Document:

exv10w5

 

Exhibit 10.5

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AND REORGANIZATION

                AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AND REORGANIZATION (this “Agreement”), dated
as of July 30, 2004 among High Tide LLC, an Ohio limited liability company
(“High Tide”) that has elected to be treated as a corporation for federal
income tax purposes and that has elected to be treated as a S corporation for
federal income tax purposes, and U-Store-It Trust, a Maryland real estate
investment trust (“USI”), a wholly owned subsidiary of High Tide that currently
is disregarded for federal income tax purposes as an entity separate from High
Tide.

RECITALS

                WHEREAS, High Tide, which is the owner of substantially all of the limited
partnership interests in Acquiport/Amsdell I Limited Partnership, a Delaware
limited partnership (the “Operating Partnership”), has determined that it is in
the best interests of High Tide to pursue an initial public offering
transaction in which High Tide would sell equity to the public and raise
significant additional capital (the “IPO”);

                WHEREAS, High Tide has been advised that the IPO would more likely be
successful if High Tide were to be reorganized from its current structure as an
Ohio limited liability company to a Maryland real estate investment trust (a
“Maryland REIT”), with its organizational documents amended to include certain
restrictions on the ownership of its equity (the “Reorganization”);

                WHEREAS, High Tide, in order to facilitate the Reorganization, has formed
USI as a wholly owned subsidiary of High Tide, with the intent that High Tide
would merge with and into USI, with USI surviving, for the purposes of
consummating the reorganization of High Tide as a Maryland REIT;

                WHEREAS, the sole manager (the “Manager”) of High Tide determined the
Reorganization and this agreement and plan of merger and reorganization to be
advisable for High Tide and its members, approved the agreement and plan of
merger and reorganization and directed that the agreement and plan of merger
and reorganization be submitted for consideration by the members of High Tide
pursuant to a written consent of the Manager, dated as of July 30, 2004;

                WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of USI determined that the proposed merger
transaction was advisable and directed that such proposed merger transaction be
submitted for consideration by High Tide, the sole shareholder of USI, pursuant
to a unanimous written consent of the Board of Trustees, dated as of July 30,
2004;

                WHEREAS, the members of High Tide adopted a resolution approving

 

 

this agreement and plan of merger and reorganization by unanimous written
consent of the members, dated as of July 30, 2004;

                WHEREAS, High Tide, as the sole shareholder of USI adopted a resolution
approving the proposed merger transaction pursuant to a written consent of the
sole shareholder, dated as of July 30, 2004; and

                WHEREAS, the parties herein intend that the Reorganization qualify as a
reorganization under Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the “Code”), with the result that USI shall be viewed as the
continuation of High Tide for federal income tax purposes.

                NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and of the
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, the
parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

THE MERGER; CLOSING; EFFECTIVE TIME

                1.1.      THE MERGER. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
at the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.3), High Tide shall be merged
with and into USI in accordance with this Agreement and the separate existence
of High Tide shall thereupon cease (the “Merger”). USI shall be the surviving
entity in the Merger (sometimes hereinafter referred to as the “Surviving
Company”) and shall continue to be governed by the laws of the State of
Maryland, and the separate existence of USI as a Maryland real estate
investment trust, with all its rights, privileges, immunities, powers and
franchises, shall continue unaffected by the Merger. The Merger shall have the
effects specified in the Ohio Limited Liability Company Act (“OLLCA”) and the
Maryland REIT Law (the “MRL”).

                1.2.      THE CLOSING. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
the closing of the Merger (the “Closing”) shall take place (a) at the offices
of Hogan & Hartson L.L.P., 555 Thirteenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.,
20004, on the day upon which all of the conditions to the Merger shall have
been satisfied or waived in writing, or (b) at such other time, date or place
as High Tide and USI may agree. The date on which the Closing occurs is
hereinafter referred to as the “Closing Date.”

                1.3.      EFFECTIVE TIME. If all the conditions to the Merger set forth in
Article 5 shall have been satisfied or waived in accordance herewith and this
Agreement shall not have been terminated as provided in Article 6, upon the
Closing, the parties hereto shall cause (i) a Certificate of Merger
substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Certificate
of Merger”) to be executed

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and filed with the Secretary of State of Ohio, as provided in Section
1705.38 of the OLLCA and (ii) Articles of Merger substantially in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Articles of Merger”) to be executed
and filed with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland
(the “SDAT”), as provided in Section 8-501.1(h) of the MRL. The Merger shall
become effective upon the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the
Secretary of State of Ohio and the Articles of Merger with the SDAT, or such
other time as specified in the Articles of Merger and the Certificate of Merger
(the “Effective Time”).

                1.4      FEDERAL INCOME TAX TREATMENT OF MERGER. The parties hereto intend that
the Merger shall be treated as a reorganization of High Tide from being an Ohio
limited liability company taxed as a corporation for federal income tax
purposes conducting business under the name High Tide to being a Maryland REIT
that is taxed as a corporation for federal income tax purposes conducting
business under the name U-Store-It Trust, with this reorganization qualifying
as reorganization for federal income tax purposes under Section 368(a)(1)(F) of
the Code. The parties hereto shall treat USI as the continuation of High Tide
for federal income tax purposes.

ARTICLE 2

NAME, ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

AND BYLAWS

OF THE SURVIVING COMPANY

                2.1.      NAME AND LOCATION OF SURVIVING COMPANY. The name of the Surviving
Company, “U-Store-It Trust,” shall continue unchanged at the Effective Time.
USI’s principal office in Maryland shall be located in Baltimore County.

                2.2.      DECLARATION OF TRUST. The Articles of Amendment and Restatement of
Declaration of Trust of USI, substantially in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit C, with such changes as may be proposed by USI and not
materially adversely affecting High Tide or the Members (as defined herein)
(the “Restated Trust”), shall be filed with the SDAT as part of the Merger and
shall be the Declaration of Trust of the Surviving Company until duly amended
in accordance with the terms thereof and the MRL. The Restated Trust has been
duly approved and advised by the Board of Trustees of USI by unanimous vote
thereof and approved by the sole shareholder of USI as required by law.

                2.3.      BYLAWS. The Bylaws of USI in effect immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall be the Bylaws of the Surviving Company until duly amended
in accordance with the terms thereof and the MRL.

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ARTICLE 3

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE SURVIVING COMPANY

                3.1.      TRUSTEES. The trustees of USI immediately prior to the Effective
Time shall be the trustees of the Surviving Company as of and following the
Effective Time until their successors have been duly elected and qualified or
until their earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance with the
Declaration of Trust and Bylaws of the Surviving Company.

                3.2.      OFFICERS. The officers of USI immediately prior to the Effective
Time shall be the officers of the Surviving Company as of and following the
Effective Time until their successors have been duly appointed and qualified or
until their earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance with the
Declaration of Trust and Bylaws of the Surviving Company.

ARTICLE 4

EFFECT ON MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS

                4.1      EFFECT ON MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS. At the Effective Time, by virtue of
the Merger and without any further action on the part of any holder of any
membership interests of High Tide:

                (a)      Each 1% membership interest (or fraction thereof) of High Tide (the
“High Tide Membership Interests”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to
the Effective Time, shall be converted into a number of validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable common shares, par value $0.01 per share, of USI (the
“USI Common Shares”) equal to the Share Conversion Amount (as defined on
Exhibit D). For purposes of clarification, fractional High Tide
Membership Interests shall be taken into account for purposes of determining
the number of USI Common Shares a holder of High Tide Membership Interests will
receive upon conversion in the Merger. For example, if a holder owns a 1.50%
High Tide Membership Interest and the Share Conversion Amount is 100,000, then
such holder would receive 150,000 USI Common Shares upon conversion of its High
Tide Membership Interest in the Merger.

                (b)      Each High Tide Membership Interest shall no longer be outstanding and
shall be canceled and retired and shall cease to exist.

                (c)      Each USI Common Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the
part of High Tide or the holder of such shares, be canceled and retired
without payment of any consideration therefor.

                (d)      As a result of the foregoing, the holders of the outstanding High Tide
Membership Interests immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the

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owners of one-hundred percent (100%) of the outstanding USI Common Shares
upon and immediately after the Effective Time.

                4.2      RIGHTS UPON EXCHANGE.

                (a)      All USI Common Shares issued upon the surrender for exchange of High
Tide Membership Interests in accordance with the terms hereof shall be deemed
to have been issued in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such High
Tide Membership Interests.

                (b)      At and after the Effective Time, there shall be no transfers on the
stock transfer books of High Tide of High Tide Membership Interests which were
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time.

                (c)      No fractional USI Common Shares shall be issued pursuant hereto. The
number of USI Common Shares issued to any holder of High Tide Membership
Interests immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be rounded down to the
nearest whole share.

ARTICLE 5

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

                5.1      REPRESENATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF HIGH TIDE. As a material inducement
to USI to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby, High Tide hereby makes to USI each of the representations
and warranties set forth in this Article 5.1, which representations and
warranties are true and correct as of the date hereof.

                (a)      Organization and Standing. High Tide is a limited liability
company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under Ohio law,
and has the full and unrestricted limited liability company power and authority
to own, operate its assets, to carry on its business as currently conducted, to
execute and deliver this Agreement and to carry out the transactions
contemplated hereby. High Tide is duly qualified to conduct business as a
foreign limited liability company where necessary and is in good standing in
the states in which it is so qualified.

                (b)      Authority. High Tide has all requisite limited liability
company power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to
consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby. The
execution and delivery by High Tide of this Agreement and the consummation by
High Tide of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby have
been duly authorized by all necessary limited liability company action on the
part of High Tide. High Tide has duly executed and delivered this Agreement,
and this Agreement constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation,
enforceable against it

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in accordance with its terms.

                (c)      Capital Structure. The authorized membership interests of High
Tide are as set forth in the Articles of Merger. All outstanding High Tide
Membership Interests are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable and not subject to or issued in violation of any purchase option,
call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or
any similar right under High Tide’s articles of organization or operating
agreement or any contract to which High Tide is a party or otherwise bound.
There are no bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness of High Tide having
the right to vote on any matters on which holders of High Tide Membership
Interests may vote. There are not any options, warrants, rights, contracts,
arrangements or undertakings of any kind to which High Tide is a party or by
which it is bound obligating High Tide to issue, grant, sell or cause to be
issued, granted or sold, additional High Tide Membership Interests or other
equity interests in, or any security convertible or exercisable for or
exchangeable into High Tide Membership Interests or other equity interest in,
High Tide.

                (d)      Litigation. There is no litigation or proceeding, either
judicial or administrative, pending or, to High Tide’s knowledge, threatened,
affecting its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
There is no outstanding order, writ, injunction or decree of any court,
government, governmental entity or authority or arbitration against or
affecting High Tide, which in any such case would impair High Tide’s ability to
enter into and perform all of its obligations under this Agreement.

                (e)      No Insolvency Proceedings. No attachments, execution
proceedings, assignments for the benefit of creditors, insolvency, bankruptcy,
reorganization or other proceedings are pending or, to High Tide’s knowledge,
threatened against High Tide, nor are any such proceedings contemplated by High
Tide.

                (f)      No Brokers. High Tide has not entered into, and covenants that
it will not enter into, any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any
person or firm which will result in the obligation of High Tide to pay any
finder’s fee, brokerage commission or similar payment in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby.

                (g)      Securities Laws Matters; Restriction on Transfer.

                           (i)      High Tide acknowledges that USI intends the offer and issuance of the
USI Common Shares to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and applicable state securities laws by
virtue of (A) the status of each of the members of High Tide (the “Members”) as
“accredited investors” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, and
(B) Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, and that USI will rely in part upon

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the representations and warranties made by High Tide in this Agreement in
making the determination that the offer and issuance of the USI Common Shares
qualify for exemption under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.

                           (ii)      Each Member is an “accredited investor” within the meaning of the
federal securities laws.

                           (iii)      Each Member will acquire the USI Common Shares for his own account
and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, any “distribution”
thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act. Each Member does not intend
or anticipate that the Member will rely on its investment in the USI Common
Shares as a principal source of income.

                           (iv)      High Tide and the Members have been supplied with, or had access to,
information to which a reasonable investor would attach significance in making
an investment decision to acquire the USI Common Shares and any other
information High Tide or the Members have requested. High Tide and the Members
have had an opportunity to ask questions of, and receive information and
answers from, USI concerning USI and the USI Common Shares, and to assess and
evaluate any information supplied to them by USI, and all such questions have
been answered, and all such information has been provided to their respective
full satisfaction.

                           (v)      High Tide and the Members acknowledge that they are aware that there
are substantial restrictions on the transferability of the USI Common Shares
and that the USI Common Shares will not be registered under the Securities Act
or any state securities laws. Each Member agrees that any USI Common Shares the
Member acquires will not be sold in the absence of registration unless such
sale is exempt from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state
securities laws. Each Member acknowledges that the Member shall be responsible
for compliance with all conditions on transfer imposed by any securities
authority and for any expenses incurred by USI for legal or accounting services
in connection with reviewing such a proposed transfer or issuing opinions in
connection therewith.

                           (vi)      High Tide and the Members understand that no federal agency
(including the Securities and Exchange Commission) or state agency has made or
will make any finding or determination as to the fairness of an investment in
the USI Common Shares (including as to the merger consideration).

                           (vii)      All certificates representing USI Common Shares shall bear a
restrictive legend in substantially the form set forth below (or a legend of
like effect) in conspicuous type (together with any other legends required by
law or otherwise placed on such certificates):

THE SHARES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT

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BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (“SECURITIES
ACT”), OR UNDER APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS (“STATE ACTS”) AND MAY BE
OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED ONLY UPON REGISTRATION UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT AND THE STATE ACTS OR PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM.

In addition, all such certificates shall bear an appropriate restrictive legend
specifying that the USI Common Shares represented by such certificate are held
by an affiliate of USI (or, in the absence of such a legend, an appropriate
notation shall be made in the records of USI and/or appropriate stop-transfer
instructions shall be issued to the transfer agent).

                5.2      REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF USI. As a material inducement to
High Tide to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby, USI hereby makes to High Tide each of the representations
and warranties set forth in this Article 5.2, which representations and
warranties are true and correct as of the date hereof.

                (a)      Organization and Standing. USI is a real estate investment
trust (“REIT”) duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
Maryland law, and has the full and unrestricted power and authority to own,
operate its assets, to carry on its business as currently conducted, to execute
and deliver this Agreement and to carry out the transactions contemplated
hereby. USI is duly qualified to conduct business as a foreign REIT where
necessary and is in good standing in the states in which it is so qualified.

                (b)      Authority. USI has all requisite power and authority to execute
and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery by USI of this
Agreement and the consummation by USI of the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the
part of USI. USI has duly executed and delivered this Agreement, and this
Agreement constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable
against it in accordance with its terms.

                (c)      Capital Structure. The authorized capital stock of USI is as
set forth in the Articles of Merger. All outstanding USI Common Shares are
duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and not subject
to or issued in violation of any purchase option, call option, right of first
refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under USI’s
declaration of trust or bylaws or any contract to which the USI is a party or
otherwise bound. There are no USI Common Shares currently outstanding other
than those held by High Tide. There are no bonds, debentures, notes or other
indebtedness of USI having the right to vote on any matters on which holders of
USI Common Shares may vote. There

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are not any options, warrants, rights, contracts, arrangements or
undertakings of any kind to which USI is a party or by which it is bound
obligating USI to issue, grant, sell or cause to be issued, granted or sold,
additional USI Common Shares or other equity interests in, or any security
convertible or exercisable for or exchangeable into USI Common Shares or other
equity interest in, USI. The USI Common Shares issued in the Merger will be
duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Upon and
immediately following the Effective Time, the sole holders of USI Common Shares
will be the holders of High Tide Membership Interests immediately prior to the
Effective Time.

                (d)      Litigation. There is no litigation or proceeding, either
judicial or administrative, pending or, to the USI’s knowledge, threatened,
affecting its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
There is no outstanding order, writ, injunction or decree of any court,
government, governmental entity or authority or arbitration against or
affecting USI, which in any such case would impair USI’s ability to enter into
and perform all of its obligations under this Agreement.

                (e)      No Insolvency Proceedings. No attachments, execution
proceedings, assignments for the benefit of creditors, insolvency, bankruptcy,
reorganization or other proceedings are pending or, to USI’s knowledge,
threatened against USI, nor are any such proceedings contemplated by USI.

                (f)      No Brokers. USI has not entered into, and covenants that it
will not enter into, any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any
person or firm which will result in the obligation of USI to pay any finder’s
fee, brokerage commission or similar payment in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby.

ARTICLE 6

CONDITIONS

                6.1      Carrying On in the Ordinary Course of Business. From the date
hereof to the Closing Date, each of the parties hereto shall conduct its
business in the ordinary course in all material respects, except that each
party may (a) take such actions and execute such documents as may be required
to effectuate the Reorganization and any related transactions, and (b) effect
distributions of cash to its equity holders.

ARTICLE 7

CONDITIONS

                7.1      Conditions to USI’s Obligations to Effect the Merger. The
obligations of USI to effect the Merger and the other transactions contemplated
by

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this Agreement are subject to the fulfillment, at or prior to the Closing,
of the following conditions (unless such conditions are waived in writing by
USI):

                (a)      Representations and Warranties. The representations and
warranties made by High Tide pursuant to this Agreement shall be true and
correct in all material respects when made, and on and as of the Closing Date,
as though such representations and warranties were made on the Closing Date.

                (b)      Performance. High Tide shall have performed and complied with
all agreements and covenants that it is required to perform or comply with
pursuant to this Agreement prior to the Closing in all material respects.

                (c)      Legal Proceedings. No action or proceeding by or before any
governmental authority shall have been instituted that is reasonably expected
to restrain, prohibit or invalidate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, including the Merger, other than an action or proceeding instituted
by High Tide.

                (d)      Consents and Approvals. All necessary consents of governmental
and private parties to effect the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, consents of any
lenders, shall have been obtained.

                (d)      Reliance of Regulation D. USI shall, based on advice of its
counsel, be reasonably satisfied that there shall not be more that 35
“purchasers of securities” (as calculated pursuant to Rule 501 of Regulation D)
at the Closing and that such issuance and the contemplated distribution of USI
Common Shares to such purchasers may be made without registration under the
Securities Act in reliance on Regulation D.

                (e)      Election to Be Treated as a Corporation. USI shall have filed
with the Internal Revenue Service an election (on Form 8832) to be treated as a
corporation for federal income tax purposes, with such election to be effective
not later than one day prior to the Effective Time.

                7.2      Conditions to High Tide’s Obligation to Effect the Merger. The
obligation of the High Tide to effect the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the fulfillment, at or prior to
the Closing, of the following conditions (unless such conditions are waived in
writing by High Tide):

                 (a)      Representations and Warranties. The representations and
warranties made by USI pursuant to this Agreement shall be true and correct in
all material respects when made, and on and as of the Closing Date, as though
such representations and warranties were made on the Closing Date.

                (b)      Performance. USI shall have performed and complied with all

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agreements and covenants that it is required to perform or comply with
pursuant to this Agreement prior to the Closing in all material respects.

                (c)      Legal Proceedings. No action or proceeding by or before any
governmental authority shall have been instituted that is reasonably expected
to restrain, prohibit or invalidate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, including the Merger, other than an action or proceeding instituted
by USI; provided, that the foregoing condition shall be deemed to have been
satisfied if USI shall have agreed to fully indemnify the Members from any
loss, liability, claim, damage or expense arising out of High Tide’s proceeding
to effect the Merger in the face of any such action or proceeding.

                (d)      Consents and Approvals. All other necessary consents of
governmental and private parties to effect the Merger and other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, consents of any
lenders, shall have been obtained; provided, that the foregoing condition shall
be deemed to have been satisfied if USI shall have agreed to fully indemnify
the Members from any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense arising out of
High Tide proceeding to effect the Merger without having obtained a necessary
consent.

                (e)      Registration Rights Agreement. USI shall have entered into a
registration rights agreement with the Members providing the Members with
registration rights that register the resale of USI Common Shares issued
pursuant to this Agreement, such registration rights agreement to contain such
other terms and conditions customary for a transaction of this type.

                (f)      Election to Be Treated as a Corporation. USI shall have filed
with the Internal Revenue Service an election (on Form 8832) to be treated as a
corporation for federal income tax purposes, with such election to be effective
not later than one day prior to the Effective Time.

ARTICLE 8

TERMINATION

                8.1      TERMINATION AND ABADONMENT BY USI. USI shall have the right to
terminate this Agreement and abandon the Merger at any time and for any reason
on or after February 15, 2005 but prior to the filing of the Articles of Merger
and the Certificate of Merger, whether or not such termination occurs on or
after approval by the sole shareholder of USI.

                8.2      TERMINATION AND ABADONMENT BY HIGH TIDE. High Tide shall have the
right to terminate this Agreement and abandon the Merger at any time and for
any reason on or after February 15, 2005 but prior to the filing of the
Articles of Merger and the Certificate of Merger, whether or not such
termination occurs before or after approval by the Members.

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                8.3      EFFECT OF TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT. Upon the termination of this
Agreement and abandonment of the Merger pursuant to Section 8.1 or 8.2 hereof,
this Agreement shall become void and have no effect, and no party shall have
any liability to the other in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby, including the Merger, or as a result of the termination of this
Agreement; provided, that the foregoing shall not relieve a party of any
liability as a result of a breach of any of the terms of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 9

GENERAL PROVISIONS

                9.1      ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, the Exhibits and any documents
delivered by the parties in connection herewith constitute the entire agreement
among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all
prior agreements and understandings among the parties with respect thereto. No
addition to or modification of any provision of this Agreement shall be binding
upon any party hereto unless made in writing and signed by all parties hereto.

                9.2      AMENDMENT. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument
in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.

                9.3      GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland (except that the laws of the
State of Ohio shall govern to the extent applicable).

                9.4      COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in
separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an
original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same
instrument. Each counterpart may consist of a number of copies hereof, each
signed by less than all, but together signed by all of the parties hereto.

                9.5      HEADINGS. Headings of the Articles and Sections of this Agreement are
for the convenience of the parties only, and shall be given no substantive or
interpretive effect whatsoever.

                9.6      INCORPORATION. All Exhibits attached hereto and referred to herein
are hereby incorporated herein and made a part hereof for all purposes as if
fully set forth herein.

                9.7      SEVERABILITY. Any term or provision of this Agreement which is
invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be
ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without
rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this
Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or
provisions of this

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Agreement in any other jurisdiction. If any provision of this Agreement
is so broad as to be unenforceable, the provision shall be interpreted to be
only so broad as is enforceable.

                9.8      WAIVER OF CONDITIONS. The conditions to each of the parties’
obligations to consummate the Merger are for the sole benefit of such party and
may be waived by such party in whole or in part to the extent permitted by
applicable law.

                9.9      NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement is not intended to
confer upon any person other than the parties hereto any rights or remedies
hereunder.

                9.10      CONSENT OF SURVIVING COMPANY. The Surviving Company hereby consents
to be sued and served with process in the state of Ohio and irrevocably
appoints the Secretary of State of the state of Ohio as its agent to accept
service of process in any proceeding in the state of Ohio to enforce against
USI any obligation of High Tide or any rights of a dissenting member of High
Tide.

                9.11      SURVIVING COMPANY’S TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS IN OHIO. The Surviving
Company desires to transact business in the state of Ohio, and has filed a
report with the Office of the Ohio Secretary of State to that effect. The
Surviving Company hereby appoints the Corporation Trust Incorporated as its
statutory agent for service of process, demand or notice.

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                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement and caused
the same to be duly delivered on their behalf as of the day and year first
written above.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	ATTEST:	 	U-Store-It Trust
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	/s/ Patricia A. Rocewicky 
	 	By:
	 	 /s/ Steven G. Osgood            (SEAL)	 	 	 	 
	

	 	Name: Patricia A. Rocewicky
	 	 	 	Name: Steven G. Osgood	 	 	 	 
	

	 	Title: Secretary
	 	 	 	Title: President	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	ATTEST:	 	High Tide LLC
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	 /s/ Patricia A. Rocewicky
	 	By:
	 	/s/ Robert J. Amsdell            (SEAL)	 	 	 	 
	

	 	Name: Patricia A. Rocewicky
	 	 	 	Name: Robert J. Amsdell	 	 	 	 
	

	 	Title:
	 	 	 	Title: Sole Manager	 	 	 	 

14

 

Each of the undersigned Members hereby confirms the representations, warranties
and agreements set forth in Section 5.1(g) above.

/s/ Todd C. Amsdell                     

Todd C. Amsdell

THE ROBERT J. AMSDELL FAMILY

IRREVOCABLE TRUST DATED

JUNE 4, 1998

By: /s/ Bernard L. Karr                     

Name: Bernard L. Karr

Title: Trustee

THE LORETTA AMSDELL FAMILY

IRREVOCABLE TRUST DATED

JUNE 4, 1998

By: /s/ Bernard L. Karr                     

Name: Bernard L. Karr

Title: Trustee

/s/ Robert J. Amsdell                     

Robert J. Amsdell

/s/ Barry L. Amsdell                     

Barry L. Amsdell

15

 

Exhibit D

SHARE CONVERSION AMOUNT

The “Share Conversion Amount” shall be equal to:

(.0090285 x Aggregate Equity Exchange Units) + ($186,600 / PPS)

Where:

	 	 	 	 	 
	Aggregate Equity Exchange Units

	 	=
	 	(EV — (PPOI + TC + AC)) / PPS
	EV

	 	=
	 	Enterprise Value
	PPOI

	 	=
	 	Pre-Public Offering Indebtedness
	TC

	 	=
	 	Transaction Costs
	AC

	 	=
	 	Acquisition Costs
	PPS

	 	=
	 	USI IPO Price Per Share

Definitions (to the extent not defined in the Agreement):

“Enterprise Value” means the sum, as of the Closing Date, of (a) Gross Equity
Value and (b) the amount of all Indebtedness of USI, the Operating Partnership,
their subsidiaries and any affiliates holding direct or indirect interests in
any of the properties or assets to be owned by USI, the Operating Partnership
or any such subsidiary (to the extent such Indebtedness of such affiliate
related to such properties or assets), upon the consummation of the IPO and the
transactions related to the IPO (collectively with the IPO, the “IPO
Transactions”), after application of the proceeds of the IPO Transactions
(including, without limitation, the Operating Partnership’s pro rata share of
consolidated and unconsolidated joint venture Indebtedness, if any). For
purposes of this definition, “Gross Equity Value” shall mean the gross equity
value of USI and the Operating Partnership, without duplication, upon the
consummation of the IPO Transactions, as determined by USI as of the Closing
Date in consultation with its underwriters.

“Indebtedness” means, as to any person, any indebtedness, whether or not
contingent, secured, senior, mezzanine or subordinated, (i) in respect of
borrowed money (including, without limitation, permanent indebtedness,
construction indebtedness, bridge financing, secured debt, mortgage debt, lines
of credit and indebtedness secured by pledges of equity interests), (ii)
evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments, or (iii)
representing capital lease obligations. “Indebtedness” shall not include any
indebtedness of USI, the Operating Partnership or any of their subsidiaries
owed to each other.

“Pre-Public Offering Indebtedness” means the sum of (a) the amount of all
Indebtedness of USI, the Operating Partnership, their subsidiaries and any
affiliates holding direct or indirect interests in any of the properties or
assets to be owned by USI, the Operating Partnership or any such subsidiary (to
the extent such Indebtedness of such affiliate related to such properties or
assets), determined as of immediately prior to the consummation of the IPO
Transactions (including, without limitation, the Operating Partnership’s pro
rata share of consolidated and unconsolidated joint venture Indebtedness, if
any), and (b) all accrued or accumulated interest, prepayment

 

 

penalties, financing fees, exit fees, and other amounts, costs or expenses
payable on account of the repayment, assumption or refinancing of any such
Indebtedness in connection with the IPO Transactions. “Pre-Public Offering
Indebtedness” shall be calculated without duplication of amounts, including,
without limitation, amounts included in Acquisition Costs or Transaction Costs.

“Acquisition Costs” means the sum of (a) the aggregate equity value of the OP
units to be issued in connection with the contribution of the Lantana, FL,
Lakewood, OH and Vero Beach, FL properties to the Operating Partnership by
Robert J. Amsdell, Trustee, Amsdell and Amsdell and Amsdell Holdings I, Inc.,
respectively, such equity value determined by multiplying the number of such OP
units by the IPO Price Per Share, (b) the cash purchase price for the capital
stock of U-Store-It Mini Warehouse Co., and (c) the aggregate acquisition costs
for all new properties (and entities) acquired by USI, the Operating
Partnership or any of their subsidiaries in connection with the consummation of
the IPO Transactions, including the purchase price thereof and the amount of
any assumed Indebtedness in connection therewith (or, in the case of an
acquisition of an entity, the Indebtedness of such entity). “Acquisition
Costs” shall be calculated without duplication of amounts, including, without
limitation, amounts included in Transaction Costs or Pre-Public Offering
Indebtedness.

“Transaction Costs” means the (a) outstanding third party payables of USI, the
Operating Partnership, or their subsidiaries in connection with the IPO
Transactions, and (b) third party fees and expenses incurred by USI, the
Operating Partnership or their subsidiaries in connection with the IPO
Transactions, including, without limitation, underwriting discounts, fees and
commissions (other than underwriting discounts, fees and commissions relating
to any over-allotment option of the underwriters) and other fees and costs
payable to the underwriters, legal, accounting or other professional fees, the
costs of any road show, printing expenses and filing and qualification fees,
and (c) third party fees, transfer taxes, costs and reserves associated with
all third party Indebtedness obtained by USI, the Operating Partnership or
their subsidiaries in connection with the IPO Transactions, and (d) the amount
of working capital reserves established by USI and the Operating Partnership
upon the consummation of the IPO Transactions. “Transaction Costs” shall be
calculated without duplication of amounts, including, without limitation,
amounts included in Pre-Public Offering Indebtedness and Acquisition Costs.

“IPO Price Per Share” means the issuance price per share of the common shares
of USI at the IPO.exv10w6

 

Exhibit 10.6

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

               AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this “Agreement”), dated as of July 30, 2004
among Amsdell Partners, Inc., an Ohio corporation (“Amsdell”), and U-Store-It
Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust (“USI”).

RECITALS

               WHEREAS, High Tide LLC, an Ohio limited liability company (“High Tide”)
that is currently the owner of all of the outstanding common shares of USI and
also the owner of substantially all of the limited partner interests in
Acquiport/Amsdell I Limited Partnership (the “Operating Partnership”), has
determined that it is in the best interests of High Tide to pursue an initial
public offering transaction in which High Tide would sell equity to the public
and raise significant additional capital (the “IPO”);

               WHEREAS, High Tide has been advised that the IPO would more likely be
successful if High Tide were to be reorganized from its current structure as an
Ohio limited liability company to a Maryland real estate investment trust (a
“Maryland REIT”), with its organizational documents amended to include, among
other things, certain restrictions on the ownership of its equity (the
“Reorganization”);

               WHEREAS, High Tide, in order to facilitate the Reorganization, has formed
USI as a wholly owned subsidiary of High Tide, with the intent that High Tide
would merge with and into USI, with USI surviving, for the purposes of
consummating the reorganization of High Tide as a Maryland REIT;

               WHEREAS, at the time the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
occur, the Reorganization will have been consummated, with High Tide having
merged into USI with USI surviving, the existing shares of USI owned by High
Tide having been cancelled and the existing membership interests in High Tide
having been converted into USI Common Shares (as defined below) such that (i)
the members of High Tide will have become the owners of all of the then
outstanding USI Common Shares, and (ii) USI will own substantially all of the
limited partner interests in the Operating Partnership;

               WHEREAS, the sole asset of Amsdell consists of the general partner
interest in the Operating Partnership;

               WHEREAS, High Tide and USI have determined that, in connection with the
proposed IPO, it would be in the best interest of USI to acquire the general
partner interest in the Operating Partnership currently held by Amsdell through
a merger of Amsdell with and into USI, and thus the Board of Trustees of USI
determined that the proposed merger transaction was advisable and directed that
such proposed merger transaction be submitted for consideration by High Tide,
the

 

 

sole shareholder of USI pursuant to a unanimous written consent of the
Board of Trustees, dated as of July 30, 2004;

               WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Amsdell determined this agreement and
plan of merger to be advisable for Amsdell and its shareholders, approved the
agreement and plan of merger and directed that the agreement and plan of merger
be submitted for consideration by the shareholders of Amsdell pursuant to a
unanimous written consent of the Board of Directors, dated as of July 30, 2004;

               WHEREAS, High Tide, the sole shareholder of USI, adopted a resolution
approving the proposed merger transaction pursuant to a written consent of the
sole shareholder, dated as of July 30, 2004;

               WHEREAS, the shareholders of Amsdell adopted a resolution approving this
agreement and plan of merger by unanimous written consent of the shareholders,
dated as of July 30, 2004; and

               WHEREAS, the parties herein intend that the Merger qualify as a
reorganization under Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the “Code”).

               NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and of the
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, the
parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

THE MERGER; CLOSING; EFFECTIVE TIME

               1.1.     THE MERGER. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
at the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.3), Amsdell shall be merged with
and into USI in accordance with this Agreement and the separate corporate
existence of Amsdell shall thereupon cease (the “Merger”). USI shall be the
surviving entity in the Merger (sometimes hereinafter referred to as the
“Surviving Company”) and shall continue to be governed by the laws of the State
of Maryland, and the separate existence of USI as a Maryland real estate
investment trust, with all its rights, privileges, immunities, powers and
franchises, shall continue unaffected by the Merger. The Merger shall have the
effects specified in the Ohio General Corporation Law (“OGCL”) and the Maryland
REIT Law (the “MRL”).

               1.2.     THE CLOSING. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
the closing of the Merger (the “Closing”) shall take place (a) at the offices
of Hogan & Hartson L.L.P., 555 Thirteenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.,
20004, on the day upon which all of the conditions to the Merger shall have
been

 

 

satisfied or waived in writing, or (b) at such other time, date or place
as Amsdell and USI may agree. The date on which the Closing occurs is
hereinafter referred to as the “Closing Date.”

               1.3.     EFFECTIVE TIME. If all the conditions to the Merger set forth in
Article 5 shall have been satisfied or waived in accordance herewith and this
Agreement shall not have been terminated as provided in Article 6, upon the
Closing, the parties hereto shall cause (i) a Certificate of Merger
substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Certificate
of Merger”) to be executed and filed with the Secretary of State of Ohio, as
provided in Section 1701.81 of the OGCL and (ii) Articles of Merger
substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Articles of
Merger”) to be executed and filed with the State Department of Assessments and
Taxation of Maryland (the “SDAT”), as provided in Section 8-501.1(h) of the
MRL. The Merger shall become effective upon the filing of the Certificate of
Merger with the Secretary of State of Ohio and the Articles of Merger with the
SDAT, or such other time as specified in the Articles of Merger and the
Certificate of Merger (the “Effective Time”).

               1.4     FEDERAL INCOME TAX TREATMENT OF MERGER. The parties hereto intend that
the Merger shall be treated for federal income tax purposes as reorganization
under Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code.

ARTICLE 2

NAME, ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

AND BYLAWS

OF THE SURVIVING COMPANY

               2.1.     NAME AND LOCATION OF SURVIVING COMPANY. The name of the Surviving
Company, “U-Store-It Trust,” shall continue unchanged at the Effective Time.
USI’s principal office in Maryland shall be located in Baltimore City.

               2.2.     DECLARATION OF TRUST. The Declaration of Trust of USI in effect
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the Declaration of Trust of
the Surviving Company until duly amended in accordance with the terms thereof
and the MRL.

               2.3.     BYLAWS. The Bylaws of USI in effect immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall be the Bylaws of the Surviving Company until duly amended
in accordance with the terms thereof and the MRL.

 

 

ARTICLE 3

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE SURVIVING COMPANY

               3.1.     TRUSTEES. The trustees of USI immediately prior to the Effective
Time shall be the trustees of the Surviving Company as of and following the
Effective Time until their successors have been duly elected and qualified or
until their earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance with the
Declaration of Trust and Bylaws of the Surviving Company.

               3.2.     OFFICERS. The officers of USI immediately prior to the Effective
Time shall be the officers of the Surviving Company as of and following the
Effective Time until their successors have been duly appointed and qualified or
until their earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance with the
Declaration of Trust and Bylaws of the Surviving Company.

ARTICLE 4

EFFECT ON CAPITAL STOCK;

EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES

               4.1     EFFECT ON CAPITAL STOCK. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the
Merger and without any further action on the part of any holder of any capital
stock of Amsdell:

               (a)     Each common share, no par value per share, of Amsdell (the “Amsdell
Common Shares”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time,
shall be converted into a number of validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable common shares, par value $0.01 per share, of USI (the “USI Common
Shares”) equal to the Share Conversion Amount (as defined on Exhibit C).

               (b)     Each Amsdell Common Share shall no longer be outstanding and shall be
canceled and retired and shall cease to exist. At the Effective Time, each
certificate representing Amsdell Common Shares will be deemed for all purposes
to evidence the applicable number of USI Common Shares until such certificate
is exchanged for a certificate representing USI Common Shares.

               (c)     Each Amsdell Common Share held in Amsdell’s treasury at the Effective
Time shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the
holder thereof, cease to be outstanding, shall be canceled and retired without
payment of any consideration therefor and shall cease to exist.

               (d)     Each USI Common Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall remain outstanding after the Merger.

               4.2     RIGHTS UPON EXCHANGE.

 

 

               (a)     All USI Common Shares issued upon the surrender for exchange of
Amsdell Common Shares in accordance with the terms hereof shall be deemed to
have been issued in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such Amsdell
Common Shares.

               (b)     At and after the Effective Time, there shall be no transfers on the
stock transfer books of Amsdell of Amsdell Common Shares which were outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time.

               (c)     No fractional USI Common Shares shall be issued pursuant hereto. The
number of USI Common Shares issued to any holder of Amsdell Common Shares
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be rounded down to the nearest
whole share.

ARTICLE 5

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

               5.1     REPRESENATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF AMSDELL. As a material inducement to
USI to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby, Amsdell hereby makes to USI each of the representations
and warranties set forth in this Article 5.1, which representations and
warranties are true and correct as of the date hereof.

               (a)     Organization and Standing. Amsdell is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under Ohio law, and has the
full and unrestricted corporate power and authority to own, operate its assets,
to carry on its business as currently conducted, to execute and deliver this
Agreement and to carry out the transactions contemplated hereby. Amsdell is
duly qualified to conduct business as a foreign corporation where necessary and
is in good standing in the states in which it is so qualified.

               (b)     Authority. Amsdell has all requisite corporate power and
authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the Merger
and the other transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery by
Amsdell of this Agreement and the consummation by Amsdell of the Merger and the
other transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all
necessary corporate action on the part of Amsdell. Amsdell has duly executed
and delivered this Agreement, and this Agreement constitutes its legal, valid
and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.

               (c)     Capital Structure. The authorized capital stock of Amsdell is
as set forth in the Articles of Merger. All outstanding Amsdell Common Shares
are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and not
subject to or issued in violation of any purchase option, call option, right of
first refusal,

 

 

preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under
Amsdell’s articles of incorporation or bylaws or any contract to which Amsdell
is a party or otherwise bound. There are no bonds, debentures, notes or other
indebtedness of Amsdell having the right to vote on any matters on which
holders of Amsdell Common Shares may vote. There are not any options,
warrants, rights, contracts, arrangements or undertakings of any kind to which
Amsdell is a party or by which it is bound obligating Amsdell to issue, grant,
sell or cause to be issued, granted or sold, additional Amsdell Common Shares
or other equity interests in, or any security convertible or exercisable for or
exchangeable into Amsdell Common Shares or other equity interest in, Amsdell.

               (d)     Litigation. There is no litigation or proceeding, either
judicial or administrative, pending or, to Amsdell’s knowledge, threatened,
affecting its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
There is no outstanding order, writ, injunction or decree of any court,
government, governmental entity or authority or arbitration against or
affecting Amsdell, which in any such case would impair Amsdell’s ability to
enter into and perform all of its obligations under this Agreement.

               (e)     No Insolvency Proceedings. No attachments, execution
proceedings, assignments for the benefit of creditors, insolvency, bankruptcy,
reorganization or other proceedings are pending or, to Amsdell’s knowledge,
threatened against Amsdell, nor are any such proceedings contemplated by
Amsdell.

               (f)     No Brokers. Amsdell has not entered into, and covenants that it
will not enter into, any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any
person or firm which will result in the obligation of Amsdell to pay any
finder’s fee, brokerage commission or similar payment in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby.

               (g)     Securities Laws Matters; Restriction on Transfer.

                         (i) Amsdell acknowledges that USI intends the offer and issuance of the
USI Common Shares to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and applicable state securities laws by
virtue of (A) the status of each of the shareholders of Amsdell (the
“Shareholders”) as “accredited investors” within the meaning of the federal
securities laws, and (B) Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, and that USI will
rely in part upon the representations and warranties made by Amsdell in this
Agreement in making the determination that the offer and issuance of the USI
Common Shares qualify for exemption under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.

                         (ii) Each Shareholder is an “accredited investor” within the meaning of
the federal securities laws.

 

 

                         (iii) Each Shareholder will acquire the USI Common Shares for his own
account and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, any
“distribution” thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act. Each
Shareholder does not intend or anticipate that the Shareholder will rely on its
investment in the USI Common Shares as a principal source of income.

                         (iv) Amsdell and the Shareholders have been supplied with, or had access
to, information to which a reasonable investor would attach significance in
making an investment decision to acquire the USI Common Shares and any other
information Amsdell or the Shareholders have requested. Amsdell and the
Shareholders have had an opportunity to ask questions of, and receive
information and answers from, USI concerning USI and the USI Common Shares, and
to assess and evaluate any information supplied to them by USI, and all such
questions have been answered, and all such information has been provided to
their respective full satisfaction.

                         (v) Amsdell and the Shareholders acknowledge that they are aware that
there are substantial restrictions on the transferability of the USI Common
Shares and that the USI Common Shares will not be registered under the
Securities Act or any state securities laws. Each Shareholder agrees that any
USI Common Shares the Shareholder acquires will not be sold in the absence of
registration unless such sale is exempt from registration under the Securities
Act and applicable state securities laws. Each Shareholder acknowledges that
the Shareholder shall be responsible for compliance with all conditions on
transfer imposed by any securities authority and for any expenses incurred by
USI for legal or accounting services in connection with reviewing such a
proposed transfer or issuing opinions in connection therewith.

                         (vi) Amsdell and the Shareholders understand that no federal agency
(including the Securities and Exchange Commission) or state agency has made or
will make any finding or determination as to the fairness of an investment in
the USI Common Shares (including as to the merger consideration).

                         (vii) All certificates representing USI Common Shares shall bear a
restrictive legend in substantially the form set forth below (or a legend of
like effect) in conspicuous type (together with any other legends required by
law or otherwise placed on such certificates):

THE SHARES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (“SECURITIES ACT”), OR UNDER APPLICABLE
STATE SECURITIES LAWS (“STATE ACTS”) AND MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE
TRANSFERRED ONLY UPON REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND THE STATE ACTS
OR PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM.

 

 

In addition, all such certificates shall bear an appropriate restrictive legend
specifying that the USI Common Shares represented by such certificate are held
by an affiliate of USI (or, in the absence of such a legend, an appropriate
notation shall be made in the records of USI and/or appropriate stop-transfer
instructions shall be issued to the transfer agent).

               5.2     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF USI. As a material inducement to
Amsdell to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby, USI hereby makes to Amsdell each of the representations
and warranties set forth in this Article 5.2, which representations and
warranties are true and correct as of the date hereof.

               (a)     Organization and Standing. USI is a real estate investment
trust (“REIT”) duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
Maryland law, and has the full and unrestricted power and authority to own,
operate its assets, to carry on its business as currently conducted, to execute
and deliver this Agreement and to carry out the transactions contemplated
hereby. USI is duly qualified to conduct business as a foreign REIT where
necessary and is in good standing in the states in which it is so qualified.

               (b)     Authority. USI has all requisite power and authority to
execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery by USI of this
Agreement and the consummation by USI of the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the
part of USI. USI has duly executed and delivered this Agreement, and this
Agreement constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable
against it in accordance with its terms.

               (c)     Capital Structure. The authorized capital stock of USI is as
set forth in the Articles of Merger. All outstanding USI Common Shares are
duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and not subject
to or issued in violation of any purchase option, call option, right of first
refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under USI’s
declaration of trust or bylaws or any contract to which the USI is a party or
otherwise bound. There are no bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness
of USI having the right to vote on any matters on which holders of USI Common
Shares may vote. There are not any options, warrants, rights, contracts,
arrangements or undertakings of any kind to which USI is a party or by which it
is bound obligating USI to issue, grant, sell or cause to be issued, granted or
sold, additional USI Common Shares or other equity interests in, or any
security convertible or exercisable for or exchangeable into USI Common Shares
or other equity interest in, USI. The USI Common Shares issued in the Merger
will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

               (d)     Litigation. There is no litigation or proceeding, either judicial or

 

 

administrative, pending or, to the USI’s knowledge,
threatened, affecting its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby. There is no outstanding order, writ, injunction or decree of any
court, government, governmental entity or authority or arbitration against or
affecting USI, which in any such case would impair USI’s ability to enter into
and perform all of its obligations under this Agreement.

               (e)     No Insolvency Proceedings. No attachments, execution
proceedings, assignments for the benefit of creditors, insolvency, bankruptcy,
reorganization or other proceedings are pending or, to USI’s knowledge,
threatened against USI, nor are any such proceedings contemplated by USI.

               (f)     No Brokers. USI has not entered into, and covenants that it
will not enter into, any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any
person or firm which will result in the obligation of USI to pay any finder’s
fee, brokerage commission or similar payment in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby.

ARTICLE 6

COVENANTS

               6.1     Carrying On in the Ordinary Course of Business. From the date
hereof to the Closing Date, each of the parties hereto shall conduct its
business in the ordinary course in all material respects, except that each
party may (a) take such actions and execute such documents as may be required
to effectuate the IPO Transactions, and (b) effect distributions of cash to its
equity holders.

ARTICLE 7

CONDITIONS

               7.1     Conditions to USI’s Obligations to Effect the Merger. The
obligations of USI to effect the Merger and the other transactions contemplated
by this Agreement are subject to the fulfillment, at or prior to the Closing,
of the following conditions (unless such conditions are waived in writing by
USI):

               (a)     Reorganization. The Reorganization shall have been consummated
not less than one business day prior to the Merger.

               (b)     IPO. The other transactions that USI determines to be
necessary or appropriate in connection with the IPO, in such form(s) as USI, in
its sole and absolute discretion, shall have determined to be acceptable, shall
have occurred (or are occurring simultaneously with the Closing).

               (c)     Representations and Warranties. The representations and
warranties made by Amsdell pursuant to this Agreement shall be true and correct

 

 

in all material respects when made, and on and as of the Closing
Date, as though such representations and warranties were made on the Closing
Date.

               (d)     Performance. Amsdell shall have performed and complied with
all agreements and covenants that it is required to perform or comply with
pursuant to this Agreement prior to the Closing in all material respects.

               (e)     Legal Proceedings. No action or proceeding by or before any
governmental authority shall have been instituted that is reasonably expected
to restrain, prohibit or invalidate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, including the Merger, other than an action or proceeding instituted
by Amsdell.

               (f)     Consents and Approvals. All necessary consents of governmental
and private parties to effect the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, consents of any
lenders, shall have been obtained.

               (g)     Reliance of Regulation D. USI shall, based on advice of its
counsel, be reasonably satisfied that there shall not be more that 35
“purchasers of securities” (as calculated pursuant to Rule 501 of Regulation D)
at the Closing and that such issuance and the contemplated distribution of USI
Common Shares to such purchasers may be made without registration under the
Securities Act in reliance on Regulation D.

               7.2     Conditions to Amsdell’s Obligation to Effect the Merger. The
obligation of the Amsdell to effect the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the fulfillment, at or prior to
the Closing, of the following conditions (unless such conditions are waived in
writing by Amsdell):

               (a)     Representations and Warranties. The representations and
warranties made by USI pursuant to this Agreement shall be true and correct in
all material respects when made, and on and as of the Closing Date, as though
such representations and warranties were made on the Closing Date.

               (b)     Performance. USI shall have performed and complied with all
agreements and covenants that it is required to perform or comply with pursuant
to this Agreement prior to the Closing in all material respects.

               (c)     Legal Proceedings. No action or proceeding by or before any
governmental authority shall have been instituted that is reasonably expected
to restrain, prohibit or invalidate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, including the Merger, other than an action or proceeding instituted
by USI; provided, that the foregoing condition shall be deemed to have been
satisfied if USI shall have agreed to fully indemnify the Shareholders from
any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense arising out of Amsdell’s
proceeding to effect the Merger in the

 

 

face of any such action or proceeding.

               (d)     Consents and Approvals. All other necessary consents of
governmental and private parties to effect the Merger and other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, consents of any
lenders, shall have been obtained; provided, that the foregoing condition shall
be deemed to have been satisfied if USI shall have agreed to fully indemnify
the Shareholders from any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense arising out
of Amsdell proceeding to effect the Merger without having obtained a necessary
consent.

               (e)     Registration Rights Agreement. USI shall have entered into a
registration rights agreement with the Shareholders providing the Shareholders
with registration rights that register the resale of USI Common Shares issued
pursuant to this Agreement, such registration rights agreement to contain such
other terms and conditions customary for a transaction of this type.

               (f)     Reorganization. The Reorganization shall have been consummated
not less than one business day prior to the Merger.

ARTICLE 8

TERMINATION

               8.1     TERMINATION AND ABADONMENT BY USI. USI shall have the right to
terminate this Agreement and abandon the Merger at any time prior to the filing
of the Articles of Merger and the Certificate of Merger, before or after
approval by the Shareholders, following the occurrence of any of the following
events:

                         (i) the determination by USI, in its sole and absolute discretion, not to
proceed with the Merger on the terms outlined herein; or

                         (ii) at any time on or after February 15, 2005 for any reason.

               8.2     TERMINATION AND ABADONMENT BY AMSDELL. Amsdell shall have the right
to terminate this Agreement and abandon the Merger at any time and for any
reason on or after February 15, 2005 but prior to the filing of the Articles of
Merger and the Certificate of Merger, whether or not such termination occurs
before or after approval by the Shareholders or USI.

               8.3     EFFECT OF TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT. Upon the termination of this
Agreement and abandonment of the Merger pursuant to Section 8.1 or 8.2 hereof,
this Agreement shall become void and have no effect, and no party shall have
any liability to the other in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby, including the Merger, or as a result of the termination of this

 

 

Agreement; provided, that the foregoing shall not relieve a party of any
liability as a result of a breach of any of the terms of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 9

GENERAL PROVISIONS

               9.1     ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, the Exhibits and any documents
delivered by the parties in connection herewith constitute the entire agreement
among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all
prior agreements and understandings among the parties with respect thereto. No
addition to or modification of any provision of this Agreement shall be binding
upon any party hereto unless made in writing and signed by all parties hereto.

               9.2     AMENDMENT. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument
in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.

               9.3     GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland (except that the laws of the
State of Ohio shall govern to the extent applicable).

               9.4     COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in
separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an
original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same
instrument. Each counterpart may consist of a number of copies hereof, each
signed by less than all, but together signed by all of the parties hereto.

               9.5     HEADINGS. Headings of the Articles and Sections of this Agreement are
for the convenience of the parties only, and shall be given no substantive or
interpretive effect whatsoever.

               9.6     INCORPORATION. All Exhibits attached hereto and referred to herein
are hereby incorporated herein and made a part hereof for all purposes as if
fully set forth herein.

               9.7     SEVERABILITY. Any term or provision of this Agreement which is
invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be
ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without
rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this
Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or
provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. If any provision of
this Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, the provision shall be
interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.

               9.8     WAIVER OF CONDITIONS. The conditions to each of the

 

 

parties’ obligations to consummate the Merger are for the sole benefit of
such party and may be waived by such party in whole or in part to the extent
permitted by applicable law.

               9.9     NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement is not intended to
confer upon any person other than the parties hereto any rights or remedies
hereunder.

               9.10     CONSENT OF SURVIVING COMPANY. The Surviving Company hereby consents
to be sued and served with process in the state of Ohio and irrevocably
appoints the Secretary of State of the state of Ohio as its agent to accept
service of process in any proceeding in the state of Ohio to enforce against
USI any obligation of Amsdell or any rights of a dissenting shareholder of
Amsdell.

               9.11     SURVIVING COMPANY’S TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS IN OHIO. The Surviving
Company desires to transact business in the state of Ohio, and has filed a
report with the Office of the Ohio Secretary of State to that effect. The
Surviving Company hereby appoints the Corporation Trust Incorporated as its
statutory agent for service of process, demand or notice.

 

 

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement and caused
the same to be duly delivered on their behalf as of the day and year first
written above.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	ATTEST:
	 	U-Store-It Trust	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	/s/ Patricia A. Rocewicky
	 	By:
	 	/s/ Steven G. Osgood
	 	(SEAL)
	

	 	
 
	 	 	 	
 	 	 
	

	 	Name: Patricia A. Rocewicky
	 	 	 	Name: Steven G. Osgood	 	 
	

	 	Title: Secretary
	 	 	 	Title: President	 	 
	

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	

	 	ATTEST:
	 	 	 	Amsdell Partners, Inc.	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	/s/ Todd C. Amsdell
	 	By:
	 	/s/ Robert J. Amsdell
	 	(SEAL)
	

	 	
 
	 	 	 	
 	 	 
	

	 	Name: Todd C. Amsdell
	 	 	 	Name: Robert J. Amsdell	 	 
	

	 	Title: Secretary
	 	 	 	Title: President	 	 

Each of the undersigned Shareholders hereby confirms the representations,
warranties and agreements set forth in Section 5.1(g) above.

	 	 	 
	 

	 	/s/ Robert J. Amsdell
	

	 	
 
	

	 	Robert J. Amsdell
	

	 	 
	

	 	/s/ Barry L. Amsdell
	

	 	
 
	

	 	Barry L. Amsdell

 

 

Exhibit C

SHARE CONVERSION AMOUNT

The “Share Conversion Amount” for each common share of Amsdell Partners, Inc.
shall be equal to: 0.03854 x Aggregate Equity Exchange Units / 100

	 	 	 	 	 
	Where:
	 	 	 	 
	

	 	 	 	 
	Aggregate Equity Exchange Units

	 	=
	 	(EV — (PPOI + TC + AC)) / PPS
	EV

	 	=
	 	Enterprise Value
	PPOI

	 	=
	 	Pre-Public Offering Indebtedness
	TC

	 	=
	 	Transaction Costs
	AC

	 	=
	 	Acquisition Costs
	PPS

	 	=
	 	USI IPO Price Per Share

Definitions (to the extent not defined in the Agreement):

“Enterprise Value” means the sum, as of the Closing Date, of (a) Gross Equity
Value and (b) the amount of all Indebtedness of USI, the Operating Partnership,
their subsidiaries and any affiliates holding direct or indirect interests in
any of the properties or assets to be owned by USI, the Operating Partnership
or any such subsidiary (to the extent such Indebtedness of such affiliate
related to such properties or assets), upon the consummation of the IPO and the
transactions related to the IPO (collectively with the IPO, the “IPO
Transactions”), after application of the proceeds of the IPO Transactions
(including, without limitation, the Operating Partnership’s pro rata share of
consolidated and unconsolidated joint venture Indebtedness, if any). For
purposes of this definition, “Gross Equity Value” shall mean the gross equity
value of USI and the Operating Partnership, without duplication, upon the
consummation of the IPO Transactions, as determined by USI as of the Closing
Date in consultation with its underwriters.

“Indebtedness” means, as to any person, any indebtedness, whether or not
contingent, secured, senior, mezzanine or subordinated, (i) in respect of
borrowed money (including, without limitation, permanent indebtedness,
construction indebtedness, bridge financing, secured debt, mortgage debt, lines
of credit and indebtedness secured by pledges of equity interests), (ii)
evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments, or (iii)
representing capital lease obligations. “Indebtedness” shall not include any
indebtedness of USI, the Operating Partnership or any of their subsidiaries
owed to each other.

“Pre-Public Offering Indebtedness” means the sum of (a) the amount of all
Indebtedness of USI, the Operating Partnership, their subsidiaries and any
affiliates holding direct or indirect interests in any of the properties or
assets to be owned by USI, the Operating Partnership or any such subsidiary (to
the extent such Indebtedness of such affiliate related to such properties or
assets), determined as of immediately prior to the consummation of the IPO
Transactions (including, without limitation, the Operating Partnership’s pro
rata share of consolidated and unconsolidated

 

 

joint venture Indebtedness, if any), and (b) all accrued or accumulated
interest, prepayment penalties, financing fees, exit fees, and other amounts,
costs or expenses payable on account of the repayment, assumption or
refinancing of any such Indebtedness in connection with the IPO Transactions.
“Pre-Public Offering Indebtedness” shall be calculated without duplication of
amounts, including, without limitation, amounts included in Acquisition Costs
or Transaction Costs.

“Acquisition Costs” means the sum of (a) the aggregate equity value of the OP
units to be issued in connection with the contribution of the Lantana, FL,
Lakewood, OH and Vero Beach, FL properties to the Operating Partnership by
Robert J. Amsdell, Trustee, Amsdell and Amsdell and Amsdell Holdings I, Inc.,
respectively, such equity value determined by multiplying the number of such OP
units by the IPO Price Per Share, (b) the cash purchase price for the capital
stock of U-Store-It Mini Warehouse Co., and (c) the aggregate acquisition costs
for all new properties (and entities) acquired by USI, the Operating
Partnership or any of their subsidiaries in connection with the consummation of
the IPO Transactions, including the purchase price thereof and the amount of
any assumed Indebtedness in connection therewith (or, in the case of an
acquisition of an entity, the Indebtedness of such entity). “Acquisition
Costs” shall be calculated without duplication of amounts, including, without
limitation, amounts included in Transaction Costs or Pre-Public Offering
Indebtedness.

“Transaction Costs” means the (a) outstanding third party payables of USI, the
Operating Partnership, or their subsidiaries in connection with the IPO
Transactions, and (b) third party fees and expenses incurred by USI, the
Operating Partnership or their subsidiaries in connection with the IPO
Transactions, including, without limitation, underwriting discounts, fees and
commissions (other than underwriting discounts, fees and commissions relating
to any over-allotment option of the underwriters) and other fees and costs
payable to the underwriters, legal, accounting or other professional fees, the
costs of any road show, printing expenses and filing and qualification fees,
and (c) third party fees, transfer taxes, costs and reserves associated with
all third party Indebtedness obtained by USI, the Operating Partnership or
their subsidiaries in connection with the IPO Transactions, and (d) the amount
of working capital reserves established by USI and the Operating Partnership
upon the consummation of the IPO Transactions. “Transaction Costs” shall be
calculated without duplication of amounts, including, without limitation,
amounts included in Pre-Public Offering Indebtedness and Acquisition Costs.

“IPO Price Per Share” means the issuance price per share of the common shares
of USI at the IPO.

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