ex101to10q05558_03312010.htm


Exhibit 10.1


 



SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND RELEASE


 


This Settlement Agreement and Release (“Agreement”), dated as of the 11th day of May, 2010, is entered into by and among Plaintiff Empire Resorts, Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of Delaware, its parents, subsidiaries, divisions and affiliates (collectively, “Empire Resorts”), Third-Party Defendants Kien Huat Realty III, Ltd., a corporation organized under the laws of the Isle of Man, its parents, subsidiaries, divisions and affiliates (collectively, “Kien Huat”), Kok Thay Lim, Colin Au Fook Yew, G. Michael Brown, and Defendant Joseph Bernstein (collectively, Plaintiff, Third-Party Defendants, and Defendant are sometimes referred to herein as the “Parties”).


 


WHEREAS, Empire Resorts has commenced an action, captioned Empire Resorts, Inc., v. Joseph E. Bernstein, (the “Empire Resorts Action”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Court”);


 


WHEREAS, Joseph Bernstein has filed counterclaims against Empire Resorts and a third-party claim against Kien Huat, Kok Thay Lim, Colin Au Fook Yew, and G. Michael Brown in the Empire Resorts Action;


 


WHEREAS, the Parties on behalf of themselves and their predecessors, assignors, successors, agents, related companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, divisions, officers, employees, representatives, heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, desire to settle and terminate all of their disputes with each other, including without limitation all claims that are or could be asserted in the Empire Resorts Action or in any other proceeding involving the Parties;


 


WHEREAS, in entering into this Agreement, none of the Parties concedes the sufficiency or validity of any claims, cross claims, third-party claims, or defenses that were asserted or could be asserted by any of the Parties, or any other persons;


 




  





  











  






 


NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, releases and covenants contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by the Parties, the Parties enter into this Agreement, and it is hereby agreed by and between them as follows:


 



	
1.

	
Settlement Value







 


Within three (3) business days after receipt by Empire Resorts’ counsel of this Agreement executed by Joseph Bernstein, and as a condition of Joseph Bernstein’s obligations under this Agreement becoming effective, Empire Resorts shall:


 


(a)           pay to Joseph Bernstein the sum of One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000) by wire transfer to: Joseph Bernstein, Account #                            , Routing #                            , J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.,  12 East 86th St., New York, N.Y. 10028, Tel. 212-288-3061; and


 


(b)           issue to Joseph Bernstein Common Stock Purchase Warrants to purchase three million two hundred fifty thousand shares (3,250,000) at $2.00 per share, as follows: (i)  two million (2,000,000) shares in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit A, with an expiration date of May 10, 2020; (ii) two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) shares in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit B, with an expiration date of May 10, 2015; and (iii) one million (1,000,000) shares in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit C, with an expiration date of May 10, 2015.


 


The Parties agree that the Settlement Value set forth above relates to the claims and counterclaims in the Empire Resorts Action and each Party will allocate the Settlement Value as they deem appropriate according to their own respective assessments of the values of the claims and counterclaims asserted.


 


Empire Resorts shall have no defense or offset, for any reason whatsoever, to the exercise of any of the options provided for in paragraph 1(b)(ii) and (iii), other than the failure of Joseph Bernstein to pay the exercise price after an exercise within the applicable exercise period and as otherwise stated in the Common Stock Purchase Warrants annexed hereto as Exhibits B and C.


 




  





  











  






 



	
2.

	
Reaffirmation of Prior Options







 


Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to affect the options previously issued to Joseph Bernstein to purchase 750,000 shares of Empire Resorts’ common stock, and the parties hereby reaffirm that such options remain vested, in full force and effect, and unaltered by this Agreement, as follows:  Options to purchase five hundred thousand (500,000) shares granted on June 8, 2009, pursuant to an Employment Agreement dated as of June 1, 2009, at an exercise price of $1.78, expiring June 7, 2014; and, options to acquire, pursuant to a stock option agreement dated as of April 27, 2009, two hundred fifty thousand shares (250,000) shares at an exercise price of $1.14, expiring on April 26, 2014.  Empire Resorts shall have no defense or offset, for any reason whatsoever, to the exercise of any of the foregoing options, other than the failure of Joseph Bernstein to pay the exercise price after an exercise within the applicable exercise period.


 



	
3.

	
Dismissal of the Empire Resorts Action







 


The Parties will file with the Court the Stipulation and Order, attached as Exhibit D hereto and executed by counsel for all Parties, dismissing the Empire Resorts Action, including all claims, counterclaims, and third-party claims, with prejudice and without costs or attorneys fees.


 




  





  











  






 



	
4.

	
Release of Empire Resorts, Kien Huat, Kok Thay Lim, Colin Au Fook Yew and G. Michael Brown







 


(a)           Joseph Bernstein for himself and for his heirs, executors, affiliates, and assigns, whether as an employee, stockholder or otherwise (hereinafter collectively referred to in this paragraph as the “Releasor”), hereby releases, discharges and acquits forever Empire Resorts and Kien Huat, the direct or indirect beneficial owners of Kien Huat, and each of their respective present and former officers, directors, employees, agents, employee benefit and/or pension plans or funds, trustees, administrators, attorneys, successors, agents, and each of their affiliates and assigns, and Kok Thay Lim, Colin Au Fook Yew, and G. Michael Brown and each of their attorneys, successors, agents, and assigns (hereinafter collectively referred to in this paragraph as the “Releasees”) from any and all claims, demands, rights, causes of action, liabilities, and damages whatsoever (“Claims”), whether such Claims are known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, fixed or contingent, that the Releasor ever had, or now has, from the beginning of the world to the date of execution of this Agreement against the Releasees, including without limitation any Claims based in any way upon, related in any way to, or arising in any way from, out of or in connection with any agreement (including without limitation the Employment Agreement by and between Empire Resorts and Joseph Bernstein, dated as of June 1, 2009 (the “Employment Agreement”), the Option Agreement dated as of April 27, 2009 between Empire Resorts and Joseph Bernstein (the “Option Agreement”) and the Investment Agreement, dated as of August 19, 2009 between Empire Resorts and Kien Huat), understanding, arrangement, transaction, investment, or any other matter that in any way involved, concerned, related to or touched upon Empire Resorts (or its business) or any person or entity affiliated in any way with Releasees and any and all Claims that have been asserted or could have been asserted in the Empire Resorts Action, or arising from or relating to its subject matter.  The releases set forth in this Agreement are not intended to and do not release Releasees from any of their obligations under this Agreement, including without limitation Empire Resorts’ obligations concerning the Common Stock Purchase Warrants and the previously issued stock options reference in paragraph 2 above, nor does this Agreement release Empire Resorts from any indemnification obligations to Joseph Bernstein deriving from his services as a director or officer of Empire Resorts, other than those related to the dispute settled by this Agreement.


 




  





  











  






 


(b)           Without limiting the generality of the foregoing Paragraph 4(a), this Agreement is intended to and shall release the Releasees from any and all Claims arising out of Joseph Bernstein’s employment with Empire Resorts and/or the expiration of Joseph Bernstein’s employment, including but not limited to any Claim(s) under or arising out of (i) Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; (ii) the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended; (iii) the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”) (excluding claims for accrued, vested benefits under any employee benefit plan of Empire Resorts in accordance with the terms of such plan and applicable law); (iv) the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended, or the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act; (v) the WARN Act; (vi) the New York State and City Human Rights Laws; (vii) the Delaware Fair Employment Practices Act; (viii) Section 806 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002; (ix) alleged discrimination or retaliation in employment (whether based on federal, state or local law, statutory or decisional); (x) the terms and conditions of Joseph Bernstein’s employment with Empire Resorts, the expiration of such employment, and/or any of the events relating directly or indirectly to or surrounding that expiration, including Claims arising out of or in connection with the Employment Agreement or Option Agreement; (xi) New York Civil Rights Laws; and (xii) any law (statutory or decisional) providing for attorneys’ fees, costs, disbursements and/or the like.  The releases set forth in this Agreement are not intended to and do not release Empire Resorts from any of its obligations under this Agreement.


 




  





  











  






 


(c)           Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent Joseph Bernstein from cooperating in an investigation conducted by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, to the extent required or permitted by law.  Nevertheless, Joseph Bernstein understands and agrees that he is waiving any right to relief (including, for example, monetary damages, reimbursement of attorney’s fees or reinstatement) with respect to any such investigation.


 



	
5.

	
Release of Joseph Bernstein







 


Empire Resorts, Kien Huat, Kok Thay Lim, Colin Au Fook Yew, and G. Michael Brown (hereinafter collectively referred to in this paragraph as the “Releasors”) hereby release, discharge and acquit forever Joseph Bernstein, his heirs and executors (hereinafter collectively referred to in this paragraph as the “Releasee”) from any and all Claims, whether such Claims are known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, fixed or contingent, that the Releasors ever had, or now have, from the beginning of the world to the date of execution of this Agreement against the Releasee, including from any and all Claims, whether such Claims are known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, fixed or contingent, that the Releasors ever had, or now have, from the beginning of the world to the date of execution of this Agreement against the Releasee, including without limitation any Claims based in any way upon, related in any way to, or arising in any way from, out of, or in connection with any agreement (including without limitation the Employment and the Option Agreement), understanding, arrangement, transaction, investment, or any other matter that in any way involved, concerned, related to or touched upon Empire Resorts (or its business) or any person or entity affiliated in any way with Releasees and any and all Claims that have been asserted or could have been asserted in the Empire Resorts Action, or arising from or relating to its subject matter; provided, however, that nothing in this paragraph is intended to release Joseph Bernstein from his continuing obligations under Section 4 of the Employment Agreement except as specifically set forth in paragraph 6 below.


 




  





  











  




 





	
6.

	
Release of Certain Future Obligations of Joseph Bernstein and Rights of Empire Resorts under the Employment Agreement







 


Notwithstanding anything contrary to this Agreement, Empire Resorts hereby releases Joseph Bernstein from all of his obligations under the Employment Agreement, except that


 


(a)           Joseph Bernstein shall not be released from and shall continue to be obligated to comply with Section 4 of the Employment Agreement relating to confidentiality.  With respect to Section 4(B) of the Employment Agreement, counsel for Joseph Bernstein will continue to hold the images made by the third party vendor of Joseph Bernstein’s laptop, iPhone and backup drive for a period of three (3) years, after which they may be destroyed, and, in the event the need arises (including, without limitation, in order to comply with its legal obligations in litigation or to governmental regulatory authorities), shall cooperate with counsel for Empire Resorts to determine a protocol for delivery to Empire Resorts of all materials contained therein that Empire Resorts is entitled to have returned under Section 4(B) of the Employment Agreement and deletion of the same from Mr. Bernstein’s computer and iPhone and any other computer, phone or electronic device used by Mr. Bernstein during his employment by Empire Resorts.  Nothing herein shall require Mr. Bernstein to retain any such information.


 


(b)           For a period of ten (10) years, Joseph Bernstein may not, directly or indirectly, perform services within the Territory (as that term is defined in the Employment Agreement), for the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, whether as an employee, consultant, agent or contractor or in any capacity, and Joseph Bernstein also may not hold office as an officer or director or like positions in the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe.


 




  





  











  






 



	
7.

	
Confidentiality of Settlement and Non-Disparagement







 


(a)           Promptly after execution of this Agreement, Empire Resorts will issue a press release in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit E.  Subject to Paragraph 4(c) above, no party will issue or make any public statement about the Empire Resorts Action, the underlying dispute, or its settlement other than releasing Exhibit E and will respond to any inquiries solely by referring to the press release.


 


(b)           Other than as provided for in Paragraph 4(c) above, and provided that he shall not be prohibited from responding to any legal subpoena or other judicially enforceable written request from any court or governmental agency of competent jurisdiction and testifying truthfully pursuant to such subpoena or other request, Joseph Bernstein will not make any statement, written or verbal, or release information, that is injurious to the reputation of Empire Resorts, Kien Huat, the direct or indirect beneficial owners of Kien Huat, Kok Thay Lim, Colin Au Fook Yew, or G. Michael Brown, and expressly agrees that he shall not, and shall instruct his agents or representatives not to, directly or indirectly, in any capacity or manner, make, express, transmit, speak, write, verbalize or otherwise communicate in any way (or cause, further, assist, solicit, encourage, support or participate in any of the foregoing) to any person not a Party, any remark, comment, message, information, declaration, communication or other statement of any kind, whether oral, in writing, electronically transferred or otherwise, that might reasonably be construed to be derogatory or critical of, or negative toward Empire Resorts, Kien Huat, the direct or indirect beneficial owners of Kien Huat, Kok Thay Lim, Colin Au Fook Yew, or G. Michael Brown.


 


(c)           Joseph Bernstein further agrees not to make any public statements or encourage others to make any public statements regarding or relating to the business or business practices of Empire Resorts, Kien Huat or the direct or indirect beneficial owners of Kien Huat (including each of their present and former officers, directors, shareholders, direct or indirect beneficial owners, employees, agents, trusts, administrators or affiliates), or regarding or relating to Kok Thay Lim, Colin Au Fook Yew, or G. Michael Brown, except as required by law.


 




  





  











  






 


(d)           Each of Empire Resorts, Kien Huat, Kok Thay Lim, Colin Au Fook Yew, and G. Michael Brown shall not make any public statement or release information, that is injurious to the reputation of Joseph Bernstein, and expressly agrees that they shall not, and shall instruct their respective agents or representatives, if any, not to, directly or indirectly, in any capacity or manner, publicly make, express, transmit, speak, write, verbalize or otherwise communicate in any way (or cause, further, assist, solicit, encourage, support or participate in any of the foregoing) to any person not a Party, any remark, comment, message, information, declaration, communication or other statement of any kind, whether oral, in writing, electronically transferred or otherwise, that might reasonably be construed to be derogatory or critical of, or negative toward Joseph Bernstein, provided that they shall not be prohibited from responding to any legal subpoena or other judicially enforceable written request from any court or governmental agency of competent jurisdiction, testifying truthfully pursuant to such subpoena or other request, and disclosing such information as is required by any securities laws or rules or regulations promulgated from time to time by the SEC or applicable state securities agencies or as otherwise required by law.


 




  





  











  






 


(e)           Except as otherwise required by law, the Parties (including, but not limited to, their respective attorneys) agree to keep and represent that they have kept confidential:  (i) any and all of the terms of this Agreement, (ii) any and all of the terms proposed during the negotiation process (whether or not accepted), and (iii) the discussions and negotiations that led to this Agreement.  Notwithstanding anything in this paragraph to the contrary, no provision of this Agreement shall prohibit any party from disclosing or having disclosed the terms of this Agreement to their attorneys, to a tax accountant for purposes of seeking tax advice, or to their spouse, children,  significant other, or executive assistant; and nothing shall prohibit any party from (i) filing any documents required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or applicable state securities agencies or making any other public disclosure required by the federal or state securities law or other applicable law, provided that the content of any document so filed does not violate any of the other terms and conditions of this Agreement unless such content constitutes disclosure required by any securities laws or rules or regulations promulgated from time to time by the SEC or applicable state securities agencies or other applicable law; (ii) filing any documents or disclosing any information required to be filed or disclosed pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the rules and regulations thereunder, any applicable state or local tax code, or the rules and regulations under such state or local code; (iii) responding to any legal subpoena or other judicially enforceable written request from any court or governmental agency of competent jurisdiction and testifying truthfully pursuant to such subpoena or other request; or (iv) enforcing any rights of such party under this Agreement.  To the extent any information concerning this Agreement is publicly disclosed pursuant to (i)-(iv) of this paragraph, the obligation of confidentiality as to that information shall no longer apply.  In the event any Party receives any legal subpoena or other judicially enforceable written request from any court or governmental agency of competent jurisdiction concerning any matter covered in this Agreement, the party receiving such subpoena or written request shall promptly notify all other parties hereto.  A party shall not produce or disclose any material until a reasonable period of time after such notice is given to counsel for the other parties, to allow the other parties to seek relief from such subpoena or other written request.  In all events in which a party can practically do so without risking contempt or similar sanctions, such party shall provide the other parties with at least seven business days’ notice of such subpoena or written request.


 




  





  











  






 



	
8.

	
Non-Interference







 


(a)           Joseph Bernstein agrees not to serve as a named plaintiff in any class action suit against Empire Resorts or Kien Huat, or against each of their present and former officers, directors, stockholders, direct or indirect beneficial owners, employees, agents, employee benefit and/or pension plans or funds, trustees, administrators, attorneys, successors, and each of their affiliates and assigns, or against Kien Huat, Kok Thay Lim, Colin Au Fook Yew, or G. Michael Brown and each of their successors, agents, or assigns, and except as required by law, agrees not to investigate or assist in any such class action suit.


 


(b)           Joseph Bernstein further agrees to not to serve as legal counsel in any legal action or proceeding against Empire Resorts or Kien Huat, or against each of their present and former officers, directors, employees, agents, employee benefit and/or pension plans or funds, trustees, administrators, attorneys, successors, and each of their affiliates and assigns, where doing so would conflict with his continuing obligations under Section 4 of the Employment Agreement.


 


(c)           For a period of ten (10) years from the date of this Agreement, Joseph Bernstein shall not initiate, directly or indirectly, any communication of any kind with any member of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe (the “Tribe”) or its counsel.  If a member of the Tribe initiates contact with Joseph Bernstein, he will advise the individual that he cannot communicate with them and will promptly end the communication.  It will not be a violation of this paragraph for Joseph Bernstein to communicate with members of the Tribe with whom he has a personal relationship, including Barbara Lazore or Lorraine White, provided however, that any such communications shall be limited to personal, non-business matters, and Joseph Bernstein expressly agrees to not have any communication with any member of the Tribe that refers or relates to Empire Resorts, Kien Huat, Kok Thay Lim, Colin Au Fook Yew, and G. Michael Brown, and any of the present or former officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents of Empire Resorts or Kien Huat.   Provided, however, that nothing in this Paragraph shall inhibit communication with any federal or state governmental official acting in that capacity who is a member of the Tribe.


 




  





  











  






 



	
9.

	
Remedies for Breach







 


(a)           The Parties agree that any breach of any of the provisions in Paragraphs 7 and 8 of this Agreement will cause irreparable injury for which there is no adequate remedy at law, and agree that the non-breaching parties, in addition to all other remedies available to them, will be entitled to equitable relief, including but not limited to, injunctive relief to enforce these provisions of the Agreement, without the requirement to post a bond or other security.


 


(b)           Without in any way limiting any of the additional remedies available against him, Joseph Bernstein agrees that in the event he materially breaches any provision of this Agreement: (i) he will be obligated to immediately return to Empire Resorts $250,000 of the Settlement Sum paid to him pursuant to paragraph 1(a) of this Agreement; and (ii) all Common Stock Purchase Warrants issued to Joseph Bernstein pursuant to paragraph 1(b)(i) (Exhibit A hereto) that have not been exercised will terminate immediately.  The remedies provided for in this subparagraph 9(b) are only available if Empire Resorts provides notice to Joseph Bernstein as specified in Paragraph 9(c) below.  Empire Resorts shall be the sole entity entitled to exercise its right to the remedy in this subparagraph with respect to a breach of this Agreement by Joseph Bernstein and may do so with respect to a breach as against any other party.  The Parties expressly agree that the remedies set forth herein are not a penalty, but rather a reasoned amount taking into consideration the anticipated minimum actual harm that may be caused by such a material breach.


 




  





  











  






 


(c)           In the event of a material breach of this Agreement by Joseph Bernstein, and an election by Empire Resorts to assert the remedies provided for under paragraph 9(b), Empire Resorts will provide written notice to Joseph Bernstein within fifteen (15) business days of learning of the material breach.  The written notice provided for herein shall be deemed to have been given if sent by nationally recognized overnight courier to:  Joseph E. Bernstein, 6663 Casa Grande Way, Delray Beach, Florida 33446, with a copy to Henry P. Bubel, Esq., Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, 1133 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036-6710.  Copies of said written notice shall also be sent by nationally recognized overnight courier as follows:


 


If to Kien Huat or Kok Thay Lim, to:


Kien Huat Realty III Limited


c/o Kien Huat Realty Sdn Bhd.


22nd Floor Wisma Genting


Jalan Sultan Ismail


50250 Kuala Lumpur


Malaysia


Attention:  Gerard Lim







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


 Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP


One Liberty Plaza


New York, NY 10006


Attention: Steven L. Wilner







The Parties may designate alternate addresses for delivery of notices by sending notice thereof to the addresses set forth above.


 


(d)           If, within 45 (forty-five) days after receiving notice from Empire Resorts pursuant to paragraph 9(c) above, Joseph Bernstein initiates an action to seek a declaration from a court of competent jurisdiction that he has not materially breached this Agreement, the provisions of paragraph 9(b) above will be stayed pending resolution of litigation; provided, however, that the Common Stock Purchase Warrants issued pursuant to paragraph 1(b)(i) (Exhibit A hereto) shall remain unexercisable pending resolution of such action.


 




  





  











  






 


(e)           Without in any way limiting any of the additional remedies available to Joseph Bernstein, the Parties agree that in the event that any of the Releasees as defined in paragraph 4(a) above materially breaches any provision of this Agreement, then paragraph 9(b) above shall become null, void, and of no effect.  The remedies provided for in this subparagraph 9(e) are only available if Joseph Bernstein provides notice to Empire Resorts as specified in Paragraph 9(f) below.  Joseph Bernstein may exercise his right to the remedy in this subparagraph with respect to a material breach of this Agreement by any of the Releasees as defined in paragraph 4(a) above.  The Parties expressly agree that the remedies set forth herein are not a penalty, but rather a reasoned amount taking into consideration the anticipated minimum actual harm that may be caused by such a material breach.


 


(f)           In the event of a material breach of this Agreement by any of the Releasees as defined in paragraph 4(a) above, and an election by Joseph Bernstein to assert the remedies provided for under paragraph 9(e), Joseph Bernstein will provide written notice to Empire Resorts within fifteen (15) business days of learning of the material breach.  The written notice provided for herein shall be deemed to have been given if sent by nationally recognized overnight courier as follows:


 


Empire Resorts, Inc.


P.O. Box 5013


Monticello, New York 12701-5193


Attn: Chief Executive Officer







with copies to the following (which alone shall not constitute notice):


Robert H.Friedman, Esq.


Olshan Grundman Frome Rosenzweig & Wolosky, LLP


65 East 55th Street


New York, New York 10022


 




  





  











  






 


Kien Huat Realty III Limited


c/o Kien Huat Realty Sdn Bhd.


22nd Floor Wisma Genting


Jalan Sultan Ismail


50250 Kuala Lumpur


Malaysia


Attention:  Gerard Lim







Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP


One Liberty Plaza


New York, NY 10006


Attention: Steven L. Wilner







The Parties may designate alternate addresses for delivery of notices by sending notice thereof to the addresses set forth above.


 


(g)           If, within 45 (forty-five) days after receiving notice from Joseph Bernstein pursuant to paragraph 9(f) above, Empire Resorts initiates an action to seek a declaration from a court of competent jurisdiction that there has been no material breach of this Agreement, the provisions of paragraph 9(e) above will be stayed pending resolution of litigation.


 



	
10.

	
Miscellaneous







 


(a)           In the event any action suit or other proceeding is instituted to remedy, prevent or obtain relief relating to this Agreement, arising out of a breach of this Agreement, involving claims within the scope of the releases contained in this Agreement, or pertaining to a declaration of rights under this Agreement, the prevailing party shall recover all of such party’s reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in each and every such action, suit or other proceeding, including any and all appeals or petitions therefrom. As used herein, reasonable attorneys’ fees shall be deemed to mean the full and actual reasonable costs of any legal services actually performed in connection with the matters involved, calculated on the basis of the usual fee charged by the attorneys performing such services.


 




  





  











  






 


(b)           The Parties hereto represent and warrant that they have made no assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of any of the Claims released herein and they are fully authorized and entitled to give their full and complete release of all such claims.


 


(c)           In the event that any provision of this Agreement is declared void and unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, all other provisions shall nonetheless remain in full force and effect.


 


(d)           The failure of any Party to this Agreement to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Agreement will not be considered a waiver of any right arising thereunder or deprive that Party of the right thereafter.


 


(e)           This Agreement shall be in all respects governed by the laws of the State of New York, notwithstanding any rules on conflict or choice of laws that might apply the substantive law of another jurisdiction.


 


(f)           This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, devisees, legatees, executors, administrators, successors, agents, assigns, officers, directors, trustees, agents, partners, employees and affiliates of each of the Parties hereto.


 


(g)           The Parties to this Agreement represent and warrant to each other that they have read and understood its terms, that they have been represented by counsel with respect to this Agreement and all matters covered by and relating to it, that they have been fully advised by counsel with respect to their rights and with respect to the execution of this Agreement and that the Parties have entered into this Agreement for reasons of their own and not based upon the representations of any Party hereto except as contained in this Agreement.  Each Party has participated in, or contributed to, the drafting and preparation of this Agreement, and in the construction of this Agreement, the provisions shall not be construed for, or against, any Party, but shall be construed according to their plain meaning.


 




  





  











  






 


(h)           The Parties understand and agree that this is a compromise settlement of disputed claims and that the furnishing of the consideration for this settlement and release of claims shall not be deemed or construed as an admission of liability.  The making of this Agreement is not intended, and shall not be construed, as an admission that any of the Parties have violated any federal, state, or local law (statutory or decisional), ordinance or regulation, breached any contract, or committed any wrong whatsoever.  The Parties further agree and understand that this Agreement is being entered into solely for the purpose of avoiding further expense and litigation and that this Agreement may not be used as evidence in a subsequent proceeding except in a proceeding to enforce the terms of this Agreement.


 


(i)           This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties and it is expressly understood and agreed that this Agreement may not be altered, amended, modified or otherwise changed in any respect or particular whatsoever except by a writing duly executed by all authorized representatives of all the Parties, and the Parties acknowledge and agree that they will make no claim at any time or place that this Agreement has been orally altered or modified in any respect whatsoever, and the Parties further acknowledge and agree that all other agreements, representations and warranties of any kind are suspended and merged into this Agreement.  This Agreement is not effective until it has been fully executed and delivered by all Parties.


 


(j)           This Agreement may be executed electronically and in one or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute a duplicate original.


 




  





  











  






 


Signature Page to Agreement and Release


 


 


 



	
Dated:

	May 11, 2010	  	

/s/ Joseph Bernstein




	  	  	  	
Joseph Bernstein


	  	  	  	  
	  	  	  	  
	
Dated:

	May 10, 2010	  	

/s/ Kok Thay Lim




	  	  	  	
Kok Thay Lim


	  	  	  	  
	  	  	  	  
	
Dated:

	May 10, 2010  	  	

/s/ Colin Au Fook Yew




	  	  	  	
Colin Au Fook Yew


	  	  	  	  
	  	  	  	  
	
Dated:

	May 12, 2010	  	

/s/ G. Michael Brown




	  	  	
G. Michael Brown













	
EMPIRE RESORTS, INC.

	  	  
	  	  	  
	
By:

	/s/ Joseph A. D'Amato	  	
Date

	May 13, 2010
	
Name:

	Joseph A. D'Amato	  	  
	
Title:

	CEO	  	  
















	
KIEN HUAT REALTY III, LIMITED

	  	  
	  	  	  
	
By:

	/s/ Gerard Lim 	  	
Date

	May 10, 2010  
	
Name:

	Gerard Lim	  	  
	
Title:

	Authorized Signatory	  	  





 




  





  











  











Exhibit D


 


UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT


SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK


 



	
 


EMPIRE RESORTS, INC.,


 


Plaintiff/Counterclaim-Defendant,


 


v.


 


JOSEPH E. BERNSTEIN,


 


Defendant/Counterclaim Plaintiff..


 

	
 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Case No. 1:10-cv-00110-SHS


	
 


JOSEPH E. BERNSTEIN,


 


Third-Party Plaintiff,


 


v.


 


AU FOOK YEW, LIM KOK THAY, G. MICHAEL BROWN, KIEN HUAT REALTY III, LIMITED, AND JOHN DOES NO. 1-10.


 


Third-Party Defendants.


 

	  










STIPULATION AND ORDER OF DISMISSAL WITH PREJUDICE


 


IT IS HEREBY STIPULATED AND AGREED by and between the undersigned counsel for plaintiff Empire Resorts, Inc. (“Empire Resorts”), defendant Joseph Bernstein, third-party defendants Kien Huat Realty III, Limited (“Kien Huat”), Kok Thay Lim, Colin Au Fook Yew, and G. Michael Brown (collectively, the “Parties”) that, pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 41(a)(1), the Parties, by their undersigned counsel, hereby stipulate to the dismissal with prejudice of the claims asserted by plaintiff Empire Resorts against defendant Joseph Bernstein and to the counter claims and third-party claims asserted by Joseph Bernstein against Empire Resorts, Kien Huat, Kok Thay Lim, Colin Au Fook Yew and G. Michael Brown, without costs.


 




  





  











  







	
Dated:    New York, New York

	  
	
May __, 2010

	  
	  	

 




	  	
Lori Marks-Esterman


	  	
OLSHAN GRUNDMAN FROME ROSENZWEIG & WOLOSKY LLP


	  	
Attorney for Empire Resorts, Inc., G.   Michael Brown and Colin Au Fook Yew


	  	  	
Park Avenue Tower


65 East 55th Street


New York, New York 10022


(212) 451-2300


















	  	

 




	  	
Kim J. Landsman


	  	
PATTERSON BELKNAP WEBB & TYLER LLP


	  	
Attorney for Joseph Bernstein


	  	  	
1133 Avenue of the Americas


New York, NY 10036-6710


(212) 336-2000


















	  	

 




	  	
Howard Zelbo


	  	
CLEARY GOTTLIEB STEEN & HAMILTON LLP


	  	
Attorney for Kien Huat & Kok Thay Lim


	  	  	
1133 Avenue of the Americas


New York, NY 10036-6710


(212) 336-2000





 


	
SO ORDERED on May    , 2010,

	  	  
	  	  	  
	  	  	  
	

 



	  	  
	
The Honorable Sidney H. Stein


United States District Judge