Document:

EXHIBIT 10.9

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

 

	
Principal
    	
 
    	
Loan Date
    	
 
    	
Maturity
    	
 
    	
Loan No
    	
 
    	
Call / Coll
    	
 
    	
Account
    	
 
    	
Officer
    	
 
    	
Initials
    

 

	
$30,780,000.00
    	
 
    	
04-16-2014
    	
 
    	
***
    	
 
    

 

References in the boxes above are for Lender’s use only and do not limit the applicability of this document to any particular loan or item.
 Any item above containing “***” has been omitted due to text length limitations.

 

	
Borrower:
    	
 
    	
Farmland Partners Operating
   Partnership, LP,
    a Delaware limited partnership
    8670 Wolff Court, Suite 240
    Westminster, CO 80031
    	
 
    	
Lender:
    	
 
    	
First Midwest Bank Galesburg
    One Pierce Place — Suite 1500
    Itasca, IL 60143
    

 

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT dated as of April 16, 2014 is made and executed between FARMLAND PARTNERS OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Borrower”), and FIRST MIDWEST BANK (“Lender”) on the following terms and conditions. Borrower and/or its affiliates have received prior commercial loans from Lender or has applied to Lender for a commercial loan or loans or other financial accommodations, including those which may be described on any exhibit or schedule attached to this Agreement. Borrower understands and agrees that: (A) in granting, renewing, or extending any Loan, Lender is relying upon Borrower’s representations, warranties, and agreements as set forth in this Agreement; (B) the granting, renewing, or extending of any Loan by Lender at all times shall be subject to Lender’s sole judgment and discretion; and (C) all such Loans shall be and remain subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

TERM.  This Agreement shall be effective as of April 16, 2014, and shall continue in full force and effect until such time as all of Borrower’s Loan in favor of Lender have been paid in full, including principal, interest, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees, and other fees and charges, or until such time as the parties may agree in writing to terminate this Agreement.

 

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT.  Lender’s obligations to amend and restate the Prior Loan Agreement under this Agreement shall be subject to the fulfillment to Lender’s satisfaction of all of the conditions set forth in this Agreement and in the Related Documents.

 

Loan Documents.  Borrower shall provide to Lender the following documents for the Loan: (1) the Notes; (2) modification agreements of Mortgages and Assignments of Rents granting to Lender security interests in the Collateral; (3) Guaranties duly executed by each Guarantor; (4) financing statements and all other documents perfecting Lender’s Security Interests; (5) evidence of insurance as required below; (6) together with all such Related Documents as Lender may require for the Loan (including a legal opinion from Borrower’s counsel); all in form and substance satisfactory to Lender and Lender’s counsel.

 

Borrower’s Authorization.  Borrower shall have provided such authorizations; documents and instruments as Lender or its counsel may require.

 

Payment of Fees and Expenses.  Borrower shall have paid to Lender all fees, charges, and other expenses which are then due and payable as specified in this Agreement or any Related Documents, including without limitation all of Lender’s out-of-pocket costs, including legal fees, appraisal fees, recording and release fees, title search fees and title insurance premiums, and a $15,500.00 loan origination fee ($500 allocated to the portion of the Loan evidenced by Term Note A and $15,000.00 allocated to the portion of the Loan evidenced by Term Note B).

 

Representations and Warranties.  The representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement, in the Related Documents, and in any document or certificate delivered to Lender under this Agreement are true and correct.

 

No Event of Default.  There shall not exist at any time of any Advance a condition which would constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement or under any Related Documents.

 

 

Interest Rate Payable on Notes. The per annum interest rate payable on sums advanced under the Notes shall be equal to the sum of (1) the one month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) as shown in the Money Rates Table of The Wall Street Journal on the last day published in each month (the “Index”) plus (2) 2.59%; provided, however, that in no event shall the interest rate payable on the Notes be less than 2.80% per annum. The interest rate shall be subject to changes on a monthly basis, on the 1st day of each month based upon the Index published on the fast day of the prior month

 

Term of Note and Payment Schedule.  The term of the Notes shall be as follows:

 

Term Note A:  Interest shall be payable to Lender on Term Note A quarterly, beginning June 30, 2014. Annual payments of principal shall be payable to Lender on the Note beginning June 16, 2014, such principal payments to be in the amount of $26,000.00 (based upon a thirty-year amortization period). All unpaid principal and accrued interest on Term Note A shall be due and payable in full on June 16, 2016 (the “Term Note A Maturity Date”).

 

Term Note B:  Interest shall be payable to Lender on Term Note B quarterly, beginning June 30, 2014. Annual payments of principal shall be payable to Lender on the Note beginning March 6, 2015, such principal payments to be in the amount of $1,000,000.00 (based upon a thirty-year amortization period).  All unpaid principal and accrued interest on Term Note B shall be due and payable in full on March 6, 2016 (the “Term Note B Maturity Date”, and together with the Term Note A Maturity Date, collectively, the “Maturity Date”).

 

Prepayment Premium. In the event principal due on each Note is paid prior to the date such principal is due as a result of refinancing of Indebtedness by Borrower with a financial institution or other lender (other than Lender or an affiliate of Lender) in an aggregate amount exceeding the Permitted Prepayment Amount during the following periods (each, a “Prepayment Period”):

 

	
 
    	
Prepayment Period
    	
 
    	
Permitted Prepayment Amount
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
April 16,   2014 to March 5, 2015
    	
 
    	
10%   of the total principal balance on the Notes as of April 16, 2014.
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
March 6,   2015 to Maturity Date
    	
 
    	
10%   of the total principal balance on the Notes as of March 6, 2015.
    	
 
    

 

Borrower shall immediately pay to Lender a prepayment premium equal to 1.0% of the amount by which such aggregate amount of principal prepayment during a given Prepayment Period exceeds the Permitted Prepayment Amount applicable to such Prepayment Period.

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  Borrower represents and warrants to Lender, as of the date of this Agreement, as of the date of each disbursement of loan proceeds, as of the date of any renewal, extension or modification of any Loan, and at all times any Indebtedness exists:

 

Organization.  Borrower is a duly organized Delaware limited partnership in good standing in the State of Delaware and is duly authorized to transact business in the State of Illinois, having obtained all necessary filings, governmental licenses-and approvals. Unless Borrower has designated otherwise in writing, Borrower’s address listed above is the office at which Borrower keeps its books and records including its records concerning the Collateral. Borrower will notify Lender prior to any change in its location or any change in its name. Borrower shall do all things necessary to preserve and to keep in full force and effect their rights and privileges, and shall comply with all regulations, rules, ordinance, statutes, orders and decrees of any governmental or quasi-governmental authority or court applicable to Borrower and Borrower’s business activities.

 

Assumed Business Names.  Borrower has filed or recorded all documents or filings required by law relating to all assumed business names used by Borrower. The following is a complete list of all assumed business names under which Borrower does business: None

 

Authorization.  Borrower’s execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement and all the Related Documents has been duly authorized by all necessary limited partnership action by Borrower and does not conflict with, result in a violation of, or constitute a default under (1) any provision of any agreement or other

 

2

 

instrument binding upon Borrower or (2) any law, governmental regulation, court decree, or order applicable to Borrower or to Borrower’s properties.

 

Financial Information.  Each of Borrower’s financial statements supplied to Lender truly and completely disclosed Borrower’s financial condition as of the date of the statement, and there has been no material adverse change in Borrower’s financial condition subsequent to the date of the most recent financial statement supplied to Lender. Borrower has no material contingent obligations except as disclosed in such financial statements.

 

Legal Effect.  This Agreement constitutes, and any instrument or agreement Borrower is required to give under this Agreement when delivered will constitute, legal, valid, and binding obligations of Borrower enforceable against Borrower in accordance with their respective terms.

 

Properties.  Except as contemplated by this Agreement or as previously disclosed in Borrower’s financial statements or in writing to Lender and as accepted by Lender, and except for property tax liens for taxes not presently delinquent, Borrower or its affiliates own and has good title to all of Borrower’s or its affiliates’ respective properties free and clear of all Security Interests, and has not executed any security documents or financing statements relating to such properties. All of Borrower’s or its affiliates’ properties are titled in Borrower’s or its affiliates’ respective legal names, and Borrower or its affiliates have not used or filed a financing statement under any other names for at least five (5) years.

 

Hazardous Substances.  Except as disclosed to and acknowledged by Lender in writing, Borrower and its subsidiaries and affiliates represents and warrants that: (1) During the period of Borrower’s (and its subsidiaries’ and affiliates’) ownership of the Collateral, there has been no use, generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Substance by any person on, under, about or from any of the Collateral. (2) Borrower (and its subsidiaries and affiliates) have no knowledge of, or reason to believe that there has been (a) any breach or violation of any Environmental Laws; (b) any use, generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Substance on, under, about or from the Collateral by any prior owners or occupants of any of the Collateral; or (c) any actual or threatened litigation or claims of any kind by any person relating to such matters. (3) Neither Borrower, nor its subsidiaries or affiliates, nor any tenant, contractor, agent or other authorized user of any of the Collateral shall use, generate, manufacture, store, treat, dispose of or release any Hazardous Substance on, under about or from any of the Collateral; and any such activity shall be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and ordinances, including without limitation all Environmental Laws. Borrower and its subsidiaries and affiliates authorize Lender and its agents to enter upon the Collateral to make such inspections and tests as Lender may deem appropriate to determine compliance of the Collateral with this section of the Agreement. Any inspections or tests made by Lender shall be at Borrower’s expense and for Lender’s purposes only and shall not be construed to create any responsibility or liability on the part of Lender to Borrower or to any other person. The representations and warranties contained herein are based on Borrower’s due diligence in investigating the Collateral for hazardous waste and Hazardous Substances. Borrower and its subsidiaries and affiliates hereby (1) release and waive any future claims against Lender to indemnity or contribution in the event Borrower or its subsidiaries and affiliates become liable for cleanup or other costs under any such laws, and (2) agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Lender against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, penalties, and expenses which Lender may directly or indirectly sustain or suffer resulting from a breach of this section of the Agreement or as a consequence of any use, generation, manufacture, storage, disposal, release or threatened release of a hazardous waste or substance on the Collateral. The provisions of this section of the Agreement, including the obligation to indemnify and defend, shall survive the payment of the Indebtedness and the termination, expiration or satisfaction of this Agreement and shall not be affected by Lender’s acquisition of any interest in any of the Collateral, whether by foreclosure or otherwise.

 

Litigation and Claims.  No litigation, claim, investigation, administrative proceeding or similar action (including those for unpaid taxes) against Borrower is pending or threatened, and no other event has occurred which may materially adversely affect Borrower’s financial condition or properties, other than litigation, claims, or other events, if any, that have been disclosed to and acknowledged by Lender in writing.

 

Taxes.  To the best of Borrower’s knowledge, all of Borrower’s tax returns and reports that are or were required to be filed, have been filed, and all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges have been

 

3

 

paid in full, except those presently being or to be contested by Borrower in good faith in the ordinary course of business and for which adequate reserves have been provided.

 

Lien Priority.  Unless otherwise previously disclosed to Lender in writing, Borrower (and its subsidiaries and affiliates) have not entered into or granted any Security Agreements, or permitted the filing or attachment of any Security Interests on or affecting any of the Collateral directly or indirectly securing repayment of Borrower’s Loan and Notes, that would be prior or that may in any way be superior to Lender’s Security Interests and rights in and to such Collateral.

 

Binding Effect.  This Agreement, the Notes, all Security Agreements, and all Related Documents are binding upon the signers thereof, as well as upon their successors, representatives and assigns, and are legally enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.

 

Related Transactions.  Borrower shall comply with all definitive documents related to the initial public offering of Parent, including the truth and accuracy of all applicable representations and warranties in the initial public offering and any concurrent or related documents related to the merger of Borrower or its affiliates.

 

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.  Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that, so long as this Agreement remains in effect, Borrower will:

 

Notices of Claims and Litigation.  Promptly inform Lender in writing of (1) all material adverse changes in Borrower’s financial condition or in the financial condition of any of its subsidiaries and affiliates, and (2) all existing and all threatened, in writing, litigation, claims, investigations, administrative proceedings or similar actions affecting Borrower which could materially affect the financial condition of Borrower or its subsidiaries and affiliates.

 

Financial Records.  Maintain its books and records in accordance with GAAP, applied on a consistent basis, and permit Lender to examine and audit Borrower’s books and records at all reasonable times.

 

Financial Statements.  Furnish Lender with such financial statements and other related information at such frequencies and in such detail as Lender may reasonably request.

 

Additional Information.  Furnish such additional information and statements, as Lender may request from time to time.

 

Insurance.  Maintain fire and other risk insurance, public liability insurance, flood insurance and such other insurance as Lender may require with respect to Borrower’s properties and operations (and the properties and operations of any of its subsidiaries and affiliates), in form, amounts, coverages and with insurance companies acceptable to Lender. Borrower, upon request of Lender, will deliver to Lender from time to time the policies or certificates of insurance in form satisfactory to Lender, including stipulations that coverages will not be cancelled or diminished without at least ten (10) days prior written notice to Lender. Each insurance policy also shall include an endorsement providing that coverage in favor of Lender will not be impaired in any way by any act, omission or default of Borrower or any other person. In connection with all policies covering assets in which Lender holds or is offered a security interest for the Loan, Borrower will provide Lender with such Lender’s loss payable or other endorsements as Lender may require. Each policy of property and casualty insurance shall designate Lender as loss payee. Each policy of public liability insurance shall designate Lender as an additional insured.

 

Insurance Reports.  Furnish to Lender, upon request of Lender, reports on each existing insurance policy showing such information as Lender may reasonably request, including without limitation the following: (1) the name of the insurer; (2) the risks insured; (3) the amount of the policy (4) the properties insured; (5) the then current property values on the basis of which insurance has been obtained, and the manner of determining those values; and (6) the expiration date of the policy. In addition, upon request of Lender (however not more often than annually), Borrower will have an independent appraiser satisfactory to Lender determine, as applicable, the actual cash value or replacement costs of any Collateral. The cost of such appraisal shall be paid by Borrower.

 

Guaranties. Prior to disbursement of any Loan proceeds, furnish executed guaranties of the Loan in favor of Lender, executed by the guarantor named below, on Lender’s forms, and in the amount and under the conditions set forth in those guaranties.

 

4

 

	
 
    	
Name of Guarantor
    	
 
    	
Amount
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
PH Farms LLC
    	
 
    	
Unlimited
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Cottonwood Valley Land, LLC
    	
 
    	
Unlimited
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Paul Pittman and Jesse Hough, jointly and severally
    	
 
    	
$11,000,000.00
    	
 
    

 

Other Agreements.  Comply with all terms and conditions of all other agreements, whether now or hereafter existing, between Borrower and any other party and notify Lender immediately in writing of any default in connection with any other such agreements.

 

Loan Proceeds.  Use all Loan proceeds solely for the refinancing and satisfaction of existing mortgage indebtedness on the real estate pledged as Collateral for the Loan, to refinance, transfer and partially pay off existing debt of the Existing Borrower to the Borrower in connection with the initial public offering of Parent.

 

Taxes, Charges and Liens.  Pay and discharge when due all of its indebtedness and obligations, including without limitation all assessments, taxes, governmental charges, levies and liens, of every kind and nature, imposed upon Borrower or its properties, income, or profits, prior to the date on which penalties would attach, and all lawful claims that, if unpaid, might become a lien or charge upon any of Borrower’s properties, income, or profits. Provided however, Borrower will not be required to pay and discharge any such assessment, tax, charge, levy, lien or claim so long as (1) the legality of the same shall be contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, and (2) Borrower shall have established on its books adequate reserves with respect to such contested assessment, tax, charge, levy, lien, or claim in accordance with GAAP.

 

Performance.  Perform and comply, in a timely manner, with all terms, conditions, and provisions set forth in this Agreement, in the Related Documents, and in all other instruments and agreements between Borrower and Lender. Borrower shall notify Lender immediately in writing of any default in connection with any agreement.

 

Operations.  Maintain farm management personnel with substantially the same qualifications and experience as the present farm management personnel; provide written notice to Lender of any change in farm management personnel; conducts its business affairs in a reasonable and prudent manner.

 

Environmental Studies.  Promptly conduct and complete, at Borrower’s expense, all such investigations, studies, samplings and testings as may be reasonably requested by Lender or required by any governmental authority relative to any substance, or any waste or by-product of any substance defined as toxic or a hazardous substance under applicable federal, state, or local law, rule regulation, order or directive, at or affecting any property or any facility owned, leased or used by Borrower or any of its subsidiaries and affiliates.

 

Compliance with Governmental Requirements.  Comply with all laws, ordinances, and regulations, now or hereafter in effect, of all governmental authorities applicable to the conduct of Borrower’s properties, businesses and operations, and to the use or occupancy of the Collateral, including without limitation, the Americans with Disabilities Act. Borrower may contest in good faith any such law, ordinance, or regulation and withhold compliance during any proceeding, including appropriate appeals, so long as Borrower has notified Lender in writing prior to doing so and so long as, in Lenders sole opinion, Lender’s interests in the Collateral are not jeopardized. Lender may require Borrower to post adequate security or a surety bond, reasonably satisfactory to Lender, to protect Lender’s interest.

 

Inspection.  Permit employees or agents of Lender at any reasonable time to inspect any and all Collateral for the Loan and Borrower’s other properties and to examine or audit Borrower’s books, accounts, and records and to make copies and memoranda of Borrower’s books, accounts, and records. If Borrower now or at any time hereafter maintains any records (including without limitation computer generated records and computer software programs for the generation of such records) in the possession of a third party, Borrower, upon request of Lender, shall notify such party to permit Lender free access to such records at all reasonable times and to provide Lender with copies of any records it may request, all at Borrower’s expense.

 

Compliance Certificates.  Unless waived in writing by Lender, provide Lender at least annually, with a

 

5

 

certificate, certifying that the representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement are true and correct as of the date of the certificate and further certifying that, as of the date of the certificate, no Event of Default exists under this Agreement.

 

Environmental Compliance and Reports.  Comply in all respects with any and all Environmental Laws; not cause or permit to exist, as a result of an intentional or unintentional action or omission on Borrower’s part or on the part of any third party, on property owned and/or occupied by Borrower, any environmental activity where damage may result to the environment, unless such environmental activity is pursuant to and in compliance with the conditions of a permit issued by the appropriate federal, state or local governmental authorities; shall furnish to Lender promptly and in any event within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof a copy of any notice, summons, lien, citation, directive, letter or other communication from any governmental agency or instrumentality concerning any intentional or unintentional action or omission on Borrower’s part in connection with any environmental activity whether or not there is damage to the environment and/or other natural resources.  Borrower and its subsidiaries or affiliates shall not use and does not intend to use the Collateral to generate, manufacture, refine, transport, treat, store, handle or dispose of any Hazardous Substances, PCBs, lead paint or asbestos.

 

Additional Assurances.  Make, execute and deliver to Lender such promissory notes, mortgages, deeds of trust, security agreements, assignments, financing statements, instruments, documents and other agreements as Lender or its attorneys may reasonably request to evidence and secure the Loan and to perfect all Security Interests.

 

Maintenance of Operating Account(s)/Minimum Balance.  During the term of this Agreement, Borrower and its subsidiaries or affiliates shall maintain at least two deposit accounts with Lender and maintain at all times while this Agreement is in effect a minimum average annual collected balance in such accounts of at least $500,000.00.

 

Life Insurance on Paul Pittman.  Cause to be maintained, at all times during the term of this Agreement, a policy or policies of insurance insuring the life of Paul A. Pittman with a death benefit payable in an amount not less than Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000.00) issued by companies reasonably acceptable to Lender. Borrower shall, upon Lender’s request, deliver to Lender the policies or certificates of insurance in form and substance satisfactory to Lender.

 

Life Insurance on Jesse Hough.  Cause to be maintained, at all times during the term of this Agreement, a policy or policies of insurance insuring the life of Jesse Hough with a death benefit payable of not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) issued by companies reasonably acceptable to Lender. Borrower shall, upon Lender’s request, deliver to Lender, policies or certificates of insurance in form and substance acceptable to Lender.

 

Minimum Debt Service Coverage Ratio.

 

(a)           Maintain an annual minimum debt service coverage ratio (“Debt Service Coverage Ratio”) of not less than 1.25:1.00 as of December 31 of each year, beginning December 31, 2014. Debt Service Coverage ratio shall be defined as the ratio of Operating Cash Flow (as defined below) to Debt Service (as defined below).

 

(b)           As used herein, “Operating Cash Flow” during any year shall mean all rental income (including minimum rent, additional rent, escalation and pass through payments) actually received in such year arising from the ownership and operation by the Borrower and its wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Collateral and other farmland (excluding tenant security deposits and extraordinary items of income, such as those resulting from casualty or condemnation or lease termination payments of tenants) less the sum of all taxes, expenses and disbursements of every kind (excluding non-cash expenses such as depreciation and amortization costs, and debt service payable on the Notes or any other debt).

 

(c)           As used herein, “Debt Service” for any year shall equal the sum of all scheduled principal and interest payments on the Indebtedness or any other debt (including without limitation indebtedness for borrowed money and deferred obligations for purchases other than trade payables on customary terms entered into in the ordinary course of business) that are due and payable during such year.

 

Maximum Debt to Net Worth Ratio.  Maintain a ratio of total debt to net worth (“Debt to Net Worth Ratio”) of 

 

6

 

not more than 1.00:1.00, calculated as of December 31, 2014 and annually thereafter. Debt to Net Worth Ratio shall be defined as total combined liabilities divided by total tangible net worth, in the amount that would be reflected on an audited balance sheet prepared at such date, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

 

Financial Reporting.  Provide the following financial reports in form and substance acceptable to Lender:

 

(1)           Federal income tax returns for Borrower and each Guarantor for the preceding calendar year within 15 days of the filing of same, but in no event later than April 30 of the succeeding calendar year. In the event Borrower or any Guarantor seeks an extension of the filing date of their federal income tax return, Borrower or such Guarantor shall notify Lender within 15 days of the date of such extension is requested and shall provide Lender a copy of such federal tax return within 15 days of the due date as extended.

 

(2)           Personal balance sheets of Paul Pittman and Jesse Hough dated as of December 31 of each calendar year, by January 31 of each succeeding calendar year.

 

(3)           Audited annual financial statements of Parent as of December 31 of each calendar year, prepared by an accounting firm acceptable to Lender. Such financial statements shall include a consolidated balance sheet and income statement for Parent and its subsidiaries and affiliates and a reviewed consolidating balance sheet and income statement for Borrower and all of its subsidiaries and affiliates as well as separate balance sheets and income statements for Borrower and each of its subsidiaries and affiliates. Such statements will be prepared on an accrual basis and will be provided to Lender not later than 120 days after the end of each calendar year.

 

(4)           Quarterly audited balance sheet and income statements for Parent and its subsidiaries and affiliates on a consolidated basis and reviewed consolidating balance sheet and income statement for Borrower and all of its subsidiaries and affiliates, within 30 days of the end of each calendar quarter, beginning with the quarter ending June 30, 2014.

 

(5)           Such other information regarding Borrower’s operations and financial condition as Lender may from time to time request.

 

LENDER’S EXPENDITURES.  If any action or proceeding is commenced that would materially affect Lender’s interest in the Collateral or if Borrower fails to comply with any provision of this Agreement or any Related Documents, including but not limited to Borrower’s failure to discharge or pay when due any amounts Borrower is required to discharge or pay under this Agreement or any Related Documents, Lender on Borrower’s behalf may (but shall not be obligated to) take any action that Lender deems appropriate, including but not limited to discharging or paying all taxes, liens, security interests, encumbrances and other claims, at any time levied or placed on any Collateral and paying all costs for insuring, maintaining and preserving any Collateral. All such expenditures incurred or paid by Lender for such purposes will then bear interest at the rate charged under the Notes from the date incurred or paid by Lender to the date of repayment by Borrower. All such expenses will become a part of the Indebtedness and, will (be payable within 30 days of Lender’s written demand.

 

NEGATIVE COVENANTS.  Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that while this Agreement is in effect, each Borrower Party shall not, without the prior written consent of Lender:

 

Indebtedness and Liens.  (1) Except for Permitted Indebtedness, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist indebtedness for borrowed money, including guaranties of indebtedness of other persons or entities, (2) sell, transfer, mortgage, assign, pledge, lease, grant a security interest in, or encumber any of their assets (except as allowed as Permitted Liens and sales for fair value, as reasonably determined by the Borrower in good faith, of assets other than Collateral), or (3) sell with recourse any of their accounts (except as allowed as Permitted Liens and except to Lender).

 

Continuity of Operations.  (1) Engage in any business activities substantially different than those in which Borrower is presently engaged or (2) cease operations, liquidate, or sell Collateral out of the ordinary course of business.

 

Guaranties.  Incur any obligation as surety or guarantor other than in respect of the Indebtedness, or any Permitted Indebtedness.

 

7

 

Agreements.  Enter into any agreement containing any provisions which would be violated or breached by the performance of Borrower Parties’ obligations under this Agreement or in connection herewith.

 

CESSATION OF ADVANCES.  If Lender has made any commitment to make any Loan to Borrower, whether under this Agreement or under any other agreement, Lender shall have no obligation to make Loan Advances or to disburse Loan proceeds if: (A) Borrower is in default under the terms of this Agreement or any of the Related Documents or any other agreement that Borrower has with Lender; (B) Borrower becomes insolvent, files a petition in bankruptcy or similar proceedings, or is adjudicated bankrupt; (C) there occurs a material adverse change in Borrower’s financial condition, or in the value of any Collateral securing any Loan; or (D) Lender in good faith deems itself insecure, even though no Event of Default shall have occurred.

 

RIGHT OF SETOFF.  To the extent permitted by applicable law, Lender reserves a right of setoff in all Borrower’s accounts with Lender (whether checking, savings, or some other account). This includes all accounts Borrower holds jointly with someone else and all accounts Borrower may open in the future. However, this does not include any IRA or Keogh accounts, or any trust accounts for which setoff would be prohibited by law. Borrower authorizes Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to charge or setoff all sums owing on the Indebtedness against any and all such accounts, and, at Lender’s option, to administratively freeze all such accounts to allow Lender to protect Lender’s charge and setoff rights provided in this paragraph.

 

DEFAULT.  Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement:

 

Payment Default.  Borrower fails to make any payment when due under the Notes or this Agreement.

 

Conveyance of Property.  Without Lender’s prior written consent, any Borrower Party causes, permits or enters into any agreement for any sale, lease, or transfer of all or any portion of the Collateral in violation of this Agreement.

 

Negative Covenants.  Any Borrower Party breaches any of the “Negative Covenants” set forth in this Agreement.

 

Other Defaults.  Any Borrower Party fails to comply with or perform any other term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or in any of the Related Documents or to comply with or to perform any term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in any other agreement between Lender and Borrower or between Lender and any of Borrower’s subsidiaries or affiliates, and such failure continues for thirty (30) days after Borrower becomes aware of such failure, whether by notice from Lender or otherwise.

 

Environmental Default.  Failure of any Borrower Party to comply with or perform when due any term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in any environmental agreement executed in connection with the Loan, and such failure continues for thirty (30) days after any Borrower Party becomes aware of such failure, whether by notice from Lender or otherwise.

 

Default in Favor of Third Parties.  Any Borrower Party defaults under any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, or any other material agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person , and such failure continues for thirty (30) days after any Borrower Party becomes aware of such failure, whether by notice from Lender or otherwise..

 

False Statements.  Any warranty, representation or statement made or furnished to Lender by any Borrower Party or on behalf of any Borrower Party under this Agreement or the Related Documents is false or misleading in any material respect, either now or at the time made or furnished or becomes false or misleading at any time thereafter.

 

Insolvency.  The insolvency of any Borrower Party, the appointment of a receiver for any part of any Borrower Party’s property, any assignment by a Borrower Party for the benefit of creditors, or the commencement of any proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or against any Borrower Party; provided, that if any such appointment or commencement is not authorized by any Borrower Party and is opposed by the relevant Borrower Party, it shall not constitute an Event of Default unless the appointment is not rescinded or the proceeding dismissed within thirty (30) days or the appointment or commencement.

 

Events Affecting Guarantor.  Any of the preceding events occurs with respect to any Guarantor of any of the Indebtedness or any Guarantor dies or becomes incompetent, or revokes or disputes the validity of, or liability under, any Guaranty of the Indebtedness.

 

8

 

Defective Collateralization.  This Agreement or any of the Related Documents ceases to be in full force and effect (including failure of any collateral document to create a valid and perfected security interest or lien) at any time and for any reason.

 

Creditor or Forfeiture Proceedings.  Commencement of foreclosure or forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help, repossession or any other method, by any creditor of any Borrower Party or by any governmental agency against any Collateral securing the Loan. This includes a garnishment of any Borrower Party’s accounts, including deposit accounts, with Lender. However, this Event of Default shall not apply if there is a good faith dispute by the relevant Borrower Party as to the validity or reasonableness of the claim which is the basis of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and if Borrower gives Lender written notice of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and deposits with Lender monies or a surety bond for the creditor or forfeiture proceeding, in an amount determined by Lender, in its sole discretion, as being an adequate reserve or bond for the dispute.

 

Adverse Change.  A material adverse change occurs in Borrower’s financial condition or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of the Loan is impaired.

 

Insecurity.  Lender in good faith believes itself insecure.

 

EFFECT OF AN EVENT OF DEFAULT.  If any Event of Default shall occur, except where otherwise provided in this Agreement or the Related Documents, all commitments and obligations of Lender under this Agreement or the Related Documents or any other agreement immediately will terminate (including any obligation to make further Loan Advances or disbursements), and, at Lender’s option, all Indebtedness immediately will become due and payable, all without notice of any kind to Borrower, except that in the case of an Event of Default of the type described in the “Insolvency” subsection above, such acceleration shall be automatic and not optional. In addition, Lender shall have all the rights and remedies provided in the Related Documents or available at law, in equity, or otherwise. Except as may be prohibited by applicable law, all of Lender’s rights and remedies shall be cumulative and may be exercised singularly or concurrently. Election by Lender to pursue any remedy shall not exclude pursuit of any other remedy, and an election to make expenditures or to take action to perform an obligation of Borrower shall not affect Lender’s right to declare a default and to exercise its rights and remedies.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL PROVISIONS. The following environmental provisions are a part of this Agreement:

 

Environmental Waiver and Indemnification.  Borrower hereby agrees to and shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Lender and Lender’s officers, directors, employees and agents, and Lender’s successors and assigns and their officers, directors, employees and agents from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, liabilities, costs, fines, penalties and expenses (including without limitation attorneys’ fees at trial and on any appeal or petition for review, consultants’ fees, remedial action costs, natural resource damages and diminution in value) incurred by such person (a) arising out of or relating to any investigatory or remedial action involving the Collateral, the operations conducted on the Collateral, or any other operations of Borrower or any occupant on the Collateral and required by Environmental Laws or by orders of any governmental authority having jurisdiction under any Environmental Laws, including without limitation any natural resource damages, or (b) arising out of or related to any noncompliance with or violation of Environmental Laws or any applicable permits or approvals involving the Collateral, or (c) on account of injury to Lender or any person whatsoever or damage to any property arising out of, in connection with, or in any way relating to (i) the breach of any covenant, representation or warranty contained in this Agreement, (ii) the violation of any Environmental Laws, permits, authorizations or approvals relating to the Collateral, (iii) the use, treatment, storage, generation, manufacture, transport, release, spill, disposal or other handling of Hazardous Substances on the Collateral, or (iv) the contamination of any of the Collateral by, or the presence, release or threatened release of, Hazardous Substances by any means whatsoever (explicitly including without limitation any presently existing contamination of the Collateral, whether or not previously disclosed to Lender), or (d) pursuant to this Agreement. Borrower’s obligations under this section shall survive the termination of this Agreement and (x) the repayment of the Indebtedness, (y) any foreclosure, whether judicial or nonjudicial, of the Collateral, and (z) any delivery of a deed in lieu of foreclosure to Lender or any successor of Lender.  In addition to this indemnity, Borrower hereby releases and waives all present and future claims against Lender for indemnity or contribution in the event Borrower becomes liable for cleanup or other costs under any Environmental Laws.

 

9

 

Payment: Full Recourse to Borrower. Borrower intends that Lender shall have full recourse to Borrower for Borrower’s obligations under this Section as they become due to Lender. Such liabilities, losses, claims, damages and expenses shall be reimbursable to Lender as Lender’s obligations to make payments with respect thereto are incurred, without any requirement of waiting for the ultimate outcome of any litigation, claim or other proceeding, and Borrower shall pay such liability, losses, claims, damages and expenses to Lender as so incurred within thirty (30) days after written notice from Lender. Lender’s notice shall contain a brief itemization of the amounts incurred to the date of such notice. In addition to any remedy available for failure to pay periodically such amounts, such amounts shall thereafter bear interest at the Note default rate, or in the absence of a default rate, at the Note interest rate.

 

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of this Agreement:

 

Amendments.  This Agreement, together with any Related Documents, constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to the matters set forth in this Agreement. No alteration of or amendment to this Agreement shall be effective unless given in writing and signed by the party or parties sought to be charged or bound by the alteration or amendment.

 

Attorneys’ Fees; Expenses.  Borrower agrees to pay upon demand all of Lender’s costs and expenses, including Lender’s attorneys’ fees and Lender’s legal expenses, incurred in connection with the enforcement of this Agreement. Lender may hire or pay someone else to help enforce this Agreement, and Borrower shall pay the costs and expenses of such enforcement. Costs and expenses include Lender’s attorneys’ fees and legal expenses whether or not there is a lawsuit, including attorneys’ fees and legal expenses for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction), appeals, and any anticipated post-judgment collection services. Borrower also shall pay all court costs and such additional fees as may be directed by the court.

 

Caption Headings.  Caption headings in this Agreement are for convenience purposes only and are not to be used to interpret or define the provisions of this Agreement.

 

Consent to Loan Participation.  Borrower agrees and consents to Lender’s sale or transfer, whether now or later, of one or more participation interests in the Loan to one or more purchasers, whether related or unrelated to Lender. Lender may provide, without any limitation whatsoever, to any one or more purchasers, or potential purchasers, any information or knowledge Lender may have about Borrower or about any other matter relating to the Loan, and Borrower hereby waives any right to privacy Borrower may have with respect to such matters. Borrower additionally waives any and all notices of sale of participation interests, as well as all notices of any repurchases of such participation interests. Borrower also agrees that the purchasers of any such participation interests will be considered as the absolute owners of such interests in the Loan and will have all the rights granted under the participation agreement or agreements governing the sale of such participation interests. Borrower further waives all rights of offset or counterclaim that it may have now or later against Lender or against any purchaser of such a participation interest and unconditionally agrees that either Lender or such purchaser may enforce Borrower’s obligation under the Loan irrespective of the failure or insolvency of any holder of any interest in the Loan. Borrower further agrees that the purchaser of any such participation interests may enforce its interests irrespective of any personal claims or defenses that Borrower may have against Lender.

 

Governing Law.  This Agreement will be governed by federal law applicable to Lender and, to the extent not preempted by federal law, the laws of the State of Illinois without regard to its conflicts of law provisions. This Agreement has been accepted by Lender in the State of Illinois.

 

Choice of Venue.  If there is a lawsuit, Borrower agrees upon Lender’s request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of Knox County, State of Illinois.

 

No Waiver by Lender.  Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this Agreement unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by Lender. No delay or omission on the part of Lender in exercising any rights shall operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver by Lender of a provision of this Agreement shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver of Lender’s right otherwise to demand strict compliance with that provision or any other provision of this Agreement. No prior waiver by Lender, nor any course of dealing between Lender and Borrower, shall constitute a waiver of any of Lender’s right or of any of Borrower’s obligations as to any future transactions. Whenever the consent of Lender is required under this

 

10

 

Agreement, the granting of such consent by Lender in any instance shall not constitute continuing consent to subsequent instances where such consent is required and in all cases such consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of Lender.

 

Notices.  Any notice required to be given under this Agreement shall be given in writing, and shall be effective when actually delivered, when actually received by telefacsimile (unless otherwise required by law), when deposited with a nationally recognized overnight courier, or, if mailed, when deposited in the United States mail, first class, certified or registered mail postage prepaid, directed to the addresses shown near the beginning of this Agreement. Any party may change its address for notices under this Agreement by giving formal written notice to the other parties, specifying that the purpose of the notice is to change the party’s address. For notice purposes, Borrower agrees to keep Lender informed at all times of Borrower’s current address. In addition, a copy of any notice given to Borrower by Lender shall also be sent by Lender to Morrison and Foerster LLP, 2000 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20006, Attention: Justin Salon.

 

Severability.  If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of this Agreement to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable as to any circumstance, that finding shall not make the offending provision illegal, invalid, or unenforceable as to any other circumstance. If feasible, the offending provision shall be considered modified so that it becomes legal, valid and enforceable. If the offending provision cannot be so modified, it shall be considered deleted from this Agreement. Unless otherwise required by law, the illegality, invalidity, or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the legality, validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

 

Subsidiaries and Affiliates of Borrower.  To the extent the context of any provisions of this Agreement makes it appropriate, including without limitation any representation, warranty or covenant, the word “Borrower” as used in this Agreement shall include all of Borrower’s subsidiaries and affiliates.  Notwithstanding the foregoing however, under no circumstances shall this Agreement be construed to require Lender to make any Loan or other financial accommodation to any of Borrower’s subsidiaries or affiliates.

 

Successors and Assigns.  All covenants and agreements by or on behalf of Borrower contained in this Agreement or any Related Documents shall bind Borrower’s successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Lender and its successors and assigns. Borrower shall not, however, have the right to assign its rights under this Agreement or any interest therein, without the prior written consent of Lender.

 

Survival of Representations and Warranties.  Borrower understands and agrees that in extending Loan Advances, Lender is relying on all representations, warranties, and covenants made by Borrower in this Agreement or in any certified or other instrument delivered by Borrower to Lender under this Agreement or the Related Documents. Borrower further agrees. that regardless of any investigation made by Lender, all such representations, warranties and covenants will survive the extension of Loan Advances and delivery to Lender of the Related Documents, shall be continuing in nature, shall be deemed made and redated by Borrower at the time each Loan Advance is made, and shall remain in full force and effect in all material respects until such time as Borrower’s Indebtedness shall be paid in full, or until this Agreement shall be terminated in the manner provided above, whichever is the last to occur.

 

Time is of the Essence.  Time is of the essence in the performance of this Agreement.

 

Waive Jury.  All parties to this Agreement hereby waive the right to any jury trial in any action, proceeding, or counterclaim brought by any party against any other party.

 

Amendment and Restatement of Prior Agreement.  This Agreement is an amendment and restatement, in its entirety, of the Prior Loan Agreement and any indebtedness outstanding thereunder shall be deemed to be outstanding under this Agreement.  Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to be a repayment or novation of the indebtedness, or to release or otherwise adversely affect any lien, mortgage or security interest securing such indebtedness or any rights of the Lender against any guarantor, surety or other party primarily or secondarily liable for such indebtedness.

 

One Agreement.  This Agreement and any related security or other agreements required by this Agreement, collectively:

 

(a)           represent the sum of the understandings and agreements between the Lender and the Borrower concerning this credit;

 

11

 

(b)           replace any prior oral or written agreements between the Lender, Existing Borrower and the Borrower concerning this credit; and

 

(c)           are intended by the Lender and the Borrower as the final, complete and exclusive statement of the terms agreed to by them.

 

In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and any other agreements required by this Agreement, this Agreement will prevail.

 

No Release or Novation.  The obligations, liabilities and indebtedness secured by the applicable Related Documents are continuing obligations and nothing contained herein shall be deemed to release, terminate or subordinate any lien, security interest or assignment created or evidenced by the Related Documents and all such liens, security interest and assignments and the priority thereof shall relate back to the date that any mortgage and the assignment of leases were recorded.  Borrower and Lender intend that this Agreement shall in no way affect the priority of any existing mortgage or assignment of leases or any of the other Related Documents or constitute a novation of the indebtedness secured thereby and the other Related Documents were delivered to Lender.

 

DEFINITIONS.  The following capitalized words and terms shall have the following meanings when used in this Agreement. Unless specifically stated to the contrary, all references to dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money of the United States of America. Words and terms used in the singular shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular, as the context may require. Words and terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code. Accounting words and terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as in effect on the date of this Agreement.

 

Advance.  The word “Advance” means a disbursement of Loan funds made, or to be made, to Borrower or on Borrower’s behalf under the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

Agreement.  The word “Agreement” means this Amended and Restated Business Loan Agreement, as this Amended and Restated Business Loan Agreement may be amended or modified from time to time, together with all exhibits and schedules attached to this Amended and Restated Business Loan Agreement from time to time.

 

Borrower.  The word “Borrower” means FARMLAND PARTNERS OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, LP, a Delaware limited partnership, and all its successors and assigns.

 

Borrower Party. The words “Borrower Party” means any of the Borrower, PH Farms LLC, an Illinois limited liability company, and Cottonwood Valley Land, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, and the words “Borrower Parties” means all of them.

 

Collateral.  The word “Collateral” means all property and assets granted as collateral security-to Lender for the Loan, whether real or personal property, whether granted directly or indirectly, whether granted now or in the future, and whether granted in the form of a security interest, mortgage, collateral mortgage, deed of trust, assignment, pledge, crop pledge, chattel mortgage, collateral chattel mortgage, chattel trust, factor’s lien, equipment trust, conditional safe, trust receipt, lien, charge, lien or title retention contract, lease or consignment intended as a security device, or any other security or lien interest whatsoever, whether created by law, contract, or otherwise.

 

Environmental Laws.  The words “Environmental Laws” mean any and all state, federal and local statutes, regulations and ordinances relating to the protection of human health or the environment, including without limitation the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 9601, et seq. (“CERCLA”), the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Action of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-499 (“SARA”), the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. Section 1808, et seq., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901, et seq., or other applicable state or federal laws, rules, or regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

 

Event of Default.  The words “Event of Default” mean any of the events of default set forth in this Agreement in the default section of this Agreement.

 

Existing Borrower.  The words “Existing Borrower” means PITTMAN HOUGH FARMS, LLC, a Colorado 

 

12

 

limited liability company, and all its successors and assigns.

 

GAAP.  The word “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Guarantors.  The word “Guarantors” means those parties executing and delivering to Lender a guaranty of all or any part of the Indebtedness, including, without limitation, Paul Pittman, Jesse Hough, Cottonwood Valley Land, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company and PH Farms LLC, an Illinois limited liability company. Each of the parties executing and delivering a guaranty to Lender as aforesaid is referred.to individually as a “Guarantor”.

 

Guaranty.  The word “Guaranty” means the guaranty from Guarantor to Lender, including without limitation a guaranty of all or part of the Notes.

 

Hazardous Substances.  The words “Hazardous Substance” mean materials that, because of their quantity, concentration or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics, may cause or pose a present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly used, treated, stored, disposed of, generated, manufactured, transported or otherwise handled. The words “Hazardous Substances” are used in their very broadest sense and include without limitation any and all hazardous or toxic substances, materials or waste as defined by or listed under the Environmental Laws. The term “Hazardous Substances” also include, without limitation, petroleum and petroleum by-products or any fraction thereof and asbestos, but does not include common agricultural chemicals and pesticides used in the ordinary course of Borrower’s farming operations involving the real estate comprising part of the Collateral.

 

Indebtedness.  The word “Indebtedness” is used in the most comprehensive sense and means and includes any and all of the Borrower Parties’ liabilities, obligations and debts to Lender, now existing or hereinafter incurred or created, including, without limitation, all loans, advances, interest, costs, debts, overdraft indebtedness, credit card indebtedness, lease obligations, other obligations, and liabilities of the Borrower Parties, or any of them, and any present or future judgments against one or more Borrower Parties; and whether any such Indebtedness is voluntarily or involuntarily incurred, due or not due, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, determined or undetermined; whether a Borrower Party may be liable individually or jointly with others, or primarily or secondarily, or as a guarantor or surety; whether recovery on the Indebtedness may be or may become barred or unenforceable against a Borrower Party for any reason whatsoever; and whether the Indebtedness arises from transactions which may be voidable on account of infancy, insanity, ultra vires, or otherwise.

 

Lender.  The word “Lender” means FIRST MIDWEST BANK, its successors and assigns.

 

Loan.  The word “Loan” means any and all loans and financial accommodations from Lender to Borrower whether now or hereafter existing, and however evidenced, including without limitation those loans and financial accommodations described herein or described on any exhibit or schedule attached to this Agreement from time to time.

 

Note.  The word “Notes” means the following promissory notes made, executed and delivered by Borrower to Lender:

 

“Term Note A” means that certain Amended and Restated Term Note A in the principal amount of $780,000.00 dated April 16, 2014, together with all renewals of, extensions of, modifications of, refinancings of, consolidations of and substitutions for said Term Note A.

 

“Term Note B” means that certain Amended and Restated Term Note B in the principal amount of $30,000,000.00 dated April 16, 2014, together with all renewals of, extensions of, modifications of, refinancings of, consolidations of and substitutions for said Term Note B.

 

Parent.  The word “Parent” means Farmland Partners Inc., a Maryland corporation, its successors and assigns, the parent company of Borrower.

 

Permitted Indebtedness.   The words “Permitted Indebtedness” means all Indebtedness, plus indebtedness for borrowed money incurred by Borrower (but for which no other Borrower Party is liable, directly or as a secondary obligor) plus guaranties made by Borrower of indebtedness of any of Borrower’s affiliates or subsidiaries if, at the time of incurrence, Borrower projects in good faith and with a reasonable basis that after giving effect to such incurrence Borrower will remain in compliance with its Minimum Debt 

 

13

 

Service Coverage Ratio covenant and its Maximum Debt to Net Worth Ratio covenant hereunder until the earlier of the June 28, 2016, and the date the Borrower so projects the Indebtedness to be paid in full.

 

Permitted Liens.  The words “Permitted Liens” mean (1) liens and security interests on the Collateral securing Indebtedness; (2) liens and security interests on assets other than Collateral securing any Permitted Indebtedness but not any obligation other than Permitted Indebtedness; (3) liens for taxes, assessments, or similar charges either not yet delinquent or being contested in good faith; (4) liens of materialmen, mechanics, warehousemen, or carriers, or other like liens arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations which are not yet delinquent; and (5) liens and security interests which, as of the date of this Agreement, have been disclosed to and approved by the Lender in writing.

 

Prior Loan Agreement.  The words “Prior Loan Agreement” means that certain Business Loan Agreement dated March 6, 2013, by and between the Existing Borrower and the Lender as it was amended from time to time prior to the date hereof.

 

Related Documents.  The words “Related Documents” mean all promissory notes, credit agreements, loan agreements, environmental agreements, guaranties, security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, security deeds, collateral mortgages, and all other instruments, agreements and documents, whether now or hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Loan, the Prior Loan Agreement or any prior agreement with respect to the lending relationship between the Lender and the Borrower including, without limitation, Term Note A and Term Note B.

 

Security Agreement.  The words “Security Agreement” mean and include without limitation any agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, understandings or other agreements, whether created by law, contract, or otherwise, evidencing, governing, representing, or creating a Security Interest.

 

Security Interest.  The words “Security Interest” mean, without limitation, any and all types of collateral security, present and future, whether in the form of a lien, charge, encumbrance, mortgage, deed of trust, security deed, assignment, pledge, crop pledge, chattel mortgage, collateral chattel mortgage, chattel trust, factor’s lien, equipment trust, conditional sale, trust receipt, lien or title retention contract, lease or consignment intended as a security device, or any other security lien interest whatsoever whether created by law, contract, or otherwise.

 

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank; Signature page to follow]

 

14

 

BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT AND BORROWER AGREES TO ITS TERMS. THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT IS DATED APRIL 16, 2014.

 

BORROWER:

 

FARMLAND PARTNERS OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, LP,
  a Delaware limited partnership

 

	
BY:
    	
FARMLAND PARTNERS OP GP, LLC, its sole
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
General   Partner
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
By:
    	
FARMLAND   PARTNERS INC., its
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
sole   Member
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
By:
    	
/s/   Luca Fabbri
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Luca   Fabbri
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
Chief   Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
LENDER:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
FIRST MIDWEST BANK
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
By:
    	
/s/   Rebecca P. King
    	
 
    
	
Authorized Signer
    	
 
    

 

Signature Page to A&R Business Loan AgreementExhibit 10.1

 

STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

 

dated as of

 

April 15, 2014

 

between

 

MOELIS & COMPANY

 

and

 

MOELIS & COMPANY PARTNER HOLDINGS LP

 

and

 

THE OTHER PERSONS SET FORTH ON THE SIGNATURE PAGES HERETO

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

	
 
    	
 
    	
Page
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE I
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
DEFINITIONS
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Section 1.1
    	
Definitions
    	
1
    
	
Section 1.2
    	
Gender
    	
7
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE II
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
APPROVAL OF CERTAIN MATTERS
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Section 2.1
    	
Approval of Holdings
    	
7
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE III
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
TRANSFER
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Section 3.1
    	
Transfers and Joinders
    	
9
    
	
Section 3.2
    	
Binding Effect on Transferees
    	
9
    
	
Section 3.3
    	
Additional Purchases
    	
9
    
	
Section 3.4
    	
Charter Provisions
    	
9
    
	
Section 3.5
    	
Legend
    	
9
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE IV
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
HOLDINGS BOARD REPRESENTATION
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Section 4.1
    	
Nominees
    	
10
    
	
Section 4.2
    	
Committees
    	
11
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE V
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
TERMINATION
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Section 5.1
    	
Term
    	
11
    
	
Section 5.2
    	
Survival
    	
11
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE VI
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Section 6.1
    	
Demand Registration
    	
12
    
					

 

 

	
Section 6.2
    	
Piggyback Registration
    	
14
    
	
Section 6.3
    	
Shelf Registration
    	
16
    
	
Section 6.4
    	
Withdrawal Rights
    	
17
    
	
Section 6.5
    	
Holdback Agreements
    	
18
    
	
Section 6.6
    	
Registration Procedures
    	
18
    
	
Section 6.7
    	
Registration Expenses
    	
23
    
	
Section 6.8
    	
Request for Information
    	
24
    
	
Section 6.9
    	
No Grant of Future Registration Rights
    	
24
    
	
Section 6.10
    	
Control of Registration Rights
    	
25
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE VII
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
INDEMNIFICATION
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Section 7.1
    	
General Indemnification
    	
25
    
	
Section 7.2
    	
Registration Statement Indemnification
    	
25
    
	
Section 7.3
    	
Notice
    	
26
    
	
Section 7.4
    	
Defense of Actions
    	
26
    
	
Section 7.5
    	
Contribution
    	
27
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE VIII
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Section 8.1
    	
Representations and Warranties of Stockholders
    	
27
    
	
Section 8.2
    	
Representations and Warranties of the Company
    	
28
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE IX
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
MISCELLANEOUS
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Section 9.1
    	
Notices
    	
28
    
	
Section 9.2
    	
Interpretation
    	
29
    
	
Section 9.3
    	
Severability
    	
29
    
	
Section 9.4
    	
Counterparts
    	
29
    
	
Section 9.5
    	
Adjustments Upon Change of Capitalization
    	
29
    
	
Section 9.6
    	
Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiaries
    	
30
    
	
Section 9.7
    	
Further Assurances
    	
30
    
	
Section 9.8
    	
Governing Law; Equitable Remedies
    	
30
    
	
Section 9.9
    	
Consent to Jurisdiction
    	
30
    
	
Section 9.10
    	
Amendments; Waivers
    	
31
    
	
Section 9.11
    	
Successors and Assigns
    	
31
    
	
Section 9.12
    	
Status
    	
31
    
	
Section 9.13
    	
Actions in Other Capacities
    	
32
    
	
Section 9.14
    	
Rule 144
    	
32
    
				

 

iii

 

INDEX OF DEFINED TERMS

 

	
Actions
    	
25
    
	
Affiliate
    	
1
    
	
Agreement
    	
1
    
	
Beneficial Owner
    	
1
    
	
Board
    	
1
    
	
By-Laws
    	
1
    
	
Certificate of Incorporation
    	
1
    
	
Class A Shares
    	
2
    
	
Class B Condition
    	
2
    
	
Class B Shares
    	
2
    
	
Code
    	
2
    
	
Company
    	
1
    
	
Company Plan
    	
2
    
	
Contract
    	
2
    
	
Control
    	
3
    
	
Controlled Affiliate
    	
3
    
	
Demand
    	
12
    
	
Demand Registration
    	
12
    
	
Demand Stockholder
    	
3
    
	
Equity Interests
    	
3
    
	
Equivalent Class A Shares
    	
3
    
	
ERISA
    	
2
    
	
Exchange Act
    	
3
    
	
Filings
    	
3
    
	
FINRA
    	
3
    
	
Form S-3
    	
16
    
	
Free Writing Prospectus
    	
3
    
	
Governmental Entity
    	
3
    
	
Holdings
    	
1
    
	
Incapacity
    	
3
    
	
Inspectors
    	
20
    
	
IPO
    	
3
    
	
IPO Registration Statement
    	
1
    
	
IPO Underwriting Agreement
    	
4
    
	
Issuer Free Writing Prospectus
    	
4
    
	
Losses
    	
25
    
	
Material Contract
    	
4
    
	
Other Demanding Sellers
    	
15
    
	
Other Proposed Sellers
    	
15
    
	
Partnership
    	
4
    
	
Partnership LP Agreement
    	
4
    
	
Partnership LP Unit
    	
4
    
	
Permitted Holdings Transferee
    	
4
    
	
Permitted Stockholder Transferee
    	
4
    
	
Permitted Transferee
    	
5
    
	
Person
    	
5
    
	
Piggyback Notice
    	
14
    
	
Piggyback Registration
    	
14
    
	
Piggyback Seller
    	
14
    
	
Piggyback Stockholder
    	
5
    
	
Proceeding
    	
30
    
	
Records
    	
20
    
	
Registrable Amount
    	
5
    
	
Registrable Securities
    	
5
    
	
Registration Expenses
    	
24
    
	
Representative
    	
6
    
	
Requested Information
    	
24
    
	
Requesting Stockholder
    	
12
    
	
SEC
    	
6
    
	
Secondary Class B Condition
    	
6
    
	
Securities Act
    	
6
    
	
Selected Courts
    	
30
    
	
Selling Holders
    	
18
    
	
Shelf Notice
    	
16
    
	
Shelf Registration Effectiveness Period
    	
16
    
	
Shelf Registration Statement
    	
16
    
	
Shelf Underwritten Offering
    	
17
    
	
Stockholder Affiliates
    	
4
    
	
Stockholders
    	
1
    
	
Subsidiary
    	
6
    
	
Suspension Period
    	
16
    
	
Transfer
    	
6
    
	
Underwritten Offering
    	
6
    
	
Voting Securities
    	
7
    

 

iv

 

STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

 

STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”), dated as of April 15, 2014, between Moelis & Company, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), Moelis & Company Partner Holdings LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Holdings”), and the Persons (as defined herein) set forth on the signature pages hereto (together with Holdings and all other Persons who become Company stockholders party hereto in accordance with this Agreement, the “Stockholders”).

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the IPO (as defined herein), the Company and its Affiliates (as defined herein) intend to consummate the transactions described in the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-194306) (the “IPO Registration Statement”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Stockholders and the Company desire to address herein certain relationships among themselves with respect to the Equity Interests in the Partnership (as defined herein).

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and undertakings contained herein and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.1                                    Definitions.  As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

An “AFFILIATE” of any Person means any other Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such first Person.

 

“BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP” has the same meaning given to it in Section 13(d) under the Exchange Act and the rules thereunder, except that a person will be deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of all securities that person has the right to acquire, whether the right is exercisable immediately, only after the passage of time or only after the satisfaction of conditions and notwithstanding any right to pay cash in lieu of such securities.  The terms “BENEFICIALLY OWN” and “BENEFICIAL OWNER” shall have correlative meanings.

 

“BOARD” means the board of directors of the Company.

 

“BY-LAWS” means the by-laws of the Company, as may be amended and/or restated from time to time.

 

“CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION” means the certificate of incorporation of the Company, as may be amended and/or restated from time to time.

 

 

“CLASS A SHARES” means shares of the Class A Common Stock of the Company and any equity securities issued or issuable in exchange for or with respect to such Class A Shares by way of a dividend, split or combination of shares or in connection with a reclassification, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other reorganization.

 

The “CLASS B CONDITION” shall be deemed to be satisfied for so long as Kenneth Moelis (i) maintains directly or indirectly ownership of an aggregate of at least 4,458,445 shares of Class A Shares and Equivalent Class A Shares, each as adjusted for any stock split, stock dividend, reverse stock split, recapitalization, business combination, reclassification or similar event, in each case with such adjustment being determined by the Board; (ii) maintains directly or indirectly Beneficial Ownership of at least five percent (5%) of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares (calculated, without duplication, on the basis that all issued and outstanding Partnership LP Units not held by the Company or its Subsidiaries had been exchanged for Class A Shares), as adjusted for any stock split, stock dividend, reverse stock split, recapitalization, business combination, reclassification or similar event, in each case with such adjustment being determined by the Board; (iii) has not been convicted of a criminal violation of a material U.S. federal or state securities law that constitutes a felony or a felony involving moral turpitude; (iv) is not deceased; and (v) has not had his employment agreement terminated in accordance with its terms because of a breach of his covenant to devote his primary business time and effort to the business and affairs of the Company and its subsidiaries or because he suffered an Incapacity.

 

“CLASS B SHARES” means shares of the Class B Common Stock of the Company and any equity securities issued or issuable in exchange for or with respect to such Class B Shares by way of a dividend, split or combination of shares or in connection with a reclassification, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other reorganization.

 

“CODE” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and in effect from time to time.

 

“COMPANY PLAN” means each material (i) “employee benefit plan” (within the meaning of section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”)), (ii) “multiemployer plans” (within the meaning of ERISA section 3(37)), and (iii) stock purchase, stock option, phantom stock or other equity-based plan, severance, employment, change-in-control, fringe benefit, bonus, incentive, deferred compensation and all other employee benefit and compensation plans, agreements, programs, policies or other arrangements, whether or not subject to ERISA (including any funding mechanism therefor now in effect or required in the future as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise), under which any current or former employee, director or consultant of the Company or its Subsidiaries or Controlled Affiliates (or any of their dependents) has any present or future right to compensation or benefits or the Company or its Subsidiaries or Controlled Affiliates has any present or future liability.

 

“CONTRACT” means any legally binding bond, debenture, note, mortgage, indenture, guarantee, license, lease, purchase or sale order or other contract, commitment, agreement, instrument, obligation, arrangement, understanding, undertaking, permit, concession or franchise, in each case, whether contingent or otherwise and including all amendments thereto.

 

2

 

“CONTROL” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of company securities, by contract or otherwise.

 

A “CONTROLLED AFFILIATE” of any Person means any Affiliate that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, is Controlled by such Person.

 

“DEMAND STOCKHOLDER” means any Stockholder that, together with its Permitted Transferees and their respective Permitted Transferees who are in each case Stockholders, holds at least a Registrable Amount.

 

“EQUITY INTERESTS” means, with respect to a Stockholder and its Permitted Transferees, the Partnership LP Units Beneficially Owned by such Stockholder and its Permitted Transferees as of the date hereof, and all securities which such securities are exchanged for.

 

“EQUIVALENT CLASS A SHARES” means on any date, the number of Class A Shares represented by any shares, units, interests, options, warrants, evidence of indebtedness, stock awards or other securities or awards which by their terms are directly or indirectly convertible into, exchangeable for, exercisable for or pursuant to which the holder is entitled to receive Class A Shares, whether immediately, only after the passage of time or only after the satisfaction of conditions and notwithstanding any right to pay cash in lieu of Class A Shares.

 

“EXCHANGE ACT” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time and any successor to such statute, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

“FILINGS” means annual, quarterly and current reports and other documents filed or furnished by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company under the Exchange Act; annual reports to stockholders, annual and quarterly statutory statements of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company; and any registration statements, prospectuses and other documents filed or furnished by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Controlled Affiliates under the Securities Act.

 

“FINRA” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc.

 

“FREE WRITING PROSPECTUS” means a free writing prospectus, as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

 

“GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY” means any court, administrative agency, regulatory body, commission or other governmental authority, board, bureau or instrumentality, domestic or foreign and any subdivision thereof.

 

“INCAPACITY” means, with respect to Mr. Moelis, the entry of an order of incompetence or of insanity, or permanent physical incapacity or death.

 

“IPO” means the initial public offering of Class A Shares pursuant to an effective Registration Statement under the Securities Act.

 

3

 

“IPO UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT” means the underwriting agreement, dated as of April 15, 2014, between the Company and the underwriters named therein.

 

“ISSUER FREE WRITING PROSPECTUS” means an issuer free writing prospectus, as defined in Rule 433 under the Securities Act.

 

“MATERIAL CONTRACT” means:

 

(i)                                     any Contract that would be required to be filed by the Company as a “material contract” pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act or disclosed by the Company on a Current Report on Form 8-K;

 

(ii)                                  any Contract that limits in any material respect the ability of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Controlled Affiliates to compete in any line of business or with any Person or in any geographic area;

 

(iii)                               any Contract with respect to the formation, creation, operation, management or control of a joint venture, partnership, limited liability or other similar agreement or arrangement entered into by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Controlled Affiliates; and

 

(iv)                              any Contract involving the acquisition or disposition, directly or indirectly (by merger or otherwise), of assets or capital stock or other equity interests for aggregate consideration (in one or a series of transactions) under such Contract of $20 million or more.

 

“PARTNERSHIP” means Moelis & Company Group LP, a Delaware limited partnership.

 

“PARTNERSHIP LP AGREEMENT” means the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, dated as of April 15, 2014, as may be amended and/or restated from time to time.

 

“PARTNERSHIP LP UNIT” means a partnership unit in the Partnership designated as a “Partnership Class A Common Unit” and any equity securities issued or issuable (including Class A Shares) in exchange for or with respect to such Partnership Class A Common Units (x) by way of a dividend, split or combination of shares, (y) in connection with a reclassification, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other reorganization or (z) otherwise.

 

“PERMITTED HOLDINGS TRANSFEREE” means, with respect to Holdings (a) any other Stockholder or (b) Affiliates of Holdings.

 

“PERMITTED STOCKHOLDER TRANSFEREE” means, with respect to a Stockholder (other than Holdings and its Permitted Transferees) (a) any other Stockholder, (b) such Stockholder’s Affiliates, (c) any member or general or limited partner of such Stockholder, (d) any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity that is an Affiliate of such Stockholder or any member, general or limited partner of such Stockholder (collectively, “Stockholder Affiliates”), (e) any general partner, director, limited partner, officer or employee of any Stockholder Affiliate, or any spouse, lineal descendant, sibling, parent, heir, executor,

 

4

 

administrator, testamentary trustee, legatee or beneficiary of any of the foregoing persons described in this clause (e), (f) such Stockholder’s spouse, (g) a lineal descendant of such Stockholder’s maternal or paternal grandparents, the spouse of any such descendant or a lineal descendant of any such spouse, (h) a trustee of a trust (whether inter vivos or testamentary), all of the current beneficiaries and presumptive remaindermen of which are one or more of such Stockholder and persons described in clauses (e) through (g) of this definition, (i) a corporation, limited liability company or partnership, of which all of the outstanding shares of capital stock or interests therein are owned by one or more of such Stockholder and Persons described in clauses (e) through (g) of this definition; provided, however, that any subsequent Transfer of any portion of the Beneficial Ownership of the entity such that it is Beneficially Owned in any part by a Person other than a Stockholder and/or a Person described in clauses (e) through (g) of this definition, will not be deemed to be a Transfer to a Permitted Stockholder Transferee, (j) an individual mandated under a qualified domestic relations order and (k) a legal or personal representative of such Stockholder in the event of his death or Disability (as defined below). For purpose of this definition:  (i) “lineal descendants” shall not include individuals adopted after attaining the age of eighteen (18) years and such adopted Person’s descendants; (ii) “presumptive remaindermen” shall refer to those Persons entitled to a share of a trust’s assets if it were then to terminate; and (iv) “Disability” shall refer to any physical or mental incapacity which prevents a Stockholder (if applicable) from carrying out all or substantially all of his duties under his employment agreement with the Company in such capacity for any period of one hundred and twenty (120) consecutive days or any aggregate period of six (6) months in any twelve (12) month period, as determined by a majority of the members of the Board (but for the sake of clarity not including the Stockholder in respect of which the determination is being made (if applicable)).

 

“PERMITTED TRANSFEREE” means each Permitted Holdings Transferee and each Permitted Stockholder Transferee.

 

“PERSON” means any individual, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, estate, trust, business association, organization, Governmental Entity or other entity.

 

“PIGGYBACK STOCKHOLDER” means any Stockholder that, together with its Permitted Transferees and their respective Permitted Transferees who are in each case Stockholders, Beneficially Owns at least a Registrable Amount.

 

“REGISTRABLE AMOUNT” means a number of Registrable Securities representing at least one percent (1%) of the aggregate number of Class A Shares issued and outstanding immediately after the consummation of the IPO (calculated, without duplication, on the basis that all issued and outstanding Partnership LP Units designated as “Partnership Class A Common Units” not held by the Company or its Subsidiaries had been exchanged for shares of Class A Shares).

 

“REGISTRABLE SECURITIES” means any Class A Shares (including upon the exchange of Partnership LP Units).  As to any particular Registrable Securities, such securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when (x) a registration statement registering such securities under the Securities Act has been declared effective and such securities have been sold

 

5

 

or otherwise Transferred by the holder thereof pursuant to such effective registration statement, (y) such securities are sold in accordance with Rule 144 (or any successor provision) promulgated under the Securities Act or (z) such securities may be sold to the public in accordance with Rule 144 or (any successor provision) promulgated under the Securities Act by a Person that is not an “affiliate” (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company where no conditions of Rule 144 are then applicable (other than the holding period requirement in paragraph (d) of Rule 144 so long as such holding period requirement is satisfied at such time of determination).

 

“REPRESENTATIVE” means with respect to a particular Person, any director, officer, manager, employee, agent, consultant, advisor, accountant, financial advisor, legal counsel or other representative of that Person.

 

“SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any similar agency then having jurisdiction to enforce the Securities Act.

 

The “SECONDARY CLASS B CONDITION” shall be deemed to be satisfied for so long as Mr. Moelis (i) maintains directly or indirectly ownership of an aggregate of at least 2,229,222 shares of Class A Shares and Equivalent Class A Shares, each as adjusted for any stock split, stock dividend, reverse stock split, recapitalization, business combination, reclassification or similar event, in each case with such adjustment being determined by the Board; (ii) maintains directly or indirectly Beneficial Ownership of at least five percent (5%) of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares (calculated, without duplication, on the basis that all issued and outstanding Partnership LP Units not held by the Company or its Subsidiaries had been exchanged for Class A Shares), as adjusted for any stock split, stock dividend, reverse stock split, recapitalization, business combination, reclassification or similar event, in each case with such adjustment being determined by the Board; (iii) has not been convicted of a criminal violation of a material U.S. federal or state securities law that constitutes a felony or a felony involving moral turpitude; (iv) is not deceased; and (v) has not had his employment agreement terminated in accordance with its terms because of a breach of his covenant to devote his primary business time and effort to the business and affairs of the Company and its subsidiaries or because he suffered an Incapacity.

 

“SECURITIES ACT” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time and any successor to such statute, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

“SUBSIDIARY” or “SUBSIDIARIES” means, with respect to any Person, as of any date of determination, any other Person as to which such Person owns, directly or indirectly, or otherwise controls, more than 50% of the voting shares or other similar interests or the sole general partner interest or managing member or similar interest of such Person.

 

“TRANSFER” means, with respect to any securities, to sell, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of such securities.

 

“UNDERWRITTEN OFFERING” means a sale of securities of the Company to an underwriter or underwriters for reoffering to the public.

 

6

 

“VOTING SECURITIES” means Class A Shares, Class B Shares and any other securities of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the Company.

 

Section 1.2                                    Gender.  For the purposes of this Agreement, the words “he,” “his” or “himself” shall be interpreted to include the masculine, feminine and corporate, other entity or trust form.

 

ARTICLE II

 

APPROVAL OF CERTAIN MATTERS

 

Section 2.1                                    Approval of Holdings.

 

(a)                                 So long as the Class B Condition is satisfied, the Board shall not authorize, approve or ratify any of the following actions or any plan with respect thereto without the prior approval (which approval may be in the form of an action by written consent) of Holdings:

 

(i)                                     any incurrence of indebtedness (other than inter-company indebtedness), in one transaction or a series of related transactions, by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Controlled Affiliates in an amount in excess of $20 million;

 

(ii)                                  any issuance by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Controlled Affiliates in any transaction or series of related transactions of equity or equity-related securities (other than preferred stock, which is addressed by Section 2.1(a)(iii) below) which would represent, after such issuance, or upon conversion, exchange or exercise, as the case may be, at least three percent (3%) of the total number of votes that may be cast in the election of directors of the Company if all issued and outstanding Class A Shares were present and voted at a meeting held for such purpose (other than (1) upon issuances of securities pursuant to the Company’s equity incentive plan described in the IPO Registration Statement (as the same may be supplemented, amended or restated from time to time), (2) upon the exchange of Partnership LP Units for securities pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation and (3) upon conversion of convertible securities or upon exercise of warrants or options, which convertible securities, warrants or options are outstanding on the date of this Agreement or issued in compliance with this Agreement);

 

(iii)                               the issuance of any preferred stock;

 

(iv)                              any equity or debt commitment to invest or investment or series of related equity or debt commitments to invest or investments by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Controlled Affiliates in a Person or group of related Persons in an amount greater than $20 million;

 

(v)                                 any entry by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Controlled Affiliates into a new line of business that requires an investment in excess of $20 million;

 

7

 

(vi)                              the adoption of a stockholder rights plan by the Company;

 

(vii)                           any removal or appointment of any officer of the Company that is, or would be, subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act;

 

(viii)                        any amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws;

 

(ix)                              any amendment to the Partnership LP Agreement;

 

(x)                                 the renaming of the Company;

 

(xi)                              the adoption of the Company’s annual budget and business plans and any material amendments thereto;

 

(xii)                           the declaration and payment of any dividend or other distribution (other than such dividends or other distributions (i) required to be made pursuant to the terms of any outstanding preferred stock of the Company or (ii) in connection with the transactions described in the IPO Registration Statement);

 

(xiii)                        the entry into any merger, consolidation, recapitalization, liquidation, or sale of the Company or all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or consummation of a similar transaction involving the Company (other than a merger, consolidation or similar transaction solely between or among the Company and one or more direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company which transaction would not adversely impact the rights of Holdings or Mr. Moelis) or entering into any agreement providing therefor;

 

(xiv)                       voluntarily initiating any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company or permitting the commencement of a proceeding for bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar action with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Controlled Affiliates;

 

(xv)                          the entry into or material amendment of any Material Contract;

 

(xvi)                       the entry into any transaction, or series of similar transactions or Contract (other than a Company Plan unless otherwise required by any other provision hereof) that would be required to be disclosed under Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act;

 

(xvii)                    the initiation or settlement of any material Action; or

 

(xviii)                 changes to the Company’s taxable year or fiscal year.

 

(b)                                 After the Class B Condition ceases to be satisfied, for so long as the Secondary Class B Condition is satisfied, the Board shall not authorize, approve or ratify any of the following actions or any plan with respect thereto without the prior approval (which approval may be in the form of an action by written consent) of Holdings:

 

8

 

(i)                                     any removal or appointment of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company;

 

(ii)                                  any amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws that materially and adversely affects in a disproportionate manner the rights of Mr. Moelis; or

 

(iii)                               any amendment to the Partnership LP Agreement that materially and adversely affects in a disproportionate manner the rights of Mr. Moelis.

 

ARTICLE III

 

TRANSFER

 

Section 3.1                                    Transfers and Joinders.  If a Stockholder effects any Transfer of Equity Interests to a Permitted Transferee or any other Person approved by the Company in its sole and absolute discretion, such Permitted Transferee may, if not a Stockholder, within five (5) days of such Transfer execute a joinder to this Agreement, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Company, in which such Permitted Transferee agrees to be a “Stockholder” for all purposes of this Agreement and which provides that such Permitted Transferee shall be bound by and shall fully comply with the terms of this Agreement.

 

Section 3.2                                    Binding Effect on Transferees.  Subject to execution of a joinder to this Agreement with five (5) days of the applicable Transfer, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Company, pursuant to Section 3.1, such Permitted Transferee shall become a Stockholder hereunder.

 

Section 3.3                                    Additional Purchases.  Any Registrable Securities Beneficially Owned by a Stockholder on or after the date of this Agreement shall have the benefit of and be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

Section 3.4                                    Charter Provisions.  The parties hereto shall use their respective reasonable efforts (including voting or causing to be voted all of the Voting Securities held of record by such party or Beneficially Owned by such party by virtue of having voting power over such Voting Securities) so as to prevent any amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws as in effect as of the date of this Agreement that would (a) add restrictions to the transferability of the Voting Securities by Holdings or its Permitted Transferees who remain a “Stockholder” (as such term is used herein) at the time of such an amendment, which restrictions are beyond those then provided for in the Certificate of Incorporation, this Agreement or applicable securities laws or (b) nullify any of the rights of Holdings or its Permitted Transferees who remain a “Stockholder” (as such term is used herein) at the time of such amendment, which rights are explicitly provided for in this Agreement, unless, in each such case, such amendment shall have been approved by such Stockholder.

 

Section 3.5                                    Legend.  Any certificate representing Voting Securities issued to a Stockholder shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in substantially the following form:

 

9

 

“The shares represented by this certificate are subject to the provisions contained in the Stockholder Agreement, dated as of April 15, 2014, by and between Moelis & Company and the stockholders of Moelis & Company described therein.”

 

The Company shall make customary arrangements to cause any Voting Securities issued in uncertificated form to be identified on the books of the Company in a substantially similar manner.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

HOLDINGS BOARD REPRESENTATION

 

Section 4.1                                    Nominees.

 

(a)                                 Until the Class B Condition ceases to be satisfied, the Company and each Stockholder shall take all reasonable actions within their respective control (including voting or causing to be voted all of the Voting Securities held of record by such Stockholder or Beneficially Owned by such Stockholder by virtue of having voting power over such Voting Securities, and, with respect to the Company, as provided in Sections 4.1(c) and (d)) so as to cause to be elected to the Board, and to cause to continue in office, not more than eleven (11) directors (or such other number of directors as Holdings may agree to in writing), and at any given time:

 

(i)                                     until the Class B Condition ceases to be satisfied, a number of directors equal to a majority of the Board shall be individuals designated by Holdings; and

 

(ii)                                  after the Class B Condition ceases to be satisfied, for so long as the Secondary Class B Condition is satisfied, a number of directors (rounded up to the nearest whole number) equal to one quarter of the Board shall be individuals designated by Holdings.

 

(b)                                 For so long as either the Class B Condition or the Secondary Class B Condition is satisfied, if Holdings notifies the Stockholders of its desire to remove, with or without cause, any director previously designated by it, the Stockholders shall vote or cause to be voted all of the shares of Voting Securities held of record by such Stockholders or Beneficially Owned by such Stockholders by virtue of having voting power over such Voting Securities and take all other reasonable actions within its control to cause the removal of such director.

 

(c)                                  The Company agrees to include in the slate of nominees recommended by the Board those persons designated by Holdings in accordance with Section 4.1(a) and to use its reasonable best efforts to cause the election of each such designee to the Board, including nominating such designees to be elected as directors, in each case subject to applicable law.

 

(d)                                 In the event that a vacancy is created at any time by the death, disability, retirement, resignation or removal of any director who is designated by Holdings in accordance with Section 4.1(a), the Company agrees to take at any time and from time to time all actions necessary to cause the vacancy created thereby to be filled as promptly as practicable by a new

 

10

 

designee of Holdings.  In the event that the size of the Board is expanded to more than eleven (11) directors, the Company agrees to take at any time and from time to time all actions necessary to cause the Board to continue to have the number of the designees of Holdings that corresponds to the requirements of Section 4.1(a).

 

(e)                                  In the event that at any time the number of directors entitled to be designated by Holdings pursuant to Section 4.1(a) decreases, Holdings and its Permitted Transferees shall take reasonable actions to cause a sufficient number of designated directors to resign from the Board at or prior to the end of such designated director’s term such that the number of designated directors after such resignation(s) equals the number of directors Holdings would have been entitled to designate pursuant to Section 4.1(a). Any vacancies created by such resignation may remain vacant until the next annual meeting of stockholders or filled by a majority vote of the Board.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, such designated director(s) need not resign from the Board at or prior to the end of such director’s term if the Company’s nominating committee recommends the nomination of such director(s) for election at the next annual meeting coinciding with the end of such director’s term, or otherwise (and for the avoidance of doubt, such director shall no longer be considered a designee of Holdings).

 

Section 4.2                                    Committees.  For so long as this Agreement is in effect, the Company shall take all reasonable actions within its control at any given time so as to cause to be appointed to any committee of the Board a number of directors designated by Holdings that is up to the number of directors that is proportionate (rounding up to the next whole director) to the representation that Holdings is entitled to designate to the Board under this Agreement, to the extent such directors are permitted to serve on such committees under the applicable rules of the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange or by any other applicable stock exchange. It is understood by the parties hereto that Holdings shall not be required to have its directors represented on any committee and any failure to exercise such right in this section in a prior period shall not constitute any waiver of such right in a subsequent period.

 

ARTICLE V

 

TERMINATION

 

Section 5.1                                    Term.  The terms of this Agreement shall terminate, and be of no further force and effect:

 

(a)                                 upon the mutual consent of all of the parties hereto;

 

(b)                                 with respect to Holdings, if the Secondary Class B Condition ceases to be satisfied; or

 

(c)                                  with respect to each Stockholder (other than Holdings), at such time after the Secondary Class B Condition ceases to be satisfied that such Stockholder and its Permitted Transferees who are Stockholders cease to Beneficially Own a Registrable Amount.

 

Section 5.2                                    Survival.  If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 5.1, this Agreement shall become void and of no further force and effect, except for:  (i) the provisions set forth in this Section 5.2, Section 6.2 (which shall terminate, and be of no further force and effect,

 

11

 

with respect to each Stockholder, at such time as such Stockholder and its Affiliates ceases to Beneficially Own a Registrable Amount), Section 6.7, Article VII, Section 9.8 and Section 9.9; (ii) the rights with respect to the breach of any provision hereof by the Company; and (iii) any registration rights vested or obligations accrued as of the date of termination of this Agreement to the extent, in the case of registration rights so vested, if such Stockholder ceases to meet the definition of a Stockholder under this Agreement subsequent to the vesting of such registration rights as a result of action taken by the Company.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

REGISTRATION RIGHTS

 

Section 6.1                                    Demand Registration.

 

(a)                                 At any time after the date that is one hundred and eighty (180) days after the date hereof (or such earlier date (i) as would permit the Company to cause any filings required hereunder to be filed on the 180th day after the date hereof or (ii) as is permitted by waiver under the IPO Underwriting Agreement), any Stockholders that on the date a Demand (as hereinafter defined) is made constitute Demand Stockholders (a “Requesting Stockholder”) shall be entitled to make a written request of the Company (a “Demand”) for registration under the Securities Act of a number of Registrable Securities that, when taken together with the number of Registrable Securities requested to be registered under the Securities Act by such Requesting Stockholder’s Permitted Transferees who are Stockholders, equals or is greater than the Registrable Amount (a “Demand Registration”) and thereupon the Company will, subject to the terms of this Agreement, use its reasonable best efforts to effect the registration as promptly as practicable under the Securities Act of:

 

(i)                                     the Registrable Securities which the Company has been so requested to register by the Requesting Stockholders for disposition in accordance with the intended method of disposition stated in such Demand which may be an Underwritten Offering;

 

(ii)                                  all other Registrable Securities which the Company has been requested to register pursuant to Section 6.1(b); and

 

(iii)                               all Class A Shares which the Company may elect to register in connection with any offering of Registrable Securities, but subject to Section 6.1(f);

 

all to the extent necessary to permit the disposition (in accordance with the intended methods thereof) of the Registrable Securities and the additional Class A Shares, if any, to be so registered.

 

(b)                                 A Demand shall specify:  (i) the aggregate number of Registrable Securities requested to be registered in such Demand Registration, (ii) the intended method of disposition in connection with such Demand Registration, to the extent then known and (iii) the identity of the Requesting Stockholder (or Requesting Stockholders).  Within five (5) days after receipt of a Demand, the Company shall give written notice of such Demand to all other Stockholders.  Subject to Section 6.1(f), the Company shall include in the Demand Registration

 

12

 

covered by such Demand all Registrable Securities with respect to which the Company has received a written request for inclusion therein within ten (10) days after the Company’s notice required by this paragraph has been given.  Such written request shall comply with the requirements of a Demand as set forth in this Section 6.1(b).

 

(c)                                  For so long as the Secondary Class B Condition is satisfied, Holdings shall be entitled to an unlimited number of Demand Registrations until such time as the Stockholders and their Permitted Transferees who are Stockholders, together, Beneficially Own less than a Registrable Amount.  After the Secondary Class B Condition ceases to be satisfied, each Stockholder shall be entitled to an unlimited number of Demand Registrations until such time as such Stockholder and its Permitted Transferees who are Stockholders, together, Beneficially Own less than a Registrable Amount.

 

(d)                                 Demand Registrations shall be on such registration form of the SEC for which the Company is eligible as shall be selected by the Requesting Stockholders, including, to the extent permissible, an automatically effective registration statement or an existing effective registration statement filed by the Company with the SEC, and shall be reasonably acceptable to the Company.

 

(e)                                  The Company shall not be obligated to effect any Demand Registration (A) within ninety (90) days of a “firm commitment” Underwritten Offering in which all Stockholders were given “piggyback” rights pursuant to Section 6.2 (subject to Section 6.1(f)) and provided that at least 50% of the number of Registrable Securities requested by such Stockholders to be included in such Demand Registration were included, (B) within ninety (90) day of any other Underwritten Offering pursuant to Section 6.3(e). In addition, the Company shall be entitled to postpone (upon written notice to all Stockholders) for a reasonable period of time not to exceed ninety (90) days in succession the filing or the effectiveness of a registration statement for any Demand Registration (but no more than twice, or for more than one hundred and twenty (120) days in the aggregate, in any period of twelve (12) consecutive months) if the Board determines in good faith and in its reasonable judgment that the filing or effectiveness of the registration statement relating to such Demand Registration would cause the disclosure of material, non-public information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential. In the event of a postponement by the Company of the filing or effectiveness of a registration statement for a Demand Registration, the holders of a majority of Registrable Securities held by the Requesting Stockholders shall have the right to withdraw such Demand in accordance with Section 6.4.

 

(f)                                   The Company shall not include any securities other than Registrable Securities in a Demand Registration, except with the written consent of Stockholders participating in such Demand Registration that hold a majority of the Registrable Securities included in such Demand Registration.  If, in connection with a Demand Registration, any managing underwriter (or, if such Demand Registration is not an Underwritten Offering, a nationally recognized investment bank engaged in connection with such Demand Registration) advises the Company, in writing, that, in its opinion, the inclusion of all of the securities, including securities of the Company that are not Registrable Securities, sought to be registered in connection with such Demand Registration would adversely affect the marketability of the Registrable Securities sought to be sold pursuant thereto, then the Company shall include in such

 

13

 

registration statement only such securities as the Company is advised by such underwriter or investment bank can be sold without such adverse effect as follows and in the following order of priority:  (i) first, up to the number of Registrable Securities requested to be included in such Demand Registration by the Stockholders, which, in the opinion of the underwriter can be sold without adversely affecting the marketability of the offering, pro rata among such Stockholders requesting such Demand Registration on the basis of the number of such securities held by such Stockholders and such Stockholders that are Piggyback Sellers (as defined below); (ii) second, securities the Company proposes to sell; and (iii) third, all other securities of the Company duly requested to be included in such registration statement, pro rata on the basis of the number of such other securities requested to be included or such other method determined by the Company.

 

(g)                                  Any investment bank(s) that will serve as an underwriter with respect to such Demand Registration or, if such Demand Registration is not an Underwritten Offering, any investment bank engaged in connection therewith, shall be selected (i) by Holdings, for so long as the Secondary Class B Condition is satisfied, and thereafter (ii) by the Stockholder participating in such Demand Registration that holds (together with its Permitted Transferees who are Stockholders) a number of Registrable Securities included in such Demand Registration constituting a plurality of all Registrable Securities included in such Demand Registration.

 

Section 6.2                                    Piggyback Registration.

 

(a)                                 Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, whenever the Company proposes to register any of its equity securities under the Securities Act (other than a registration by the Company (x) on a registration statement on Form S-4 or (y) on a registration statement on Form S-8 (or in any of the cases of (x) or (y) on any successor forms thereto)) (each a “Piggyback Registration”), whether for its own account or for the account of others, the Company shall give each Stockholder that on such date constitutes Piggyback Stockholder prompt written notice thereof (but not less than ten (10) business days prior to the filing by the Company with the SEC of any registration statement with respect thereto). Such notice (a “Piggyback Notice”) shall specify, at a minimum, the number of equity securities proposed to be registered, the proposed date of filing of such registration statement with the SEC, the proposed means of distribution, the proposed managing underwriter or underwriters (if any and if known) and a good faith estimate by the Company of the proposed minimum offering price of such equity securities.  Upon the written request of any Person that on the date of such Piggyback Notice constitutes a Piggyback Stockholder (any such Persons a “Piggyback Seller”) (which written request shall specify the number of Registrable Securities then presently intended to be disposed of by such Piggyback Seller), given within five (5) days after such Piggyback Notice is received by such Person, the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause all such Registrable Securities held by Piggyback Sellers with respect to which the Company has received such written requests for inclusion to be included in such Piggyback Registration on the same terms and conditions as the Company’s equity securities being sold in such Piggyback Registration.

 

(b)                                 If, in connection with a Piggyback Registration, any managing underwriter (or, if such Piggyback Registration is not an Underwritten Offering, a nationally recognized investment bank engaged in connection with such Demand Registration) advises the Company in writing that, in its opinion, the inclusion of all the equity securities sought to be included in such

 

14

 

Piggyback Registration by (i) the Company, (ii) others who have sought to have equity securities of the Company registered in such Piggyback Registration pursuant to rights to demand (other than pursuant to so-called “piggyback” or other incidental or participation registration rights) such registration (such Persons being “Other Demanding Sellers”), (iii) the Piggyback Sellers and (iv) any other proposed sellers of equity securities of the Company (such Persons being “Other Proposed Sellers”), as the case may be, would adversely affect the marketability of the equity securities sought to be sold pursuant thereto, then the Company shall include in the registration statement applicable to such Piggyback Registration only such equity securities as the Company is so advised by such underwriter can be sold without such an effect, as follows and in the following order of priority:

 

(i)                                     if the Piggyback Registration relates to an offering for the Company’s own account, then (A) first, such number of equity securities to be sold by the Company as the Company, in its reasonable judgment and acting in good faith and in accordance with sound financial practice, shall have determined, (B) second, Registrable Securities of Piggyback Sellers and securities sought to be registered by Other Demanding Sellers (if any), pro rata on the basis of the number of Class A Shares proposed to be sold by such Piggyback Sellers and Other Demanding Sellers and (C) third, other equity securities held by any Other Proposed Sellers; or

 

(ii)                                  if the Piggyback Registration relates to an offering other than for the Company’s own account, then (A) first, such number of equity securities sought to be registered by each Other Demanding Seller and the Piggyback Sellers pro rata in proportion to the number of Class A Shares sought to be registered by all such Other Demanding Sellers (if any) and Piggyback Sellers and (B) second, other equity securities proposed to be sold by any Other Proposed Sellers or to be sold by the Company as determined by the Company and with such priorities among them as may from time to time be determined or agreed to by the Company.

 

(c)                                  In connection with any Underwritten Offering under this Section 6.2 for the Company’s account, the Company shall not be required to include a holder’s Registrable Securities in the Underwritten Offering unless such holder accepts the terms of the underwriting as agreed upon between the Company and the underwriters selected by the Company.

 

(d)                                 If, at any time after giving written notice of its intention to register any of its equity securities as set forth in this Section 6.2 and prior to the time the registration statement filed in connection with such Piggyback Registration is declared effective, the Company shall determine for any reason not to register such equity securities, the Company may, at its election, give written notice of such determination to each Piggyback Stockholder within five (5) days thereof and thereupon shall be relieved of its obligation to register any Registrable Securities in connection with such particular withdrawn or abandoned Piggyback Registration (but not from its obligation to pay the Registration Expenses in connection therewith as provided herein); provided, that Stockholders may continue the registration as a Demand Registration pursuant to the terms of Section 6.1.

 

15

 

Section 6.3                                    Shelf Registration.

 

(a)                                 Subject to Section 6.3(e), and further subject to the availability of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 or a successor form, which may be an automatically effective registration statement at any time the Company is eligible (“Form S-3”), to the Company, Holdings (for so long as the Secondary Class B Condition is satisfied) or any Stockholder (after the Secondary Class B Condition has ceased to be satisfied) may by written notice delivered (which notice can be delivered at any time after the first anniversary of the date hereof) to the Company (the “Shelf Notice”) require the Company to (i) file as promptly as practicable (but no later than 30 days after the date the Shelf Notice is delivered), and to use reasonable best efforts to cause to be declared effective by the SEC at the earliest possible date permitted under the rules and regulations of the SEC (but no later than 60 days after such filing date), a Form S-3, or (ii) use an existing Form S-3 filed with the SEC, in each case providing for an offering to be made on a continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act relating to the offer and sale, from time to time, of the Registrable Securities Beneficially Owned by such Stockholder (or any of its Permitted Transferees who are Stockholders), as the case may be, and any other Persons that at the time of the Shelf Notice meet the definition of a Stockholder who elect to participate therein as provided in Section 6.3(c) (the “Shelf Registration Statement”).

 

(b)                                 For so long as the Secondary Class B Condition is satisfied, Holdings, together with its Permitted Transferees, shall be entitled to require the Company to file an unlimited number of Shelf Registration Statements until such time as the Stockholders and their Permitted Transferees who are Stockholders, together, Beneficially Own less than a Registrable Amount.  After the Secondary Class B Condition ceases to be satisfied, each Stockholder shall be entitled to require the Company to file an unlimited number of Shelf Registration Statements until such time as such Stockholder and its Permitted Transferees who are Stockholders, together, Beneficially Own less than a Registrable Amount.

 

(c)                                  Within five business days after receipt of a Shelf Notice pursuant to Section 6.3(a), the Company will deliver written notice thereof to each Piggyback Stockholder.  Each Piggyback Stockholder may elect to participate in the Shelf Registration Statement by delivering to the Company a written request to so participate within ten days after the Shelf Notice is received by any such Piggyback Stockholder.

 

(d)                                 Subject to Section 6.3(e), the Company will use reasonable best efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective until the date on which all Registrable Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement have been sold thereunder in accordance with the plan and method of distribution disclosed in the prospectus included in the Shelf Registration Statement, or otherwise (the “Shelf Registration Effectiveness Period”).

 

(e)                                  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Company shall be entitled, from time to time, by providing written notice to the Demand Stockholders who elected to participate in the Shelf Registration Statement, to require such Demand Stockholders to suspend the use of the prospectus for sales of Registrable Securities under the Shelf Registration Statement for a reasonable period of time not to exceed 90 days in succession or 120 days in the aggregate in any 12 month period (a “Suspension Period”) if the

 

16

 

Board determines in good faith and in its reasonable judgment that it is required to disclose in the Shelf Registration Statement material, non-public information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential. Immediately upon receipt of such notice, the Demand Stockholders covered by the Shelf Registration Statement shall suspend the use of the prospectus until the requisite changes to the prospectus have been made as required below.  Any Suspension Period shall terminate at such time as the public disclosure of such information is made.  After the expiration of any Suspension Period and without any further request from a Demand Stockholder, the Company shall as promptly as practicable prepare a post-effective amendment or supplement to the Shelf Registration Statement or the prospectus, or any document incorporated therein by reference, or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to purchasers of the Registrable Securities included therein, the prospectus will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

 

(f)                                   At any time, and from time-to-time, during the Shelf Registration Effectiveness Period (except during a Suspension Period), Holdings (for so long as the Secondary Class B Condition is satisfied) or any Stockholder (after the Secondary Class B Condition has ceased to be satisfied) may notify the Company of its intent to sell Registrable Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement (in whole or in part) in an Underwritten Offering (a “Shelf Underwritten Offering”); provided that the Company shall not be obligated to participate in more than four Underwritten Offerings during any twelve-month period. Such notice shall specify (x) the aggregate number of Registrable Securities requested to be registered in such Shelf Underwritten Offering and (y) the identity of the Stockholder(s) requesting such Shelf Underwritten Offering.  Upon receipt by the Company of such notice, the Company shall promptly comply with the applicable provisions of this Agreement, including those provisions of Section 6.6 relating to the Company’s obligation to make filings with the Commission, assist in the preparation and filing with the SEC of prospectus supplements and amendments to the Shelf Registration Statement, participate in “road shows,” agree to customary “lock-up” agreements with respect to the Company’s securities and obtain “comfort” letters, and the Company shall take such other actions as necessary or appropriate to permit the consummation of such Shelf Underwritten Offering as promptly as practicable. Each Shelf Underwritten Offering shall be for the sale of a number of Registrable Securities equal to or greater than the product of (i) two (2) and (ii) the Registrable Amount.  In any Shelf Underwritten Offering, the Company shall select the investment bank(s) and managers that will serve as lead or co-managing underwriters with respect to the offering of such Registrable Securities, which shall be reasonably acceptable to the Stockholders participating in such Shelf Underwritten Offering that hold a majority of the Registrable Securities included in such Shelf Underwritten Offering.

 

Section 6.4                                    Withdrawal Rights.

 

Any Stockholder having notified or directed the Company to include any or all of its Registrable Securities in a registration statement under the Securities Act shall have the right to withdraw any such notice or direction with respect to any or all of the Registrable Securities designated by it for registration by giving written notice to such effect to the Company prior to the effective date of such registration statement.  In the event of any such withdrawal, the Company shall not include such Registrable Securities in the applicable registration and such

 

17

 

Registrable Securities shall continue to be Registrable Securities for all purposes of this Agreement.  No such withdrawal shall affect the obligations of the Company with respect to the Registrable Securities not so withdrawn; provided, however, that in the case of a Demand Registration, if such withdrawal shall reduce the number of Registrable Securities sought to be included in such registration below the Registrable Amount, then the Company shall as promptly as practicable give each holder of Registrable Securities sought to be registered notice to such effect and, within ten days following the mailing of such notice, such holder(s) of Registrable Securities still seeking registration shall, by written notice to the Company, elect to register additional Registrable Securities, when taken together with elections to register Registrable Securities by their Permitted Transferees who are Stockholders, to satisfy the Registrable Amount or elect that such registration statement not be filed or, if theretofore filed, be withdrawn. During such ten day period, the Company shall not file such registration statement if not theretofore filed or, if such registration statement has been theretofore filed, the Company shall not seek, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to prevent, the effectiveness thereof.

 

Section 6.5                                    Holdback Agreements.

 

Each Piggyback Seller agrees not to effect any sale or distribution (including sales pursuant to Rule 144) of equity securities of the Company, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such equity securities, during any time period reasonably requested by the Company (which shall not exceed 90 days) with respect to any Underwritten Offering, Demand Registration or Piggyback Registration (in each case, except as part of such registration), or, in each case, during any time period (which shall not exceed 180 days) required by any underwriting agreement with respect thereto.

 

Section 6.6                                    Registration Procedures.

 

(a)                                 If and whenever the Company is required to use reasonable best efforts to effect the registration of any Registrable Securities under the Securities Act as provided in Sections 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 the Company shall as promptly as practicable (in each case, to the extent applicable):

 

(i)                                     prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement to effect such registration, cause such registration statement to become effective at the earliest possible date permitted under the rules and regulations of the SEC and thereafter use reasonable best efforts to cause such registration statement to remain effective pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that the Company may discontinue any registration of its securities which are not Registrable Securities at any time prior to the effective date of the registration statement relating thereto; provided, further that before filing such registration statement or any amendments thereto, the Company will furnish to the counsel selected by the holders of Registrable Securities which are to be included in such registration (“Selling Holders”) copies of all such documents proposed to be filed, which documents will be subject to the review and comment of such counsel (it being understood that counsel to the Selling Holders will conduct its review and provide any comments promptly);

 

18

 

(ii)                                  prepare and file with the SEC such amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to such registration statement and the prospectus used in connection therewith and any Exchange Act reports incorporated by reference therein as may be necessary to keep such registration statement effective and to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such registration statement until the earlier of such time as all of such securities have been disposed of in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the Selling Holder(s) set forth in such registration statement or (x) in the case of a Demand Registration pursuant to Section 6.1, the expiration of 60 days after such registration statement becomes effective, (y) in the case of a Piggyback Registration pursuant to Section 6.2, the expiration of 60 days after such registration statement becomes effective or (z) in the case of a Shelf Registration pursuant to Section 6.3, the Shelf Registration Effectiveness Period;

 

(iii)                               furnish to each Selling Holder and each underwriter, if any, of the securities being sold by such Selling Holder such number of conformed copies of such registration statement and of each amendment and supplement thereto (in each case including all exhibits), such number of copies of the prospectus contained in such registration statement (including each preliminary prospectus and any summary prospectus) and each Free Writing Prospectus utilized in connection therewith and any other prospectus filed under Rule 424 under the Securities Act, in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act, and any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and such other documents as such Selling Holder and underwriter, if any, may reasonably request in order to facilitate the public sale or other disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Selling Holder;

 

(iv)                              use reasonable best efforts to register or qualify such Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement under such other securities laws or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as any Selling Holder and any underwriter of the securities being sold by such Selling Holder shall reasonably request, and take any other action which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable such Selling Holder and underwriter to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Registrable Securities owned by such Selling Holder, except that the Company shall not for any such purpose be required to (A) qualify generally to do business as a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction wherein it would not but for the requirements of this clause (iv) be obligated to be so qualified, (B) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction or (C) file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction;

 

(v)                                 use reasonable best efforts to cause such Registrable Securities to be listed on each securities exchange on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed and, if no such securities are so listed, use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Registrable Securities to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ Stock Market;

 

(vi)                              use reasonable best efforts to cause such Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement to be registered with or approved by such other

 

19

 

governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to enable the Selling Holder(s) thereof to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities;

 

(vii)                           in connection with an Underwritten Offering, obtain for each Selling Holder and underwriter:

 

(A)                               an opinion of counsel for the Company, covering the matters customarily covered in opinions requested in Underwritten Offerings and such other matters as may be reasonably requested by such Selling Holder and underwriters, and

 

(B)                               a “comfort” letter (or, in the case of any such Person which does not satisfy the conditions for receipt of a “comfort” letter specified in AU Section 634 of the AICPA Professional Standards, an “agreed upon procedures” letter) signed by the independent registered public accountants who have certified the Company’s financial statements included in such registration statement (and, if necessary, any other independent registered public accountant of any Subsidiary of the Company or any business acquired by the Company from which financial statements and financial data are, or are required to be, included in the registration statement);

 

(viii)                        promptly make available for inspection by any Selling Holder, any underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to any registration statement, and any attorney, accountant or other agent or representative retained by any such Selling Holder or underwriter (collectively, the “Inspectors”), all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company (collectively, the “Records”), as shall be reasonably necessary to enable such Selling Holder or underwriter to exercise their due diligence responsibility, and cause the Company’s officers, directors and employees to supply all information requested by any such Inspector in connection with such registration statement promptly; provided, however, that, unless the disclosure of such Records is necessary to avoid or correct a misstatement or omission in the registration statement or the release of such Records is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other order from a court of competent jurisdiction, the Company shall not be required to provide any information under this subparagraph (viii) if (i) the Company believes, after consultation with counsel for the Company, that to do so would cause the Company to forfeit an attorney-client privilege that was applicable to such information or (ii) if either (A) the Company has requested and been granted from the SEC confidential treatment of such information contained in any filing with the SEC or documents provided supplementally or otherwise or (B) the Company reasonably determines in good faith that such Records are confidential and so notifies the Inspectors in writing unless prior to furnishing any such information with respect to (i) or (ii) such holder of Registrable Securities requesting such information agrees, and causes each of its Inspectors, to enter into a confidentiality agreement on terms reasonably acceptable to the Company; and provided, further, that each holder of Registrable Securities agrees that it will, upon learning that disclosure of such Records is sought in a court of competent jurisdiction, give notice to the Company and allow the Company, at its expense, to undertake appropriate action and to prevent disclosure of the Records deemed confidential;

 

20

 

(ix)          promptly notify in writing each Selling Holder and the underwriters, if any, of the following events:

 

(A)          the filing of the registration statement, the prospectus or any prospectus supplement related thereto, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or post-effective amendment to the registration statement, and, with respect to the registration statement or any post-effective amendment thereto, when the same has become effective;

 

(B)          any request by the SEC for amendments or supplements to the registration statement or the prospectus or for additional information;

 

(C)          the issuance by the SEC or any of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement or the initiation of any proceedings by any Person for that purpose;

 

(D)          when any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus includes information that may conflict with the information contained in the registration statement; and

 

(E)           the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of any Registrable Securities for sale under the securities or blue sky laws of any jurisdiction or the initiation or threat of any Proceeding for such purpose;

 

(x)           notify each Selling Holder, at any time when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, upon discovery that, or upon the happening of any event as a result of which, the prospectus included in such registration statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and, at the request of any Selling Holder, promptly prepare and furnish to such Selling Holder a reasonable number of copies of a supplement to or an amendment of such prospectus as may be necessary so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such Registrable Securities, such prospectus shall not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading;

 

(xi)          use reasonable best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of such registration statement;

 

(xii)         otherwise use reasonable best efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC, and make available to Selling Holders, as promptly as practicable, an earnings statement of the Company covering the period of at least 12 months, but not more than 18 months, beginning with the first day of the Company’s first full quarter after the effective date of such registration statement, which earnings statement shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder;

 

21

 

(xiii)        use its reasonable best efforts to assist Stockholders who made a request to the Company to provide for a third party “market maker” for the Class A Shares; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to serve as such “market maker”;

 

(xiv)        cooperate with any Selling Holder and any underwriters and the managing underwriter to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates (which shall not bear any restrictive legends unless required under applicable law), if necessary or appropriate, representing securities sold under any registration statement, and enable such securities to be in such denominations and registered in such names as the managing underwriter or such Selling Holders may request and keep available and make available to the Company’s transfer agent prior to the effectiveness of such registration statement a supply of such certificates, if necessary or appropriate;

 

(xv)         have appropriate officers of the Company prepare and make presentations at any “road shows” and before analysts and rating agencies, as the case may be, take other actions to obtain ratings for any Registrable Securities (if they are eligible to be rated) and otherwise use its reasonable best efforts to cooperate as reasonably requested by the Selling Holders and the underwriters in the offering, marketing or selling of the Registrable Securities;

 

(xvi)        have appropriate officers of the Company, and cause representatives of the Company’s independent registered public accountants, to participate in any due diligence discussions reasonably requested by any Selling Holder or any underwriter;

 

(xvii)       if requested by any underwriter, agree, and cause the Company and any directors or officers of the Company to agree, to be bound by customary “lock-up” agreements restricting the ability to dispose of Company securities;

 

(xviii)      if requested by any Selling Holders or any underwriter, promptly incorporate in the registration statement or any prospectus, pursuant to a supplement or post-effective amendment if necessary, such information as such Selling Holders may reasonably request to have included therein, including information relating to the “Plan of Distribution” of the Registrable Securities;

 

(xix)        cooperate and assist in any filings required to be made with the FINRA and in the performance of any due diligence investigation by any underwriter that is required to be undertaken in accordance with the rules and regulations of FINRA;

 

(xx)         otherwise use reasonable best efforts to cooperate as reasonably requested by the Selling Holders and the underwriters in the offering, marketing or selling of the Registrable Securities;

 

(xxi)        otherwise use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and all reporting requirements under the rules and regulations of the Exchange Act; and

 

22

 

(xxii)       use reasonable best efforts to take any action requested by the Selling Holders, including any action described in clauses (i) through (xxi) above to prepare for and facilitate any “over-night deal” or other proposed sale of Registrable Securities over a limited timeframe.

 

The Company may require each Selling Holder and each underwriter, if any, to furnish the Company in writing such information regarding each Selling Holder or underwriter and the distribution of such Registrable Securities as the Company may from time to time reasonably request to complete or amend the information required by such registration statement.

 

Without limiting any of the foregoing, in the event that the offering of Registrable Securities is to be made by or through an underwriter, the Company shall enter into an underwriting agreement with a managing underwriter or underwriters containing representations, warranties, indemnities and agreements customarily included (but not inconsistent with the covenants and agreements of the Company contained herein) by an issuer of common stock in underwriting agreements with respect to offerings of common stock for the account of, or on behalf of, such issuers. In connection with any offering of Registrable Securities registered pursuant to this Agreement, the Company shall furnish to the underwriter, if any (or, if no underwriter, the Selling Holder), unlegended certificates representing ownership of the Registrable Securities being sold (unless, in the Company’s sole discretion, such Registrable Securities are to be issued in uncertificated form pursuant to the customary arrangements for issuing shares in such form), in such denominations as requested and instruct any transfer agent and registrar of the Registrable Securities to release any stop transfer order with respect thereto.

 

(b)           Each Selling Holder agrees that upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 6.6(a)(ix), such Selling Holder shall forthwith discontinue such Selling Holder’s disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the applicable registration statement and prospectus relating thereto until such Selling Holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 6.6(a)(ix) and, if so directed by the Company, deliver to the Company, at the Company’s expense, all copies, other than permanent file copies, then in such Selling Holder’s possession of the prospectus current at the time of receipt of such notice relating to such Registrable Securities. In the event the Company shall give such notice, any applicable 60 day or two year period during which such registration statement must remain effective pursuant to this Agreement shall be extended by the number of days during the period from the date of giving of a notice regarding the happening of an event of the kind described in Section 6.6(a)(ix) to the date when all such Selling Holders shall receive such a supplemented or amended prospectus and such prospectus shall have been filed with the SEC.

 

Section 6.7            Registration Expenses.

 

All expenses incident to the Company’s performance of, or compliance with, its obligations under this Agreement including (i) (A) all registration and filing fees, all fees and expenses of compliance with securities and “blue sky” laws, (B) all fees and expenses associated with filings required to be made with FINRA (including, if applicable, the fees and expenses of any “qualified independent underwriter” as such term is defined in NASD Rule 2720 or the equivalent rule incorporated into the FINRA rulebook), (C) all fees and expenses of compliance

 

23

 

with securities and “blue sky” laws, (D) all printing (including expenses of printing certificates for the Registrable Securities in a form eligible for deposit with the Depository Trust Company and of printing prospectuses if the printing of prospectuses is requested by a holder of Registrable Securities) and copying expenses, (E) all messenger and delivery expenses, (F) all fees and expenses of the Company’s independent certified public accountants and counsel (including with respect to “comfort” letters, “agreed-on-procedure” letter and opinions), (G) fees and expenses of one counsel to the Stockholders selling in such registration (which firm shall be selected by the Stockholders selling in such registration that hold a majority of the Registrable Securities included in such registration, provided that such counsel is reasonably acceptable to the Company) and (H) except as otherwise provided in this Section 6.7, the fees and expenses (including transfer taxes) of every nationally recognized investment bank engaged in connection with a Demand Registration or a Piggyback Registration that is not an Underwritten Offering (collectively, the “Registration Expenses”) and (ii) any expenses described in clauses (i)(A) through (i)(H) above incurred in connection with the marketing and sale of Registrable Securities shall be borne by the Company, regardless of whether a registration is effected, marketing is commenced or a sale is made, provided that, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), the Company shall not bear fees or expenses under clauses (i)(G) and (i)(H) with respect to (x) a Stockholder who withdraws a request to include any Registrable Securities in any registration or offering under this Article VI or any Underwritten Offering if, during the twelve (12) months prior to such Underwritten Offering, two or more other Underwritten Offerings have been effected pursuant to this Article VI. The Company will pay its internal expenses (including all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties, the expense of any annual audit and the expense of any liability insurance) and the expenses and fees for listing the securities to be registered on each securities exchange and included in each established over-the-counter market on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed or traded.  Each Selling Holder shall pay its portion of all underwriting discounts and commissions and transfer taxes, if any, relating to the sale of such Selling Holder’s Registrable Securities pursuant to any registration.

 

Section 6.8            Request for Information.  Not less than five business days before the expected filing date of each registration statement pursuant to this Agreement, the Company shall notify each Stockholder who has timely provided the requisite notice hereunder entitling the Stockholder to register Registrable Securities in such registration statement of the information, documents and instruments from such Stockholder that the Company or any underwriter reasonably requests in connection with such registration statement, including, but not limited to a questionnaire, custody agreement, power of attorney, lock-up letter and underwriting agreement (the “Requested Information”). If the Company has not received, on or before the second day before the expected filing date, the Requested Information from such Stockholder, the Company may file the Registration Statement without including Registrable Securities of such Stockholder.  The failure to so include in any registration statement the Registrable Securities of a Stockholder (with regard to that registration statement) shall not in and of itself result in any liability on the part of the Company to such Stockholder.

 

Section 6.9            No Grant of Future Registration Rights.  The Company shall not grant any shelf, demand, piggyback or incidental registration rights that are senior to the rights granted to the Stockholders hereunder to any other Person without the prior written consent of Piggyback Sellers holding a majority of the Registrable Securities held by all Piggyback Sellers.

 

24

 

Section 6.10          Control of Registration Rights.  For the avoidance of doubt, until the Secondary Class B Condition ceases to be satisfied, any and all rights and remedies of a Stockholder (other than Holdings) under this Article VI may only be exercised or enforced by such Stockholder with the prior approval of Holdings and Holdings shall have the right to enforce all such rights and remedies hereunder on behalf of such Stockholder.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

INDEMNIFICATION

 

Section 7.1            General Indemnification.  The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Stockholder and its Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees, managers, partners and agents and each Person who controls (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act) such Selling Holder or such other indemnified Person against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable expenses of investigation and reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) (collectively, the “Losses”), in each case, based on, arising out of, resulting from or in connection with any claim, action, cause of action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other (collectively, “Actions”), based on, arising out of, pertaining to or in connection with (i) the ownership or the operation of the assets or properties, and the operation or conduct of the business of, including contracts entered into by, the Company, whether before, on or after the date hereof (ii) any other activity that the Company or its Subsidiaries or Controlled Affiliates engages in and (iii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Filing or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, other than misstatements or omissions made in reliance on information relating to and furnished by Holdings in writing expressly for use in the preparation of such Filing. The indemnity agreement contained in this Section 7.1 shall be applicable whether or not any Action or the facts or transactions giving rise to such Action arose prior to, on or subsequent to the date of this Agreement.

 

Section 7.2            Registration Statement Indemnification.

 

(a)           The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each Selling Holder and officers, directors, employees, managers, members, partners and Affiliates from and against all Losses caused by, resulting from or relating to any untrue statement (or alleged untrue statement) of a material fact contained in any registration statement, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, prospectus or preliminary prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission (or alleged omission) of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except insofar as the same are caused by any information furnished in writing to the Company by such Selling Holder expressly for use therein. In connection with an Underwritten Offering and without limiting any of the Company’s other obligations under this Agreement, the Company shall also indemnify such underwriters, their officers, directors, employees and agents and each Person who controls (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act) such underwriters or such other indemnified Person to the same extent as provided above with

 

25

 

respect to the indemnification (and exceptions thereto) of the holders of Registrable Securities being sold. Reimbursements payable pursuant to the indemnification contemplated by this Section 7.2(a) will be made by periodic payments during the course of any investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or expenses incurred.

 

(b)           In connection with any registration statement in which a holder of Registrable Securities is participating, each such Selling Holder will furnish to the Company in writing information regarding such Selling Holder’s ownership of Registrable Securities and its intended method of distribution thereof and, to the extent permitted by law, shall, severally and not jointly, indemnify the Company, its directors, officers, employees and agents and each Person who controls (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act) the Company or such other indemnified Person against all Losses caused by any untrue statement of material fact contained in the registration statement, Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, prospectus or preliminary prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, but only to the extent that such untrue statement or omission is caused by and contained in such information so furnished in writing by such Selling Holder expressly for use therein; provided, however, that each Selling Holder’s obligation to indemnify the Company hereunder shall, to the extent more than one Selling Holder is subject to the same indemnification obligation, be apportioned between each Selling Holder based upon the net amount received by each Selling Holder from the sale of Registrable Securities, as compared to the total net amount received by all of the Selling Holders of Registrable Securities sold pursuant to such registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Selling Holder shall be liable to the Company for amounts in excess of the lesser of (i) such apportionment and (ii) the net amount received by such holder in the offering giving rise to such liability.

 

Section 7.3            Notice.  Any Person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification; provided, however, the failure to give such notice shall not release the indemnifying party from its obligation, except to the extent that the indemnifying party has been materially prejudiced by such failure to provide such notice on a timely basis.

 

Section 7.4            Defense of Actions.  In any case in which any such action is brought against any indemnified party, and it notifies an indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party will be entitled to participate therein, and, to the extent that it may wish, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party, and after notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party will not (so long as it shall continue to have the right to defend, contest, litigate and settle the matter in question in accordance with this paragraph) be liable to such indemnified party hereunder for any legal or other expense subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation, supervision and monitoring (unless (i) such indemnified party reasonably objects to such assumption on the grounds that there may be defenses available to it which are different from or in addition to the defenses available to such indemnifying party or (ii) the indemnifying party shall have failed within a reasonable period of time to assume such defense and the

 

26

 

indemnified party is or is reasonably likely to be prejudiced by such delay, in either event the indemnified party shall be promptly reimbursed by the indemnifying party for the expenses incurred in connection with retaining separate legal counsel). An indemnifying party shall not be liable for any settlement of an Action effected without its consent.  The indemnifying party shall lose its right to defend, contest, litigate and settle a matter if it shall fail to diligently contest such matter (except to the extent settled in accordance with the next following sentence).  No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened Action in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such Action.  Any Losses for which an indemnified party is entitled to indemnification or contribution under this Article VII shall be paid by the indemnifying party to the indemnified party as such Losses are incurred.  The indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this Article VII shall remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless of (i) any investigation made by or on behalf of any indemnified party, the Company, its directors or officers, or any person controlling the Company, and (ii) any termination of this Agreement.  The parties hereto shall, and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries or Controlled Affiliates to, cooperate with each other in a reasonable manner with respect to access to unprivileged information and similar matters in connection with any Action.  The provisions of this Article VII are for the benefit of, and are intended to create third party beneficiary rights in favor of, each of the indemnified parties referred to herein.

 

Section 7.5            Contribution.  If recovery is not available under the foregoing indemnification provisions for any reason or reasons, any Person who would otherwise be entitled to indemnification by the terms thereof shall nevertheless be entitled to contribution with respect to any Losses with respect to which such Person would be entitled to such indemnification but for such reason or reasons.  In determining the amount of contribution to which the respective Persons are entitled, there shall be considered the Persons’ relative knowledge and access to information concerning the matter with respect to which the claim was asserted, the opportunity to correct and prevent any statement or omission, and other equitable considerations appropriate under the circumstances.  It is hereby agreed that it would not necessarily be equitable if the amount of such contribution were determined by pro rata or per capita allocation.  No Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not found guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Selling Holder or transferee thereof shall be required to make a contribution in excess of the net amount received by such holder from its sale of Registrable Securities in connection with the offering that gave rise to the contribution obligation.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Section 8.1            Representations and Warranties of Stockholders.  Each Stockholder represents and warrants to the Company that (a) it is duly authorized to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement; (b) this Agreement has been duly executed by such Stockholder and is a valid and binding agreement of such Stockholder, enforceable against such Stockholder in

 

27

 

accordance with its terms; (c) the execution, delivery and performance by Stockholder of this Agreement does not violate or conflict with or result in a breach of or constitute (or with notice or lapse of time or both constitute) a default under any agreement to which such Stockholder is a party or, if the Stockholder is an entity, the organizational documents of such Stockholder; and (d) such Stockholder has good and marketable title to the Partnership LP Units owned by it as of the date hereof free and clear of any pledge, lien, security interest, charge, claim, equity or encumbrance of any kind, other than pursuant to this Agreement and the Partnership LP Agreement.

 

Section 8.2            Representations and Warranties of the Company.  the Company represents and warrants to Holdings that (a) the Company is duly authorized to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement; (b) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and is a valid and binding agreement of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms; and (c) the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement does not violate or conflict with or result in a breach by the Company of or constitute (or with notice or lapse of time or both constitute) a default by the Company under the Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws, any existing applicable law, rule, regulation, judgment, order, or decree of any Governmental Entity exercising any statutory or regulatory authority of any of the foregoing, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Controlled Affiliates or any of their respective properties or assets, or any agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Controlled Affiliates is a party or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Controlled Affiliates or any of their respective properties or assets may be bound.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 9.1            Notices.  All notices, requests, consents and other communications hereunder to any party shall be deemed to be sufficient if contained in a written instrument delivered in person or sent by facsimile (provided a copy is thereafter promptly delivered as provided in this Section 9.1) or nationally recognized overnight courier, addressed to such party at the address or facsimile number set forth below or such other address or facsimile number as may hereafter be designated in writing by such party to the other parties:

 

(a) If to the Company, to:

 

Moelis & Company
 399 Park Avenue, 5th Floor
 New York, New York 10022
 Phone:   (212) 883-3800
 Fax:        (212) 880-4260
 Attention:  General Counsel

 

28

 

with a copy to:

 

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
 Four Times Square 
 New York, New York 10036
 Phone:   (212) 735-3000
 Fax:        (212) 735-2000
 Attention:  Joseph A. Coco, Esq.

 

(b) if to Holdings, to:

 

the address and facsimile number set forth in the records of the Company.

 

All such notices, requests, consents and other communications shall be deemed to have been given or made if and when received (including by overnight courier) by the parties at the above addresses or sent by email, facsimile, with confirmation received, to the email addresses or facsimile numbers specified above (or at such other address or facsimile number for a party as shall be specified by like notice).  Any notice delivered by any party hereto to any other party hereto shall also be delivered to each other party hereto simultaneously with delivery to the first party receiving such notice.

 

Section 9.2            Interpretation.  The headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.  Whenever the words “included”, “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”.

 

Section 9.3            Severability.  The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable, and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof.  If any provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof to any person or entity or any circumstance, is found to be invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, (a) a suitable and equitable provision shall be substituted therefor in order to carry out, so far as may be valid and enforceable, the intent and purpose of such invalid or unenforceable provision and (b) the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such provision to other Persons or circumstances shall not be affected by such invalidity or unenforceability, nor shall such invalidity or unenforceability affect the validity or enforceability of such provision, or the application thereof, in any other jurisdiction.

 

Section 9.4            Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which shall, taken together, be considered one and the same agreement, it being understood that both parties need not sign the same counterpart.

 

Section 9.5            Adjustments Upon Change of Capitalization.  In the event of any change in the outstanding Class A Shares and Class B Shares, as applicable, by reason of dividends, splits, reverse splits, spin-offs, split-ups, recapitalizations, combinations, exchanges of shares and the like, the term “Class A Shares” and “Class B Shares” shall refer to and include the securities received or resulting therefrom, but only to the extent such securities are received in exchange for or in respect of Class A Shares and Class B Shares, as applicable.

 

29

 

Section 9.6            Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiaries.  This Agreement (a) constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all other prior agreements, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and (b) is not intended to confer upon any Person, other than the parties hereto, except as provided in Article VII, any rights or remedies hereunder.

 

Section 9.7            Further Assurances.  Each party shall execute, deliver, acknowledge and file such other documents and take such further actions as may be reasonably requested from time to time by the other party hereto to give effect to and carry out the transactions contemplated herein.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each of the Stockholders (i) acknowledges that such Stockholder will prepare and file with the SEC filings under the Exchange Act, including under Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, relating to its Beneficial Ownership of Voting Securities and (ii) agrees to use its reasonable efforts to assist and cooperate with the other parties in promptly preparing, reviewing and executing any such filings under the Exchange Act, including any amendments thereto.

 

Section 9.8            Governing Law; Equitable Remedies.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE (WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF).  The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with its specific terms or was otherwise breached.  It is accordingly agreed that the parties hereto shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions and other equitable remedies to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof in any of the Selected Courts (as defined below), this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity.  Any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with respect to such remedy are hereby waived by each of the parties hereto.  Each party further agrees that, in the event of any action for an injunction or other equitable remedy in respect of such breach or enforcement of specific performance, it will not assert the defense that a remedy at law would be adequate.

 

Section 9.9            Consent to Jurisdiction.  With respect to any suit, action or proceeding (“Proceeding”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably (i) submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York or the Court of Chancery located in the State of Delaware, County of Newcastle (the “Selected Courts”) and waives any objection to venue being laid in the Selected Courts whether based on the grounds of forum non conveniens or otherwise and hereby agrees not to commence any such Proceeding other than before one of the Selected Courts; provided, however, that a party may commence any Proceeding in a court other than a Selected Court solely for the purpose of enforcing an order or judgment issued by one of the Selected Courts; (ii) consents to service of process in any Proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or by recognized international express carrier or delivery service, to the Company or Holdings at their respective addresses referred to in Section 9.1; provided, however, that nothing herein shall affect the right of any party hereto to serve process in any other manner permitted by law; and (iii) TO THE EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW THAT CANNOT BE WAIVED, WAIVES, AND COVENANTS THAT IT WILL NOT ASSERT

 

30

 

(WHETHER AS PLAINTIFF, DEFENDANT OR OTHERWISE) ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION ARISING IN WHOLE OR IN PART UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE CONTEMPLATED TRANSACTIONS, WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, AND AGREES THAT ANY OF THEM MAY FILE A COPY OF THIS PARAGRAPH WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE KNOWING, VOLUNTARY AND BARGAINED-FOR AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY TO WAIVE ITS RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY PROCEEDING WHATSOEVER BETWEEN THEM RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE CONTEMPLATED TRANSACTIONS WILL INSTEAD BE TRIED IN A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION BY A JUDGE SITTING WITHOUT A JURY.

 

Section 9.10          Amendments; Waivers.

 

(a)           No provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived unless such amendment or waiver is in writing and signed, in the case of an amendment, by the parties hereto, or in the case of a waiver, by the party against whom the waiver is to be effective.

 

(b)           No failure or delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.  The rights and remedies herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.

 

Section 9.11          Successors and Assigns.  Except as otherwise provided herein, all the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, shall inure to the benefit of and shall be enforceable by the respective successors and permitted assigns of the parties hereto.  No Stockholder may assign any of its rights hereunder to any Person other than a Permitted Transferee.  Each Permitted Transferee of any Stockholder shall be subject to all of the terms of this Agreement, and by taking and holding such shares such Person shall be entitled to receive the benefits of and be conclusively deemed to have agreed to be bound by and to comply with all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement; provided, however, no transfer of rights permitted hereunder shall be binding upon or obligate the Company unless and until (i) if required under Section 3.1, the Company shall have received written notice of such transfer and the joinder of the transferee provided for in Section 3.1, and (ii) such transferee can establish Beneficial Ownership or ownership of record of a Registrable Amount (whether individually or together with its Affiliates that are Stockholders or transferees of Stockholders and, if applicable, its other Permitted Transferees that are Stockholders or transferees of Stockholders). Notwithstanding the foregoing, no successor or assignee of the Company shall have any rights granted under this Agreement until such Person shall acknowledge its rights and obligations hereunder by a signed written statement of such Person’s acceptance of such rights and obligations.

 

Section 9.12          Status.  Holdings shall not be deemed to be a member of a “group” (as such term is defined in Section 13D of the Exchange Act), and Holdings shall not be deemed to “beneficially own” (as such term is defined in Section 13D of the Exchange Act) Class A Shares owned by any other Stockholder, because of this Agreement or any provision hereof.

 

31

 

Section 9.13          Actions in Other Capacities.  Nothing in this Agreement shall limit, restrict or otherwise affect any actions taken by Holdings in its capacity as an stockholder, partner, member or member of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Controlled Affiliates.

 

Section 9.14          Rule 144.  The Company covenants and agrees that it will file the reports required to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations adopted by the SEC thereunder (or, if it is not required to file such reports, it will, upon the request of any holder of Registrable Securities, make publicly available other information so long as necessary to permit sales in compliance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act), and it will take such further reasonable action, to the extent required from time to time to enable such holder to sell Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by Rule 144 under the Securities Act, as such Rule 144 may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC. Upon the reasonable request of any holder of Registrable Securities, the Company will deliver to such holder a written statement as to whether it has complied with such information and filing requirements.

 

32

 

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

 

 

	
 
    	
MOELIS & COMPANY
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Osamu Watanabe
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Name: Osamu Watanabe
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Title: General Counsel
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
MOELIS & COMPANY   PARTNER HOLDINGS LP
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
Moelis & Company   Holdings GP LLC,
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
its general partner
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Osamu Watanabe
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Name: Osamu Watanabe
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Title: General Counsel
    

 

 

	
 
    	
KENNETH MOELIS
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
/s/   Kenneth Moelis
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
THE MOELIS IRREVOCABLE TRUST
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Kenneth   Moelis
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Name: Kenneth   Moelis
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Title: Authorized Signatory
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
THE MOELIS FAMILY TRUST
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Kenneth   Moelis
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Name: Kenneth   Moelis
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Title: Authorized Signatory

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00229-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00229-of-00352.parquet"}]]