Document:

d1464880_ex4-23.htm

Exhibit 4.23

DIANA ENTERPRISES INC.

THIS AGREEMENT dated this 4th day of March 2014 by and between Diana Shipping Services S.A., (the "Company") and Diana Enterprises Inc. (the "Broker").

BY WHICH, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1.           The Company. The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Diana Shipping Inc. ("Diana Shipping") that provides Diana Shipping, directly and through one or more affiliated entities, agents, representatives and consultants, with commercial and technical vessel management services (collectively the "Services"). Diana Shipping is engaged in the ocean transportation of dry bulk cargoes worldwide through the ownership and operation of bulk carrier vessels.

2.           Engagement. The Company hereby engages the Broker to act as broker for the Company and for any of its affiliates as directed by the Company to assist the Company in the provision of the Services by providing to the Company or to an entity designated by the Company from time to time, brokerage services relating to the purchase, sale or chartering of vessels, brokerage services relating to the repairs and other maintenance of vessels, and any relevant consulting services permitted by Greek laws or the Company's Law 27/1975 license (collectively the "Brokerage Services"), and the Broker hereby accepts such appointment.

3.           Duration. The duration of the engagement shall be for a term of fifteen (15) months commencing the 1st day of January 2014 and ending (unless terminated earlier on the basis of any other provision of this Agreement) on the 31st day of March 2015 (the said period as it may be extended being hereinafter referred to as the "Term").

4.           Representations of Broker. The Broker represents that it has personnel fully qualified, without the benefit of any further training or experience and has obtained all necessary permits and licenses, to perform the Brokerage Services. The duties of the Broker shall be offered on a worldwide basis. Broker's duties and responsibilities hereunder shall always be subject to the policies and directives of the board of directors of the Company as communicated from time to time to the Broker. Subject to the above, the precise duties, responsibilities and authority of the Broker may be expanded, limited or modified, from time to time, at the discretion of the board of directors of the Company.

5.           Commission. Because of their permanent relation the Company shall pay the Broker a lump sum commission in the amount of United States Dollars $104,166 per month, payable immediately for the first quarter of 2014 and quarterly thereafter at the beginning of every quarter, subject to required deductions and withholdings. Commissions on a percentage basis for specific deals may be agreed by separate agreements in writing.

  

  

  

6.           Expenses. The Company shall not pay or reimburse the Broker for any out-of pocket expenses as such expenses are included in the commission paid to the Broker.

7.           Termination. This Agreement, unless otherwise agreed in writing between the parties, shall be terminated as follows:

(a)           At the end of the Term, unless extended by mutual agreement in writing.

(b)           The parties, by mutual agreement, may terminate this Agreement at any time.

(c)           Either party may terminate this Agreement for any material breach by the other party of their respective obligations under this Agreement.

8.           Change of Control.

(a)           In the event of a "Change in Control" (as defined herein) within the duration of this Agreement, the Broker has the option to terminate this Agreement within six (6) months following such Change in Control, and shall be eligible to receive the payment specified in sub-paragraph (c), below, provided that the conditions of said paragraph are satisfied.

(b)           For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Change of Control" shall mean the:

(i)           acquisition by any individual, entity or group of beneficial ownership of twenty-five percent (25%) or more of either (A) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the Company or of Diana Shipping (B) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company or of Diana Shipping entitled to vote generally in the election of directors; provided, however, that this Clause 8(b)(i) shall not apply to an individual, entity or group that beneficially owns twenty-five percent (25%) or more as of the date the Company's common shares are approved for listing on the NYSE.

(ii)          consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company or of Diana Shipping the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and/or of the Affiliates; or

(iii)          approval by the shareholders of the Company or of Diana Shipping of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

(c)           If the Broker terminates this Agreement within six (6) months following a Change of Control, the Broker shall receive a payment equal to three (3) years' annual commission. Receipt of the foregoing shall be contingent upon the Broker's execution and non-revocation of a Release of Claims in favor of the

  

  

  

Company and the Affiliates in a form that is reasonably satisfactory to the Company and its counsel.

9.           Notices. Every notice, request, demand or other communication under this Agreement shall:

(a)           be in writing delivered personally or by courier or by fax or shall be served through a process server;

(b)           be deemed to have been received, subject as otherwise provided in this Agreement in the case of fax upon receipt of a successful transmission report (or —if sent after business hours— the following business day) and in the case of a letter when delivered personally or through courier or served at the address below; and

(c)           be sent:

(i)           If to the Company, to:

Diana Shipping Services S.A.

Pendelis 16, Palaio Faliro, 175 64

Athens, Greece

Telephone: +30 210 9470000

Telefax: +30 210 9424975

Attn: Director and President

(ii)           If to the Broker, to:

Diana Enterprises Inc.

Pendelis 26, Palaio Faliro, 175 64

Athens, Greece

Telephone: +30 210 9470150

Telefax: +30 210 9470151

Attn: Director and President

or to such other person, address or telefax, as is notified by the relevant Party to the other Party to this Agreement and such notification shall not become effective until notice of such change is actually received by the other Party. Until such change of person or address is notified, any notification to the above addresses and fax numbers are agreed to be validly effected for the purposes of this Agreement.

10.           Entire Agreement. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements written or oral, with respect thereto.

11.           Amendments. This Agreement may be amended, superseded, canceled. renewed

  

  

  

or extended and the terms hereof may be waived, only by a written instrument signed by the parties.

12.           Independent Contractor. All services provided hereunder shall be provided by the Broker as an independent contractor. No employment contract, partnership or joint venture between the Broker and the Company has been created in or by this Agreement or as a result of services provided hereunder.

13.           Assignment. This Agreement, and the Broker's rights and obligations hereunder, may not be assigned by the Broker; any purported assignment in violation hereof shall be null and void. This Agreement, and the Company's rights and obligations hereunder, may not be assigned by the Company; provided, however, that in the event of any sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company's assets and business, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, the Company shall assign this Agreement and its rights hereunder to the successor to its assets and business.

14.           Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors, permitted assigns, heirs, executors and legal representative.

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

16.           Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

17.           Governing Law and Jurisdiction.

(a)           This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English Law.

(b)           Any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be referred to arbitration in London in accordance with the Arbitration Act 1996 or any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof save to the extent necessary to give effect to the provisions of this clause.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have signed their names as of the day

  

  

  

and year first above written.

	
DIANA SHIPPING SERVICES S.A.

	
 

	
 

	
 

	
/s/ Simeon Palios

	
 

	
By: Simeon Palios

	
 

	
Title: Director and President

	
 

	
 

	
 

	
 

	
 

	
 

	
 

	
DIANA ENTERPRISES INC.

	
 

	
 

	
 

	
/s/ Andreas Nikolaos Michalopoulos

	
 

	
By: Andreas Nikolaos Michalopoulos

	
 

	
Title: Director and Secretaryd1358430_ex4-24.htm

Exhibit 4.24

 

 

AMENDED & RESTATED NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT

 

This AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of March 1, 2013 amends and restates the agreement dated April 6, 2010 by and between DIANA SHIPPING INC., a Marshall Islands corporation (“Diana Shipping”) and DIANA CONTAINERSHIPS INC., a Marshall Islands corporation (“Diana Containerships”).

 

WHEREAS, Diana Shipping is engaged in the ownership, operation and chartering of drybulk carrier vessels and is a shareholder of Diana Containerships, and certain of the senior executive officers of Diana Shipping also serve as senior executive officers of Diana Containerships;

 

WHEREAS, Diana Containerships is engaged in the ownership, operation and chartering of containerships;

 

WHEREAS, Diana Shipping and Diana Containerships desire to enter into this agreement to memorialize their agreement relating to engaging in competing business activities and certain other matters set forth more fully herein.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and premises of the parties hereto and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

 

1.           Non-Competition Agreement of Diana Shipping Inc.  Diana Shipping agrees that for so long as any current or continuing executive officer or person performing a similar function for or on behalf of Diana Shipping also serves as an executive officer of or performs a similar function for Diana Containerships, and for a six-month period thereafter, neither Diana Shipping nor any wholly-owned subsidiary of Diana Shipping will acquire or charter or enter into any proposal or agreement relating to the acquisition or charter of any containership vessel or business related to the ownership or operation of container vessels.  For purposes of this Agreement, a continuing executive officer of Diana Shipping shall mean any executive officer on the date hereof, or any subsequently appointed executive officer (or person performing a similar function) that is nominated or appointed to succeed a continuing executive officer with the approval of at least a majority of continuing directors.  A continuing director shall mean any current member of the board of directors on the date hereof and any other member of the board of directors who shall be nominated or elected to succeed a continuing director by at least a majority of the continuing directors who are then members of the board.

 

2.           Non-Competition Agreement of Diana Containerships Inc.  Diana Containerships agrees that for so long as current or continuing executive officer or person performing a similar function for or on behalf of Diana Containerships also serves as an executive of or performs a similar function for Diana Shipping, and for a six-month period thereafter, neither Diana Containerships nor any wholly-owned subsidiary of Diana Containerships will acquire or charter or enter into any proposal or agreement relating to the acquisition or charter of any drybulk vessel or business related to the ownership or operation of drybulk carrier vessels.  For purposes of this Agreement, a continuing executive officer of Diana Containerships shall mean any executive officer on the date hereof, or any subsequently appointed executive officer (or person performing a similar function) that is nominated or appointed to succeed a continuing executive officer with the approval of at least a majority of continuing directors.  A continuing director shall mean any current member of the board of directors on the date hereof and any other member of the board of directors who shall be nominated or elected to succeed a continuing director by at least a majority of the continuing directors who are then members of the board.

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

3.           Non-Solicitation.  Each of the parties hereto agree that for so long as any person serves as a current or continuing executive officer of or performs a similar function for or on behalf of both Diana Shipping and Diana Containerships, and for a twelve-month period thereafter, neither party to this Agreement will, without the prior written consent of the other party, directly or indirectly, including through a wholly-owned subsidiary or affiliate, on behalf of itself or any other individual or entity, solicit for employment, induce or encourage the resignation of any employee of the other party or its related entities, subsidiaries or affiliates, or any person who was employed by the other party or a subsidiary or affiliate of the other party within six months of the date of such solicitation; or in any other way interfere or attempt to interfere with the relationship of either party hereto with any of its or their employees, provided, however, that nothing herein shall be deemed to prohibit or limit the executive officers and directors named in Schedule I from providing services to Diana Containerships and/or Diana Shipping in the capacities set forth in Schedule I.

 

4.           Confidentiality.  Except as (i) the parties may otherwise agree or (ii) as may be required by either party in the disclosing party’s reasonable opinion after consultation with outside legal counsel by applicable law (including without limitation U.S. federal securities law) or compliance with the requirements of any regulatory authority or stock exchange on which the shares of a party may be listed, any non-public information or confidential information relating to the business or affairs of either party, their respective subsidiaries or affiliates, shall be kept strictly confidential by the other party hereto; provided, however, in the case of clause (ii) of this Section 4, prior to any public disclosure by a party hereto contemplated to be made in order to comply with applicable law or requirements of regulatory authorities or stock exchange requirements, the disclosing party shall provide a draft of such public disclosure or other communication to the non-disclosing party in advance and consult with the non-disclosing party regarding the contents of such disclosure and, to the extent reasonably practicable in the circumstances, take into consideration any comments on such disclosure as may be provided by the non-disclosing party.

 

5.           Notices.  Each notice, consent or request required to be given to a Party pursuant to this Agreement must be given in writing. A notice may be given by delivery to an individual or by fax, and shall be validly given if delivered on a Business Day to an individual at the following address, or, if transmitted on a Business Day, by fax or email addressed to the following Party:

 

	
If to Diana Shipping Inc.:

 

Diana Shipping Inc.

Pendelis

16, 175 64

Palaio Faliro

Athens, Greece

Attention: Andreas Michalopoulos

Tel: 30-210-9470-100

Fax: 30-210-9470-101

E-mail: amichalopoulos@dianashippinginc.com

 

With Copy to:

Gary J. Wolfe, Esq.

Seward & Kissel LLP

One Battery Park Plaza

New York, New York 10004

(212) 574 1223 (telephone number)

(212) 480 8421 (facsimile number)

	
If to Diana Containerships Inc.:

 

Diana Containerships Inc.

Pendelis

16, 175 64

Palaio Faliro

Athens, Greece

Attention: Ioannis Zafirakis

Tel: 30-210-9470-000

Fax: 30-210-9424-975

E-mail: izafirakis@dcontainerships.com

 

With Copy to:

Gary J. Wolfe, Esq.

Seward & Kissel LLP

One Battery Park Plaza

New York, New York 10004

(212) 574 1223 (telephone number)

(212) 480 8421 (facsimile number)

 

 

 

  

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6.           Governing Law.  This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England.

 

7.           Further Assurances. Each of the parties to this Agreement agrees to execute, acknowledge and deliver all such instruments and take all such actions a party from time to time may reasonably request in order to further effectuate the purposes of this Agreement and to carry out the terms hereof and to better assure and confirm to the Company its rights, powers and remedies hereunder.

 

8.           Binding Effect; Assignment.  This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and to their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and permitted assigns.  This Agreement is not assignable by either party without the prior written consent of the other party except as provided in Section 2 hereof.

 

9.           Severability.  If any term, covenant or condition of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, then this Agreement will be construed as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision or part of a provision had never been contained in this Agreement.

 

10.           Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original and all of such counterparts together will constitute one agreement. To facilitate execution of this Agreement, the parties may execute and exchange counterparts of signature pages by telephone facsimile.

 

[Signature page follows.]

  

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed by the parties as of the date first written above.

 

DIANA SHIPPING INC.

 

/s/ Anastasios Margaronis

Name: Anatasios Margaronis

Title:   Director and President

 

 

 

 

DIANA CONTAINERSHIPS INC.

 

/s/ Ioannis Zafirakis

Name:  Ioannis afirakis

Title:    Director, Chief Operating Officer and Secretary

 

[Signature Page to Non-Compete Agreement]

 

  

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Schedule I

	
Person

	
Diana Shipping Capacity

	
Diana Containerships Capacity

	
Symeon Palios

	
Director, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman

	
Director, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman

	
Anastasios Margaronis

	
Director and President

	
Director and President

	
Ioannis Zafirakis

	
Director, Executive Vice President and Secretary

	
Director, Chief Operating Officer and Secretary

	
Andreas Michalopoulos

	
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

	
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

  

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