 

sell, assign, license, transfer, convey, lease, surrender, relinquish or 

otherwise dispose of any of the Acquired Assets, other than (i) sales of Inventory (other than any 

Inventory that is an Acquired Asset) in the Ordinary Course, or (ii) pursuant to existing Contracts 

(other than the Assigned POs); 

subject any portion of the Acquired Assets to any Encumbrance, except for 

Permitted Encumbrances; 

directly or indirectly, cancel, forgive or compromise any material debt or 

claim or waive or release any material right of any Seller, in each case that constitutes an Acquired 

Asset;

take, or agree to or commit to assist any other Person in taking, any action 

that would reasonably be expected to result in a failure of any of the conditions to the Closing set 

forth in Article VII; or 

authorize any of, or commit or agree, in writing or otherwise, to take any 

of, the foregoing actions; 

provided that the foregoing shall not limit Sellers from conducting the wind-down and liquidation 

of the Retail Business. Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to give Purchaser or its 

Affiliates, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct the business of Sellers prior to the 

Closing. 

6.2 Access to Information. 

From the date hereof until the Closing (or the earlier termination of this 

Agreement pursuant to Article VIII), the Company will provide Purchaser and its authorized 

Advisors with reasonable access and upon reasonable advance notice and during regular business 

hours to the books and records of the Company and its Subsidiaries with respect to the ownership, 

operation and use of the Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities, in order for Purchaser and its 

authorized Advisors to access such information regarding the Acquired Assets and Assumed 

Liabilities as Purchaser reasonably deems necessary in connection with effectuating the 

transactions contemplated by this Agreement; including such information regarding the attributes 

and structure of data maintained by Sellers with respect to the Business as Purchaser shall 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 60 of 140
 22 

reasonably request in writing in order to establish its own platform from which to operate the 

Business in the manner in which it is operated by Sellers; provided that (i) such access does not 

unreasonably interfere with the normal operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries, (ii) such 

access will occur in such a manner as the Company reasonably determines to be appropriate to 

protect the confidentiality of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) all requests for 

access will be directed to Michael Gottlieb or such other Person(s) as the Company may designate 

in writing from time to time and (iv) nothing herein will require the Company to provide access 

to, or to disclose any information to, Purchaser if such access or disclosure would (A) cause 

significant competitive harm to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries if the transactions 

contemplated by this Agreement are not consummated, (B) require the Company or any of its 

Subsidiaries to disclose any financial or proprietary information of or regarding the Affiliates of 

the Company (other than the Subsidiaries of the Company) or otherwise disclose information 

regarding the Affiliates of the Company (other than the Subsidiaries of the Company) that the 

Company deems to be commercially sensitive, (C) would waive any legal privilege or (D) be in 

violation of applicable Laws or the provisions of any agreement to which the Company or any of 

its Subsidiaries is bound or would violate any fiduciary duty; provided that, in the event that the 

Company withholds access or information in reliance on the foregoing clause (C) or (D), the 

Company shall provide (to the extent possible without waiving or violating the applicable legal 

privilege or Law) notice to Purchaser that such access or information is being so withheld and shall 

use commercially reasonable efforts to provide such access or information in a way that would not 

risk waiver of such legal privilege or applicable Law. 

From the date hereof until the Closing, the Company will provide 

reasonable assistance to Purchaser with respect to contacting the Company’s existing stock 

vendors to enable Purchaser to seek to build a direct relationship with such vendors in furtherance 

of potential future orders. Such assistance shall be requested upon reasonable advance notice and 

during regular business hours and (i) such assistance shall not unreasonably interfere with the 

normal operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries, (ii) such assistance will occur in such a 

manner as the Company reasonably determines to be appropriate to protect the confidentiality of 

the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) all requests for such assistance will be 

directed to Michael Gottlieb or such other Person(s) as the Company may designate in writing 

from time to time and (iv) nothing herein will require the Company to provide assistance to, or to 

disclose any information to, Purchaser if such assistance or disclosure would (A) cause significant 

competitive harm to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries if the transactions contemplated by 

this Agreement are not consummated, (B) require the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to 

disclose any financial or proprietary information of or regarding the Affiliates of the Company 

(other than the Subsidiaries of the Company) or otherwise disclose information regarding the 

Affiliates of the Company (other than the Subsidiaries of the Company) that the Company deems 

to be commercially sensitive, (C) waive any legal privilege or (D) be in violation of applicable 

Laws or the provisions of any agreement to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound 

or would violate any fiduciary duty; provided that, in the event that the Company withholds 

assistance or information in reliance on the foregoing clause (C) or (D), the Company shall provide 

(to the extent possible without waiving or violating the applicable legal privilege or Law) notice 

to Purchaser that such assistance or information is being so withheld and shall use commercially 

reasonable efforts to provide such access or information in a way that would not risk waiver of 

such legal privilege or applicable Law. 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 61 of 140
 23 

The information provided pursuant to this Section 6.2 will be used solely 

for the purpose of effecting the transactions contemplated hereby, and will be governed by all the 

terms and conditions of the Confidentiality Agreement, which Confidentiality Agreement shall not 

terminate upon the execution of this Agreement notwithstanding anything to the contrary therein. 

Purchaser will, and will cause its Advisors to, abide by the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement 

with respect to such access and any information furnished to Purchaser or any of its Advisors. 

Neither the Company nor any of Sellers makes any representation or warranty as to the accuracy 

of any information, if any, provided pursuant to this Section 6.2, and Purchaser may not rely on 

the accuracy of any such information, in each case, other than the Express Representations. 

From and after the Closing for a period of three (3) years following the 

Closing Date (or, if later, the closing of the Bankruptcy Case), Purchaser will provide Sellers and 

their Advisors with reasonable access, during normal business hours, and upon reasonable advance 

notice, to the books and records, including work papers, schedules, memoranda, Tax Returns, Tax 

schedules, Tax rulings, and other documents (for the purpose of examining and copying) relating 

to the Acquired Assets, the Excluded Assets, the Assumed Liabilities or the Excluded Liabilities 

with respect to periods or occurrences prior to the Closing Date, and reasonable access, during 

normal business hours, and upon reasonable advance notice, to employees, officers, Advisors, 

accountants, offices and properties of Purchaser (including for the purpose of better understanding 

the books and records). Unless otherwise consented to in writing by the Company, Purchaser will 

not, for a period of three (3) years following the Closing Date, destroy, alter or otherwise dispose 

of any of the books and records without first offering to surrender to the Company such books and 

records or any portion thereof that Purchaser may intend to destroy, alter or dispose of. From and 

after the Closing, Purchaser will, and will cause its employees to, provide Sellers with reasonable 

assistance, support and cooperation with Sellers’ wind-down and related activities (e.g., helping 

to locate documents or information related to preparation of Tax Returns or prosecution or 

processing of insurance claims). 

Purchaser will not, and will not permit any member of the Purchaser Group 

to, contact any officer, manager, director, employee, customer, supplier, lessee, lessor, lender, 

licensee, licensor, distributor, noteholder or other material business relation of the Company or its 

Subsidiaries prior to the Closing with respect to the Company, its Subsidiaries, their business or 

the transactions contemplated by this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Company 

for each such contact, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

For a reasonable period following the Closing, Sellers will, and will cause 

their employees to, use commercially reasonable efforts to respond to Purchaser’s inquiries with 

respect to historical information regarding the Business, to the extent not provided in the Acquired 

Assets and to the extent of available personnel and books and records, it being understood that 

Sellers are in the process of ceasing to operate the Business and do not expect to retain personnel 

related to the Business. 

6.3 Employee Matters. Sellers shall provide, to the extent it does not violate any 

applicable Law, reasonable cooperation and information as reasonably requested by Purchaser 

with respect to its determination of terms and conditions of employment for individuals who are 

as of the date of this Agreement or were within the past twelve (12) months employed by Sellers 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 62 of 140
 24 

(or any of their predecessors) and whose duties during such time were primarily dedicated to the 

Business or the Retail Business. 

6.4 Regulatory Approvals. 

The Company will (i) make or cause to be made all filings and submissions 

required to be made by the Company or its Subsidiaries under any applicable Laws for the 

consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement set forth on Schedule 6.4, 

(ii) cooperate with Purchaser in exchanging such information and providing such assistance as 

Purchaser may reasonably request in connection with the foregoing and (iii) (A) supply promptly 

any additional information and documentary material that may be requested in connection with 

such filings and (B) use commercially reasonable efforts to take all actions necessary to obtain all 

required clearances in connection with such filings. 

Purchaser will, and will cause its Affiliates and Advisors to, (i) make or 

cause to be made all filings and submissions required to be made by any member of the Purchaser 

Group under any applicable Laws for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this 

Agreement, (ii) cooperate with the Company in exchanging such information and providing such 

assistance as the Company may reasonably request in connection with all of the foregoing, and 

(iii) (A) supply promptly any additional information and documentary material that may be 

requested in connection with such filings and (B) use commercially reasonable efforts to take all 

actions necessary to obtain all required clearances. 

6.5 Reasonable Efforts; Cooperation. 

Subject to the other terms of this Agreement provisions hereof, each Party 

shall, and shall cause its Advisors to, use its reasonable best efforts to perform its obligations 

hereunder and to take, or cause to be taken, and do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, 

proper, advisable or permitted under applicable Law to cause the transactions contemplated herein 

to be effected as soon as practicable, but in any event on or prior to the Outside Date, in accordance 

with the terms hereof and to cooperate with each other Party and its Advisors in connection with 

any step required to be taken as a part of its obligations hereunder. The “reasonable best efforts” 

of the Company will not require the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, Affiliates or Advisors to 

expend any money, to remedy any breach of any representation or warranty, to commence any 

Action, to waive or surrender any right, to modify any Contract or to waive or forego any right, 

remedy or condition hereunder. 

The obligations of the Company pursuant to this Agreement, including this 

Section 6.5, shall be subject to any Orders entered, or approvals or authorizations granted or 

required, by or under the Bankruptcy Court or the Bankruptcy Code (including in connection with 

the Bankruptcy Case), Sellers’ debtor-in-possession financing, and each of Sellers’ obligations as 

a debtor-in-possession to comply with any Order of the Bankruptcy Court (including the Bidding 

Procedures Order and the Sale Order) and Sellers’ duty to seek and obtain the highest or otherwise 

best price for the Acquired Assets as required by the Bankruptcy Code. 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 63 of 140
 25 

6.6 Notification of Certain Matters. 

The Company will promptly notify Purchaser of: (i) any notice or other 

communication from any Person alleging that the consent of such Person is or may be required in 

connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (ii) any notice or other 

communication from any Governmental Body related to or in connection with the transactions 

contemplated by this Agreement; and (iii) promptly upon discovery thereof, any variances from, 

or the existence or occurrence of any event, fact or circumstance arising after the execution of this 

Agreement that would reasonably be expected to cause, any of the representations and warranties 

contained in Article III to be untrue or inaccurate such that the condition set forth in Section 7.2(a) 

not to be satisfied. If the subject matter of any such notification required by the previous sentence 

requires any change in the Schedules, the Company shall deliver to Purchaser prior to the Closing 

a supplement to such Schedule (the “Updated Schedules”) with such change; provided that in no 

event will any Updated Schedule delivered to Purchaser within ten (10) Business Days after the 

date hereof, serve to amend, supplement or modify the Schedules for purposes of Section 7.2(a); 

provided further that if the Closing occurs, the Updated Schedules will be considered and deemed 

to be part of the Schedules for all purposes under this Agreement, and each reference in this 

Agreement to a particular Schedule will mean such Schedule in, or as updated by, the Updated 

Schedules. 

Purchaser will promptly notify the Company of: (i) any notice or other 

communication from any Person alleging that the consent of such Person is or may be required in 

connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (ii) any notice or other 

communication from any Governmental Body related to or in connection with the transactions 

contemplated by this Agreement; (iii) any Actions relating to or involving or otherwise affecting 

Purchaser or its Affiliates that, if pending on the date of this Agreement, would have been required 

to have been disclosed pursuant to Section 4.6 or that relate to the transactions contemplated by 

this Agreement; and (iv) any breach or inaccuracy of any representation or warranty contained in 

this Agreement at any time during the term hereof that would reasonably be expected to cause the 

conditions set forth in Article VII not to be satisfied; provided that the delivery of any notice 

pursuant to this Section 6.6(a) will not limit the remedies available to Sellers under or with respect 

to this Agreement. 

6.7 Further Assurances. From time to time from and after Closing, as and when 

requested by any Party and at such requesting Party’s expense, any other Party will execute and 

deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, all such documents and instruments and will take, 

or cause to be taken, all such further or other actions (including, for the avoidance of doubt, with 

respect to Sellers, taking actions reasonably requested by Purchaser to deliver the Acquired Assets 

to or as directed by Purchaser) as such requesting Party may reasonably deem necessary or 

desirable to evidence and effectuate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. 

6.8 Insurance Matters. Purchaser acknowledges that, upon Closing, all nontransferable 

insurance coverage provided in relation to Sellers and the Acquired Assets that is maintained by 

any Seller or its Affiliates (whether such policies are maintained with third party insurers or with 

such Seller or its Affiliates) shall cease to provide any coverage to Purchaser and the Acquired 

Assets and no further coverage shall be available to Purchaser or the Acquired Assets under any 

such policies. 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 64 of 140
 26 

6.9 Receipt of Misdirected Assets. From and after the Closing, if any Seller or any of 

its respective Affiliates receives any right, property or asset that is an Acquired Asset, the 

applicable Seller shall promptly transfer or cause such of its Affiliates to transfer such right, 

property or asset (and shall promptly endorse and deliver any such asset that is received in the 

form of cash, checks or other documents) to Purchaser, and such asset will be deemed the property 

of Purchaser held in trust by such Seller for Purchaser until so transferred. From and after the 

Closing, if Purchaser or any of its Affiliates receives any right, property or asset that is an Excluded 

Asset, Purchaser shall promptly transfer or cause such of its Affiliates to transfer such asset (and 

shall promptly endorse and deliver any such right, property or asset that is received in the form of 

cash, checks, or other documents) to the Company, and such right, property or asset will be deemed 

the property of the Company held in trust by Purchaser for the Company until so transferred. 

6.10 Acknowledgment by Purchaser. 

Purchaser acknowledges and agrees, on its own behalf and on behalf of the 

Purchaser Group, that it has conducted to its full satisfaction an independent investigation and 

verification of the business, financial condition, results of operations, assets, Liabilities, properties, 

Contracts and prospects of the Company and its Subsidiaries and the Acquired Assets and the 

Assumed Liabilities, and, in making its determination to proceed with the transactions 

contemplated by this Agreement, Purchaser and the Purchaser Group have relied solely on the 

results of the Purchaser Group’s own independent investigation and verification and have not 

relied on, are not relying on, and will not rely on, any information, statements, disclosures, 

documents, projections, forecasts or other material made available to Purchaser or any of its 

Affiliates or Advisors in the Dataroom, the Information Presentation, or the Projections or any 

information, statements, disclosures or materials, in each case, whether written or oral, made or 

provided by, or as part of, any of the foregoing or any other Seller Party, or any failure of any of 

the foregoing to disclose or contain any information, except to the extent expressly set forth in the 

Express Representations (it being understood that Purchaser and the Purchaser Group have relied 

only on the Express Representations). Purchaser acknowledges and agrees, on its own behalf and 

on behalf of the Purchaser Group, that (i) the Express Representations are the sole and exclusive 

representations, warranties and statements of any kind made to Purchaser or any member of the 

Purchaser Group and on which Purchaser or any member of the Purchaser Group may rely in 

connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and (ii) (other than solely to the 

extent expressly set forth in the Express Representations) all other representations, warranties and 

statements of any kind or nature expressed or implied, whether in written, electronic or oral form, 

including (1) with respect to the completeness or accuracy of, or any omission to state or to 

disclose, any information including in the Dataroom, Information Presentation, Projections, 

meetings, calls or correspondence with management of the Company and its Subsidiaries, any of 

the Seller Parties or any other Person on behalf of the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of the 

Seller Parties or any of their respective Affiliates or Advisors and (2) the historical, current or 

future business, financial condition, results of operations, assets, Liabilities, properties, contracts, 

or prospects of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or the quality, quantity or condition of the 

Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ assets, in each case, are specifically disclaimed by the Company, 

on its behalf and on behalf of the Seller Parties, and each Seller. Purchaser, on its own behalf and 

on behalf of the Purchaser Group: (x) disclaims reliance on the items in clause (ii) in the 

immediately preceding sentence and (y) acknowledges and agrees that it has relied on, is relying 

on and will rely on only the items in clause (i) in the immediately preceding sentence. Without 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 65 of 140
 27 

limiting the generality of the foregoing, Purchaser acknowledges and agrees, on its own behalf and 

on behalf of the Purchaser Group, that neither the Company, nor any other Person (including the 

Seller Parties), has made, is making or is authorized to make, and Purchaser, on its own behalf and 

on behalf of the Purchaser Group, hereby waives, all rights and claims it or they may have against 

any Seller Party with respect to the accuracy of, any omission or concealment of, or any 

misstatement with respect to, (A) any potentially material information regarding the Company, its 

Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets (including the Acquired Assets), Liabilities (including 

the Assumed Liabilities) or operations and (B) any warranty or representation (whether in written, 

electronic or oral form), express or implied, as to the quality, merchantability, fitness for a 

particular purpose, or condition of the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ business, operations, assets, 

Liabilities, prospects or any portion thereof, except, in each case, solely to the extent expressly set 

forth in the Express Representations. 

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in connection with the 

investigation by the Purchaser Group of the Company and its Subsidiaries, Purchaser and the 

members of the Purchaser Group, and the Advisors of each of the foregoing, have received or may 

receive, from or on behalf of the Company, certain projections, forward-looking statements and 

other forecasts (whether in written, electronic, or oral form, and including in the Information 

Presentation, Dataroom, management meetings, etc.) (collectively, “Projections”). Purchaser 

acknowledges and agrees, on its own behalf and on behalf of the Purchaser Group, that (i) such 

Projections are being provided solely for the convenience of Purchaser to facilitate its own 

independent investigation of the Company and its Subsidiaries, (ii) there are uncertainties inherent 

in attempting to make such Projections, (iii) Purchaser is familiar with such uncertainties, and (iv) 

Purchaser is taking full responsibility for making their own evaluation of the adequacy and 

accuracy of all Projections (including the reasonableness of the assumptions underlying such 

Projections). 

Purchaser acknowledges and agrees, on its own behalf and on behalf of the 

Purchaser Group, that it will not assert, institute, or maintain, and will cause each member of the 

Purchaser Group not to assert, institute or maintain, any Action that makes any claim contrary to 

the agreements and covenants set forth in this Section 6.10, including any such Action with respect 

to the distribution to Purchaser or any member of the Purchaser Group, or Purchaser’s or any 

member of the Purchaser Group’s use, of the information, statements, disclosures or materials in 

the Information Presentation, the Dataroom or Projections or any other information, statements, 

disclosures, or materials, in each case whether written or oral, provided by them or any other Seller 

Party or any failure of any of the foregoing to disclose any information. 

Purchaser acknowledges and agrees, on its own behalf and on behalf of the 

Purchaser Group, that the covenants and agreements contained in this Section 6.10 (i) require 

performance after the Closing to the maximum extent permitted by applicable Law and will 

survive the Closing for five (5) years; and (ii) are an integral part of the transactions contemplated 

by this Agreement and that, without these agreements set forth in this Section 6.10, Sellers would 

not enter into this Agreement. 

6.11 Use of Customer Data after Closing. From and after the Closing Date, Purchaser 

shall at all times use the Customer Data transferred to Purchaser hereunder (a) in compliance with 

all applicable Laws, and (b) except to the extent that Purchaser obtains the necessary consents from 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 66 of 140
 28 

consumers permitting broader uses, or there is any Law or Order that permits broader uses, in 

compliance with Seller’s privacy policy (including the privacy policy update notification) attached 

hereto as Schedule 6.11 (collectively, the “Customer Data Use Requirements”). Purchaser shall 

defend, indemnify and hold harmless Sellers and their Affiliates, from and against any and all 

losses, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of any 

breach of this Section 6.11. 

6.12 Wind Down License. 

From and after the Closing Date, Purchaser hereby grants to each Seller and 

its Affiliates a non-exclusive, royalty-free, fully paid-up, worldwide, irrevocable right and license 

(with the right to sublicense with prior written approval of Purchaser, such approval not to be 

unreasonably withheld), under the Transferred Intellectual Property, to use the Transferred 

Intellectual Property (including any social media accounts included in the Transferred Intellectual 

Property, but only until January 15, 2020) in connection with the administration of the Bankruptcy 

Case, until the later of (i) the entry of an Order closing the Bankruptcy Case, (ii) the closing of all 

brick-and-mortar retail stores operated under or with respect to a Transferred Trademark, and 

(iii) for the purpose of liquidating any Inventory retained by Sellers or their Affiliates; provided 

that (A) in no event shall such use be made for a period of time exceeding four (4) months after 

the Closing Date and (B) all use of the Transferred Trademarks, including the quality of the 

products bearing the Transferred Trademarks, shall be consistent with the use of the Transferred 

Trademarks prior to the Effective Date; provided, however, that Sellers are and shall continue to 

operate (for a period of time not to exceed four (4) months after the Closing Date) liquidation, 

“going out of business,” and similar operations at the brick and mortar stores and liquidation 

operations on online platforms (but, in the case of social media, only until January 15, 2020), in 

either case, which may involve older merchandise and/or significant discounts to historical prices 

(and advertisements with respect thereto, such as “liquidation sale,” “store(s) closing(s),” 

“everything must go”), so long as no “going out of business” or similar messages that indicate that 

the Business itself is ending are used on the online platforms (including social media included in 

the Transferred Intellectual Property, but only until January 15, 2020 and no more than two (2) 

messages in any seven (7)-day period with respect to liquidation, liquidation sale, store closings, 

everything must go, or the like, without the written consent of Purchaser) and social media content 

does not include messages that would otherwise reasonably be expected to be materially adverse 

to the reputation of the Business. Upon request of Purchaser from time to time, Seller will engage 

in discussions with Purchaser and consider in good faith Purchaser’s concerns, if any, with respect 

to the impact of such social media on the reputation of the Business. Seller shall provide Purchaser 

with the current administrative name, password and any other applicable credentials for each social 

media accounts, and the Parties shall reasonably cooperate in jointly operating such accounts 

during the period described in this Section 6.12(a), and, for clarity, Seller acknowledges that from 

and after the Closing Date, Purchaser has the right to utilize the social media accounts, including 

to upload posts and communications on the social media accounts. 

In addition to the foregoing, Sellers may continue to use the Transferred 

Trademarks and Customer Data following the Closing (i) for billing and collections purposes in 

connection with the wind down of Sellers’ private label consumer credit and debit cards until such 

wind down is completed, (ii) as required by applicable Law and (iii) for the purpose of liquidating 

any Inventory retained by Sellers or their Affiliates; provided that (A) in no event shall such use 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 67 of 140
 29 

continue for a period of time exceeding six (6) months after the Closing Date, (B) all use of the 

Transferred Trademarks, including the quality of the products bearing the Transferred Trademarks, 

shall be consistent with the use of the Transferred Trademarks prior to the Effective Date; 

provided, however, that Sellers are and shall continue to operate liquidation, “going out of 

business” and similar operations solely at the brick and mortar stores which may involve older 

merchandise and/or significant discounts to historical prices (and advertisements with respect 

thereto, such as “liquidation sale,” “store(s) closing(s),” “everything must go”)), and (z) all use of 

the Customer Data shall be in compliance with applicable Laws and Sellers’ privacy policies. 

For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or 

otherwise restrict the Company and its Affiliates from winding down their respective operations, 

and affairs or dissolving their respective business entities following the Closing Date. 

6.13 Guaranty. Guarantor guarantees absolutely and unconditionally to Sellers (a) the 

due and punctual performance, when and as due, of all obligations, covenants and agreements of 

Purchaser arising under or pursuant to this Agreement (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the 

punctual payment of all sums, if any, now and hereafter owed by Purchaser hereunder) and (b) the 

accuracy of Purchaser’s representations and warranties set forth herein. Guarantor hereby makes 

the representations and warranties set forth in Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, and 4.7 as to itself, 

and such representations and warranties shall apply mutatis mutandis as if the Guarantor were 

substituted for Purchaser therein. The obligations of Guarantor pursuant to this Section 6.13 shall 

terminate and be of no further force and effect upon consummation of the Closing. 

ARTICLE VII

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING 

7.1 Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of Purchaser and Sellers. The respective 

obligations of each Party to this Agreement to consummate the transactions contemplated by this 

Agreement are subject to the satisfaction (or to the extent permitted by Law, written waiver by 

each of Sellers and Purchaser) on or prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions: 

no court or other Governmental Body has issued, enacted, entered, 

promulgated or enforced any Law or Order (that has not been vacated, withdrawn or overturned) 

restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; 

and

the Bankruptcy Court shall have entered the Sale Order.

7.2 Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of Purchaser. The obligations of Purchaser 

to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction (or 

to the extent permitted by Law, written waiver by Purchaser in its sole discretion), on or prior to 

the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions: 

the representations and warranties made by Sellers in Article III shall be 

true and correct as of the Closing Date (disregarding all qualifications or limitations as to 

“materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” and words of similar import set forth therein), as though 

such representations and warranties had been made on and as of the Closing Date (except that 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 68 of 140
 30 

representations and warranties that are made as of a specified date need be true and correct only 

as of such date), except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be true and 

correct has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, 

a Material Adverse Effect; provided that the representations set forth in Sections 3.1, 3.2, and 3.11 

will be true and correct in all material respects; 

Sellers shall have performed or caused to be performed, in all material 

respects, all of the obligations and covenants required by this Agreement to be performed by 

Sellers by the Closing; 

Sellers shall have delivered, or caused to be delivered, to Purchaser all of 

the items set forth in Section 2.4; and 

from the date of this Agreement until the Closing Date, there shall not have 

occurred and be continuing any Material Adverse Effect. 

7.3 Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of the Company. The obligations of Sellers 

to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction (or 

to the extent permitted by Law, written waiver by Sellers in their sole discretion), on or prior to 

the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions: 

the representations and warranties made by Purchaser in Article IV shall be 

true and correct in all material respects (without giving effect to any materiality or similar 

qualification contained therein), in each case as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, with 

the same force and effect as though all such representations and warranties had been made as of 

the Closing Date (other than representations and warranties that by their terms address matters 

only as of another specified date, which shall be so true and correct only as of such other specified 

date), except where the failure of such representations or warranties to be so true and correct has 

not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material 

adverse effect on Purchaser’s ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; 

Purchaser shall have performed or caused to be performed, in all material 

respects, all of the obligations and covenants required by this Agreement to be performed by 

Purchaser by the Closing; and 

Purchaser shall have delivered, or caused to be delivered, to Sellers all of 

the items set forth in Section 2.5. 

7.4 Waiver of Conditions. Upon the occurrence of the Closing, any condition set forth 

in this Article VII that was not satisfied as of the Closing will be deemed to have been waived for 

all purposes by the Party having the benefit of such condition as of and after the Closing. None of 

Purchaser or Sellers may rely on the failure of any condition set forth in this Article VII, as 

applicable, to be satisfied if such failure was caused by such Party’s failure to use, as required by 

this Agreement, its reasonable best efforts to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 69 of 140
 31 

ARTICLE VIII

TERMINATION

8.1 Termination of Agreement. This Agreement may be terminated only in accordance 

with this Section 8.1. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing: 

by the mutual written consent of the Company and Purchaser; 

by written notice of either Purchaser or the Company, upon the issuance by 

any Governmental Body of an Order restraining, enjoining, or otherwise prohibiting the 

consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or declaring unlawful the 

transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and such Order having become final, binding and 

non-appealable; provided that no termination may be made by a Party under this Section 8.1(b) if 

the issuance of such Order was caused by the breach or action or inaction of such Party; 

by written notice of either Purchaser or the Company, if the Closing shall 

not have occurred on or before forty-five (45) days after (i) if no Auction is held pursuant to the 

Bidding Procedures Order, the Bid Deadline (as defined in the Bidding Procedures Order) or (ii) 

if an Auction is held pursuant to the Bidding Procedures Order, the consummation of the Auction 

(the “Outside Date”); provided that a Party shall not be permitted to terminate this Agreement 

pursuant to this Section 8.1(c) if the failure of the Closing to have occurred by the Outside Date 

was caused by the breach or action or inaction of such Party; 

by written notice of either Purchaser or the Company, if the Bankruptcy 

Case is dismissed or converted to a case or cases under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code, or if a 

trustee or examiner with expanded powers to operate or manage the financial affairs or 

reorganization of the Company is appointed in the Bankruptcy Case; 

by written notice from Purchaser to the Company, if Sellers announce any 

stand-alone plan of reorganization or liquidation (or support any such plan filed by any other 

party), other than a wind-down plan of Sellers’ estates post-Closing; 

by written notice from the Company to Purchaser, upon a breach of any 

covenant or agreement on the part of Purchaser, or if any representation or warranty of Purchaser 

will have become untrue, in each case, such that the conditions set forth in Section 7.3(a) or 7.3(b) 

would not be satisfied, including a breach of Purchaser’s obligation to consummate the Closing; 

provided that (i) if such breach is curable by Purchaser then the Company may not terminate this 

Agreement under this Section 8.1(f) unless such breach has not been cured by the date which is 

the earlier of (A) two (2) Business Days prior to the Outside Date and (B) thirty (30) days after the 

Company notifies Purchaser of such breach and (ii) the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant 

to this Section 8.1(f) will not be available to the Company at any time that the Company is in 

material breach of, any covenant, representation or warranty hereunder; 

by written notice from Purchaser to the Company, upon a breach of any 

covenant or agreement on the part of any Seller, or if any representation or warranty of any Seller 

will have become untrue, in each case, such that the conditions set forth in Section 7.2(a), 7.2(b) 

or 7.2(d) would not be satisfied; provided that (i) if such breach is curable by such Seller then 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 70 of 140
 32 

Purchaser may not terminate this Agreement under this Section 8.1(g) unless such breach has not 

been cured by the date which is the earlier of (A) two (2) Business Days prior to the Outside Date 

and (B) thirty (30) days after Purchaser notifies the Company of such breach and (ii) the right to 

terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.1(g) will not be available to Purchaser at any 

time that Purchaser is in material breach of, any covenant, representation or warranty hereunder; 

by written notice from the Company to Purchaser, if all of the conditions 

set forth in Sections 7.1 and 7.2 have been satisfied (other than conditions that by their nature are 

to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of such conditions at the 

Closing) or waived and Purchaser fails to complete the Closing at the time required by Section 2.3; 

by written notice from the Company to Purchaser, if any Seller or the board 

of directors (or similar governing body) of any Seller determines that proceeding with the 

transactions contemplated by this Agreement or failing to terminate this Agreement would be 

inconsistent with its or such Person’s or body’s fiduciary duties; 

by written notice from Purchaser to the Company, if the Bankruptcy Court 

fails to enter the Bidding Procedures Order including approval of the payment of the Break-Up 

Fee and Expense Reimbursement on or before fourteen (14) days after the date hereof or as soon 

thereafter as the Bankruptcy Court is available to hear a motion seeking entry of the Bidding 

Procedures Order and enter the Bidding Procedures Order;

by written notice of either Purchaser or the Company, if (i) any Seller enters 

into one or more Alternative Transactions with one or more Persons other than Purchaser or the 

Successful Bidder or the Backup Bidder at the Auction or (ii) the Bankruptcy Court approves an 

Alternative Transaction other than with the Successful Bidder or the Backup Bidder; 

by written notice from Purchaser to the Company, if Purchaser is not the 

Successful Bidder or the Backup Bidder at the Auction or automatically upon consummation by 

Sellers of an Alternative Transaction with the Successful Bidder (other than Purchaser); 

by Purchaser, if (i) the Sale Order shall not have been entered by the 

Bankruptcy Court on the date that is thirty (30) days after the date hereof or as soon thereafter as 

the Bankruptcy Court is available to hear a motion seeking entry of the Sale Order and enter the 

Sale Order, or (ii) at any time after entry of the Sale Order, such Sale Order is subject to a notice 

of appeal, reversed, stayed, vacated or otherwise modified; 

automatically at 5:00 PM ET on the first (1st) Business Day after the date 

hereof if the Deposit has not then been received by Sellers.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, a Party shall not be permitted to 

terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Article VIII if the applicable event giving rise to 

termination hereunder was caused by the breach or action or inaction of such Party. 

8.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to 

Section 8.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and there shall be no liability on the part 

of any Party or any of its partners, officers, directors or shareholders; provided that Section 2.2, 

this Section 8.2, and Article X shall survive any such termination; provided further that no 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 71 of 140
 33 

termination will relieve any Party hereto of any Liability for any breach of this Agreement by such 

Party.

ARTICLE IX

TAXES 

9.1 Transfer Taxes. Any sales, use, purchase, transfer, franchise, deed, fixed asset, 

stamp, documentary stamp, use, or other Taxes and recording charges payable by reason of the 

sale of the Acquired Assets or the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities under this Agreement or 

the transactions contemplated hereby (the “Transfer Taxes”) shall be borne and timely paid by 

Purchaser, and Purchaser shall timely file all Tax Returns related to any Transfer Taxes. Sellers 

and Purchaser shall use commercially reasonable efforts and cooperate in good faith to exempt all 

such transactions from any Transfer Taxes.

9.2 Allocation of Purchase Price. For U.S. federal and applicable state and local income 

Tax purposes, Purchaser, Sellers, and their respective Affiliates shall allocate the Purchase Price 

(and any Assumed Liabilities or other items treated as part of the purchase price for applicable 

income Tax purposes) among the Acquired Assets in accordance with the methodology set forth 

in Schedule 9.2 (the “Allocation Methodology”). As soon as commercially practicable, but no later 

than sixty (60) days following the determination of the final Purchase Price, Purchaser shall 

provide a proposed allocation to Sellers setting forth the allocation of the Purchase Price (and other 

amounts treated as Purchase Price for U.S. federal income Tax purposes) among the Acquired 

Assets in accordance with the Allocation Methodology (the “Allocation”). If Sellers deliver a 

written objection within thirty (30) days after receipt of the draft Allocation proposed by Purchaser, 

then Purchaser and Sellers shall negotiate in good faith to resolve any such objection, and, if Sellers 

and Purchaser cannot resolve such dispute within thirty (30) days of Purchaser’s receipt of Sellers’ 

objection, then a nationally recognized accounting firm mutually acceptable to Purchaser and 

Sellers shall resolve such dispute and the resolution of such dispute shall be final and binding on 

the Parties. The Parties and their respective Affiliates shall file all Tax Returns in accordance with 

such Allocation (as finally determined under this Section 9.2) and not take any Tax related action 

inconsistent with the Allocation, in each case, unless otherwise required by a “determination” 

within the meaning of Section 1313(a) of the Code. 

9.3 Cooperation. Purchaser and Sellers shall reasonably cooperate, as and to the extent 

reasonably requested by the other Party, in connection with the filing of Tax Returns and any 

Action, audit, litigation, or other proceeding with respect to Taxes. 

9.4 Preparation of Tax Returns and Payment of Taxes. 

Except as otherwise provided by Section 9.1, Sellers shall prepare and 

timely file (i) all Tax Returns for any Tax period ending on or before the Closing Date and (ii) all 

income Tax Returns of Sellers. Except to the extent any Tax reflected on a return required to be 

prepared and filed by Sellers pursuant to this Section 9.4 is otherwise reflected as an adjustment 

to Purchase Price or constitutes an Assumed Liability, Sellers shall be responsible for paying any 

Taxes reflected on any Tax Return that Sellers are obligated to prepare and file under this 

Section 9.4(a). 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 72 of 140
 34 

Purchaser shall prepare and timely file all other Tax Returns with respect to 

the Acquired Assets that are not addressed by Section 9.4(a). With respect to any Straddle Period, 

Purchaser shall prepare such Tax Returns consistent with past practice, and shall provide Sellers 

with a draft of such Tax Returns at least thirty days prior to the filing of any such Tax Return. 

Purchaser shall incorporate any changes reasonably requested by Sellers with respect to the portion 

of any such Tax Returns that relates to the portion of a Straddle Period ending on or before the 

Closing Date. At least five days prior to the due date for filing any such Straddle Period Tax Return, 

Sellers shall pay to Purchaser any Taxes shown due on such Straddle Period Tax Return that are 

allocable to the portion of such Straddle Period ending on or before the Closing Date (as 

determined in accordance with Section 9.4(d)). Purchaser shall be responsible for paying any 

Taxes (other than any Taxes payable by Sellers pursuant to this Section 9.4(b)) reflected on any 

Tax Return that Purchaser is obligated to prepare and file under this Section 9.4(b). The Parties 

agree that they shall cooperate in preparing Internal Revenue Service Form 8594, which shall be 

prepared in accordance with the Allocation Methodology. Further, such Form 8594 shall be filed 

with the Internal Revenue Service within the time provided for by the Internal Revenue Service. 

Purchaser shall not file any Tax Return, file an amendment to any 

previously-filed Tax Return, or otherwise take any Tax position that has the effect of increasing 

any Tax due for a Pre-Closing Tax Period or portion of a Straddle Period ending on the Closing 

Date.

In the case of any Tax with respect to the Acquired Assets that is assessed 

with respect to a Straddle Period, the amount of such Tax based on or measured by income, sales, 

use, receipts or similar items (other than property and ad volerem Taxes) for the portion of the 

Straddle Period ending on the Closing Date shall be determined based on an interim closing of the 

books as of the close of business on the Closing Date, and the amount of any other Taxes and any 

exemptions, allowances or deductions determined for the entire Straddle Period, that in each case 

relates to the portion of the Straddle Period ending on and including the Closing Date shall equal 

the amount of such Tax, exemption, allowance or deduction for the entire Straddle Period 

multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the portion of the Straddle 

Period ending on the Closing Date and the denominator of which is the total number of days in 

such Straddle Period. 

9.5 Wage Reporting. Purchaser and Sellers agree to utilize, or cause their respective 

Affiliates to utilize, the “alternate procedure” set forth in Revenue Procedure 2004-53 with respect 

to wage reporting. 

ARTICLE X

MISCELLANEOUS 

10.1 Non-Survival of Representations and Warranties and Certain Covenants; Certain 

Waivers. Each of the representations and warranties and the covenants and agreements (to the 

extent such covenant or agreement contemplates or requires performance by such Party prior to 

the Closing) of the Parties set forth in this Agreement or in any other document contemplated 

hereby, or in any certificate delivered hereunder or thereunder, will terminate effective 

immediately as of the Closing such that no claim for breach of any such representation, warranty, 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 73 of 140
 35 

covenant or agreement, detrimental reliance or other right or remedy (whether in Contract, in tort 

or at law or in equity) may be brought with respect thereto after the Closing. Each covenant and 

agreement that explicitly contemplates performance after the Closing, will, in each case and to 

such extent, expressly survive the Closing in accordance with its terms, and if no term is specified, 

then for five (5) years following the Closing Date, and nothing in this Section 10.1 will be deemed 

to limit any rights or remedies of any Person for breach of any such surviving covenant or 

agreement. Purchaser and Sellers Parties acknowledge and agree, on their own behalf and on behalf 

of the Purchaser Group or the Seller Parties, as the case may be, that the agreements contained in 

this Section 10.1 (a) require performance after the Closing to the maximum extent permitted by 

applicable Law and will survive the Closing for five (5) years; and (b) are an integral part of the 

transactions contemplated hereby and that, without the agreements set forth in this Section 10.1, 

none of the Parties would enter into this Agreement. 

10.2 Expenses. Whether or not the Closing takes place, except as otherwise provided 

herein (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Section 8.2), all fees, costs and expenses (including 

fees, costs and expenses of Advisors) incurred in connection with the negotiation of this 

Agreement and the other agreements contemplated hereby, the performance of this Agreement and 

the other agreements contemplated hereby and the consummation of the transactions contemplated 

hereby and thereby will be paid by the Party incurring such fees, costs and expenses; it being 

acknowledged and agreed that (a) all Transfer Taxes will be allocated pursuant to Section 9.1 and 

(b) all Cure Costs will be allocated pursuant to Section 5.2. 

10.3 Notices. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all notices, demands and 

other communications to be given or delivered under or by reason of the provisions of this 

Agreement will be in writing and will be deemed to have been given (a) when personally delivered, 

(b) when transmitted by electronic mail, (c) the day following the day on which the same has been 

delivered prepaid to a reputable national overnight air courier service or (d) the third (3rd) Business 

Day following the day on which the same is sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, 

in each case, to the respective Party at the number, electronic mail address or street address, as 

applicable, set forth below, or at such other number, electronic mail address or street address as 

such Party may specify by written notice to the other Party. 

Notices to Purchaser: 

Justice Brand Holdings LLC 

c/o Bluestar Alliance LLC 

240 Madison Avenue #1500 

New York, NY 10016 

Attention: Joseph S. Sutton, General Counsel 

Email: jsutton@Bluestarall.com 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 74 of 140
 36 

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

Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP 

919 Third Avenue 

New York, NY 10022 

Attention: Daniel Eisner 

 Kristine Manoukian 

Email: Daniel.Eisner@srz.com 

 Kristine.Manoukian@srz.com 

Notices to Sellers: 

Gary Muto, CEO 

Ascena Retail Group, Inc. 

7 Times Square 

New York, NY 10036 

Email: gary.muto@ascenaretail.com 

Dan Lamadrid, CFO 

Ascena Retail Group, Inc. 

933 MacArthur Boulevard 

Mahwah, NJ 07430 

Email: dan.lamadrid@ascenaretail.com 

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

Ascena Retail Group, Inc. 

933 MacArthur Boulevard 

Mahwah, NJ 07430 

Attention: Michael Veitenheimer 

Gary Holland 

Email: michael.veitenheimer@ascenaretail.com 

gary.holland@ascenaretail.com 

Kirkland & Ellis LLP 

300 North LaSalle Street 

Chicago, Illinois 60654 

Attention: Steve Toth 

 Mariska S. Richards 

 John R. Luze 

Email: steve.toth@kirkland.com 

 mariska.richards@kirkland.com 

 john.luze@kirkland.com 

 and 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 75 of 140
 37 

Kirkland & Ellis LLP 

601 Lexington Avenue 

New York, NY 10022 

Attention: Steven N. Serajeddini 

Email: steven.serajeddini@kirkland.com 

10.4 Binding Effect; Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon Purchaser and, 

subject to the terms of the Bidding Procedures Order (with respect to the matters covered thereby) 

and the entry and terms of the Sale Order, Sellers, and shall inure to the benefit of and be so binding 

on the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns, including any trustee or estate 

representative appointed in the Bankruptcy Case or any successor Chapter 7 case; provided that 

neither this Agreement nor any of the rights or obligations hereunder may be assigned or delegated 

without the prior written consent of Purchaser and the Company, and any attempted assignment or 

delegation without such prior written consent shall be null and void, except that Purchaser may 

freely assign any of its rights and obligations hereunder to any designee for purposes of 

consummating the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (provided that no such assignment 

shall release Purchaser of its obligations and liabilities under this Agreement except to the extent 

of payment or performance by such designee). 

10.5 Amendment and Waiver. Any provision of this Agreement or the Schedules or 

exhibits hereto may be (a) amended only in a writing signed by Purchaser and the Company or 

(b) waived only in a writing executed by the Person against which enforcement of such waiver is 

sought. No waiver of any provision hereunder or any breach or default thereof will extend to or 

affect in any way any other provision or prior or subsequent breach or default. 

10.6 Third Party Beneficiaries. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, nothing 

expressed or referred to in this Agreement will be construed to give any Person other than the 

Parties any legal or equitable right, remedy, or claim under or with respect to this Agreement or 

any provision of this Agreement. 

10.7 Non-Recourse. This Agreement may only be enforced against, and any Action 

based upon, arising out of or related to this Agreement may only be brought against, the Persons 

that are expressly named as parties to this Agreement. Except to the extent named as a party to this 

Agreement, and then only to the extent of the specific obligations of such parties set forth in this 

Agreement, no past, present or future shareholder, member, partner, manager, director, officer, 

employee, Affiliate, agent or Advisor of any Party or any Subsidiary of Sellers will have any 

liability (whether in Contract, tort, equity or otherwise) for any of the representations, warranties, 

covenants, agreements or other obligations or Liabilities of any of the parties to this Agreement or 

for any Action based upon, arising out of or related to this Agreement. 

10.8 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be 

interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable Law, but if any provision 

of this Agreement is held to be prohibited by or invalid under applicable Law in any jurisdiction, 

such provision will be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity in such 

jurisdiction, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of 

this Agreement or in any other jurisdiction. 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 76 of 140
 38 

10.9 Construction. The language used in this Agreement will be deemed to be the 

language chosen by the Parties to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction will 

be applied against any Person. The headings of the sections and paragraphs of this Agreement have 

been inserted for convenience of reference only and will in no way restrict or otherwise modify 

any of the terms or provisions hereof. 

10.10 Schedules. The Schedules have been arranged for purposes of convenience in 

separately numbered sections corresponding to the sections of this Agreement; however, each 

section of the Schedules will be deemed to incorporate by reference all information disclosed in 

any other section of the Schedules. Capitalized terms used in the Schedules and not otherwise 

defined therein have the meanings given to them in this Agreement. The specification of any dollar 

amount or the inclusion of any item in the representations and warranties contained in this 

Agreement, the Schedules or the attached exhibits is not intended to imply that the amounts, or 

higher or lower amounts, or the items so included, or other items, are or are not required to be 

disclosed (including whether such amounts or items are required to be disclosed as material or 

threatened) or are within or outside of the Ordinary Course, and no Party will use the fact of the 

setting of the amounts or the fact of the inclusion of any item in this Agreement, the Schedules, 

Updated Schedules, or exhibits in any dispute or controversy between the Parties as to whether 

any obligation, item or matter not set forth or included in this Agreement, the Schedules or exhibits 

is or is not required to be disclosed (including whether the amount or items are required to be 

disclosed as material or threatened) or are within or outside of the Ordinary Course. In addition, 

matters reflected in the Schedules are not necessarily limited to matters required by this Agreement 

to be reflected in the Schedules. Such additional matters are set forth for informational purposes 

only and do not necessarily include other matters of a similar nature. Any description of any 

agreement, document, instrument, plan, arrangement or other item set forth on any Schedule is a 

summary only and is qualified in its entirety by the terms of such agreement, document, instrument, 

plan, arrangement, or item which terms will be deemed disclosed for all purposes of this 

Agreement. The information contained in this Agreement, in the Schedules and exhibits hereto is 

disclosed solely for purposes of this Agreement, and no information contained herein or therein 

will be deemed to be an admission by any Party to any third party of any matter whatsoever, 

including any violation of Law or breach of Contract. 

10.11 Complete Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Confidentiality 

Agreement and any other agreements expressly referred to herein or therein, contains the entire 

agreement of the Parties respecting the sale and purchase of the Acquired Assets and the Assumed 

Liabilities and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and supersedes all prior 

agreements among the Parties respecting the sale and purchase of the Acquired Assets and the 

Assumed Liabilities and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. In the event an 

ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises with respect to this Agreement, the terms 

and provisions of the execution version of this Agreement will control and prior drafts of this 

Agreement and the documents referenced herein will not be considered or analyzed for any 

purpose (including in support of parol evidence proffered by any Person in connection with this 

Agreement), will be deemed not to provide any evidence as to the meaning of the provisions hereof 

or the intent of the Parties with respect hereto and will be deemed joint work product of the Parties. 

10.12 Specific Performance. The Parties agree that irreparable damage, for which 

monetary relief, even if available, would not be an adequate remedy, would occur in the event that 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 77 of 140
 39 

any provision of this Agreement is not performed in accordance with its specific terms or is 

otherwise breached, including if any of the Parties fails to take any action required of it hereunder 

to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. It is accordingly agreed that 

(a) the Parties will be entitled to an injunction or injunctions, specific performance or other 

equitable relief to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and 

provisions hereof in the courts described in Section 10.13 without proof of damages or otherwise, 

this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled under this Agreement, and 

(b) the right of specific performance and other equitable relief is an integral part of the transactions 

contemplated by this Agreement and without that right, neither Sellers nor Purchaser would have 

entered into this Agreement. The Parties acknowledge and agree that any Party pursuing an 

injunction or injunctions or other Order to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce 

specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement in accordance with this Section 10.12 will 

not be required to provide any bond or other security in connection with any such Order. The 

remedies available to Sellers pursuant to this Section 10.12 will be in addition to any other remedy 

to which they were entitled at law or in equity, and the election to pursue an injunction or specific 

performance will not restrict, impair or otherwise limit any Seller from seeking to collect or 

collecting damages. If, prior to the Outside Date, any Party brings any action, in each case in 

accordance with Section 10.12, to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions 

hereof by any other Party, the Outside Date will automatically be extended (y) for the period during 

which such action is pending, plus ten (10) Business Days or (z) by such other time period 

established by the court presiding over such action, as the case may be. In no event will this 

Section 10.12 be used, alone or together with any other provision of this Agreement, to require 

any Seller to remedy any breach of any representation or warranty of any Seller made herein. 

10.13 Jurisdiction and Exclusive Venue. Each of the Parties irrevocably agrees that any 

Action that may be based upon, arising out of, or related to this Agreement or the negotiation, 

execution or performance of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby brought by 

any other Party or its successors or assigns will be brought and determined only in (a) the 

Bankruptcy Court and any federal court to which an appeal from the Bankruptcy Court may be 

validly taken or (b) if the Bankruptcy Court is unwilling or unable to hear such Action, in the 

Delaware Chancery Court and any state court sitting in the State of Delaware to which an appeal 

from the Delaware Chancery Court may be validly taken (or, if the Delaware Chancery Court 

declines to accept jurisdiction over a particular matter, any state or federal court within the state 

of Delaware) ((a) and (b), the “Chosen Courts”), and each of the Parties hereby irrevocably submits 

to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Chosen Courts for itself and with respect to its property, 

generally and unconditionally, with regard to any such Action arising out of or relating to this 

Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Each of the Parties agrees not to commence 

any Action relating thereto except in the Chosen Courts, other than Actions in any court of 

competent jurisdiction to enforce any Order, decree or award rendered by any Chosen Court, and 

no Party will file a motion to dismiss any Action filed in a Chosen Court on any jurisdictional or 

venue-related grounds, including the doctrine of forum non-conveniens. The Parties irrevocably 

agree that venue would be proper in any of the Chosen Courts, and hereby irrevocably waive any 

objection that any such court is an improper or inconvenient forum for the resolution of such 

Action. Each of the Parties further irrevocably and unconditionally consents to service of process 

in the manner provided for notices in Section 10.3. Nothing in this Agreement will affect the right 

of any Party to this agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by Law. 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 78 of 140
 40 

10.14 Governing Law; Waiver of Jury Trial. 

Except to the extent the mandatory provisions of the Bankruptcy Code 

apply, this Agreement, and any Action that may be based upon, arising out of or related to this 

Agreement or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement or the transactions 

contemplated hereby will be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal Laws of 

the State of Delaware applicable to agreements executed and performed entirely within such State 

without regards to conflicts of law principles of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction that 

would cause the Laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware to apply. 

EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY 

CONTROVERSY THAT MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, THE DOCUMENTS 

AND AGREEMENTS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND THE TRANSACTIONS 

CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND THEREBY IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED 

AND DIFFICULT ISSUES AND THEREFORE HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST 

EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL 

BY JURY IN ANY ACTION BASED ON, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS 

AGREEMENT, ANY DOCUMENT OR AGREEMENT CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THE 

TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND THEREBY. EACH OF THE PARTIES 

AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH ACTION WILL BE DECIDED BY COURT 

TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY AND THAT THE PARTIES THIS AGREEMENT MAY FILE AN 

ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OF A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS 

WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES TO THE IRREVOCABLE 

WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY. EACH PARTY (I) CERTIFIES THAT NO 

ADVISOR OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, 

THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO 

ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (II) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE 

OTHER PARTIES HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, 

AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS 

SECTION. 

10.15 No Right of Set-Off. Purchaser, on its own behalf and on behalf the Purchaser 

Group and its and their respective successors and permitted assigns, hereby waives any rights of 

set-off, netting, offset, recoupment, or similar rights that Purchaser, any member of the Purchaser 

Group or any of its or their respective successors and permitted assigns has or may have with 

respect to the payment of the Purchase Price or any other payments to be made by Purchaser 

pursuant to this Agreement or any other document or instrument delivered by Purchaser in 

connection herewith. 

10.16 Counterparts and PDF. This Agreement and any other agreements referred to herein 

or therein, and any amendments hereto or thereto, may be executed in multiple counterparts, any 

one of which need not contain the signature of more than one party hereto or thereto, but all such 

counterparts taken together will constitute one and the same instrument. Any counterpart, to the 

extent signed and delivered by means of a facsimile machine, .PDF or other electronic 

transmission, will be treated in all manner and respects as an original Contract and will be 

considered to have the same binding legal effects as if it were the original signed version thereof 

delivered in person. Minor variations in the form of the signature page to this Agreement or any 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 79 of 140
 41 

agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, including footers from earlier versions of this 

Agreement or any such other document, will be disregarded in determining the effectiveness of 

such signature. At the request of any party or pursuant to any such Contract, each other party hereto 

or thereto will re-execute original forms thereof and deliver them to all other parties. No party 

hereto or to any such Contract will raise the use of a facsimile machine, .PDF or other electronic 

transmission to deliver a signature or the fact that any signature or Contract was transmitted or 

communicated through the use of facsimile machine, .PDF or other electronic transmission as a 

defense to the formation of a Contract and each such party forever waives any such defense. 

10.17 Publicity. Neither the Company nor Purchaser shall issue any press release or public 

announcement concerning this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby without 

obtaining the prior written approval of the other Party, which approval will not be unreasonably 

withheld or delayed, unless, in the reasonable judgment of Purchaser or the Company, disclosure 

is otherwise required by applicable Law or by the Bankruptcy Court with respect to filings to be 

made with the Bankruptcy Court in connection with this Agreement or by the applicable rules of 

any stock exchange on which Purchaser or the Company lists securities, provided that the Party 

intending to make such release shall use its best efforts consistent with such applicable Law or 

Bankruptcy Court requirement to consult with the other Party with respect to the text thereof. 

10.18 Bulk Sales Laws. The Parties intend that pursuant to section 363(f) of the 

Bankruptcy Code, the transfer of the Acquired Assets shall be free and clear of any Encumbrances 

in the Acquired Assets including any liens or claims arising out of the bulk transfer laws except 

Permitted Encumbrances, and the parties shall take such steps as may be necessary or appropriate 

to so provide in the Sale Order. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Party hereby waives 

compliance by the Parties with the “bulk sales,” “bulk transfers” or similar Laws and all other 

similar Laws in all applicable jurisdictions in respect of the transactions contemplated by this 

Agreement. 

10.19 Fiduciary Obligations. Nothing in this Agreement, or any document related to the 

transactions contemplated hereby, will require any Seller or any of their respective directors, 

officers or members, in each case, in their capacity as such, to take any action, or to refrain from 

taking any action, to the extent inconsistent with their fiduciary obligations. For the avoidance of 

doubt, Sellers retain the right to pursue any transaction or restructuring strategy that, in Sellers’ 

business judgment, will maximize the value of their estates. 

ARTICLE XI

ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETIVE MATTERS 

11.1 Certain Definitions. 

“Action” means any action, claim (including a counterclaim, cross-claim, 

or defense), complaint, grievance, summons, suit, litigation, arbitration, mediation, audit, 

proceeding (including any civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or appellate proceeding), 

prosecution, contest, hearing, inquiry, inquest, audit, examination or investigation, of any kind 

whatsoever, regardless of the legal theory under which such Liability or obligation may be sought 

to be imposed, whether sounding in Contract or tort, or whether at law or in equity, or otherwise 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 80 of 140
 42 

under any legal or equitable theory, commenced, brought, conducted or heard by or before, or 

otherwise involving, any Governmental Body or arbitrator. 

“Advisors” means, with respect to any Person, any directors, officers, 

employees, investment bankers, financial advisors, accountants, agents, attorneys, consultants, or 

other representatives of such Person. 

“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that, directly 

or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common 

control with, such Person, and the term “control” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under 

common control with”) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause 

the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through ownership of voting 

securities, by Contract or otherwise. 

“Alternative Transaction” means any transaction (or series of transactions) 

with a Person or Persons other than Purchaser in which any Seller sells, transfers or otherwise 

disposes of, whether directly or indirectly, through a sale, merger, acquisition, issuance, financing, 

recapitalization, reorganization, liquidation or disposition, any of the Acquired Assets held thereby 

(in any form of transaction, whether by merger, sale of assets or equity or otherwise); provided, 

however, that the foregoing shall not include sales of Inventory in the Ordinary Course. 

“Auction” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Bidding 

Procedures Order. 

“Bidding Procedures Order” means an Order substantially in the form 

attached hereto as Exhibit C or that is otherwise reasonably acceptable to the Parties. 

“Business” means Sellers’ business of marketing and selling Inventory to 

consumers who place orders for such Inventory through the “www.shopjustice.com” (and similar 

permutations thereof) website and related internet or mobile application based sales, marketing, 

advertising and social media channels. 

“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day 

on which banks in New York City, New York are authorized or required by Law to be closed. 

“Cash and Cash Equivalents” means all of the Company’s cash (including 

petty cash and checks received on the Closing Date), checking account balances, marketable 

securities, certificates of deposits, time deposits, bankers’ acceptances, commercial paper, security 

entitlements, securities accounts, commodity Contracts, commodity accounts, government 

securities, credit card receivables and any other cash equivalents, whether on hand, in transit, in 

banks or other financial institutions, or otherwise held. 

“Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986. 

“Confidentiality Agreement” means that certain Confidentiality 

Agreement, dated as of July 23, 2020, by and between the Company and Bluestar Alliance LLC. 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 81 of 140
 43 

“Consent” means any approval, consent, ratification, permission, waiver or 

other authorization, or an Order of the Bankruptcy Court that deems or renders unnecessary the 

same. 

“Contract” means any contract, purchase order, service order, sales order, 

indenture, note, bond, lease, sublease, mortgage, agreement, guarantee, purchase order, license or 

other agreement that is binding upon a Person or its property. 

“Customer Data” means (i) personally identifiable information and other 

data (e.g., aggregate data) pertaining to current or former customers, or prospective customers, 

used or held for use in the Business or the Retail Business, including email addresses and other 

contact information, and (ii) personally identifiable information and other data (e.g., aggregate 

data) pertaining to customer file information and associated transaction data (where applicable), 

including Facebook, Instagram and other social media contact information, in each case, used or 

held for use in the Business or the Retail Business. 

“Documents” means all of the Sellers’ written files, documents, 

instruments, papers, books, reports, records, tapes, microfilms, photographs, letters, budgets, 

forecasts, plans, operating records, safety and environmental reports, data, studies, and documents, 

Tax Returns, ledgers, journals, title policies, customer lists, regulatory filings, operating data and 

plans, research material, technical documentation (design specifications, engineering information, 

test results, maintenance schedules, functional requirements, operating instructions, logic manuals, 

processes, flow charts, etc.), user documentation (installation guides, user manuals, training 

materials, release notes, working papers, etc.), marketing documentation (sales brochures, flyers, 

pamphlets, web pages, etc.), and other similar materials, in each case whether or not in electronic 

form. 

“Encumbrance” means any lien (as defined in section 101(37) of the 

Bankruptcy Code), encumbrance, claim (as defined in section 101(5) of the Bankruptcy Code), 

charge, mortgage, deed of trust, option, pledge, security interest or similar interests, 

hypothecations, easements, rights of way, encroachments, Orders and conditional sale or other title 

retention agreements. 

“Expense Reimbursement” means an amount, not to exceed $200,000 of 

Purchaser’s actual, reasonable, documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with 

the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including all fees of professionals retained by 

Purchaser. 

“GAAP” means United States generally accepted accounting principles as 

in effect from time to time. 

“Governmental Authorization” means any permit, license, certificate, 

approval, consent, permission, clearance, designation, qualification or authorization issued, 

granted, given or otherwise made available by or under the authority of any Governmental Body 

or pursuant to any Law. 

“Governmental Body” means any government, quasi governmental entity, 

or other governmental or regulatory body, agency or political subdivision thereof of any nature, 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 82 of 140
 44 

whether foreign, federal, state or local, or any agency, branch, department, official, entity, 

instrumentality or authority thereof, or any court or arbitrator (public or private) of applicable 

jurisdiction. 

“Intellectual Property” means all of the following: (i) patents, patent 

applications and patent disclosures; (ii) trademarks, service marks, slogans, logos, trade dress and 

other similar designations of origin and registrations and applications for any of the foregoing, 

together with all goodwill associated with each of the foregoing (collectively, “Trademarks”); 

(iii) copyrights and copyrightable subject matter including registrations and applications 

associated with each of the foregoing; (iv) internet domain name registrations and social media 

accounts; (v) art, archive files, products samples and catalogs; (vi) marketing, advertising and 

promotional materials, and (vii) trade secrets and other confidential or proprietary business 

information (including manufacturing and production processes and techniques, research and 

development information, technology, drawings, specifications, designs, plans, proposals, 

technical data, financial, marketing and business data, pricing and cost information, business and 

marketing plans, customer and supplier lists and information), know how, proprietary processes, 

formulae, algorithms, models and methodologies. 

“Inventory” means all inventory (including finished goods, supplies, raw 

materials, work in progress, spare, replacement and component parts) maintained or held by or on 

behalf of, stored by or on behalf of, or in transit to, any of Sellers. 

“knowledge of the Company,” “Company’s knowledge” and words of 

similar import mean the actual knowledge of Derek Durley and Jonathan Mugler after reasonable 

inquiry. 

“Law” means any federal, state, provincial, local, municipal, foreign or 

international, multinational or other law, statute, legislation, constitution, principle of common 

law, resolution, ordinance, code, edict, decree, proclamation, treaty, convention, rule, regulation, 

ruling, directive, pronouncement, determination, decision, opinion or requirement issued, enacted, 

adopted, promulgated, implemented or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any 

Governmental Body. 

“Liability” means, as to any Person, any debt, adverse claim, liability 

(including any liability that results from, relates to or arises out of tort or any other product liability 

claim), duty, responsibility, obligation, commitment, assessment, cost, expense, loss, expenditure, 

charge, fee, penalty, fine, contribution, or premium of any kind or nature whatsoever, whether 

known or unknown, asserted or unasserted, absolute or contingent, direct or indirect, accrued or 

unaccrued, liquidated or unliquidated, or due or to become due, and regardless of when sustained, 

incurred or asserted or when the relevant events occurred or circumstances existed. 

“Material Adverse Effect” means any event, change, occurrence, or effect 

(each, an “Effect”) that, individually or in the aggregate with all other Effects, has had, or would 

reasonably be expected to have, a material adverse effect on the Acquired Assets and Assumed 

Liabilities, taken as whole; provided that none of the following shall constitute, or be taken into 

account in determining whether or not there has been, a Material Adverse Effect: (i) Effects in, 

arising from or relating to general business or economic conditions affecting the industry in which 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 83 of 140
 45 

the Company and its Subsidiaries operate, (ii) Effects in, arising from or relating to national or 

international political or social conditions, including the engagement by the United States in 

hostilities or the escalation thereof, whether or not pursuant to the declaration of a national 

emergency or war, or the occurrence or the escalation of any military, cyber or terrorist attack upon 

the United States, or any of its territories, possessions, or diplomatic or consular offices or upon 

any military installation, asset, equipment or personnel of the United States, (iii) Effects in, arising 

from or relating to financial, banking, or securities markets (including (A) any disruption of any 

of the foregoing markets, (B) any change in currency exchange rates, (C) any decline or rise in the 

price of any security, commodity, Contract or index and (D) any increased cost, or decreased 

availability, of capital or pricing or terms related to any financing for the transactions contemplated 

by this Agreement), (iv) Effects in, arising from or relating to changes in, GAAP, (v) Effects in, 

arising from or relating to changes in, Laws or other binding directives or determinations issued 

or made by or agreements with or consents of any Governmental Body, (vi) Effects in, arising 

from or relating to (A) the taking of any action permitted or contemplated by this Agreement or at 

the request of Purchaser or its Affiliates, (B) the failure to take any action if such action is 

prohibited by this Agreement, (C) Purchaser’s failure to consent to any of the actions restricted in 

Section 6.1 or (D) the negotiation, announcement or pendency of this Agreement or the 

transactions contemplated hereby or the identity, nature or ownership of Purchaser, (vii) Effects 

in, arising from or relating to any matter set forth in the Schedules, (viii) Effects that arise from 

any seasonal fluctuations in the business, (ix) any failure, in and of itself, to achieve any budgets, 

projections, forecasts, estimates, plans, predictions, performance metrics or operating statistics or 

the inputs into such items (whether or not shared with Purchaser or its Affiliates or Advisors) (but, 

for the avoidance of doubt, not the underlying causes of any such failure to the extent such 

underlying cause is not otherwise excluded from the definition of Material Adverse Effect), (x) the 

effect of any action taken by Purchaser or its Affiliates with respect to the transactions completed 

by this Agreement or the financing thereof or any breach by Purchaser of the Agreement, (xi) (A) 

the commencement or pendency of the Bankruptcy Case; (B) any objections in the Bankruptcy 

Court to (1) this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, (2) the 

reorganization of Sellers, (3) the Bidding Procedures Order or (4) the assumption or rejection of 

any Assigned Contract; (C) any Order of the Bankruptcy Court or any actions or omissions of 

Sellers or their Subsidiaries in compliance therewith, or (xi) any fire, flood, hurricane, earthquake, 

tornado, windstorm, other calamity or act of God, global or national health concern, epidemic, 

pandemic (whether or not declared as such by any Governmental Body), viral outbreak (including 

the “Coronavirus” or “COVID-19”) or any quarantine or trade restrictions related thereto or any 

other force majeure.

“Order” means any order, injunction, order, decree, ruling, writ, assessment 

or arbitration award of a Governmental Body, including any order entered by the Bankruptcy Court 

in the Bankruptcy Case (including the Sale Order). 

“Ordinary Course” means the ordinary and usual course of operations of the 

business of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole consistent with past practice and 

taking into account the commencement and pendency of the Bankruptcy Case. 

“Permitted Encumbrances” means (i) Encumbrances for utilities and 

current Taxes not yet due and payable, being contested in good faith, or the nonpayment of which 

is permitted or required by the Bankruptcy Code; (ii) easements, rights of way, restrictive 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 84 of 140
 46 

covenants, encroachments and similar non-monetary encumbrances or non-monetary impediments 

against any of the tangible Acquired Assets which do not, individually or in the aggregate, 

adversely affect the operation of the Acquired Assets, (iii) applicable zoning Laws, building codes, 

land use restrictions and other similar restrictions imposed by Law, (iv) materialmans’, 

mechanics’, artisans’, shippers’, warehousemans’ or other similar common law or statutory liens 

incurred in the Ordinary Course for amounts not yet due and payable, (v) licenses granted on a 

non-exclusive basis in the Ordinary Course (none of which entitle the licensee to manufacture or 

distribute products incorporating the Transferred Intellectual Property), (vi) such other 

Encumbrances or title exceptions as Purchaser may approve in writing in its sole discretion or 

which do not, individually or in the aggregate, materially and adversely affect the operation of the 

Acquired Assets, (vii) any Encumbrances set forth on Schedule 11.1(cc), and (viii) solely for the 

purposes of the representations and warranties in Article III, any Encumbrances that will be 

removed or released by operation of the Sale Order. 

“Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability 

company, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated organization, labor union, estate, 

Governmental Body or other entity or group. 

“Post-Closing Tax Period” means (i) any taxable period beginning after the 

Closing Date and (ii) the portion of any Straddle Period beginning after the Closing Date. 

“Pre-Closing Tax Period” means (i) any taxable period ending on or before 

the Closing Date and (ii) the portion of any Straddle Period ending on the Closing Date. 

“Privacy Laws” means all applicable Laws concerning data protection, 

privacy or security. 

“Purchaser Group” means Purchaser, any Affiliate of Purchaser and each of 

their respective former, current or future Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, partners, 

members, managers, agents, Advisors, successors or permitted assigns. 

“Sale Order” means an Order of the Bankruptcy Court reasonably 

acceptable to the Parties approving this Agreement and authorizing Sellers to undertake the 

transactions contemplated hereunder, which has either become final and non-appealable or 

contains an express waiver of Bankruptcy Rule 6004(h). 

“Seller Parties” means Sellers and the Company’s Subsidiaries and each of 

their respective former, current, or future Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, partners, 

members, equityholders, controlling or controlled Persons, managers, agents, Advisors, successors 

or permitted assigns. 

“Straddle Period” means any Tax period beginning before, and ending after, 

the Closing Date. 

“Subsidiary” or “Subsidiaries” means, with respect to any Person, any 

corporation of which a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard 

to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees 

thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 85 of 140
 47 

the other Subsidiaries of such Person or a combination thereof or any partnership, association or 

other business entity of which a majority of the partnership or other similar ownership interest is 

at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more Subsidiaries 

of such Person or a combination thereof. 

“Tax” or “Taxes” means any federal, state, local, provincial, foreign or other 

income, accumulated earnings, personal holding company, net worth, capital, intangibles, windfall 

profits, goods and services, excise, customs duties, conveyance, mortgage, registration, 

documentary, recording, premium, severance, environmental, natural resources, intangibles, rent, 

occupancy, license, employment, workers’ compensation, payroll, health care, gross receipts, 

capital stock, franchise, profits, withholding, social security, unemployment, disability, real 

property, ad valorem/personal property, stamp, excise, occupation, sales, use, transfer, value 

added, import, export, alternative minimum or estimated other similar tax, duty, levy, or other 

governmental charge or assessment or deficiency thereof (including all interest, penalties thereon 

and additions thereto, whether disputed or not). 

“Tax Refund” means any Tax refund, credit or similar benefit with respect 

to or related to Taxes (including any interest paid or credited with respect thereto). 

“Tax Return” means any return, declaration, claim for refund, report, 

statement or information return or other document (including any related or supporting estimates, 

elections, schedules, statements, information or amendments) filed or required to be filed in 

connection with the determination, assessment, or collection of any Tax or the administration of 

any laws, regulations or administrative requirements, including any schedule or attachment 

thereto, and including any amendments thereof. 

11.2 Index of Defined Terms. 

Acquired Assets .......................................... 1 

Acquired Inventory ..................................... 4 

Agreement ................................................... 1 

Allocation .................................................. 33 

Allocation Methodology ........................... 33 

Assigned Contracts ..................................... 2 

Assigned POs .............................................. 2 

Assignment and Assumption Agreement .... 8 

Assumed Liabilities .................................... 4 

Backup Bidder .......................................... 17 

Bankruptcy Case ......................................... 1 

Bankruptcy Code ........................................ 1 

Bankruptcy Court ........................................ 1 

Bankruptcy Rules ........................................ 1 

Break-Up Fee ............................................ 19 

Cash Purchase Price .................................... 7 

Chosen Courts ........................................... 39 

Closing ........................................................ 8 

Closing Date................................................ 8 

Closing Date Payment................................. 7 

Company ..................................................... 1 

Cure Costs ................................................... 5 

Customer Data Use Requirements ............ 28 

Dataroom................................................... 16 

Deposit ........................................................ 7 

Enforceability Exceptions ......................... 10 

Excluded Assets .......................................... 3 

Excluded Contracts ..................................... 3 

Excluded Liabilities .................................... 5 

Express Representations ........................... 16 

Guarantor .................................................... 1 

Information Presentation ........................... 16 

IP Assignment Agreement .......................... 9 

Other Data ................................................... 2 

Outside Date.............................................. 31 

Parties .......................................................... 1 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 86 of 140
 48 

Party ............................................................ 1 

Permits ...................................................... 12 

Projections................................................. 27 

Purchase Price ............................................. 7 

Purchaser ..................................................... 1 

Retail Business ............................................ 2 

Scheduled Patents ....................................... 2 

Security Incident ....................................... 14 

Seller ........................................................... 1 

Sellers .......................................................... 1 

Successful Bidder ...................................... 17 

Transfer Taxes .......................................... 33 

Transferred Intellectual Property ................ 2 

Transferred Trademarks .............................. 2 

Updated Schedules .................................... 25 

11.3 Rules of Interpretation. Unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the 

following will apply to this Agreement, the Schedules and any other certificate, instrument, 

agreement or other document contemplated hereby or delivered hereunder. 

Accounting terms which are not otherwise defined in this Agreement have 

the meanings given to them under GAAP consistently applied. To the extent that the definition of 

an accounting term defined in this Agreement is inconsistent with the meaning of such term under 

GAAP, the definition set forth in this Agreement will control. 

The terms “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and terms of similar import 

are references to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. 

Section, clause, schedule and exhibit references contained in this Agreement are references to 

sections, clauses, schedules and exhibits in or to this Agreement, unless otherwise specified. All 

Exhibits and Schedules annexed hereto or referred to herein are hereby incorporated in and made 

a part of this Agreement as if set forth in full herein. Any capitalized terms used in any Schedule 

or Exhibit but not otherwise defined therein shall be defined as set forth in this Agreement. 

Whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this 

Agreement, they will be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” Where the 

context permits, the use of the term “or” will be equivalent to the use of the term “and/or.” 

The words “to the extent” shall mean “the degree by which” and not “if.” 

When calculating the period of time before which, within which or 

following which any act is to be done or step taken pursuant to this Agreement, the date that is the 

reference date in calculating such period will be excluded. If the last day of such period is a day 

other than a Business Day, the period in question will end on the next succeeding Business Day. 

Words denoting any gender will include all genders, including the neutral 

gender. Where a word is defined herein, references to the singular will include references to the 

plural and vice versa. 

The word “will” will be construed to have the same meaning and effect as 

the word “shall”. The words “shall,” “will,” or “agree(s)” are mandatory, and “may” is permissive. 

All references to “$” and dollars will be deemed to refer to United States 

currency unless otherwise specifically provided. 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 87 of 140
 49 

All references to a day or days will be deemed to refer to a calendar day or 

calendar days, as applicable, unless otherwise specifically provided. 

Any document or item will be deemed “delivered,” “provided” or “made 

available” by the Company, within the meaning of this Agreement if such document or item (a) is 

included in the Dataroom, (b) actually delivered or provided to Purchaser or any of Purchaser’s 

Advisors or (c) made available upon request, including at the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ 

offices. 

Any reference to any agreement or Contract will be a reference to such 

agreement or Contract, as amended, modified, supplemented or waived. 

Any reference to any particular Code section or any Law will be interpreted 

to include any amendment to, revision of or successor to that section or Law regardless of how it 

is numbered or classified; provided that, for the purposes of the representations and warranties set 

forth herein, with respect to any violation of or non-compliance with, or alleged violation of or 

non-compliance, with any Code section or Law, the reference to such Code section or Law means 

such Code section or Law as in effect at the time of such violation or non-compliance or alleged 

violation or non-compliance. 

All references to a day or days shall be deemed to refer to a calendar day or 

calendar days, as applicable, unless otherwise specifically provided. 

A reference to any Party to this Agreement or any other agreement or 

document shall include such Party’s successors and permitted assigns. 

[Signature page(s) follow.]

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 88 of 140
[Signature page to Asset Purchase Agreement] 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by 

their respective duly authorized officers as of the date first above written. 

PURCHASER: 

JUSTICE BRAND HOLDINGS LLC 

By: ______________________________ 

Name: Joseph Sutton 

Title: Authorized Signatory 

GUARANTOR: 

BLUESTAR ALLIANCE LLC 

By:______________________________ 

Name: Joseph Sutton 

Title: Authorized Signatory 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 89 of 140
Signature Page to Asset Purchase Agreement 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by 

their respective duly authorized officers as of the date first above written. 

ASCENA RETAIL GROUP, INC. 

By: ______________________________ 

Name: Dan Lamadrid 

Title: Executive Vice President, Chief Financial 

Officer and Assistant Treasurer 

TWEEN BRANDS, INC. 

By: ______________________________ 

Name: Dan Lamadrid 

Title: Executive Vice President and Assistant 

Treasurer 

TWEEN BRANDS INVESTMENT, LLC 

By: ______________________________ 

Name: Dan Lamadrid 

Title: Executive Vice President and Assistant 

Treasurer

TWEEN BRANDS SERVICE CO. 

By: ______________________________ 

Name: Dan Lamadrid 

Title: Executive Vice President and Assistant 

Treasurer 



	


 Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 90 of 140
 Signature Page to Asset Purchase Agreement

TWEEN BRANDS DIRECT SERVICES, INC. 

By: ______________________________ 

Name: Dan Lamadrid 

Title: Executive Vice President and Assistant 

Treasurer 

TWEEN BRANDS MARKETING, INC. 

By: ______________________________ 

Name: Dan Lamadrid 

Title: Executive Vice President and Assistant 

Treasurer 

TWEEN BRANDS AGENCY, INC. 

By: ______________________________ 

Name: Dan Lamadrid 

Title: Executive Vice President and Assistant 

Treasurer 



	


 Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 91 of 140
FORM OF BILL OF SALE, ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

This BILL OF SALE ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT (this 

“Agreement”) is executed as of [●], 2020 (the “Closing Date”), by and among (i) Justice Brand 

Holdings LLC, a New York limited liability company (“Assignee”) and (ii) Ascena Retail Group, 

Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the subsidiaries of the Company that are 

indicated on the signature pages attached hereto (together with the Company, each an “Assignor” 

and collectively “Assignors”). Assignors and Assignee may be referred to herein, individually, as 

a “Party” and, collectively, as the “Parties.”

WHEREAS, this Agreement is being delivered in connection with the Closing of the 

transactions contemplated by that certain Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 20, 2020, 

by and among the Assignors and Assignee (the “Purchase Agreement”);

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, each Assignor has agreed to sell, 

transfer, assign and convey to Assignee, and Assignee has agreed to purchase, acquire and accept 

from such Assignors, all of such Assignors’ direct or indirect right, title and interest in, to and 

under certain assets and liabilities;

WHEREAS, this Agreement, as duly executed by Assignee and each Assignor, is being 

delivered as of the date hereof by each Party to the other Parties effective as of the Closing.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the covenants and agreements 

herein contained and intending to be legally bound hereby, Assignee and Assignors do hereby 

agree as follows:

I.

BILL OF SALE; ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

1.1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement have the 

meanings given to such terms in the Purchase Agreement.

1.2. Assignment. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Purchase 

Agreement, effective as of the Closing, Assignors hereby irrevocably, absolutely and 

unconditionally sell, transfer, assign and convey to Assignee, and Assignee hereby accepts, all of 

the Assignors’ rights, titles and interests in, to and under the Acquired Assets. For the avoidance 

of doubt, the assignment of any rights, title or interests in Transferred Intellectual Property 

pursuant to this Section 1.2 shall include the rights, as applicable: (i) to sue and recover damages 

and obtain other equitable relief for past, present and future infringement, dilution, 

misappropriation or other violation or conflict associated with such Transferred Intellectual 

Property, (ii) to collect future royalties and other payments under such Transferred Intellectual 

Property, (iii) to claim priority based on such Transferred Intellectual Property under the laws of 

any jurisdiction and/or under international conventions or treaties, (iv) to prosecute, register, 

maintain and defend such Transferred Intellectual Property before any public or private agency, 

office or registrar and (v) to fully and entirely stand in the place of the Assignors and their 

Affiliates, as applicable, in all matters related to such Transferred Intellectual Property.

(;+,%,7$

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 92 of 140
 2

1.3. Excluded Assets. Assignors except, reserve, and exclude all of Assignors’ rights, 

titles and interests in, to and under the Excluded Assets, as provided in the Purchase Agreement. 

Without limiting the foregoing, Assignors do not hereby sell, transfer, assign and convey to 

Assignee any right, title or interest in any assets, properties and rights of Assignors that are not 

Acquired Assets.

1.4. Assumed Liabilities. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in Section 

1.3 of the Purchase Agreement, effective as of the Closing, Assignee will assume and become 

responsible for the Assumed Liabilities. Assignee agrees to pay, perform, honor and discharge, or 

cause to be paid, performed, honored and discharged, all Assumed Liabilities in a timely manner 

in accordance with the terms thereof.

1.5. Excluded Liabilities. Assignee shall not assume, be deemed to have assumed or be 

liable or obligated to pay, perform or otherwise discharge or in any other manner be liable or 

responsible for the Excluded Liabilities, as provided in the Purchase Agreement.

II.

MISCELLANEOUS

2.1. Purchase Agreement. This Agreement is expressly made subject to the terms of the 

Purchase Agreement. The delivery of this Agreement shall not amend, affect, enlarge, diminish, 

supersede, modify, replace, rescind, waive or otherwise impair any of the representations, 

warranties, covenants, indemnities, terms or provisions of the Purchase Agreement or any of the 

rights, remedies or obligations of any Assignor or Assignee provided for therein or arising 

therefrom in any way, all of which shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with their 

terms. The representations, warranties, covenants, indemnities, terms and provisions contained in 

the Purchase Agreement shall not be merged with or into this Agreement but shall survive the 

execution and delivery of this Agreement to the extent, and in the manner, set forth in the Purchase 

Agreement. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the terms of the Purchase 

Agreement and the terms of this Agreement (including the schedules hereto), the terms of the 

Purchase Agreement shall control.

2.2. Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement shall bind and inure to 

the benefit of Assignors and Assignee and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

2.3. Amendment and Waiver. Any provision of this Agreement may be (a) amended 

only in a writing signed by Assignors and Assignee or (b) waived only in a writing executed by 

the Person against which enforcement of such waiver is sought. No waiver of any provision 

hereunder or any breach or default thereof will extend to or affect in any way any other provision 

or prior or subsequent breach or default.

2.4. Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be 

interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable Law, but if any provision 

of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such provision 

shall be ineffective as to such jurisdiction to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or 

unenforceability without invalidating or affecting the remaining provisions hereof or affecting the 

validity, legality or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. Upon such a 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 93 of 140
 3

determination, the Parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to 

effect the original intent of the Parties hereto as closely as possible in a reasonably acceptable 

manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby may be consummated as originally 

contemplated to the fullest extent possible.

2.5. Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction and Venue; Jury Trial Waiver

(a) Except to the extent the mandatory provisions of the Bankruptcy Code 

apply, this Agreement, and any Action that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this 

Agreement or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement or the 

transactions contemplated hereby will be governed by and construed in accordance with 

the internal Laws of the State of Delaware applicable to agreements executed and 

performed entirely within such State without regards to conflicts of law principles of the 

State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction that would cause the Laws of any jurisdiction 

other than the State of Delaware to apply.

(b) Each of the Parties irrevocably agrees that any Action that may be based 

upon, arising out of or related to this Agreement or the negotiation, execution or 

performance of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby brought by any 

other Party or its successors or assigns will be brought and determined only in (a) the 

Bankruptcy Court and any federal court to which an appeal from the Bankruptcy Court 

may be validly taken or (b) in the event the Bankruptcy Case is closed, or if the Bankruptcy 

Court is unwilling or unable to hear such Action, in the Delaware Chancery Court or any 

state court sitting in the State of Delaware to which an appeal from the Delaware Chancery 

Court may be validly taken (or, if the State of Delaware Chancery Court declines to accept 

jurisdiction over a particular matter, any state of federal court within the State of Delaware) 

((a) and (b), the “Chosen Courts”), and each of the Parties hereby irrevocably submits to 

the exclusive jurisdiction of the Chosen Courts for itself and with respect to its property, 

generally and unconditionally, with regard to any such Action arising out of or relating to 

this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Each of the Parties agrees not to 

commence any Action relating thereto except in the Chosen Courts, other than Action in 

any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce any judgment, decree or award rendered by 

any Chosen Court, and no Party will file a motion to dismiss any Action filed in a Chosen 

Court on any jurisdictional or venue-related grounds, including the doctrine of forum nonconveniens. The Parties irrevocably agree that venue would be proper in any of the Chosen 

Courts, and hereby irrevocably waive any objection that any such court is an improper or 

inconvenient forum for the resolution of such Action. Each of the Parties further 

irrevocably and unconditionally consents to service of process in the manner provided for 

notices in Section 10.3 of the Purchase Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement will affect 

the right of any Party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by 

Law.

(c) EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY 

CONTROVERSY THAT MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, THE 

DOCUMENTS AND AGREEMENTS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND THE 

TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND THEREBY IS LIKELY TO 

INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES AND THEREFORE HEREBY 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 94 of 140
 4

WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY 

RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION BASED ON, 

ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY DOCUMENT OR 

AGREEMENT CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THE TRANSACTIONS 

CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND THEREBY. EACH OF THE PARTIES AGREES 

AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH ACTION WILL BE DECIDED BY COURT 

TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY AND THAT THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY 

FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OF A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH 

ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES TO 

THE IRREVOCABLE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY. EACH 

PARTY (I) CERTIFIES THAT NO ADVISOR OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS 

REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY 

WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE 

FOREGOING WAIVER AND (II) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER 

PARTY HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, 

AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN 

THIS SECTION 2.5(c).

2.6. Captions. The captions and article and section numbers in this Agreement are for 

convenience only and do not constitute a part of this Agreement and shall not affect in any way 

the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. References in this Agreement to articles and 

sections are to articles and sections of this Agreement unless otherwise specified.

2.7. Counterparts and PDF. This Agreement may be executed in one or more 

counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together will constitute 

one and the same instrument. This Agreement or any counterpart may be executed and delivered 

by facsimile copies or delivered by electronic communications by portable document format (.pdf), 

each of which shall be deemed an original. At the request of any Party, each other Party hereto 

will re-execute original forms of this Agreement and deliver them to all other parties. No Party 

will raise the use of a facsimile machine, .PDF or other electronic transmission to deliver a 

signature or the fact that any signature or contract was transmitted or communicated through the 

use of facsimile machine, .PDF or other electronic transmission as a defense to the formation of a 

contract and each such Party forever waives any such defense.

[Signature Pages Follow]

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 95 of 140
Signature page to Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by 

their respective duly authorized officers as of the date first above written, to be effective as of the 

Closing Date.

ASSIGNORS:

ASCENA RETAIL GROUP, INC.

By: ______________________________

Name: 

Title:

TWEEN BRANDS, INC.

By: ______________________________

Name: 

Title:

TWEEN BRANDS INVESTMENTS, 

LLC

By: ______________________________

Name: 

Title:

TWEEN BRANDS SERVICE CO.

By: ______________________________

Name: 

Title:

TWEEN BRANDS DIRECT SERVICES, 

INC.

By: ______________________________

Name: 

Title:

TWEEN BRANDS MARKETING, INC.

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 96 of 140
Signature page to Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement

By: ______________________________

Name: 

Title:

TWEEN BRANDS AGENCY, INC.

By: ______________________________

Name: 

Title:

ASSIGNEE:

JUSTICE BRAND HOLDINGS LLC

By: ________________________________

Name:

Title:

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 97 of 140
EXHIBIT B

FORM OF COPYRIGHT ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT

This COPYRIGHT ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of [•], 

2020 (the “Effective Date”), is by and between Justice Brand Holdings LLC, a New York limited 

liability company (“Assignee”) and Tween Brands Investment, LLC, an Ohio limited liability 

company (the “Assignor”).

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Agreement, Assignor wishes to assign to Assignee, and 

Assignee wishes to acquire from Assignor, the entire right, title and interest in and to the 

registered copyrights described on Schedule 1 attached hereto (the “Copyrights”), including, 

without limitation, the right to create derivative works based upon the Copyrights.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency 

of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. Assignor hereby sells, assigns, transfers, and relinquishes to Assignee, its

successors, assigns, and legal representatives the entire right, title, and interest in and to the 

Copyrights for the United States and all foreign countries, whether or not copyright registration 

is secured, including, without limitation, any copyright registration applications, any renewals 

and extensions thereof, and in and to all works based upon, derived from, or incorporating the 

Copyrights, and in and to all income, royalties, damages, claims, and payments now or hereafter 

due or payable with respect thereto, and in and to all causes of action, either in law or in equity 

for past, present or future infringement based on the Copyrights, and in and to all rights 

corresponding to the foregoing throughout the world, and all the rights embraced therein, 

including but not limited to, the right to duplicate, reproduce, copy, distribute, display, license, 

adapt, and prepare derivative works from the Copyrights, together with all physical or tangible 

embodiments of the Copyrights, for Assignee’s own use and enjoyment, and for the use and 

enjoyment of Assignee’s successors, assigns or other legal representatives, as fully and entirely 

as the same would have been held and enjoyed by Assignor if this Assignment had not been 

made, together with all physical or tangible embodiments of the Copyrights.

2. Assignor hereby authorizes and requests the Register of Copyrights of the United

States, and the corresponding entity or agency in any applicable foreign country, to record 

Assignee as assignee and owner of the Copyrights. Assignee shall be responsible for any and all 

costs and expenses associated with recording this Agreement with the applicable copyright 

office(s). Assignor agrees to take all reasonable actions and execute and deliver all documents 

that Assignee may reasonably request to effect the terms of this Agreement and to perfect 

Assignee’s title in, to and under the Copyrights. 

3. The terms of this Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of and

be enforceable by the respective successors and permitted assigns of the parties hereto.

4. This Agreement, the Asset Purchase Agreement by and between Ascena Retail

Group, Inc. (the “Company”), Assignor, Assignee and certain other subsidiaries of the Company 

dated October 20, 2020 and the schedules and exhibits thereto contain the entire agreement 

between the parties and supersede any previous communications, representations, or agreements, 

verbal or written, relating to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement may only be 

amended by a writing signed by both parties. 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 98 of 140
5. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which 

shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same 

instrument.

[Signatures follow on next page]

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 99 of 140
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed 

as of the date first above written.

ASSIGNEE 

JUSTICE BRAND HOLDINGS LLC 

By:

Name:

Title:

Dated:

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 100 of 140
ASSIGNOR

TWEEN BRANDS INVESTMENT, LLC 

By:

Name:

Title:

Dated:

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 101 of 140
EXHIBIT B

FORM OF FOREIGN TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT

This FOREIGN TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), 

dated as of [•], 2020 (the “Effective Date”), is by and between Justice Brand Holdings LLC, a New 

York limited liability company (“Assignee”) and Tween Brands Investment, LLC, an Ohio limited 

liability company (the “Assignor”).

WHEREAS, Assignor is the owner of trademarks and service marks, including those 

trademark registrations and applications listed on Attachment 1 hereto (such trademarks and 

service marks, common law or otherwise, registered or not registered, registrations and, to the 

extent assignable, applications therefor (including intent to use applications), as well as all 

goodwill appurtenant thereto, being referred to herein as the “Trademarks”);

WHEREAS, Assignee is the successor of the ongoing and existing business or portion 

thereof of Assignor’s business to which the Trademarks pertain; and

WHEREAS, Assignor wishes to assign such Trademarks to Assignee;

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of 

which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. As of the Effective Date, Assignor hereby assigns and transfers to Assignee, all of

its right, title and interest in all Trademarks owned by Assignor, together with all registrations that 

have been or may be granted thereon, all applications for registrations thereof, all common law 

rights thereto and the goodwill of the business symbolized by and appurtenant to the Trademarks, 

including those listed in Attachment 1 hereto, free and clear of any charge, lien, claim, security 

interest or other similar restriction, and including Assignor’s right to all income, royalties and 

payments due or payable with respect thereto, the right to sue for and collect damages and other 

recoveries for past, present and future infringement thereof and the right to prosecute and maintain 

trademark applications and the registrations for the Trademarks. The assignment contemplated 

herein is meant to be an absolute assignment and not by way of security. 

2. Assignor hereby authorizes and requests the patent and trademark offices in the

applicable foreign countries to record Assignee as the assignee and owner of the Trademarks, and 

to issue all corresponding registrations to the Assignee, its successors, legal representatives and 

assigns, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Assignee shall be responsible for any 

and all costs and expenses associated with recording this Agreement with the applicable trademark 

office(s). Assignor agrees to take all reasonable actions and execute and deliver all documents 

that Assignee may reasonably request to effect the terms of this Agreement and to perfect 

Assignee’s title in, to and under the Trademarks. 

3. The terms of this Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of and

be enforceable by the respective successors and permitted assigns of the parties hereto.

4. This Agreement, the Asset Purchase Agreement by and between Ascena Retail

Group, Inc. (the “Company”), Assignor, Assignee and certain other subsidiaries of the Company 

dated October 20, 2020 and the schedules and exhibits thereto contain the entire agreement 

between the parties and supersede any previous communications, representations, or agreements, 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 102 of 140
2

verbal or written, relating to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement may only be 

amended by a writing signed by both parties. 

5. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which 

shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same 

instrument.

[Signatures follow on next page]

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 103 of 140
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly 

executed as of the date first above written.

ASSIGNEE 

JUSTICE BRAND HOLDINGS LLC 

By:

Name:

Title:

Dated:

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 104 of 140
ASSIGNOR

TWEEN BRANDS INVESTMENT, LLC 

By:

Name:

Title:

Dated:

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 105 of 140
ATTACHMENT 11

1 Note to Draft: To match foreign trademark registrations and applications in disclosure schedules.

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 106 of 140
EXHIBIT B

FORM OF U.S. TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT

This U.S. TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of 

[•], 2020 (the “Effective Date”), is by and between Justice Brand Holdings LLC, a New York 

limited liability company (“Assignee”) and Tween Brands Investment, LLC, an Ohio limited 

liability company (the “Assignor”).

WHEREAS, Assignor is the owner of trademarks and service marks, including those 

trademark registrations and applications listed on Attachment 1 hereto (such trademarks and 

service marks, common law or otherwise, registered or not registered, registrations and, to the 

extent assignable, applications therefor (including intent to use applications), as well as all 

goodwill appurtenant thereto, being referred to herein as the “Trademarks”);

WHEREAS, Assignee is the successor of the ongoing and existing business or portion 

thereof of Assignor’s business to which the Trademarks pertain; and

WHEREAS, Assignor wishes to assign such Trademarks to Assignee;

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of 

which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. As of the Effective Date, Assignor hereby assigns and transfers to Assignee, all of 

its right, title and interest in all Trademarks owned by Assignor, together with all registrations that 

have been or may be granted thereon, all applications for registrations thereof, all common law 

rights thereto and the goodwill of the business symbolized by and appurtenant to the Trademarks, 

including those listed in Attachment 1 hereto, free and clear of any charge, lien, claim, security 

interest or other similar restriction, and including Assignor’s right to all income, royalties and 

payments due or payable with respect thereto, the right to sue for and collect damages and other 

recoveries for past, present and future infringement thereof and the right to prosecute and maintain 

trademark applications and the registrations for the Trademarks. The assignment contemplated 

herein is meant to be an absolute assignment and not by way of security. 

2. Assignor hereby authorizes and requests the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and 

the corresponding entities or agencies in any applicable foreign countries, to record Assignee as 

the assignee and owner of the Trademarks, and to issue all corresponding registrations to the 

Assignee, its successors, legal representatives and assigns, in accordance with the terms of this 

Agreement. Assignee shall be responsible for any and all costs and expenses associated with 

recording this Agreement with the applicable trademark office(s). Assignor agrees to take all 

reasonable actions and execute and deliver all documents that Assignee may reasonably request to 

effect the terms of this Agreement and to perfect Assignee’s title in, to and under the Trademarks. 

3. The terms of this Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of and 

be enforceable by the respective successors and permitted assigns of the parties hereto.

4. This Agreement, the Asset Purchase Agreement by and between Ascena Retail 

Group, Inc. (the “Company”), Assignor, Assignee and certain other subsidiaries of the Company 

dated October 20, 2020 and the schedules and exhibits thereto contain the entire agreement 

between the parties and supersede any previous communications, representations, or agreements, 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 107 of 140
2

verbal or written, relating to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement may only be 

amended by a writing signed by both parties. 

5. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which 

shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same 

instrument.

[Signatures follow on next page]

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 108 of 140
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly 

executed as of the date first above written.

ASSIGNEE 

JUSTICE BRAND HOLDINGS LLC 

By:

Name:

Title:

Dated:

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 109 of 140
ASSIGNOR

TWEEN BRANDS INVESTMENT, LLC 

By:

Name:

Title:

Dated:

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 110 of 140
ATTACHMENT 11

1 Note to Draft: To match US trademark registrations and applications in disclosure schedules.

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 111 of 140
EXHIBIT B

FORM OF COPYRIGHT ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT

This COPYRIGHT ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of [•], 

2020 (the “Effective Date”), is by and between Justice Brand Holdings LLC, a New York limited 

liability company (“Assignee”) and Tween Brands Service Co., an Ohio corporation (the 

“Assignor”).

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Agreement, Assignor wishes to assign to Assignee, and 

Assignee wishes to acquire from Assignor, the entire right, title and interest in and to the 

registered copyrights described on Schedule 1 attached hereto (the “Copyrights”), including, 

without limitation, the right to create derivative works based upon the Copyrights.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency 

of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. Assignor hereby sells, assigns, transfers, and relinquishes to Assignee, its 

successors, assigns, and legal representatives the entire right, title, and interest in and to the 

Copyrights for the United States and all foreign countries, whether or not copyright registration 

is secured, including, without limitation, any copyright registration applications, any renewals 

and extensions thereof, and in and to all works based upon, derived from, or incorporating the 

Copyrights, and in and to all income, royalties, damages, claims, and payments now or hereafter 

due or payable with respect thereto, and in and to all causes of action, either in law or in equity 

for past, present or future infringement based on the Copyrights, and in and to all rights 

corresponding to the foregoing throughout the world, and all the rights embraced therein, 

including but not limited to, the right to duplicate, reproduce, copy, distribute, display, license, 

adapt, and prepare derivative works from the Copyrights, together with all physical or tangible 

embodiments of the Copyrights, for Assignee’s own use and enjoyment, and for the use and 

enjoyment of Assignee’s successors, assigns or other legal representatives, as fully and entirely 

as the same would have been held and enjoyed by Assignor if this Assignment had not been 

made, together with all physical or tangible embodiments of the Copyrights.

2. Assignor hereby authorizes and requests the Register of Copyrights of the United 

States, and the corresponding entity or agency in any applicable foreign country, to record 

Assignee as assignee and owner of the Copyrights. Assignee shall be responsible for any and all 

costs and expenses associated with recording this Agreement with the applicable copyright 

office(s). Assignor agrees to take all reasonable actions and execute and deliver all documents 

that Assignee may reasonably request to effect the terms of this Agreement and to perfect 

Assignee’s title in, to and under the Copyrights. 

3. The terms of this Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of and 

be enforceable by the respective successors and permitted assigns of the parties hereto.

4. This Agreement, the Asset Purchase Agreement by and between Ascena Retail 

Group, Inc. (the “Company”), Assignor, Assignee and certain other subsidiaries of the Company 

dated October 20, 2020 and the schedules and exhibits thereto contain the entire agreement 

between the parties and supersede any previous communications, representations, or agreements, 

verbal or written, relating to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement may only be 

amended by a writing signed by both parties. 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 112 of 140
5. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which 

shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same 

instrument.

[Signatures follow on next page]

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 113 of 140
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed 

as of the date first above written.

ASSIGNEE 

JUSTICE BRAND HOLDINGS LLC 

By:

Name:

Title:

Dated:

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 114 of 140
ASSIGNOR

TWEEN BRANDS SERVICE CO. 

By:

Name:

Title:

Dated:

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 115 of 140
ATTACHMENT 11

1 Note to Draft: To match copyrights in disclosure schedules.

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 116 of 140
KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP

KIRKLAND & ELLIS INTERNATIONAL LLP

Edward O. Sassower, P.C. 

Steven N. Serajeddini, P.C. (admitted pro hac vice)

601 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Telephone: (212) 446-4800

Facsimile: (212) 446-4900

-andJohn R. Luze (admitted pro hac vice)

300 North LaSalle

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Telephone: (312) 862-2000

Facsimile: (312) 862-2200

COOLEY LLP

Cullen D. Speckhart (VSB 79096)

Admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Missouri and 

Texas; Not admitted to practice in DC, supervised by 

members of DC bar

Olya Antle (VSB 83153)

Admitted to practice in Virginia; Not admitted to practice in

DC, supervised by members of DC bar

1299 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 700

Washington, DC 20004-2400

Telephone: (202) 842-7800

Facsimile: (202) 842-7899

Co-Counsel to the Debtors and Debtors in Possession

IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA

RICHMOND DIVISION

)

In re: ) Chapter 11

)

ASCENA RETAIL GROUP, INC., et al.,

1 ) Case No. 20-33113 (KRH)

)

Debtors. ) (Jointly Administered)

)

BIDDING PROCEDURES

FOR THE SALE OF THE JUSTICE ASSETS

On July 23, 2020, the above-captioned debtors and debtors in possession (collectively, 

the “Debtors”) filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States 

Code, 11 U.S.C. §§ 101-1532 (the “Bankruptcy Code”), in the United States Bankruptcy Court for 

the Eastern District of Virginia (the “Bankruptcy Court”).

On [__], 2020, the Bankruptcy Court entered the Order (I) Approving the Stalking Horse 

Protections, (II) Approving Bidding Procedures for the Sale of the Justice Assets, and 

(III) Approving Assumption and Assignment Procedures [Docket No. [__]] (the “Bidding

1 A complete list of each of the Debtors in these chapter 11 cases may be obtained on the website of the Debtors’ 

claims and noticing agent at http://cases.primeclerk.com/ascena. The location of Debtor Ascena Retail Group, 

Inc.’s principal place of business and the Debtors’ service address in these chapter 11 cases is 933 MacArthur 

Boulevard, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430.

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main (;+,%,7& Document Page 117 of 140
 2

Procedures Order”),2 by which the Bankruptcy Court approved the following procedures (the 

“Bidding Procedures”). 

These Bidding Procedures set forth the process for a potential auction (the “Auction”) and 

sale (the “Sale”) of the right, title, and interest of the Debtors in and to certain Tween Brands, Inc. 

assets (the “Justice Assets”), subject to the option of the Stalking Horse Bidder (as defined below) 

to require the Debtors to consummate the Sale in accordance with the Stalking Horse Purchase 

Agreement (as defined below). 

The Debtors selected the bid (the “Stalking Horse Bid”) for the Justice Assets submitted 

by Justice Brand Holdings LLC (“Justice Brand” and/or the “Stalking Horse Bidder”), after a 

comprehensive public bidding process. The Stalking Horse Bidder has executed that certain 

purchase agreement dated October 20, 2020 entered into by and among certain of the Debtors and 

Justice Brand (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified by the parties thereto, and 

including the disclosure schedules and exhibits attached thereto, the “Stalking Horse Purchase 

Agreement”) pursuant to which the Stalking Horse Bidder has agreed to purchase the Acquired 

Assets (as defined in the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement), subject to the terms and conditions 

set forth therein. Having announced the Stalking Horse Bid, the Debtors will now conduct a round 

of open bidding during these chapter 11 cases intended to obtain the highest or otherwise best bid 

for the Justice Assets. The Stalking Horse Bid is subject to higher or better offers submitted in 

accordance with the terms and conditions of these Bidding Procedures. 

Copies of the Bidding Procedures Order or any other documents in the Debtors’ chapter 11 

cases are available upon request to Prime Clerk LLC by calling (877) 930-4319 (toll free) or 

(347) 899-4594 (international) or visiting the Debtors’ restructuring website at 

(https://cases.primeclerk.com/ascena).

I. Assets to be Auctioned.

These Bidding Procedures set forth the terms by which prospective bidders may qualify 

for and participate in the Auction. The Justice Assets will be offered for sale through the Auction. 

The Debtors may consider bids from multiple bidders (including multiple bids submitted by the 

same bidder) for the Justice Assets. The Stalking Horse Bid referenced herein provides for the 

Stalking Horse Bidder’s acquisition of the Justice Assets in the absence of a higher or otherwise 

better offer. 

II. Public Announcement of Auction.

As soon as reasonably practicable after entry of the Bidding Procedures Order the Debtors 

shall (I) serve on the Notice Parties (as defined below) a notice of the Auction and Sale in the form 

attached hereto as Schedule 1 (the “Sale Notice”), and (II) publish the Sale Notice, with any 

2 All capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Bidding 

Procedures Order.

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 118 of 140
 3

modifications necessary for ease of publication, in The New York Times (National Edition) to 

provide notice to any other potential interested parties. 

III. Potential Bidder Requirements.

To participate in the bidding process or otherwise be considered for any purpose hereunder, 

a person or entity (other than the Stalking Horse Bidder) interested in purchasing the Justice Assets 

(a “Potential Bidder”) must deliver or have previously delivered to the Debtors the following 

preliminary documentation (collectively, the “Preliminary Bid Documents”):

a. an executed confidentiality agreement (a “Confidentiality Agreement”) in form and 

substance acceptable to the Debtors; and

b. sufficient information that the Potential Bidder has or can reasonably obtain the 

financial capacity to close the Sale (including current audited or verified financial 

statements of, or verified financial commitments obtained by, the Potential Bidder 

(or, if the Potential Bidder is an entity formed for the purpose of acquiring the 

property to be sold, the party that will bear liability for a breach) as well as an 

overview of any recent transactions), the adequacy of which must be acceptable to 

the Debtors. 

Only those Potential Bidders that have submitted acceptable Preliminary Bid 

Documentation (each, an “Acceptable Bidder”) to the reasonable satisfaction of the Debtors and 

their advisors, in consultation with the Consultation Parties,3 may submit bids to purchase the 

Justice Assets. 

IV. Qualified Bid Requirements.

To participate in the Auction, an Acceptable Bidder (other than the Stalking Horse Bidder) 

must deliver to the Debtors and their advisors an irrevocable offer for the purchase of the Justice 

Assets (each, a “Bid”), and shall meet the following criteria, in each case, on or prior to the Bid 

Deadline: 

a. Purchased Assets and Assumed Liabilities: Each Bid must clearly state which 

of the Justice Assets the Acceptable Bidder seeks to acquire and which liabilities 

of the applicable Debtor the Acceptable Bidder agrees to assume;

b. Good Faith Deposit: The Bid must be accompanied by a cash deposit in the 

amount equal to the greater of (i) $10,000,000 and (ii) 10% of the aggregate 

3 The term “Consultation Parties” shall mean (a) the DIP Agents, (b) the DIP Lenders, (c) counsel to the DIP 

Agents, (d) one or more Initial Consenting Stakeholders under the RSA; (e) counsel to the Ad Hoc Group; and 

(f) the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (the “Committee”) and counsel to the Committee; provided

that any party otherwise included as a Consultation Party shall not serve as a Consultation Party with respect to 

the sale of Justice Assets to which such party has submitted a Bid unless and until such party unequivocally 

revokes its Bid and waives its right to continue in the Auction process; provided further that any member of the 

Committee that submits a Bid shall not participate in any deliberations by the Committee as a Consultation Party.

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 119 of 140
 4

purchase price of the Bid to be held in an interest-bearing escrow account to be 

identified and established by the Debtors (the “Good Faith Deposit”);

c. Purchase Price: Each Bid must clearly set forth the cash purchase price to be paid, 

assuming a purchase of the Justice Assets and any assumption of liabilities 

(the “Purchase Price”). The Purchase Price should be a single point value in 

U.S. Dollars for the applicable Justice Assets on a cash-free, debt-free basis;

d. Minimum Bid:

4 At a minimum, each Bid must have a Purchase Price equal to, or 

in excess of, of an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Cash Purchase Price, plus (ii) 

the assumption of Assumed Liabilities, plus (iii) payments made for Inventory 

subject to Assigned POs pursuant to Section 1.1(a) of the Stalking Horse Purchase 

Agreement, plus (iv) $2,000,000; 

e. Markup of the Purchase Agreement: Each Acceptable Bidder must provide a 

draft purchase agreement as well as a redline of such agreement marked to reflect 

the amendments and modifications made to the form of the Stalking Horse Purchase 

Agreement, which amendments and modifications may not be inconsistent with 

these Bidding Procedures. Significant alterations to the Stalking Horse Purchase 

Agreement are discouraged and may negatively impact a Bid;

f. Same or Better Terms; Bid Documents: Except as otherwise provided in 

the Bidding Procedures, each Bid must be, in the Debtors’ reasonable business 

judgment, in consultation with the Consultation Parties, substantially on the same 

or better terms than the terms of the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement. Each Bid 

must include duly executed transaction documents, including a proposed purchase 

agreement and any other ancillary documentation necessary to effectuate the 

transactions contemplated in such Bid (such documents, the “Bid Documents”). 

The bid must be expressly made subject to the Debtors’ obligations to pay the 

Expense Reimbursement pursuant to the terms of the Stalking Horse Purchase 

Agreement, as modified by the Bidding Procedures Order.

g. No Qualified Bidder Bid Protections: Except as provided with respect to the 

Stalking Horse Bidder, a Qualified Bid must include a statement that the bid does 

not entitle such bidder to any break-up fee, termination fee, expense 

reimbursement, or similar type of payment or reimbursement and a waiver of any 

substantial contribution administrative expense claim under section 503(b) of the 

Bankruptcy Code related to bidding for the Justice Assets;

h. Employee Obligations: Each Bid must indicate whether the Acceptable Bidder 

intends to hire all employees who are primarily employed in connection with 

the Justice Assets included in such Bid;

4 Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this section IV.d. shall have the meanings ascribed to such 

terms in the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement. 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 120 of 140
 5

i. Sources of Financing: To the extent that the Bid is not accompanied by evidence 

of the Acceptable Bidder’s capacity to consummate the Sale set forth in its Bid with 

cash on hand, the Bid must include committed financing, documented to the 

Debtors’ satisfaction, that demonstrates that the Acceptable Bidder has received 

sufficient debt and/or equity funding commitments to satisfy the Acceptable 

Bidder’s obligations under the proposed Sale and other obligations under its Bid. 

Such funding commitments or other financing must be unconditional and must not 

be subject to any internal approvals, syndication requirements, diligence, or credit 

committee approvals, and shall have covenants and conditions acceptable to the 

Debtors;

j. Contingencies; No Financing or Diligence Outs: Any Bid (i) may not contain 

representations and warranties, covenants, or termination rights materially more 

onerous in the aggregate to the Debtors than those set forth in the Stalking Horse 

Purchase Agreement and (ii) shall not be conditioned on the obtaining or the 

sufficiency of financing, any internal approval, or on the outcome or review of due 

diligence;

k. Identity: Each Bid must fully disclose the identity of each entity and each entity’s 

shareholders, partners, investors, and ultimate controlling entities that will be 

bidding for or purchasing the applicable Justice Assets or otherwise participating 

in connection with such Bid, and the complete terms of any such participation, 

along with sufficient evidence that the Acceptable Bidder is legally empowered to 

complete the transactions on the terms contemplated by the parties. Each Bid must 

also include contact information for the specific person(s) whom Guggenheim and 

Kirkland & Ellis LLP should contact regarding such Bid;

l. As-Is, Where-Is: Each Bid must include a written acknowledgement and 

representation that the Acceptable Bidder: (i) has had an opportunity to conduct 

any and all due diligence prior to making its offer; (ii) has relied solely upon its 

own independent review, investigation, and/or inspection of any documents and/or 

the assets in making its Bid; and (iii) did not rely upon any written or oral 

statements, representations, promises, warranties, or guaranties whatsoever, 

whether express, implied, by operation of law, or otherwise, regarding the 

completeness of any information provided in connection therewith, except as 

expressly stated in the Acceptable Bidder’s proposed purchase agreement;

m. Authorization: Each Bid must contain evidence that the Acceptable Bidder has 

obtained all necessary authorizations or approvals from its shareholders and/or its 

board of managers or directors, or any other internal and other approvals, as 

applicable, with respect to the submission of its Bid and the consummation of the 

transactions contemplated in such Bid;

n. Adequate Assurance of Future Performance: Each Bid (other than the Stalking 

Horse Bid) must (i) identify the Justice Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases 

to be assumed or assumed and assigned in connection with the proposed Sale, 

(ii) provide for the payment of all Cure Amounts related to such Justice Executory 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 121 of 140
 6

Contracts and Unexpired Leases and by the Acceptable Bidder, and 

(iii) demonstrate, in the Debtors’ reasonable business judgment, in consultation 

with the Consultation Parties, that the Acceptable Bidder can provide adequate 

assurance of future performance under all such Justice Executory Contracts and 

Unexpired Leases sufficient to satisfy the requirements of sections 365(b)(3) and 

365(f)(2)(B) of the Bankruptcy Code;

o. Compliance with Bankruptcy Code and Non-Bankruptcy Law; 

Acknowledgment: Each Bid must comply in all respects with the Bankruptcy 

Code and any applicable non-bankruptcy law;

p. Compliance with the Debtors’ Privacy Policy: Each Bid must comply in all 

respects with the Debtors’ Justice privacy policy, which restricts the transfer of the 

personally identifiable information of its customers, and contain a statement 

acknowledging such compliance;

q. No Collusion: The Acceptable Bidder must acknowledge in writing (a) that it has 

not engaged in any collusion with respect to any Bids or the Sale, specifying that it 

did not agree with any Acceptable Bidders or Potential Bidders to control price; 

and (b) agree not to engage in any collusion with respect to any Bids, the Auction, 

or the Sale. For the avoidance of doubt, this requirement does not restrict Potential 

Bidder(s) from working with other Potential Bidder(s) with the Debtors’ prior 

written consent (email shall suffice);

r. Good Faith Offer: The Bid must constitute a good faith, bona fide offer to 

consummate the Sale;

s. Irrevocable: Each Bid must state that in the event a Bid is chosen as the Back-Up 

Bid (as defined below), it shall remain irrevocable until the Debtors and the 

Successful Bidder consummate the applicable Sale;

t. Back-Up Bid: Each Bid shall provide that the Acceptable Bidder will serve as a 

back-up bidder if the Acceptable Bidder’s Bid is the next highest or otherwise best 

bid; 

u. Conditions to Closing: Each Bid must identify with particularity each and every 

condition to closing, including the Justice Executory Contracts and Unexpired 

Leases (each as defined in the Bidding Procedures Motion) for which assumption 

and assignment is required; and

v. Expected Closing Date: Each Bid must state the Acceptable Bidder’s expected 

date of closing of the Sale. 

Only Bids fulfilling all of the preceding requirements contained in this section may, or 

otherwise in the Debtors’ reasonable discretion, in consultation with the Consultation Parties, be 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 122 of 140
 7

deemed to be “Qualified Bids,” and only those parties submitting Qualified Bids may, at the 

Debtors’ reasonable discretion, be deemed to be “Qualified Bidders.” 

Within one (1) business day after the Bid Deadline, the Debtors, in consultation with the 

Consultation Parties, shall determine which Acceptable Bidders are Qualified Bidders and will 

notify the Acceptable Bidders whether Bids submitted constitute Qualified Bids, which will enable 

such Qualified Bidders to participate in the Auction. Any Bid that is not deemed a Qualified Bid 

shall not be considered by the Debtors; provided that if the Debtors receive a Bid prior to the Bid 

Deadline that does not satisfy the requirements of a Qualified Bid, the Debtors may provide the 

Acceptable Bidder with the opportunity to remedy any deficiencies prior to the Auction. 

The Stalking Horse Bidder shall be deemed to be a Qualified Bidder, the Stalking Horse Bid shall 

be deemed a Qualified Bid, and the Stalking Horse Bidder shall be entitled to participate in the 

Auction with respect to the Justice Assets. The Debtors shall inform counsel to the Stalking Horse 

Bidder whether the Debtors consider any Bid to be a Qualified Bid as soon as practicable after the 

Bid Deadline and in no event later than one (1) business day after the Bid Deadline.

V. Obtaining Due Diligence Access.

Only Acceptable Bidders shall be eligible to receive due diligence information, access to 

the Debtors’ electronic data room, and additional non-public information regarding the Debtors. 

No Acceptable Bidder will be permitted to conduct any due diligence without entry into a 

Confidentiality Agreement. Beginning on the date the Debtors determine that a party is an 

Acceptable Bidder, or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, the Debtors will provide such 

Acceptable Bidder with access to an electronic data room and reasonable due diligence 

information, as requested by such Acceptable Bidder, as soon as reasonably practicable after such 

request. The Debtors shall post substantially all written due diligence provided to any Acceptable 

Bidder to the Debtors’ electronic data room for the benefit of all Acceptable Bidders. Acceptable 

Bidders will not, directly or indirectly, contact or initiate or engage in discussions in respect of 

matters relating to the Debtors or a potential transaction with any customer, supplier, or other 

contractual counterparty of the Debtors without the prior written consent of the Debtors. The due 

diligence period will end on the Bid Deadline and subsequent to the Bid Deadline the Debtors shall 

have no obligation to furnish any due diligence information. 

In connection with the provision of due diligence information to Acceptable Bidders, 

the Debtors shall not furnish any confidential information relating to the Debtors or a potential 

transaction to any person except an Acceptable Bidder or such Acceptable Bidder’s duly 

authorized representatives to the extent provided in an applicable Confidentiality Agreement. 

The Debtors and their advisors shall coordinate all reasonable requests for additional 

information and due diligence access from Acceptable Bidders; provided that the Debtors may 

decline to provide such information to Acceptable Bidders who, in the Debtors’ reasonable 

business judgment have not established, or who have raised doubt, that such Acceptable Bidders 

intend in good faith to, or have the capacity to, consummate a Sale. For any bidder who is a 

competitor or customer of the Debtors or is affiliated with any competitors or customers of the 

Debtors, the Debtors reserve the right to withhold or modify any diligence materials that the 

Debtors determine are business-sensitive or otherwise inappropriate for disclosure to such bidder. 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 123 of 140
 8

A. Communications with Acceptable Bidders (including Qualified 

Bidders).

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Bidding Procedures, all substantive 

direct communications, including any diligence requests, with Acceptable Bidders (including any 

Qualified Bidders) shall be through Guggenheim. 

B. Due Diligence from Acceptable Bidders (including Qualified Bidders).

Each Acceptable Bidder (including any Qualified Bidder) shall comply with all reasonable 

requests for additional information and due diligence access requested by the Debtors or their 

advisors and their respective advisors, regarding the ability of such Acceptable Bidder (including 

any Qualified Bidder) to consummate its contemplated transaction. Failure by an Acceptable 

Bidder (including any Qualified Bidder, other than the Stalking Horse Bidder) to comply with such 

reasonable requests for additional information and due diligence access may be a basis for the 

Debtors, to determine that such bidder is no longer an Acceptable Bidder (including any Qualified 

Bidder, other than the Stalking Horse Bidder) or that a bid made by such bidder is not a Qualified 

Bid.

Guggenheim Securities LLC, 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017, 

Attn.: Michael Gottlieb (Michael.Gottlieb@guggenheimpartners.com) and Stuart Erickson 

(Stuart.Erickson@guggenheimpartners.com), shall coordinate all requests for additional 

information and due diligence access on behalf of the Debtors.

VI. Indications of Interest.

The Debtors reserve the right to require Acceptable Bidders to submit non-binding written 

indications of interest prior to the Bid Deadline specifying, among other things, the Justice Assets 

proposed to be acquired, the amount and type of consideration to be offered, and any other material 

terms to be included in a bid by such party. If an Acceptable Bidder fails to comply with any such 

request by the Debtors, the Debtors may, in consultation with one or more Required Consenting 

Stakeholders under the RSA and the Consultation Parties, deny such Acceptable Bidder further 

diligence access or deny such Acceptable Bidder further participation in the Auction process; 

provided that such Acceptable Bidder shall be granted the opportunity to cure such noncompliance 

with any request by the Debtors before being denied further participation in the Auction process. 

The Debtors also reserve the right to exclude any Acceptable Bidder (prior to its submission of a 

Qualified Bid) from continuing in the Auction process if the Debtors determine, in consultation 

with one or more Required Consenting Stakeholders under the RSA and the Consultation Parties, 

that the consideration proposed to be paid by such Acceptable Bidder is insufficient. 

VII. Bid Deadline.

Binding Bids must be received by (a) the Debtors’ counsel, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, 

300 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654, Attn: John R. Luze (john.luze@kirkland.com) 

and Jeff Michalik (jeff.michalik@kirkland.com), (b) the Debtors’ financial advisor, Guggenheim 

Securities, LLC, 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017, Attn: Michael Gottlieb 

(Michael.Gottlieb@guggenheimpartners.com) and Stuart Erickson 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 124 of 140
 9

(Stuart.Erickson@guggenheimpartners.com), (c) proposed counsel to the Creditors’ Committee, 

Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP, 780 Third Avenue, 34th Floor, New York, New York 10017, 

Attn: Robert Feinstein (rfeinstein@pszjlaw.com), Bradford Sandler (bsandler@pszjlaw.com), 

and Shirley Cho (scho@pszjlaw.com), and (d) the proposed financial advisor to the Creditors’ 

Committee, Province, Inc., 2360 Corporate Circle, Suite 330, Henderson, NV 89074, Attn: Paul 

Huygens (phuygens@provincefirm.com) and Ed Kim (ekim@provincefirm.com), in each case so 

as to be actually received no later than 5:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern Time) on November 2, 2020 

(the “Bid Deadline”). 

VIII. Evaluation of Qualified Bids.

The Debtors shall evaluate Qualified Bids and identify the Qualified Bid that is, in 

the Debtors’ business judgment, and in consultation with the Consultation Parties, the highest or 

otherwise best Qualified Bid or combination of Qualified Bids for the Justice Assets 

(the “Starting Bid”). When determining the highest or otherwise best Qualified Bid, as compared 

to other Qualified Bids, the Debtors may consider the following factors, in addition to any other 

factors that the Debtors deem appropriate: (a) the amount and nature of the total consideration; 

(b) the likelihood of the Qualified Bidder’s ability to close a transaction and the timing thereof; 

(c) the net economic effect of any changes to the value to be received by each of the Debtors’ 

estates from the transaction contemplated by the Bid Documents; and (d) the tax consequences of 

such Qualified Bid. Two (2) business days prior to the date of the Auction, the Debtors shall notify 

the Stalking Horse Bidder and all Qualified Bidders as to which Qualified Bid is the Starting Bid 

for the Auction with respect to the applicable assets. At such time, the Debtors shall also distribute 

copies of the Starting Bid to the Stalking Horse Bidder and each Qualified Bidder. 

IX. No Qualified Bids.

If no Qualified Bids other than the Stalking Horse Bid are received by the Bid Deadline, 

then the Auction shall be cancelled, the Stalking Horse Bid shall be designated as the Successful 

Bid (as defined below) and the Debtors shall pursue entry of an order approving a Sale of the 

Justice Assets to the Stalking Horse Bidder pursuant to the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement. 

The Debtors shall promptly file notice of any cancellation of the Auction and designation of the 

Stalking Horse Bid as the Successful Bid with the Bankruptcy Court. 

X. Auction.

If one or more Qualified Bids (other than the Stalking Horse Bid) are received by the Bid 

Deadline with respect to the Justice Assets, then the Debtors shall conduct the Auction with respect 

to such assets. The Auction for the Justice Assets shall commence on November 5, 2020, at 10:00 

a.m. (prevailing Eastern Time) via videoconference or such other form of remote communication 

arranged by counsel to the Debtors, or such later time or other place as the Debtors determine, in 

which case the Debtors shall timely notify the Stalking Horse Bidder and all other Qualified 

Bidders of such later time or other place, and file a notice of the change on the Bankruptcy Court’s 

docket for these chapter 11 cases. 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 125 of 140
 10

The Auction will be conducted in accordance with the following procedures 

(the “Auction Procedures”):

a. the Auction will be conducted openly;

b. only Qualified Bidders shall be entitled to bid at the Auction;

c. the Qualified Bidders shall appear at the Auction via videoconference or such other 

form of remote communication or through duly authorized representatives;

d. bidding shall begin with the Starting Bid;

e. subsequent bids (each, an “Overbid”) shall be made in minimum increments 

of $250,000;

f. each Qualified Bidder will be permitted a reasonable time to respond to previous 

bids at the Auction, as determined by the Debtors;

g. during the course of the Auction, the Debtors shall, after submission of each 

Overbid, promptly inform each Qualified Bidder of the terms of the previous bids 

and inform each Qualified Bidder which Overbid(s) reflect, in the Debtors’ view, 

in consultation with the Consultation Parties, the highest or otherwise best bid(s) 

for the Justice Assets;

h. the Auction will be transcribed to ensure an accurate recording of the bidding at 

the Auction;

i. each Qualified Bidder will be required to confirm on the record that it has not 

engaged in any collusion with respect to the bidding or any Sale;

j. each Qualified Bidder will be required to confirm that its bid is a good faith, bona 

fide offer and it intends to consummate the Sale if selected as the Successful Bid;

k. the Bankruptcy Court and the Debtors will not consider bids made after the Auction 

has been closed; and

l. notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Debtors may at any time 

choose to adjourn the Auction by announcement at the Auction. The Debtors shall 

promptly file notice of such adjournment with the Bankruptcy Court. 

At the Auction, the Debtors, in consultation with the Consultation Parties, shall have the 

right to modify the Auction Procedures or adopt and announce additional Auction Procedures, 

including, for example and without limitation, other Auction Procedures necessary for the Debtors 

to consider any bids to purchase fewer than all of the Justice Assets; provided, however that the 

Debtors shall not modify the Auction Procedures such that the bidding is (i) inconsistent in any 

material respect with the Bidding Procedures or the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement and/or 

(ii) not transparent to the Qualified Bidders. Any Auction rules adopted by the Debtors will not 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 126 of 140
 11

modify any of the terms of the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement or the rights of the Stalking 

Horse Bidder under the Bid Procedures without the consent of the Stalking Horse Bidder.

Except as otherwise determined by the Debtors, in consultation with the Consultation 

Parties, only (i) the Debtors, (ii) the Debtors’ secured creditors, (iii) the Office of the United States 

Trustee, (iv) the Creditors’ Committee, (v) the Stalking Horse Bidder, (vi) any other Qualified 

Bidders, (vii) any creditor of the Debtors that at least five (5) business days prior to the Auction 

delivers to Debtors’ counsel (by mail or email at the address or email address identified 

hereinabove) a written request to attend the Auction, and (viii) the respective professionals of all 

of the foregoing shall be entitled to attend the Auction; provided that (x) the Debtors reserve the 

right to object to any request to attend the Auction made by the creditor pursuant to clause (vii) 

immediately above, and (y) if the Debtors and such creditor are unable to consensually resolve 

such objection promptly, the Debtors shall seek a teleconference with the Bankruptcy Court prior 

to the Auction to adjudicate such objection. 

XI. Acceptance of the Successful Bid.

The Auction shall continue until (i) there is only one Qualified Bid or a combination of 

Qualified Bids that the Debtors determine, in their reasonable business judgment and in a manner 

consistent with the exercise of their fiduciary duties and outlined below in further detail, and in 

consultation with the Consultation Parties, is the highest or otherwise best bid to purchase any or 

all of the Justice Assets (each, a “Successful Bid”), and (ii) the Debtors determine, in their 

reasonable business judgment, in consultation with the Consultation Parties, that further bidding 

is unlikely to result in a different Successful Bid or Successful Bids that would be reasonably 

acceptable to the Debtors, at which point, the Auction will be closed. 

When determining the highest or otherwise best Qualified Bid, as compared to other 

Qualified Bids, the Debtors may consider the following factors in addition to any other factors that 

the Debtors deem appropriate: (a) the amount and nature of the total consideration; (b) the 

likelihood of the Qualified Bidder’s ability to close a transaction and the timing thereof; (c) the net 

economic effect of any changes to the value to be received by each of the Debtors’ estates from 

the transaction contemplated by the Bid Documents; and (d) the tax consequences of such 

Qualified Bid; and (e) any other consideration that may impact the Debtors’ stakeholders. 

Any Qualified Bidder that submits a Successful Bid will be deemed a “Successful Bidder” 

with respect to the Justice Assets. The Debtors shall promptly file notice of the Successful Bid 

and the Successful Bidder with the Bankruptcy Court. Following conclusion of the Auction and 

selection of a Successful Bidder, the Debtors shall present the results of the Auction at a hearing 

(the “Sale Hearing”) and shall seek Bankruptcy Court approval to enter into a binding purchase 

agreement with the Successful Bidder on the terms of the Successful Bid (the order approving such 

entry, the “Definitive Purchase Agreement Order”). For the avoidance of doubt, the Definitive 

Purchase Agreement Order shall deem the Debtors’ selection of the Successful Bid final and, 

subject to the designation of the Back-Up Bid, the Debtors shall not solicit and /or accept any 

further bids or offers to submit a bid after such selection; provided that, notwithstanding anything 

to the contrary in these Bidding Procedures, nothing in these Bidding Procedures shall require the 

board of directors, board of managers, or such similar governing body of any Debtor to take or 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 127 of 140
 12

refrain from taking any action that would be inconsistent with applicable law or its fiduciary 

obligations under applicable law. 

Within one (1) business day of the selection of the Successful Bidder, such Successful 

Bidder (including both the Stalking Horse Bidder and Back-Up Bidder, if applicable) shall make 

a cash deposit, in addition to its Good Faith Deposit, in an amount calculated on the basis of the 

increased aggregate purchase price, submitted by wire transfer of immediately available funds to 

an escrow account to be identified and established by the Debtors pursuant to a customary and 

reasonable escrow agreement. Each Successful Bidder and the Debtors shall, as soon as 

commercially reasonable and practicable, complete and sign all agreements, contracts, 

instruments, or other documents evidencing and containing the terms upon which each such 

Successful Bid was made. 

XII. Designation of Back-Up Bidder.

The Qualified Bidder with the second highest or otherwise best bid or combination of bids 

(the “Back-Up Bid”) to purchase any or all of the Justice Assets (the “Back-Up Bidder”) will be 

determined by the Debtors at the conclusion of the Auction, in consultation with the Consultation 

Parties, and will be announced at that time to all the Qualified Bidders participating in the Auction. 

The Debtors’ selection of a Back-Up Bid shall be deemed final and the Debtors shall not accept 

any further bids or offers to submit a bid after such selection. If for any reason a Successful Bidder 

fails to consummate the purchase of such assets within the time permitted, then the Back-Up 

Bidder will automatically be deemed to have submitted the Successful Bid for such assets, and the 

Back-Up Bidder shall be deemed a Successful Bidder for such assets and shall be required to 

consummate any Sale with the Debtors as soon as is reasonably practicable without further order 

of the Bankruptcy Court, provided that the Debtors shall file a notice with the Bankruptcy Court. 

Except as otherwise provided in the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement, the Back-Up Bid 

shall remain open and irrevocable until the earliest to occur of (i) forty-five (45) days after 

completion of the Auction, (ii) consummation of an Alternative Transaction with one or more 

Successful Bidders at an Auction, and (iii) the release of such Back-Up Bid by the Debtors in 

writing (the “Back-Up Termination Date”). The Debtors shall return the Back-Up Bidder’s deposit 

and pay any Expense Reimbursement owed within three (3) business days of the Back-Up 

Termination Date. 

XIII. Stalking Horse Protections.

Pursuant to the Bidding Procedures Order, the Stalking Horse Bidder is entitled to the 

Stalking Horse Protections in the amounts set forth in, and in accordance with the terms of, the 

Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement and the Bidding Procedures Order. For the avoidance of 

doubt, except for the Stalking Horse Bidder, no other party submitting an offer or Bid or a 

Qualified Bid shall be entitled to any expense reimbursement, break-up fee, termination fee, or 

similar fee or payment.

XIV. Approval of the Sale.

A hearing to consider approval of the Sale (the “Sale Hearing”), is currently scheduled to 

take place on November 12, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern Time), before the Honorable 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 128 of 140
 13

Kevin R Huennekens, at the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, 

Richmond Division, 701 East Broad Street, 5th Floor, Richmond, Virginia, 23219 or conducted 

consistent with the procedures established pursuant to the Bankruptcy Court’s standing orders 

regarding remote hearings in bankruptcy cases due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all of which are 

facilitated via Zoomgov.

At the Sale Hearing certain findings will be sought from the Bankruptcy Court regarding 

the Auction, including, among other things, that: (1) the Auction was conducted, and 

the Successful Bidder was selected, in accordance with the Bidding Procedures; (2) the Auction 

was fair in substance and procedure; (3) the Successful Bid was a Qualified Bid as defined in 

the Bidding Procedures; and (4) consummation of any Sale as contemplated by the Successful Bid 

in the Auction will provide the highest or otherwise best offer for the Justice Assets and is in the 

best interests of the Debtors and their estates. The Sale Hearing may be continued to a later 

date by the Debtors by sending notice prior to, or making an announcement at, the Sale 

Hearing. No further notice of any such continuance will be required to be provided to any 

party (including the Stalking Horse Bidder).

Objections to the Sale, any of the relief requested in the Motion, and entry of any order 

approving the sale (the “Sale Order”) must (i) be in writing and specify the nature of such 

objection; (ii) comply with the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rules, Local Bankruptcy Rules, and 

all orders of the Court; and (iii) be filed with the Court and served so as to by actually received

by the Debtors, counsel to the Debtors, and the Notice Parties by November 9, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. 

(prevailing Eastern Time).

XV. Return of Good Faith Deposit.

Subject to the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement, the Good Faith Deposit of a Successful 

Bidder shall, upon consummation of any Sale, be credited to the Purchase Price paid for the 

applicable Justice Assets. Subject to the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement, if a Successful 

Bidder fails to consummate any Sale, then the Good Faith Deposit shall be forfeited to, and retained 

irrevocably by, the Debtors, and all parties in interest, and the Debtors specifically, reserve the 

right to seek all available damages from the defaulting Successful Bidder. 

Subject to the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement, the Good Faith Deposit of any 

Qualified Bidders that are not Successful Bidders or Back-Up Bidders will be returned within 

five business days after the Auction or upon the permanent withdrawal of the proposed Sale, and 

the Good Faith Deposit of any Back-Up Bidders will be returned within five business days after 

the consummation of any Sale. 

XVI. Reservation of Rights.

The Debtors reserve their rights to, subject to the terms of the Stalking Horse Purchase 

Agreement and these Bidding Procedures, and in consultation with the Consultation Parties, to 

modify these Bidding Procedures in their reasonable business judgment and in a manner consistent 

with the exercise of their fiduciary duties in any manner that will best promote the goals of the 

bidding process, or impose, at or before the Auction, additional customary terms and conditions 

on the sale of the Justice Assets, including, without limitation: (1) extending the deadlines set 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 129 of 140
 14

forth in the Bidding Procedures; (2) adjourning the Auction without further notice; (3) adding 

procedural rules that are reasonably necessary or advisable under the circumstances for conducting 

the Auction; (4) canceling the Auction; (5) rejecting any or all Bids or Qualified Bids; and (6) 

adjusting the applicable minimum overbid increment. The Debtors shall provide advance notice 

in writing of any such modification to any Qualified Bidder, including the Stalking Horse Bidder. 

For the avoidance of doubt, subject to the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement, the Debtors reserve 

the right at any point prior to the selection of the Successful Bidder to terminate the Sale processes 

contemplated hereunder with respect to any or all of the Justice Assets. 

All parties expressly reserve all of their rights (and do not waive any such rights) to seek 

Bankruptcy Court relief with regard to the Auction, the Bidding Procedures, the Sale, and any 

related items (including, if necessary, to seek an extension of the Bid Deadline). 

XVII. Consent to Jurisdiction.

All Qualified Bidders at the Auction will be deemed to have consented to the core 

jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and waived any right to a jury trial in connection with any 

disputes relating to the Sale, the Auction and the construction and enforcement of these Bidding 

Procedures, and/or any written indications of interest, Preliminary Bid Documents, or the Bid 

Documents, as applicable, and consented to the entry of a final order or judgment in any way 

related to these Bidding Procedures, the bid process, the Auction, the Sale Hearing, or the 

construction and enforcement of any agreement or any other document relating to a Sale if it is 

determined that the Bankruptcy Court would lack Article III jurisdiction to enter such a final order 

or judgment absent the consent of the parties. 

Any parties raising a dispute relating to these Bidding Procedures must request that such 

dispute be heard by the Bankruptcy Court on an expedited basis. 

XVIII. Fiduciary Out.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Bidding Procedures, nothing in these 

Bidding Procedures or the Bidding Procedures Order shall require a Debtor or the board of 

directors, board of managers, or similar governing body of a Debtor to take any action or to refrain 

from taking any action related to any sale transaction or with respect to these Bidding Procedures, 

to the extent such Debtor, board of director, board of managers, or such similar governing body 

reasonably determines in good faith, in consultation with counsel, that taking or failing to take 

such action, as applicable, would be inconsistent with applicable law or its fiduciary obligations 

under applicable law. 

XIX. Alternative Proposals.

Further, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Bidding Procedures, and subject 

to the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement, through the acceptance of the Successful Bid, the 

Debtors and their respective directors, officers, employees, investment bankers, attorneys, 

accountants, consultants, and other advisors or representatives shall have the right to: (a) consider, 

respond to, and facilitate alternate proposals for sales or other restructuring transactions involving 

any or all of the Justice Assets (each an “Alternate Proposal”); (b) subject to the terms and 

conditions of these Bidding Procedures, provide access to non-public information concerning 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 130 of 140
 15

the Debtors to any entity or enter into confidentiality agreements or nondisclosure agreements with 

any entity; (c) maintain or continue discussions or negotiations with respect to Alternate Proposals; 

(d) otherwise cooperate with, assist, participate in, or facilitate any inquiries, proposals, 

discussions, or negotiation of Alternate Proposals; and (e) enter into or continue discussions or 

negotiations with holders of claims against or equity interests in a Debtor, any other party in 

interest in these chapter 11 cases (including the Creditors’ Committee and the United States 

Trustee), or any other entity regarding Alternate Proposals. Nothing in these Bidding Procedures 

shall be construed as a waiver of any parties’ rights with respect to an Alternative Transaction.

XX. Notice Parties.

Information that must be provided to the “Notice Parties” under these Bidding Procedures 

must be provided to the following parties or their respective counsel, if known (collectively, 

the “Notice Parties”): (a) the United States Trustee for the Eastern District of Virginia; (b) the 

holders of the 50 largest unsecured claims against the Debtors (on a consolidated basis); (c) the 

agents under the Debtors’ prepetition secured facilities and counsel thereto; (d) the DIP Agents 

and their respective counsel thereto; (e) the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District 

of Virginia; (f) the Internal Revenue Service; (g) the office of the attorneys general for the states 

in which the Debtors operate; (h) the Securities and Exchange Commission; (i) the Stalking Horse 

Bidder (and counsel to the Stalking Horse Bidder); (j) all parties who have expressed a written 

interest in some or all of the Justice Assets; (k) all known holders of liens, encumbrances, and 

other claims secured by the Justice Assets; (l) each governmental agency that is an interested party 

with respect to the Sale and transactions proposed thereunder; (m) the Creditors’ Committee; and 

(n) any party that has requested notice pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 2002.

XXI. Consultation Rights of the Consultation Parties.

The Debtors will consult with the Consultation Parties (a) with respect to any action, 

evaluation, or determination by the Debtors that is expressly contemplated or authorized by these 

Bidding Procedures, or (b) to the extent not explicitly required by these Bidding Procedures, in 

any event before making any material decision with respect to the Sale or Auction. 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 131 of 140
Schedule 1

Notice of Auction and Sale Hearing

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 132 of 140
KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP

KIRKLAND & ELLIS INTERNATIONAL LLP

Edward O. Sassower, P.C. 

Steven N. Serajeddini, P.C. (admitted pro hac vice)

601 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Telephone: (212) 446-4800

Facsimile: (212) 446-4900

-andJohn R. Luze (admitted pro hac vice)

300 North LaSalle

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Telephone: (312) 862-2000

Facsimile: (312) 862-2200

COOLEY LLP

Cullen D. Speckhart (VSB 79096)

Admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Missouri and 

Texas; Not admitted to practice in DC, supervised by 

members of DC bar

Olya Antle (VSB 83153)

Admitted to practice in Virginia; Not admitted to practice in

DC, supervised by members of DC bar

1299 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 700

Washington, DC 20004-2400

Telephone: (202) 842-7800

Facsimile: (202) 842-7899

Co-Counsel to the Debtors and Debtors in Possession

IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA

RICHMOND DIVISION

)

In re: ) Chapter 11

)

ASCENA RETAIL GROUP, INC., et al.,

1 ) Case No. 20-33113 (KRH)

)

Debtors. ) (Jointly Administered)

)

NOTICE OF SALE BY AUCTION AND SALE HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on [__], 2020, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the 

Eastern District of Virginia (the “Court”) entered the Order (I) Approving the Stalking Horse 

Protections, (II) Approving Bidding Procedures for the Sale of the Justice Assets, and 

(III) Approving Assumption and Assignment Procedures [Docket No. [__]] (the “Bidding 

Procedures Order”)2 in the chapter 11 cases of the above-captioned debtors and debtors in 

possession (collectively, the “Debtors”). 

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Debtors are soliciting offers for the 

purchase of the Justice Assets consistent with the bidding procedures (the “Bidding Procedures”) 

1 A complete list of each of the Debtors in these chapter 11 cases may be obtained on the website of the Debtors’ 

claims and noticing agent at http://cases.primeclerk.com/ascena. The location of Debtor Ascena Retail Group, 

Inc.’s principal place of business and the Debtors’ service address in these chapter 11 cases is 933 MacArthur 

Boulevard, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430.

2 Capitalized terms used but not defined in this notice have the meanings given to them in the Bidding Procedures 

Order.

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 133 of 140
 2

approved by the Court by Bidding Procedures Order. All interested bidders should carefully 

read the Bidding Procedures and Bidding Procedures Order. To the extent that there are any 

inconsistencies between this notice and the Bidding Procedures or Bidding Procedures Order, the 

Bidding Procedures or Bidding Procedures Order, as applicable, shall govern in all respects. 

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that, if the Debtors receive qualified competing 

bids within the requirements and time frame specified by the Bidding Procedures, the Debtors will 

conduct an auction (the “Auction”) of the Assets on November 5, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. (prevailing 

Eastern Time) via videoconference or such other form of remote communication arranged by 

counsel to the Debtors. 

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Debtors will seek approval of the Sale at 

a hearing scheduled to commence on or before November 12, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. (prevailing 

Eastern Time) (the “Sale Hearing”) before the Honorable Kevin R Huennekens, at the United 

States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division, 701 East Broad 

Street, 5th Floor, Richmond, Virginia, 23219 or conducted consistent with the procedures 

established pursuant to the Bankruptcy Court’s standing orders regarding remote hearings in 

bankruptcy cases due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all of which are facilitated via Zoomgov. 

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that, except as otherwise set forth in the Bidding 

Procedures Order, objections to consummation or approval of the Sale must (a) be in writing; 

(b) conform to the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Rules and the Local Bankruptcy Rules; 

(c) state with particularity the legal and factual bases for the objection and the specific grounds 

therefor; and (d) be filed with the Court and served so as to be actually received on or before 

November 9, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern Time) by the following parties: (i) the 

Debtors, Ascena Group Retail, Inc., 933 MacArthur Boulevard, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430, 

Attn: Michael Veitenheimer; (ii) counsel to the Debtors, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, 300 North 

LaSalle, Chicago, Illinois 60654, Attn: John R. Luze and Jeff Michalik and Kirkland & Ellis LLP, 

601 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022, Attn: Steven N. Serajeddini, P.C.; 

(iii) co-counsel to the Debtors, Cooley LLP, 1299 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 700, 

Washington, D.C. 20004-2400, Attn: Cullen D. Speckhart and Olya Antle; (iv) counsel to the 

ABL agent, (a) Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP, One Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, 

Attn: Matthew F. Furlong, Julia Frost-Davies and Christopher L. Carter, and (b) Hunton Andrews 

Kurth LLP, Riverfront Plaza, East Tower, 951 East Byrd Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, 

Attn: Tyler P. Brown; (v) the United States Trustee for the Eastern District of Virginia, 701 East 

Broad Street, Suite 4304, Richmond, Virginia 23219, Attn: Kathryn Montgomery; (vi) proposed 

counsel to the Creditors’ Committee, Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP, 780 Third Avenue, 34th

Floor, New York, New York 10017, Attn: Robert Feinstein, Bradford Sandler, and Shirley Cho; 

(vii) counsel to the term loan ad hoc group, Milbank LLP, 55 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 1001, 

Attn: Evan R. Fleck, Esq; (viii) counsel to the Stalking Horse Bidder, Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP, 

919 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10022, Attn: Kristine Manoukian and Kelly Knight. 

CONSEQUENCES OF FAILING TO TIMELY MAKE AN OBJECTION

ANY PARTY OR ENTITY WHO FAILS TO TIMELY MAKE AN OBJECTION TO 

THE SALE ON OR BEFORE THE SALE OBJECTION DEADLINE IN ACCORDANCE 

WITH THE BIDDING PROCEDURES ORDER SHALL BE FOREVER BARRED FROM 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 134 of 140
 3

ASSERTING ANY OBJECTION TO THE SALE, INCLUDING WITH RESPECT TO THE 

TRANSFER OF THE DEBTORS’ ASSETS FREE AND CLEAR OF ALL LIENS, CLAIMS, 

ENCUMBRANCES, AND OTHER INTERESTS, EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN THE 

APPLICABLE PURCHASE AGREEMENT.

Richmond, Virginia

Dated: October 20, 2020

/s/ Cullen D. Speckhart

KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP

KIRKLAND & ELLIS INTERNATIONAL LLP

Edward O. Sassower, P.C. 

Steven N. Serajeddini, P.C. (admitted pro hac vice)

601 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Telephone: (212) 446-4800

Facsimile: (212) 446-4900

Email: edward.sassower@kirkland.com

steven.serajeddini@kirkland.com

-andJohn R. Luze (admitted pro hac vice)

300 North LaSalle Street

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Telephone: (312) 862-2000

Facsimile: (312) 862-2200

COOLEY LLP

Cullen D. Speckhart (VSB 79096)

Admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Missouri and 

Texas; Not admitted to practice in DC, supervised by 

members of DC bar

Olya Antle (VSB 83153)

Admitted to practice in Virginia; Not admitted to practice 

in DC, supervised by members of DC bar

1299 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 700

Washington, DC 20004-2400

Telephone: (202) 842-7800

Facsimile: (202) 842-7899

Email: cspeckhart@cooley.com

oantle@cooley.comEmail: john.luze@kirkland.com

Co-Counsel to the Debtors and Debtors in Possession

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 135 of 140
Exhibit A-3

Cure Notice

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 136 of 140
KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP COOLEY LLP

Cullen D. Speckhart (VSB 79096)

Admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Missouri and 

Texas; Not admitted to practice in DC, supervised by 

members of DC bar

Olya Antle (VSB 83153)

Admitted to practice in Virginia; Not admitted to practice in

DC, supervised by members of DC bar

1299 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 700

Washington, DC 20004-2400

Telephone: (202) 842-7800

Facsimile: (202) 842-7899

KIRKLAND & ELLIS INTERNATIONAL LLP

Edward O. Sassower, P.C. 

Steven N. Serajeddini, P.C. (admitted pro hac vice)

601 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Telephone: (212) 446-4800

Facsimile: (212) 446-4900

-andJohn R. Luze (admitted pro hac vice)

300 North LaSalle

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Telephone: (312) 862-2000

Facsimile: (312) 862-2200

Co-Counsel to the Debtors and Debtors in Possession

IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA

RICHMOND DIVISION

)

In re: ) Chapter 11

)

ASCENA RETAIL GROUP, INC., et al.,

8 ) Case No. 20-33113 (KRH)

)

Debtors. ) (Jointly Administered)

)

NOTICE TO CONTRACT PARTIES 

TO POTENTIALLY ASSUMED OR ASSUMED AND 

ASSIGNED JUSTICE EXECUTORY CONTRACTS AND UNEXPIRED LEASES

YOU ARE RECEIVING THIS NOTICE BECAUSE YOU

OR ONE OF YOUR AFFILIATES IS A COUNTERPARTY TO A JUSTICE 

EXECUTORY CONTRACT OR JUSTICE UNEXPIRED LEASE WITH ONE OR 

MORE OF THE DEBTORS AS SET FORTH ON EXHIBIT A ATTACHED HERETO.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE WKDW RQ >Ɣ@ WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV %DQNUXSWF\&RXUW IRU

the Eastern District of Virginia (the “Court”) entered the Order (I) Approving the Stalking Horse 

Protections, (II) Approving Bidding Procedures for the Sale of the Justice Assets, and 

(III) Approving Assumption and Assignment Procedures >'RFNHW 1R >Ɣ@@ WKH 3Bidding 

8 A complete list of each of the Debtors in these chapter 11 cases may be obtained on the website of the Debtors’ 

claims and noticing agent at http://cases.primeclerk.com/ascena. The location of Debtor Ascena Retail Group, 

Inc.’s principal place of business and the Debtors’ service address in these chapter 11 cases is 933 MacArthur 

Boulevard, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430.

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 137 of 140
2

Procedures Order”),9 authorizing the Debtors to conduct an auction (the “Auction”) to select the 

party to purchase the Justice Assets. The Auction will be governed by the bidding procedures 

approved pursuant to the Bidding Procedures Order (attached to the Bidding Procedures Order as 

Exhibit A-1, the “Bidding Procedures”). 

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that, pursuant to the Bidding Procedures and the 

terms of any Successful Bid, the Debtors may assume or assume and assign to the Successful 

Bidder certain Justice Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases, listed on the Assigned Contracts 

Schedule, attached hereto as Exhibit A, to which you are a counterparty, upon approval of the 

Sale. The Justice Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases Schedule can also be viewed on 

the Debtors’ case website (https://cases.primeclerk.com/ascena). The Debtors have conducted a 

review of their books and records and have determined that the cure amount for unpaid monetary 

obligations under such Justice Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases is as set forth on

Exhibit A attached hereto (the “Cure Amounts”).

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if you disagree with the proposed Cure 

Amounts, object to a proposed assignment to the Successful Bidder of any Justice Executory 

Contract or Justice Unexpired Lease, or object to the ability of the Successful Bidder to provide 

adequate assurance of future performance with respect to any Justice Executory Contract or Justice 

Unexpired Lease, your objection must: (i) be in writing; (ii) comply with the applicable provisions 

of the Bankruptcy Rules, Local Bankruptcy Rules, and any order governing the administration of 

these chapter 11 cases; (iii) state with specificity the nature of the objection and, if the objection 

pertains to the proposed Cure Amounts, state the correct cure amount alleged to be owed to the 

objecting Contract Party, together with any applicable and appropriate documentation in support 

thereof; and (iv) if you object to proposed Cure Amounts or a proposed assignment to the 

Successful Bidder of any Justice Executory Contract or Justice Unexpired Lease, be filed with the 

Court and served and actually received within 14 days of the date of service of the Cure Notice 

(the “Cure Objection Deadline”) and if you object to the ability of the Successful Bidder to provide 

adequate assurance of future performance with respect to any Justice Executory Contract or Justice 

Unexpired Lease, be filed with the Court and actually received no later than the later of (a) the 

Cure Objection Deadline, and (b) 4:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern Time) on the date that is 14 

days following (x) the date of service of the Cure Notice, or (y) the date of service of the 

Supplemental Cure Notice, as applicable, in each case, by the following parties: (a) counsel for 

the Debtors, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, 300 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654, Attn.: John 

R. Luze and Jeff Michalik; (b) counsel to the ABL Agent, (i) Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP, One 

Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, Attn.: Matthew F. Furlong, Julia Frost-Davies and 

Christopher L. Carter, and (ii) Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, Riverfront Plaza, East Tower, 951 

East Byrd Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, Attn.: Tyler P Brown; (c) counsel to the Ad Hoc 

Group, Milbank LLP, 55 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, Attn: Evan R. Fleck; (d) the 

United States Trustee for the Eastern District of Virginia, 701 East Broad Street, Suite 4304, 

Richmond, Virginia 23219, Attn: Kathryn Montgomery; (e) counsel to the Creditors’ Committee, 

Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP, 780 Third Avenue, 34 Fl Attn: Robert Feinstein, Bradford 

Sandler, and Shirley Cho; and (f) counsel to the Stalking Horse Bidder, Schulte Roth & Zabel 

9 All capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning given to them in the Bidding 

Procedures Order.

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 138 of 140
3

LLP, 919 Third Avenue, New York, New York, 10022, Attn. Kristine Manoukian and Kelly 

Knight.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if no objection to (a) the Cure Amounts, 

(b) the proposed assignment or assumption and assumption of any Justice Executory Contract or 

Justice Unexpired Lease, or (c) adequate assurance of the Successful Bidder’s ability to perform 

is filed by the Cure Objection Deadline, then (i) you will be deemed to have stipulated that the 

Cure Amounts as determined by the Debtors are correct, (ii) you will be forever barred, estopped, 

and enjoined from asserting any additional cure amount under the proposed assumed or assumed 

and assigned Justice Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases, and (iii) you will be forever 

barred, estopped, and enjoined from objecting to such proposed assignment to the Successful

Bidder on the grounds that the Successful Bidder has not provided adequate assurance of future 

performance as of the closing date of the Sale. 

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that any objection to the proposed assumption or 

assumption and assignment of a Justice Executory Contract, Justice Unexpired Lease, or related 

Cure Amounts in connection with the Successful Bid that otherwise complies with these 

procedures yet remains unresolved as of the commencement of the Confirmation Hearing, shall be 

heard at a later date as may be fixed by the Court.

PLEASE THAT FURTHER NOTICE that, notwithstanding anything herein, the mere 

listing of any Justice Executory Contract or Justice Unexpired Lease on the Cure Notice does not 

require or guarantee that such Justice Executory Contract or Justice Unexpired Lease will be 

assumed by the Debtors at any time or assumed or assumed and assigned, and all rights of the 

Debtors and the Successful Bidder with respect to such Justice Executory Contract or Justice 

Unexpired Lease are reserved. Moreover, the Debtors explicitly reserve their rights, in their 

reasonable discretion, to seek to reject or assume each Justice Executory Contract or Justice 

Unexpired Lease pursuant to section 365(a) of the Bankruptcy Code and in accordance with the 

procedures allowing the Debtors and/or the Successful Bidder, as applicable, to designate any 

Justice Executory Contract or Justice Unexpired Lease as either rejected or assumed on a 

post-closing basis. 

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that, nothing herein (i) alters in any way the 

prepetition nature of the Justice Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases or the validity, priority, 

or amount of any claims of a counterparty to any Justice Executory Contract or Justice Unexpired 

Lease against the Debtors that may arise under such Justice Executory Contract or Justice 

Unexpired Lease, (ii) creates a postpetition contract or agreement, or (iii) elevates to 

administrative expense priority of any claims of a counterparty to any Justice Executory Contract 

or Justice Unexpired Lease against the Debtors that may arise under such Justice Executory 

Contract or Justice Unexpired Lease.

ANY COUNTERPARTY TO ANY JUSTICE EXECUTORY CONTRACT OR 

JUSTICE UNEXPIRED LEASE WHO FAILS TO TIMELY OBJECT TO THE 

PROPOSED ASSUMPTION OR ASSUMPTION AND ASSIGNMENT OF SUCH 

JUSTICE EXECUTORY CONTRACT OR JUSTICE UNEXPIRED LEASE OR THE 

RELATED CURE AMOUNTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE SUCCESSFUL BID 

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 139 of 140
4

SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE CONSENTED TO SUCH ASSUMPTION OR 

ASSUMPTION AND ASSIGNMENT AND THE CURE AMOUNTS SET FORTH ON 

EXHIBIT A ATTACHED HERETO AND FOREVER BARRED FROM ASSERTING ANY 

OBJECTION OR CLAIMS AGAINST THE DEBTORS, THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER(S), 

OR THE PROPERTY OF ANY SUCH PARTIES, RELATING TO THE ASSUMPTION 

OR ASSUMPTION AND ASSIGNMENT OF SUCH JUSTICE EXECUTORY 

CONTRACT OR JUSTICE UNEXPIRED LEASE, INCLUDING ASSERTING

ADDITIONAL CURE AMOUNTS WITH RESPECT TO SUCH JUSTICE EXECUTORY 

CONTRACT OR JUSTICE UNEXPIRED LEASE. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING 

TO THE CONTRARY IN SUCH JUSTICE EXECUTORY CONTRACT OR JUSTICE 

UNEXPIRED LEASE, OR ANY OTHER DOCUMENT, THE CURE AMOUNTS SET 

FORTH IN EXHIBIT A ATTACHED HERETO SHALL BE CONTROLLING AND WILL 

BE THE ONLY AMOUNT NECESSARY TO CURE OUTSTANDING DEFAULTS 

UNDER THE APPLICABLE ASSUMED JUSTICE EXECUTORY CONTRACT OR 

JUSTICE UNEXPIRED LEASE UNDER SECTION 365(B) OF THE BANKRUPTCY 

CODE ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO ANY EVENTS OCCURRING PRIOR TO 

THE CLOSING OF THE SALE, WHETHER KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, WHETHER DUE 

OR TO BECOME DUE, WHETHER ACCRUED, ABSOLUTE, CONTINGENT, OR 

OTHERWISE.

Dated: October 2, 2020

/s/ Cullen D. Speckhart

KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP COOLEY LLP

Cullen D. Speckhart (VSB 79096)

Admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Missouri and 

Texas; Not admitted to practice in DC, supervised by 

members of DC bar

Olya Antle (VSB 83153) 

Admitted to practice in Virginia; Not admitted to practice 

in DC, supervised by members of DC bar

1299 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 700

Washington, DC 20004-2400

Telephone: (202) 842-7800

Facsimile: (202) 842-7899

Email: cspeckhart@cooley.com

oantle@cooley.comKIRKLAND & ELLIS INTERNATIONAL LLP

Edward O. Sassower, P.C. 

Steven N. Serajeddini, P.C. (admitted pro hac vice)

601 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Telephone: (212) 446-4800

Facsimile: (212) 446-4900

Email: edward.sassower@kirkland.com

steven.serajeddini@kirkland.com

-andJohn R. Luze (admitted pro hac vice)

300 North LaSalle Street

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Telephone: (312) 862-2000

Facsimile: (312) 862-2200

Email: john.luze@kirkland.com

Co-Counsel to the Debtors and Debtors in Possession

Case 20-33113-KRH Doc 986 Filed 10/21/20 Entered 10/21/20 14:48:14 Desc Main

Document Page 140 of 140