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Exhibit 10.2

        EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

    THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of December 1, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), between Aspen Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Robert Alessi (the “Executive”).

    WHEREAS, in its business, the Company has acquired and developed certain trade secrets, including, but not limited to, proprietary processes, sales methods and techniques, and other like confidential business and technical information, including but not limited to, technical information, design systems, pricing methods, pricing rates or discounts, processes, procedures, formulas, designs of computer software, or improvements, or any portion or phase thereof, whether patented, or not, or unpatentable, that is of any value whatsoever to the Company, as well as information relating to the Company’s Services (as defined), information concerning proposed new Services, market feasibility studies, proposed or existing marketing techniques or plans (whether developed or produced by the Company or by any other person or entity for the Company), other Confidential Information, as defined in Section 9(a), and information about the Company’s executives, officers, and directors, which necessarily will be communicated to the Executive by reason of his employment by the Company; and

    WHEREAS, the Company has strong and legitimate business interests in preserving and protecting its investment in the Executive, its trade secrets and Confidential Information, and its substantial, significant, or key, relationships with vendors, and Students and Professors, each, as defined below, whether actual or prospective; and

    WHEREAS, the Company desires to preserve and protect its legitimate business interests further by restricting competitive activities of the Executive during the term of this Agreement and for a reasonable time following the termination of this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ the Executive and to ensure the availability to the Company of the Executive’s services, and the Executive is willing to accept such employment and render such services, all upon and subject to the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement.

    NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants set forth in this Agreement, and intending to be legally bound, the Company and the Executive agree as follows:

1.Representations and Warranties.  The Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that he (i) is not subject to any non-solicitation or non-competition agreement affecting his employment with the Company, (ii) is not subject to any confidentiality or nonuse/nondisclosure agreement affecting his employment with the Company, and (iii) will bring to the Company no trade secrets, confidential business information, documents, or other personal property of a prior employer.

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2.Term of Employment.

(a)Term.  The Company hereby employs the Executive, and the Executive hereby accepts employment with the Company for a period of three years commencing as of the Effective Date (such period, as it may be extended or renewed, the “Term”), unless sooner terminated in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.  The Term shall be automatically renewed for successive one-year terms unless notice of non-renewal is given by either party at least 30 days before the end of the Term.

(b)Continuing Effect.  Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, at the end of the Term or otherwise, the provisions of Sections 6(e), 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 18, 19, and 22 shall remain in full force and effect and the provisions of Section 9 shall be binding upon the legal representatives, successors and assigns of the Executive.

3.Duties.

(a)General Duties.  The Executive shall serve as the Chief Accounting Officer of the Company, with duties and responsibilities as provided on Exhibit A and as delegated by the Chief Financial Officer. The Executive shall report to the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.  The Executive shall also perform services for such subsidiaries of the Company as may be necessary.  The Executive shall use his best efforts to perform his duties and discharge his responsibilities pursuant to this Agreement competently, carefully and faithfully. In determining whether or not the Executive has used his best efforts hereunder, the Executive’s and the Company’s delegation of authority and all surrounding circumstances shall be taken into account and the best efforts of the Executive shall not be judged solely on the Company’s earnings or other results of the Executive’s performance, except as specifically provided to the contrary by this Agreement.  The Executive shall, if requested, also serve as an officer or director of any affiliate of the Company for no additional compensation. 

(b)Devotion of Time.  Subject to the last sentence of this Section 3(b), the Executive shall devote such time, attention and energies to the affairs of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates as are necessary to perform his duties and responsibilities pursuant to this Agreement.  The Executive shall not enter the employ of or serve as a consultant to, or in any way perform any professional financial-related services with or without compensation to, any other persons, business, or organization, without the prior consent of the Board.  Notwithstanding the above, the Executive shall be permitted to devote a limited amount of his time, to professional, charitable or similar organizations, including, but not limited to, serving as a non-executive director or an advisor to a board member, or committee member of any company or organization provided that such activities do not interfere with, or otherwise create a conflict with, the Executive’s performance of his duties and responsibilities as provided hereunder. 

(c)Location of Office.  The Executive’s principal business office shall be in New York.  However, the Executive’s job responsibilities shall include all business travel necessary for the performance of his job including travel to the Company’s offices located in 
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Colorado, Arizona, California and any other location in which the Company may in the future establish an office.

(d)Adherence to Inside Information Policies.  The Executive acknowledges that the Company is publicly-held and, as a result, has reviewed and will abide by the company’s current inside information policies designed to preclude its executives and those of its subsidiaries from violating the federal securities laws by trading on material, non-public information or passing such information on to others in breach of any duty owed to the Company, or any third party.  The Executive shall promote these policies internally and promptly execute any agreements generally distributed by the Company to its employees requiring such employees to abide by its inside information policies.

4.Compensation and Expenses.

(a)Salary and Equity.  For the services of the Executive to be rendered under this Agreement, the Company shall pay the Executive an annual salary of $250,000 (the “Base Salary”), less such deductions as shall be required to be withheld by applicable law and regulations payable in accordance with the Company’s customary payroll practices.  The Executive’s Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually by the Board and the Board may, but shall not be required to, increase the Base Salary during the Term.  However, the Executive’s Base Salary may not be decreased during the Term. In addition, the Company shall grant the Executive 15,000 restricted stock units per year, initially on the Effective Date and subsequently on each of December 1, 2021 and 2022,subject to continued employment as of such future dates, as applicable . .  .  The restricted stock units (i) shall be granted under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan or any other Equity Incentive Plan in effect at the time of the grant, and (ii) shall vest in equal annual increments over a three-year period with the first vesting date one-year from the Effective Date, subject to continued employment on each applicable vesting date, execution of the Company’s standard Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, and to acceleration per Section 6 hereof.   

(b)Target Bonus.  For each fiscal year during the Term beginning May 1st and ending April 30th of the applicable fiscal year (which shall include the fiscal year ending April 30, 2021), the Executive shall have the opportunity to earn a bonus up to Twenty percent (20%) of his then Base Salary (the “Target Bonus”) as follows: 

1) The Target Bonus shall be earned based upon meeting three performance targets established by the Chief Financial Officer for each fiscal year.  Upon meeting two of the three performance measures 67% of the bonus will be earned and paid.  Upon meeting all three performance measures the entire annual bonus will be earned and paid The bonus will be paid at the same time as the Company pays other management bonuses in July following  each of the fiscal years ending April 30, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

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Provided, however, that the earning of the Target Bonus is subject to the Company having at least $2,000,000 in available cash as of the last day of an applicable  fiscal year after deducting the Target Bonus paid to all executive officers of the Company or its subsidiaries under the same Target Bonus formula pursuant to such executives’ employment agreements (the “Cash Threshold”) and the Executive continuing to provide services under this Agreement on the applicable Target Bonus determination date.  If the Company is unable to pay the Target Bonus as a result of not meeting the Cash Threshold, no Target Bonus will be earned for that fiscal year.  In meeting the $2,000,000 cash requirement referred to above, the Company shall deduct all borrowings including under any  secured line of credit (the “Credit Line”) which were made within three months of the end of any applicable fiscal year unless the borrowings were attributable to paying ongoing operating expenses then due or which are expected to become due and for which, based on internal forecasts will not be paid by expected cash flow, within three months from the end of a fiscal year (the “Operating Expenses”). To the extent borrowings were used to pay such Operating Expenses, they shall not be used in calculating the required cash amount. Any amount of Operating Expenses which is less than the recent borrowings shall be added to the required cash amount.  By way of example, assume that the Company has borrowed $200,000 under the Credit Line in the past three months prior to the fiscal year end (which if it is April 30 would be February 1 through April 30) which is A and that due to expansion of the Scottsdale office, its payroll expenses will increase by $150,000 over the next three months which is B.  The formula is A minus B equals C or the amount added to the required cash balance. Accordingly, in this example C is $50,000 which would be added to the required cash balance on the last day of the fiscal year. To receive the Target Bonus the amount of cash should be at least $2,050,000.  In the event that the Company changes its fiscal year, for any partial fiscal years the EBITDA Threshold shall be which are proportionately adjusted.  The Executive shall be eligible for the Target Bonuses without proration for the first fiscal year ending April 30, 2021.

(c)Expenses.  In addition to any compensation received pursuant to this Section 4, the Company will reimburse or advance funds to the Executive for all reasonable documented travel (including travel expenses incurred by the Executive related to his travel to the Company’s other offices), entertainment and miscellaneous expenses incurred in connection with the performance of his duties under this Agreement, provided that the Executive properly provides a written accounting of such expenses to the Company in accordance with the Company’s practices.  Such reimbursement or advances will be made in accordance with policies and procedures of the Company in effect from time to time relating to reimbursement of, or advances to, its executive officers.

5.Benefits.

(a)Paid Time Off.  For each 12-month period during the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to four weeks of Paid Time Off without loss of compensation or other benefits to which he is entitled under this Agreement, to be taken at such times as the Executive may select and the affairs of the Company may permit. Any unused days will be carried over to the next 12 month period.
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(b)Fringe Benefits and Perquisites.  During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to fringe benefits and perquisites consistent with the practices of the Company, and to the extent the Company provides similar benefits or perquisites (or both to similarly situated executives of the Company).  

(c)Employee Benefits.  During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee benefit plans, practices and programs maintained by the Company, as in effect from time to time (collectively, “Employee Benefit Plans”), on a basis which is no less favorable than is provided to other similarly situated executives of the Company, to the extent consistent with applicable law and the terms of the applicable Employee Benefit Plans.  The Company reserves the right to amend or cancel any Employee Benefit Plans at any time in its sole discretion, subject to the terms of such Employee Benefit Plan and applicable law. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, during the Term, the Company shall provide the Executive with health insurance covering the Executive and family dependents.

6.Termination.

(a)Death or Disability.  Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, this Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the death or disability of the Executive.  For purposes of this Section 6(a), “disability” shall mean (i) the Executive is unable to engage in his customary duties by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death, or last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months; (ii) the Executive is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death, or last for continuous period of not less than 12 months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Company; or (iii) the Executive is determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration.  Any question as to the existence of a disability shall be determined by the written opinion of the Executive’s regularly attending physician (or his guardian) (or the Social Security Administration, where applicable). In the event that the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of Executive’s death or disability, the Company shall pay the following to the Executive or his personal representative: (i) any accrued but unpaid Base Salary for services rendered to the date of termination, (ii) accrued but unpaid expenses required to be reimbursed under this Agreement, (iii) any earned but unpaid bonuses for any prior period and his annual bonus prorated to date of termination (to the extent the Compensation Committee has set a formula and it can be calculated), and (v) all equity awards previously granted to the Executive under the Incentive Plan or similar plan shall thereupon become fully vested, and the Executive or his legally appointed guardian, as the case may be, shall have up to two years from the date of termination to exercise all such previously granted options, provided that in no event shall any option be exercisable beyond its term.  The Executive (or his estate) shall receive the payments provided herein at such times as he would have received them if there was no death or disability.  Additionally, if the Executive’s employment is terminated because of disability, any benefits (except perquisites) to which the Executive may be entitled pursuant to Section 5(b) hereof shall continue to be paid or provided by the Company, as the case may be, for one year, subject to the terms of any applicable plan or 
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insurance contract and applicable law provided that such benefits are exempt from Section 409A of the Code by reason of Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(a)(5) or otherwise.  In the event all or a portion of the benefits to which the Executive was entitled pursuant to Section 5(b) hereof are subject to 409A of the Code, the Executive shall not be entitled to the benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code subsequent to the “applicable 2 1⁄2 month period” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4)(i)(A)).

(b)Termination by the Company for Cause or by the Executive Without Good Reason.  The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment pursuant to the terms of this Agreement at any time for Cause (as defined below) by giving the Executive written notice of termination.  Such termination shall become effective upon the giving of such notice.  Upon any such termination for Cause, or in the event the Executive terminates his employment with the Company without Good Reason (as defined in Section 6(c)), then the Executive shall have no right to compensation, or reimbursement under Section 4, or to participate in any Executive benefit programs under Section 5, except as may otherwise be provided for by law, for any period subsequent to the effective date of termination.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean: (i) the Executive is convicted of, or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony; (ii) the Executive, in carrying out his duties hereunder, has acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct resulting, in any case, in material harm to the Company; (iii) the Executive misappropriates Company funds or otherwise defrauds the Company including a material amount of money or property; (iv) the Executive breaches his fiduciary duty to the Company resulting in material profit to him, directly or indirectly; (v) the Executive materially breaches any agreement with the Company and fails to cure such breach within 10 days of receipt of notice, unless the act is incapable of being cured; (vi) the Executive breaches any provision of Section 8 or Section 9; (vii) the Executive becomes subject to a preliminary or permanent injunction issued by a United States District Court enjoining the Executive from violating any securities law administered or regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission; (viii) the Executive becomes subject to a cease and desist order or other order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission after an opportunity for a hearing; (ix) the Executive refuses to carry out a resolution adopted by the Company’s Board at a meeting in which the Executive was offered a reasonable opportunity to argue that the resolution should not be adopted; or (x) the Executive abuses alcohol or drugs in a manner that interferes with the successful performance of his duties. 

(c)Termination by the Company Without Cause, Termination by Executive for Good Reason or Automatic Termination Upon a Change of Control or at the end of a Term after the Company provides notice of Non-Renewal.

(i)This Agreement may be terminated: (i) by the Executive for Good Reason (as defined below), (ii) by the Company without Cause, (iii) upon any Change of Control event as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) provided, that, within six months of the Change of Control event (A) the Company terminates the Executive’s employment, (B) ithe Company fails to obtain an agreement from any successor to the Company to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no Change of Control Event had taken place,  (C) the Company or successor changes his title as Chief Accounting Officer, or (D) the Executive terminates his 
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employment or (iv) at the end of a Term after the Company provides the Executive with notice of non-renewal.  
(ii)In the event this Agreement is terminated by the Executive for Good Reason or by the Company without Cause, the Executive shall be entitled to the following:

(1)any accrued but unpaid Base Salary for services rendered to the date of termination;

(2)any accrued but unpaid expenses required to be reimbursed under this Agreement;

(3)a payment equal to six months of the then Base Salary (“Severance Amount”);

(4)the Executive or his legally appointed guardian, as the case may be, shall have up to one  year from the date of termination to exercise all such previously granted options, provided that in no event shall any option be exercisable beyond its Term; 

(5)all equity awards previously granted to the Executive under the Incentive Plan or similar plan shall thereupon become fully vested; and 

(6)any benefits (except perquisites) to which the Executive was entitled pursuant to Section 5(b) hereof shall continue to be paid or provided by the Company, as the case may be, for six months, subject to the terms of any applicable plan or insurance contract and applicable law provided that such benefits are exempt from Section 409A of the Code by reason of Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(a)(5) or otherwise.  In the event all or a portion of the benefits to which the Executive was entitled pursuant to Section 5(b) hereof are subject to 409A of the Code, the Executive shall not be entitled to the benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code subsequent to the “applicable 2 1⁄2 month period” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4)(i)(A)).

(iii)In the event of a Change of Control during the Term, the Executive, subject to the termination of employment or change in title as outlined in Section 6(c)(1), shall be entitled to receive each of the provisions of Section 6(c)(2)(A) – (F) above except that (i) the Severance Amount shall equal to 12 months of the then Base Salary; (ii) the Executive shall receive 100% of the existing Target Bonus, if any, for that fiscal year; (iii) the benefits under Section 6(c)(2)(F) shall continue for an 12 month period provided that such benefits are exempt from Section 409A of the Code by reason of Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(a)(5) or otherwise.  In the event all or a portion of the benefits under Section 6(c)(2)(F) are subject to 409A of the Code, the Executive shall not be entitled to the benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code subsequent to the “applicable 2 1⁄2 month period” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4)(i)(A)).  
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(iv)In the event this Agreement is terminated at the end of a Term after the Company provides the Executive with notice of non-renewal and the Executive remains employed until the end of the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to the following:

(1)any accrued but unpaid Base Salary for services rendered to the date of termination; 

(2)any accrued but unpaid expenses required to be reimbursed under this Agreement; 

(3)a Severance Amount equal to six months of the then Base Salary; 
(4)all equity awards previously granted to the Executive under the Equity Incentive Plan or similar plan shall become fully vested;

(5)the Executive or his legally appointed guardian, as the case may be, shall have up to two years from the date of termination to exercise all such previously granted options, provided that in no event shall any option be exercisable beyond its Term; and

(6)any benefits (except perquisites) to which the Executive was entitled pursuant to Section 5(b) hereof shall continue to be paid or provided by the Company, as the case may be, for six months, subject to the terms of any applicable plan or insurance contract and applicable law provided that such benefits are exempt from Section 409A of the Code by reason of Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(a)(5) or otherwise.  In the event all or a portion of the benefits to which the Executive was entitled pursuant to Section 5(b) hereof are subject to 409A of the Code, the Executive shall not be entitled to the benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code subsequent to the “applicable 2 1⁄2 month period” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4)(i)(A)).

Provided, however, that the Executive shall only be entitled to receive each of the provisions of this Section 6(c)(4)(A)-(F) if the Executive is willing and able (i) to execute a new agreement providing terms and conditions substantially similar to those in this Agreement and (ii) to continue providing such services, and therefore, the Company’s non-renewal of the Term will be considered an “involuntary separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(n).

(v)In the event of a termination for Good Reason, without Cause, or non-renewal by the Company, the payment of the Severance Amount shall be made at the same times as the Company pays compensation to its employees over the applicable monthly period and any other payments owed under Section 6(c) shall be promptly paid.  Provided, however, that any balance of the Severance Amount remaining due on the “applicable 2 1⁄2 month period” (as such 
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term is defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4)(i)(A)) after the end of the tax year in which the Executive’s employment is terminated or the Term ends shall be paid on the last day of the applicable 21⁄2 month period.  The payment of the Severance Amount and the acceleration of vesting shall be conditioned on the Executive signing an Agreement and General Release (in the form which is attached as Exhibit B) which releases the Company or any of its affiliates (including its officers, directors and their affiliates) from any liability under this Agreement or related to the Executive’s employment with the Company provided that (x) the payment of the Severance Amount is made on or before the 90th day following the Executive’s termination of employment; (y) such Agreement and General Release is executed by the Executive, submitted to the Company, and the statutory period during which the Executive is entitled to revoke the Agreement and General Release under applicable law has expired on or before that 90th day; and (z) in the event that the 90 day period begins in one taxable year and ends in a second taxable year, then the payment of the Severance Amount shall be made in the second taxable year.  Upon any Change of Control event, all payments owed under Section 6(c)(3) shall be paid immediately. 
(vi)The term “Good Reason” shall mean: (i) a material diminution in the Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities due to no fault of the Executive other than temporarily while the Executive is physically or mentally incapacitated or as required by applicable law; (ii) the Company no longer maintains or operates an office in the New York Metro Area; (iii) the Company requires the Executive to change his principal business office as defined in Section 3(c) to a location other than the New York Metro Area, (iv) a change in Executive’s overall compensation or bonus structure such that his overall compensation is materially diminished; or (v) any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company under this Agreement.  Prior to the Executive terminating his employment with the Company for Good Reason, the Executive must provide written notice to the Company, within 30 days following the Executive’s initial awareness of the existence of such condition, that such Good Reason exists and setting forth in detail the grounds the Executive believes constitutes Good Reason.  If the Company does not cure the condition(s) constituting Good Reason within 30 days following receipt of such notice, then the Executive’s employment shall be deemed terminated for Good Reason.

(d)Any termination made by the Company under this Agreement shall be approved by the Board.

(e)Upon (1) voluntary or involuntary termination of the Executive’s employment or (2) the Company’s request at any time during the Executive's employment (provided it does not interfere with his ability to perform his duties and responsibilities hereunder), the Executive shall (i) provide or return to the Company any and all Company property, including keys, key cards, access cards, security devices, employer credit cards, network access devices, computers, cell phones, smartphones, manuals, work product, thumb drives or other removable information storage devices, and hard drives, and all Company documents and materials belonging to the Company and stored in any fashion, including but not limited to those that constitute or contain any Confidential Information or work product, that are in the possession or control of the Executive, whether they were provided to the Executive by the Company or any of its business associates or created by the Executive in connection with his 
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employment by the Company; and (ii) delete or destroy all copies of any such documents and materials not returned to the Company that remain in the Executive’s possession or control, including those stored on any non-Company devices, networks, storage locations and media in the Executive’s possession or control.

7.Indemnification.  As provided in an Indemnification Agreement which the Company and the Executive have previously entered into, the Company shall indemnify the Executive, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, against all costs, charges and expenses incurred or sustained by him in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding to which he may be made a party by reason of him being an officer, director or employee of the Company or of any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company.  The Company shall provide, at its expense, directors and officers insurance for the Executive in amounts and for a term consistent with industry standards.  

8.Non-Competition Agreement.

(a)Competition with the Company.  Until termination of his employment and for a period of one year commencing on the date of termination, the Executive (individually or in association with, or as a shareholder, director, officer, consultant, employee, partner, joint venturer, manager, member, or otherwise, of or through any person, firm, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association or other entity) shall not, directly or indirectly, act as an employee or officer (or comparable position) of, owning an interest in, or providing Services as defined in Section 9(a) for a direct competitor (either now or in the future) of the Company (any, a “Competitor”).

(b)Solicitation of Employees or Professors.  During the period in which the provision of Section 8(a)  shall be in effect, the Executive agrees that he shall not, directly or indirectly, request, recommend or advise any employee or Professor of the Company to terminate his or her employment with the Company, for the purposes of providing services for a Competitor, or solicit for employment or recommend to any third party the solicitation for employment of any individual who was employed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries and affiliates at any time during the one year period preceding the Executive’s termination of employment.  For purposes of this Agreement, the word (i) “Professor” refers to any person engaged in the teaching of Students (without regard to actual title) at Aspen University Inc. or other school owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company and (ii) “Students” means any person who was enrolled as a student at Aspen University Inc. or other school owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company. 

(c)Non-disparagement.  The Executive agrees that, after the end of his employment, he will refrain from making, in writing or orally, any unfavorable comments about the Company, its operations, policies, or procedures that would be likely to injure the Company’s reputation or business prospects; provided, however, that nothing herein shall preclude the Executive from responding truthfully to a lawful subpoena or other compulsory legal process or from providing truthful information otherwise required by law.

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(d)No Payment.  The Executive acknowledges and agrees that no separate or additional payment will be required to be made to him in consideration of his undertakings in this Section 8, and confirms he has received adequate consideration for such undertakings.

(e)References.  References to the Company in this Section 8 shall include the Company’s subsidiaries and affiliates.

9.Non-Disclosure of Confidential Information.

(a)Confidential Information.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” includes, but is not limited to, trade secrets, processes, policies, procedures, techniques, designs, drawings, know-how, show-how, technical information, specifications, computer software and source code, information and data relating to the development, research, testing, costs, marketing, and uses of the Services (as defined herein), the Company’s budgets and strategic plans, and the identity and special needs of Students or Professors, vendors, and suppliers, subjects and databases, data, and all technology relating to the Company’s businesses, systems, methods of operation, and Student and/or Professor lists, Student and/or Professor information, solicitation leads, marketing and advertising materials, methods and manuals and forms, all of which pertain to the activities or operations of the Company, the names, home addresses and all telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of the Company’s directors, employees, officers, executives, former executives, Students and/or former Students or Professors and/or former Professors.  In addition, Confidential Information also includes the names of Students and Professors and the identity of and telephone numbers, e-mail addresses and other addresses of Students or Professors who are the persons with whom the Company’s executives, officers, employees, and agents communicate in the ordinary course of business.  Confidential Information also includes, without limitation, Confidential Information received from the Company’s subsidiaries and affiliates.  For purposes of this Agreement, the following will not constitute Confidential Information (i) information which is or subsequently becomes generally available to the public through no act or fault of the Executive, (ii) information set forth in the written records of the Executive prior to disclosure to the Executive by or on behalf of the Company which information is given to the Company in writing as of or prior to the date of this Agreement, and (iii) information which is lawfully obtained by the Executive in writing from a third party (excluding any affiliates of the Executive) who lawfully acquired the confidential information and who did not acquire such confidential information or trade secret, directly or indirectly, from the Executive or the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates and who has not breached any duty of confidentiality. As used herein, the term “Services” shall include all services offered for sale and marketed by the Company during the Term, which as of the Effective Date consist of operating a for  profit  online university in compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.  Services also includes any other services which the Company has taken concrete steps to offer for sale, but has not yet commenced selling or marketing, during or prior to the Term.  Services also include any services disclosed in the Company’s latest Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and/or Form S-1 or S-3 (or successor form) filed with the SEC.

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(b)Legitimate Business Interests.  The Executive recognizes that the Company has legitimate business interests to protect and as a consequence, the Executive agrees to the restrictions contained in this Agreement because they further the Company’s legitimate business interests.  These legitimate business interests include, but are not limited to (i) trade secrets; (ii) valuable confidential business, technical, and/or professional information that otherwise may not qualify as trade secrets, including, but not limited to, all Confidential Information; (iii) substantial, significant, or key relationships with specific prospective or existing Students or Professors, vendors or suppliers; (iv) Student goodwill associated with the Company’s business; and (v) specialized training relating to the Company’s technology, Services, methods, operations and procedures.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 9(b) shall be construed to impose restrictions greater than those imposed by other provisions of this Agreement.

(c)Confidentiality.  During the Term of this Agreement and following termination of employment, for any reason, the Confidential Information shall be held by the Executive in the strictest confidence and shall not, without the prior express written consent of the Company, be disclosed to any person other than in connection with the Executive’s employment by the Company.  The Executive further acknowledges that such Confidential Information as is acquired and used by the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates is a special, valuable and unique asset.  The Executive shall exercise all due and diligent precautions to protect the integrity of the Company’s Confidential Information and to keep it confidential whether it is in written form, on electronic media, oral, or otherwise.  The Executive shall not copy any Confidential Information except to the extent necessary to his employment nor remove any Confidential Information or copies thereof from the Company’s premises except to the extent necessary to his employment.  All records, files, materials and other Confidential Information obtained by the Executive in the course of his employment with the Company are confidential and proprietary and shall remain the exclusive property of the Company.  The Executive shall not, except in connection with and as required by his performance of his duties under this Agreement, for any reason use for his own benefit or the benefit of any person or entity other than the Company or disclose any such Confidential Information to any person, firm, corporation, association or other entity for any reason or purpose whatsoever without the prior express written consent of an executive officer of the Company (excluding the Executive).

(d)References.  References to the Company in this Section 9 shall include the Company’s subsidiaries and affiliates.

(e)Whistleblowing.  Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent the Executive from reporting any act or failure to act to the SEC or other governmental body or prevent the Executive from obtaining a fee as a “whistleblower” under Rule 21F-17(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or other rules or regulations implemented under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act and Consumer Protection Act.

(f)Notice of Immunity Under the Economic Espionage Act of 1996, as amended by the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“DTSA”). Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement:
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        (i)  The Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for any disclosure of a trade secret that:

            (A)  is made (1) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (2) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or

            (B)  is made in a complaint or other document filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding.

        (ii) If the Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, the Executive may disclose the Company’s trade secrets to the Executive’s attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding if the Executive:

            (A)  files any document containing trade secrets under seal; and

            (B)  does not disclose trade secrets, except pursuant to court order.

10.Equitable Relief.

(a)The Company and the Executive recognize that the services to be rendered under this Agreement by the Executive are special, unique and of extraordinary character, and that in the event of the breach by the Executive of the terms and conditions of this Agreement or if the Executive, without the prior express consent of the Board, shall take any action in violation of Section 8 and/or Section 9, the Company shall be entitled to institute and prosecute proceedings in any court of competent jurisdiction referred to in Section 10(b) below, to enjoin the Executive from breaching the provisions of Section 8 and/or Section 9. 

(b)Any action arising from or under this Agreement must be commenced only in the appropriate state or federal court located in New York County, New York.  The Executive and the Company irrevocably and unconditionally submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts and agree to take any and all future action necessary to submit to the jurisdiction of such courts.  The Executive and the Company irrevocably waive any objection that they now have or hereafter may have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court and further irrevocably waive any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.  Final judgment against the Executive or the Company in any such suit shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment, a certified or true copy of which shall be conclusive evidence of the fact and the amount of any liability of the Executive or the Company therein described, or by appropriate proceedings under any applicable treaty or otherwise.

11.Conflicts of Interest.  While employed by the Company, the Executive shall not, unless approved by the Compensation Committee, directly or indirectly: 
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(a)participate as an individual in any way in the benefits of transactions with any of the Company’s vendors, Students, or Professors, including, without limitation, having a financial interest in the Company’s vendors, Students, or Professors, or making loans to, or receiving loans, from, the Company’s suppliers, vendors, Students, or Professors;

(b)realize a personal gain or advantage from a transaction in which the Company has an interest or use information obtained in connection with the Executive’s employment with the Company for the Executive’s personal advantage or gain; or

(c)accept any offer to serve as an officer, director, partner, consultant, manager with, or to be employed in a professional, medical, technical, or managerial capacity by, a person or entity which does business with the Company.

12.Inventions, Ideas, Processes, and Designs.  All inventions, ideas, processes, programs, software, and designs (including all improvements) (i) conceived or made by the Executive during the course of his employment with the Company (whether or not actually conceived during regular business hours) and for a period of six months subsequent to the termination (whether by expiration of the Term or otherwise) of such employment with the Company, and (ii) related to the business of the Company, shall be disclosed in writing promptly to the Company and shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Company, and the Executive hereby assigns any such inventions to the Company.  An invention, idea, process, program, software, or design (including an improvement) shall be deemed related to the business of the Company if (a) it was made with the Company’s funds, personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, or Confidential Information, (b) results from work performed by the Executive for the Company, or (c) pertains to the current business or demonstrably anticipated research or development work of the Company.  The Executive shall cooperate with the Company and its attorneys in the preparation of patent and copyright applications for such developments and, upon request, shall promptly assign all such inventions, ideas, processes, and designs to the Company.  The decision to file for patent or copyright protection or to maintain such development as a trade secret, or otherwise, shall be in the sole discretion of the Company, and the Executive shall be bound by such decision. The Executive hereby irrevocably assigns to the Company, for no additional consideration, the Executive’s entire right, title and interest in and to all work product and intellectual property rights, including the right to sue, counterclaim and recover for all past, present and future infringement, misappropriation or dilution thereof, and all rights corresponding thereto throughout the world. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to reduce or limit the Company's rights, title or interest in any work product or intellectual property rights so as to be less in any respect than the Company would have had in the absence of this Agreement.  If applicable, the Executive shall provide as a schedule to this Agreement, a complete list of all inventions, ideas, processes, and designs, if any, patented or unpatented, copyrighted or otherwise, or non-copyrighted, including a brief description, which he made or conceived prior to his employment with the Company and which therefore are excluded from the scope of this Agreement. References to the Company in this Section 12 shall include the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates. 

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13.Indebtedness.  If, during the course of the Executive’s employment under this Agreement, the Executive becomes indebted to the Company for any reason, the Company may, if it so elects, and if permitted by applicable law, set off any sum due to the Company from the Executive and collect any remaining balance from the Executive unless the Executive has entered into a written agreement with the Company.

14.Assignability.  The rights and obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Company, provided that such successor or assign shall acquire all or substantially all of the securities or assets and business of the Company.  The Executive’s obligations hereunder may not be assigned or alienated and any attempt to do so by the Executive will be void.

15.Severability.

(a)The Executive expressly agrees that the character, duration and geographical scope of the non-competition provisions set forth in this Agreement are reasonable in light of the circumstances as they exist on the date hereof.  Should a decision, however, be made at a later date by a court of competent jurisdiction that the character, duration or geographical scope of such provisions is unreasonable, then it is the intention and the agreement of the Executive and the Company that this Agreement shall be construed by the court in such a manner as to impose only those restrictions on the Executive’s conduct that are reasonable in the light of the circumstances and as are necessary to assure to the Company the benefits of this Agreement.  If, in any judicial proceeding, a court shall refuse to enforce all of the separate covenants deemed included herein because taken together they are more extensive than necessary to assure to the Company the intended benefits of this Agreement, it is expressly understood and agreed by the parties hereto that the provisions of this Agreement that, if eliminated, would permit the remaining separate provisions to be enforced in such proceeding shall be deemed eliminated, for the purposes of such proceeding, from this Agreement.

(b)If any provision of this Agreement otherwise is deemed to be invalid or unenforceable or is prohibited by the laws of the state or jurisdiction where it is to be performed, this Agreement shall be considered divisible as to such provision and such provision shall be inoperative in such state or jurisdiction and shall not be part of the consideration moving from either of the parties to the other.  The remaining provisions of this Agreement shall be valid and binding and of like effect as though such provisions were not included.

16.Notices and Addresses.  All notices, offers, acceptance and any other acts under this Agreement (except payment) shall be in writing, and shall be sufficiently given if delivered to the addressees in person, by FedEx or similar receipted delivery, or next business day delivery to the addresses detailed below (or to such other address, as either of them, by notice to the other may designate from time to time), or by e-mail delivery (in which event a copy shall immediately be sent by FedEx or similar receipted delivery), as follows:

To the Company:    Michael Mathews
Chief Executive Officer
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Aspen Group, Inc.
276 Fifth Avenue 
New York, NY 10001
Email: ___________________

With a copy to:    Nason, Yeager, Gerson Harris & Fumero, P.A. 
Attn: Michael D. Harris, Esq. 
3001 PGA Blvd., Suite 305
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410
Email: ____________________

To the Executive:
Robert Alessi
____________________
____________________
Email: ______________

17.Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  The execution of this Agreement may be by actual or facsimile signature.

18.Attorneys’ Fees.  In the event that there is any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or to the interpretation, breach or enforcement thereof, and any action or proceeding is commenced to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses (including such fees and costs on appeal).

19.Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed or interpreted according to the internal laws of the State of Delaware without regard to choice of law considerations and all claims relating to or arising out of this Agreement, or the breach thereof, whether sounding in contract, tort, or otherwise, shall also be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to choice of law considerations.

20.Entire Agreement.  This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior oral and written agreements between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.  Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally, except by a statement in writing signed by the party or parties against which enforcement or the change, waiver discharge or termination is sought.

21.Section and Paragraph Headings.  The section and paragraph headings in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

22.Section 409A Compliance.
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(a)This Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 409A”), or an exemption thereunder.  This Agreement shall be construed and administered in accordance with Section 409A.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, payments provided under this Agreement may only be made upon an event and in a manner that complies with Section 409A or an applicable exemption.  Any payments under this Agreement that may be excluded from Section 409A either as separation pay due to an involuntary separation from service (including a voluntary separation from service for good reason that is considered an involuntary separation for purposes of the separation pay exception under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(n)(2)) or as a short-term deferral shall be excluded from Section 409A to the maximum extent possible.  For purposes of Section 409A, each installment payment provided under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment.  Any payments to be made under this Agreement upon a termination of employment shall only be made if such termination of employment constitutes a “separation from service” under Section 409A.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes no representations that the payments and benefits provided under this Agreement comply with Section 409A and in no event shall the Company be liable for all or any portion of any taxes, penalties, interest, or other expenses that may be incurred by the Executive on account of non-compliance with Section 409A.

(b)Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if at the time of the Executive's termination of employment, the Executive is a specified employee”, determined in accordance with Section 409A, any payments and benefits provided under this Agreement that constitute "nonqualified deferred compensation" subject to Section 409A (e.g., payments and benefits that do not qualify as a short-term deferral or as a separation pay exception) that are provided to the Executive on account of the Executive’s separation from service shall not be paid until the first payroll date to occur following the six-month anniversary of the Executive's termination date (“Specified Employee Payment Date”).  The aggregate amount of any payments that would otherwise have been made during such six-month period shall be paid in a lump sum on the Specified Employee Payment Date without interest and thereafter, any remaining payments shall be paid without delay in accordance with their original schedule.  If the Executive dies during the six-month period, any delayed payments shall be paid to the Executive's estate in a lump sum upon the Executive's death.

(c)To the extent required by Section 409A, each reimbursement or in-kind benefit provided under this Agreement shall be provided in accordance with the following:

(i)the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided, during each calendar year cannot affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other calendar year; 

(ii)any reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be paid to the Executive on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and

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(iii)any right to reimbursements or in-kind benefits under this Agreement shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

(d)In the event the Company determines that the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code at the time of the Executive’s separation from service, then to the extent any payment or benefit that the Executive becomes entitled to under this Agreement on account of the Executive’s separation from service would be considered deferred compensation subject to Section 409A as a result of the application of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, such payment shall not be payable and such benefit shall not be provided until the date that is the earlier of (i) six months and one day after the Executive’s separation from service, or (ii) the Executive’s death (the “Six Month Delay Rule”).

(i)For purposes of this subparagraph, amounts payable under the Agreement should not provide for a deferral of compensation subject to Section 409A to the extent provided in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) (e.g., short-term deferrals), Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) (e.g., separation pay plans, including the exception under subparagraph (iii)), and other applicable provisions of the Treasury Regulations. 

(ii)To the extent that the Six Month Delay Rule applies to payments otherwise payable on an installment basis, the first payment shall include a catch-up payment covering amounts that would otherwise have been paid during the six-month period but for the application of the Six Month Delay Rule, and the balance of the installments shall be payable in accordance with their original schedule.

(iii)To the extent that the Six Month Delay Rule applies to the provision of benefits (including, but not limited to, life insurance and medical insurance), such benefit coverage shall nonetheless be provided to the Executive during the first six months following his separation from service (the “Six Month Period”), provided that, during such Six-Month Period, the Executive pays to the Company, on a monthly basis in advance, an amount equal to the Monthly Cost (as defined below) of such benefit coverage.  The Company shall reimburse the Executive for any such payments made by the Executive in a lump sum not later than 30 days following the sixth month anniversary of the Executive’s separation from service.  For purposes of this subparagraph, “Monthly Cost” means the minimum dollar amount which, if paid by the Executive on a monthly basis in advance, results in the Executive not being required to recognize any federal income tax on receipt of the benefit coverage during the Six Month Period.

(e)The parties intend that this Agreement will be administered in accordance with Section 409A.  To the extent that any provision of this Agreement is ambiguous as to its compliance with Section 409A, the provision shall be read in such a manner so that all payments hereunder comply with Section 409A.  The parties agree that this Agreement may be amended, as reasonably requested by either party, and as may be necessary to fully comply with Section 409A and all related rules and regulations in order to preserve the payments and benefits provided hereunder without additional cost to either party.

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(f)The Company makes no representation or warranty and shall have no liability to the Executive or any other person if any provisions of this Agreement are determined to constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A but do not satisfy an exemption from, or the conditions of, such Section.

[Signature Page To Follow]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Executive have executed this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.

												
			Aspen Group, Inc.
				

By:/s/ Michael Mathews__________
      Michael Mathews,
      Chief Executive Officer

												
			Executive:
				

/s/ Robert Alessi_________________
Robert Alessi

			

Exhibit A
Duties

Chief Accounting Officer

Position Overview
Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) is responsible for managing all accounting functions, including preparation of financial statements and related disclosures, maintenance of an appropriate system of internal controls including cash control and cost control systems, and setting of and compliance with appropriate accounting policies.  The CAO is also responsible for regulatory compliance and practices, including Sarbanes Oxley compliance.   In addition, the CAO will collaborate with the CFO to develop financial strategies.

Key Responsibilities
•Ensure an accurate and timely monthly, quarterly and year end close; ensure the timely reporting of all monthly financial information.
•Perform or supervise month-end accounting activities such as reconciliations and journal entries.
•Assure that the Accounting department is operating effectively by evaluating performance against goals, improving processes and systems where necessary, cross-training staff to mitigate dependencies and developing the team. 
•Direct the preparation of the financial section and related disclosures of 10K’s and 10Q’s and internal corporate and departmental financial statements and reports, in a timely and accurate manner
•Generate financial reports and statements to Managers for review.
•Analyze financial discrepancies and recommend effective resolutions.
•Monitor expenditures, analyze revenues and determine budget variances and report the same to management.
•Respond to accounting inquiries from management in a timely fashion.
•Manage Internal Control policies and compliance, as well as, insuring that accounting policies are in accordance with GAAP; periodically review and improve existing control processes
•Perform daily monitoring, reporting and maintenance of the Company’s cash management system including forecasts of cash position
•Oversee the payroll and benefits function for all 500 employees.  This include being the administrator of the Solium Shareworks stock option system, the Paychex payroll and 401k systems and other related systems.  Responsible for the payment of all benefit payments.
•Ensure that all DOE filings are accurate and timely reported.  Continue all financial aid interaction, including being the administrator for the Global Financial Aid system.  
•Administer the Company’s T&E and tracking compliance
•Insure compliance with federal, state and local regulations
•Supervise the timely and accurate entry, recording and payment of the Company’s obligations through the accounts payable system
•Supervise, train, review and appraise the accounting staff
•Review federal, state and local income tax returns.
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•Oversee the maintenance of accounting records to provide access when needed and compliance with record retention requirements
•Provide recommendations to the CFO regarding operations, reporting and other matters and for improving efficiencies and reducing costs
•Consult with Company officers and other department heads, providing them with information to assist them in their responsibilities
•Assists CFO in preparing budgets and reforecast updates as required. Participates in regular and special management meetings as necessary
•Prepare special reports as requested by the CEO or CFO
•Coordinate annual Financial Statement Audit with outside auditors to provide information and schedules in a timely and accurate manner.
•Coordinate with finance team to complete assigned accounting tasks within deadlines.
•Monitor and record financial transactions according to company policies and regulations.
•Review and recommend changes to existing accounting procedures.
•Manage strategic accounting and finance projects within the Accounting Department; track and report costs; take proactive measures to communicate issues on a timely basis.
•Monitors and analyzes department work to develop more efficient procedures and use of resources while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
•Participate in the development, implementation and maintenance of Accounting policies, internal controls, as well as short-and-long range planning.
•Achieve budget objectives by scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective actions.
•Provide status of financial condition by collecting, interpreting, and reporting financial data and trends.
•Comply with federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating future legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; filing financial reports; advising management on needed actions.
•Perform other duties as assigned.
Position based in:     New York or a mutually agreeable location as the needs of the business require.
Reports to:         CFO [Frank?]
Supervises:         NY/AZ and Floridabased Accounting Staff.  Also has functional management responsibility for subsidiary accounting staff. 

Position Requirements:
•Bachelor's degree with a major in Accounting or Finance is required. CPA and/or advanced degree preferred. 
•A minimum 15 years education industry with previous experience in accounting, banking or other similar fiscal work.
•Previous management experience in an office with fiscal responsibility, is required.
•Demonstrated ability to work accurately and effectively with computerized data systems.
•Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds and promote a positive working environment, spirit of cooperation and positive reactions to change and conflict resolution.
•Previous experience managing finance and accounting functions;

•Understanding of tax regulations and compliance;
•Exceptional business acumen.
Successful characteristics and competencies:
•Highly motivated leader who is detail oriented, meticulous and possesses a high level of business insight and technical skills.
•Strong communication skills and the ability to influence and impact business results across teams.
•Collaborative and able to build consensus and lead meetings across cross-functional teams while challenging assumptions in a relevant way.
•Experience in budgeting, forecasting, reporting and analysis.
•Proven ability to gather and analyze large amounts of data at micro and macro level and summarize into key points to lead change and influence behaviors.

Exhibit B
General Release Agreement

TERMINATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT

    THIS TERMINATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of ___________ __, 2019 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Robert Alessi (the “Executive”) and Aspen Group, Inc. (the “Employer” or the “Company”).

WHEREAS, the Executive was employed as the Chief Accounting Officer of the Employer;

    WHEREAS, the Employee desires to resign as Chief Accounting Officer of the Employer and as an employee in order to pursue other interests; 
WHEREAS, the parties wish to resolve all outstanding claims and disputes between them in an amicable manner;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement, the sufficiency of which the parties acknowledge, it is agreed as follows:

    1.    The Employee hereby resigns as the Chief Accounting Officer and as an employee of the Employer, and the Employer accepts the Employee’s resignation, effective as of the Effective Date. 

    2.    In consideration for the Executive’s acknowledgments, representations, warranties, covenants, releases and agreements set forth in this Agreement, the Employer agrees to pay the Employee ____ months of his base salary, which equates to $_______, in equal payments of $________ (the “Payments”).  All Payments shall be made in accordance with the Employer’s customary twice-per-month payroll practices and shall be subject to withholding for all applicable federal, state, social security and other taxes.  The Employee acknowledges that he would not otherwise be entitled to the Payments but for his promises in this Agreement.  

    3.    As further consideration, the Employer also agrees to extend any current benefits that Executive previously elected to receive during his employment with Employer for a period of _______months.

    4.    During the above ___-month period in which the Payments are made to the Employee, the Employee agrees to be available to the Employer, its officers, directors, employees, attorneys, or agents, to assist with the transition of any projects of the Employer or to provide any information that the Employee may have knowledge regarding the Employer’s business. The Employee may provide this information by telephone and/or email communication.    

5.    Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the Employer, its past and present affiliates, officers, directors, owners, executives, attorneys, or agents, and the Employer specifically disclaims liability to or wrongful treatment of the 
1

Executive on the part of itself, its past and present affiliates, officers, directors, owners, employees, attorneys, and agents.  Additionally, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the Executive and the Executive specifically disclaims liability to or wrongful acts directed at the Employer.

    6.    The Executive covenants not to sue, and fully and forever releases and discharges the Employer, its past and present affiliates, directors, officers, owners, executives and agents, as well as its successors and assigns from any and all legally waivable claims, liabilities, damages, demands, and causes of action or liabilities of any nature or kind, whether now known or unknown, arising out of or in any way connected with the Executive’s employment with the Employer or the termination of that employment; provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall either waive any rights or claims of the Executive that arise after the Executive signs this Agreement or impair or preclude the Executive’s right to take action to enforce the terms of this Agreement or impair or preclude the Executive’s right to indemnification and defense against any third party claims arising out of Executive’s employment by the Company.  This release includes but is not limited to claims arising under federal, state or local laws prohibiting employment discrimination or relating to leave from employment, including but not limited to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended, the Equal Pay Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the Family and Medical Leave Act, as amended, claims for attorneys’ fees or costs, and any and all claims in contract, tort, or premised on any other legal theory. The Executive acknowledges that the Executive has been paid in full all compensation owed to the Executive by the Employer as a result of Executive’s employment, except from compensation (if any) due through the Effective Date which shall be paid in the next regular payroll of the Company.   The Employer and its directors, officers, and employees covenant not to sue, and fully and forever release and discharge the Executive, from any and all legally waivable claims from the beginning of time until the date of this Agreement, and from liabilities, damages, demands, and causes of action, attorney’s fees, costs or liabilities of any nature or kind, whether now known or unknown, arising out of or in any way connected with the Executive’s employment with the Employer.

    7.    The Executive represents that he has not filed any complaints or charges against the Employer with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or with any other federal, state or local agency or court, and covenants that he will not seek to recover on any claim released in this Agreement.

    8.    The Executive agrees that he will not encourage or assist any of the Employer’s employees to litigate claims or file administrative charges against the Employer or its past and present affiliates, officers, directors, owners, employees and agents, unless required to provide testimony or documents pursuant to a lawful subpoena or other compulsory legal process.

9.    The Executive acknowledges that he is subject to non-compete and confidentiality provisions under that certain Employment Agreement between the Executive and the Employer dated December 1, 2019 (the “Employment Agreement”).    

10.    The Executive acknowledges that he has been given at least 21 days to consider this Agreement and that he has seven days from the date he executes this Agreement in which to revoke it and that this Agreement will not be effective or enforceable until after the seven-day revocation period ends without revocation by the Executive.  Revocation can be made by delivery of a written notice of revocation to Michael Mathews, Chief Executive Officer at the offices of the Employer, by midnight on or before the seventh calendar day after the Executive signs the Agreement.

    11.    The Executive acknowledges that he has been advised to consult with an attorney of his choice with regard to this Agreement. The Executive hereby acknowledges that he understands the significance of this Agreement, and represents that the terms of this Agreement are fully understood and voluntarily accepted by him.

    12.    The Employee and the Employer agree that except with respect to any ongoing duties of non-competition and non-solicitation imposed by the Company, neither he nor they, nor any of their agents or representatives will disclose, disseminate and/or publicize, or cause or permit to be disclosed, disseminated or publicized, the existence of this Agreement, any of the terms of this Agreement, or any claims or allegations which the Executive believes he or they could have made or asserted against one another, specifically or generally, to any person, corporation, association or governmental agency or other entity except: (i) to the extent necessary to obtain legal advice or to report income to appropriate taxing authorities; (ii) to the Employee’s immediate family so long as such person agrees to be bound by the confidential nature of this Agreement (iii) in response to an order of a court of competent jurisdiction or subpoena issued under the authority thereof;  (iv) in response to any inquiry or subpoena issued by a state or federal governmental agency; provided, however, that notice of receipt of such order or subpoena shall be emailed to Aspen Group, Inc. - attention Michael Mathews, _______________, and in the case of the Executive Robert Alessi, ________________, within 24 hours of the receipt of such order or subpoena, so that both Executive and Employer will have the opportunity to assert what rights they have to non-disclosure prior to any response to the order, inquiry or subpoena.

    13.    The Executive and Employer agree to refrain from disparaging or making any unfavorable comments, in writing or orally, about either party, and in the case of the Employer, about its management, its operations, policies, or procedures and in the case of the Executive, to prospective employers, those making inquiry as to the reasons for his separation from the Company or to any person, company or other business entity.

    14.    In the event of any lawsuit against the Employer that relates to alleged acts or omissions by the Executive during his employment with the Employer, the Executive agrees to cooperate with the Employer by voluntarily providing truthful and full information as reasonably necessary for the Employer to defend against such lawsuit.  Provided, however, the Executive shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for expenses, including lost wages, incurred in assisting the Employer regarding any lawsuit.  

15.    Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent the Employee from reporting any act or failure to act to the Securities and Exchange Commission or other governmental body or prevent the Employee from obtaining a fee as a “whistleblower” under Rule 21F-17(a) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 or other rules or regulations implemented under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act and Consumer Protection Act.

    16.    This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the Executive and the Employer, and fully supersedes any and all prior agreements or understandings between them regarding its subject matter; provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement is intended to or shall be construed to modify, impair or terminate any obligation of the vest one year from the Transaction Date, subject to continued service as the Audit Committee Chairman of the Company as of the vesting date or the Employer pursuant to provisions of (i) the Employment Agreement that by their terms continues after the Executive’s separation from the Employer’s employment; or (ii) the Indemnification Agreement entered into between the Employer and Employee dated _______, ___, 2019.  This Agreement may only be modified by written agreement signed by both parties.

    17.    The Employer and the Executive agree that in the event any provision of this Agreement is deemed to be invalid or unenforceable by any court or administrative agency of competent jurisdiction, or in the event that any provision cannot be modified so as to be valid and enforceable, then that provision shall be deemed severed from the Agreement and the remainder of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

1.This Agreement shall be governed or interpreted according to the internal laws of the State of Delaware without regard to choice of law considerations and all claims relating to or arising out of this Agreement, or the breach thereof, whether sounding in contract, tort, or otherwise, shall also be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to choice of law considerations.

    19.    In the event that there is any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or to the interpretation, breach or enforcement thereof, and any action or proceeding is commenced to enforce or contest the provisions of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to a reasonable attorney’s fee, costs and expenses.

    20.    This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The execution of this Agreement may be by actual, electronic or facsimile signature. 

[Signature page follows]

    
    

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. THIS AGREEMENT CONTAINS A RELEASE OF ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS.

                        ASPEN GROUP, INC. 

                    By:                          
                        Michael Mathews,
                        Chief Executive Officer 

    I have carefully read this Agreement and understand that it contains a release of known and unknown claims.  I acknowledge and agree to all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.  I further acknowledge that I enter into this Agreement voluntarily with a full understanding of its terms.

                                            
                        Robert Alessi

Exhibit C
Indemnification Agreement

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

    This Indemnification Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of this 1st day of December, 2019 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Aspen Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Robert Alessi (the “Indemnitee”) and replaces any and all Indemnification Agreements previously entered into between the Parties:

    WHEREAS, competent and experienced persons may be reluctant to serve publicly-held corporations as directors, officers, or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through liability insurance or adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to the corporation; 
    
    WHEREAS, the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) has determined that the inability to attract and retain such persons would be detrimental to the best interests of the Company’s shareholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future; 

    WHEREAS, Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) empowers the Company to indemnify its officers, directors, employees and agents by agreement and to indemnify persons who serve, at the request of the Company, as directors, officers, employees or agents of other corporations or enterprises; 

    WHEREAS, it is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Company contractually to obligate itself to indemnify such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law so that they will serve or continue to serve the Company free from undue concern that they will not be so indemnified; 

    WHEREAS, the Indemnitee is willing to serve as a director or officer of the Company;

    NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants contained herein, the Company and the Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

1.Definitions.  For purposes of this Agreement:

(a)“Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

(b)“Beneficial Owner” means (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Act), any Person who directly or indirectly, owns securities of the Company representing 10% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities.

(c)“Change of Control” means a change in control of the Company occurring after the Effective Date of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 5.01 on Form 8-K (or in response to any similar item on any similar schedule or form) promulgated under the Act, whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement; provided, however, that, without limitation, such a Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred after the Effective Date if a Person (as defined below) becomes the Beneficial Owner 

without the prior approval of at least two-thirds of the directors in office immediately prior to such person attaining such percentage; (ii) the Company is a party to a merger, consolidation, sale of assets or other reorganization, or a proxy contest, as a consequence of which members of the Board in office immediately prior to such transaction or event constitute less than a majority of the Board thereafter; or (iii) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who, at the beginning of such period, constituted the Board (including for this purpose, any new director whose election or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who were directors at the beginning of such period) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board.

(d)“Corporate Status” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company or of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.

(e)“Disinterested Director” means a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by the Indemnitee.

(f)“Effective Date” means the date first above written.

(g)“Expenses” shall include all reasonable attorney’s fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, or being or preparing to be a witness in a Proceeding.

(h)“Independent Counsel” means a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent (i) the Company or the Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party, or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or the Indemnitee in an action to determine the Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement.

(i)“Person” means (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Act) an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, or a governmental entity (or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof).

(j)“Proceeding” includes any actual or threatened action, suit, arbitration, alternative dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, administrative hearing or any other proceeding whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, whether or not initiated prior 

to the Effective Date, except a proceeding initiated by an Indemnitee pursuant to Section 11 of this Agreement to enforce his rights under this Agreement.

(k)“Standard” shall mean the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Sections 145(a) and (b) of the DGCL.

2.Agreement to Serve.  The Indemnitee agrees to serve as a director or officer of the Company.  The Indemnitee may at any time and for any reason resign from such position (subject to any other contractual obligation or any obligation imposed by operation of law). Similarly, the Company shall have no obligation under this Agreement to continue the Indemnitee in any position with the Company (subject to any other contractual obligation or any obligation imposed by operation of law).

3.Indemnification — General.  The Company shall indemnify and either advance or reimburse Expenses to the Indemnitee as provided in this Agreement and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law in effect on the date hereof and to such greater extent as applicable law may thereafter from time to time permit.  However, no indemnification shall be made by the Company (except as ordered by a court) unless a determination has been made in the manner provided for in Section 145(d) of the DGCL and Section 9(b) herein that the Indemnitee has met the applicable Standard.  The rights of the Indemnitee provided under the preceding sentence shall include, but shall not be limited to, the rights set forth in the other sections of this Agreement.

4.Third-Party Actions.  The Indemnitee shall be entitled to the rights of indemnification provided in this Section 4 if, by reason of his Corporate Status, he is, or is threatened to be made, a party to any Proceeding, other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company.  Pursuant to this Section 4, the Indemnitee shall be indemnified against Expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if (i) he acted in good faith, and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the Company’s best interests; and (ii) with respect to any criminal Proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.  The Indemnitee shall not be entitled to indemnification in connection with any Proceeding charging improper personal benefit to the Indemnitee, whether or not involving action in his official capacity, in which he was judged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received by him.

5.Direct and Derivative Actions.  The Indemnitee shall be entitled to the rights of indemnification provided in this Section 5, by reason of his Corporate Status, if he is, or is threatened to be made, a party to any Proceeding brought by a shareholder directly or on behalf of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor.  Pursuant to this Section, the Indemnitee shall be indemnified against Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection with such Proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no indemnification against such Expenses shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter in such Proceeding as to which the Indemnitee shall have been adjudged to be liable to 

the Company unless the Delaware Court of Chancery or the court in which such Proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all of the circumstances of the case, the Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification for such Expenses which the Delaware Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

    The Indemnitee shall not be entitled to the rights of indemnification provided in this Section 5, by reason of his Corporate Status, if he is, or is threatened to be made, a party to any Proceeding brought by the Company against Indemnitee, or files any claim against the Company in a Proceeding.

6.Indemnification for Expenses of a Witness.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that the Indemnitee is, by reason of his Corporate Status, a witness in any Proceeding, he shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection therewith.

7.Advancement or Reimbursement of Expenses.  The Company shall advance or reimburse all reasonable Expenses incurred by or on behalf of the Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding within 20 working days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements from the Indemnitee requesting such advance, advances or reimbursement from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of such Proceeding.  Such statement or statements shall reasonably evidence the Expenses incurred or to be incurred by the Indemnitee including providing detailed invoices from attorneys and other parties (unless an advance retainer).

    The Indemnitee understands and agrees that the undertaking required by this Section 7(ii) shall be an unlimited general obligation of the Indemnitee.

8.Indemnification Procedure.

(a)To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, the Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to the Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification.  The Secretary of the Company shall, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board in writing that the Indemnitee has requested indemnification.

(b)Upon written request by the Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to Section 9(a) hereof, a determination, if required by applicable law, with respect to the Indemnitee’s entitlement thereto shall be made in good faith and within a timely manner (i) by the Board by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of Disinterested Directors; or (ii) if a quorum cannot be obtained or, even if attainable, a quorum of Disinterested Directors so directs, by (a) Independent Counsel in a written opinion; or (b) by the shareholders of the Company.  If it is determined that the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to the Indemnitee shall be made within 10 working days after such determination. The Indemnitee shall cooperate with 

the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to the Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to the Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination.

9.Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings.

(a)If a Change of Control shall have occurred, in making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, and following the procedures in Section 9, as applicable, it shall be presumed that the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if the Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with Section 9(a) of this Agreement, and the Company shall have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption.

(b)If the Indemnitee’s right to indemnification shall not have been made within 30 days after receipt by the Company of the request therefor, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall be deemed to have been made and the Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent (i) a misstatement by the Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make the Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law; provided, however, that such 30-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional 30 days, if the person, persons or entity making the determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification in good faith requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation and/or information relating thereto; and provided, further, that the foregoing provisions of Section 10(b) shall not apply (i) if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the shareholders pursuant to Section 9(b) of this Agreement and if (A) within 15 days after receipt by the Company of the request for such determination the Board has resolved to submit such determination to the shareholders for their consideration at an annual meeting thereof to be held within 75 days after such receipt and such determination is made thereat, or (B) a special meeting of shareholders is called within 15 days after such receipt for the purpose of making such determination, such meeting is held for such purpose within 60 days after having been so called and such determination is made thereat, or (ii) if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 9(b) of this Agreement.

(c)The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself adversely affect the right of the Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that the Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that the Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

10.Remedies of the Indemnitee.

(a)In the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 9 of this Agreement that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement of Expenses is not timely made pursuant to Section 8 of this Agreement, (iii) the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 9(b) of this Agreement and such determination shall not have been made and delivered in a written opinion within 90 days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Section 5 of this Agreement within 10 days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, or (v) payment of indemnification is not made within 10 days after a determination has been made that the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification or such determination is deemed to have been made pursuant to Section 9 or 10 of this Agreement, the Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication in an appropriate court of the State of Delaware, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, of his entitlement to such indemnification or advancement or reimbursement of Expenses.  The Indemnitee shall commence such proceeding seeking an adjudication within 180 days following the date on which the Indemnitee first has the right to commence such proceeding pursuant to this Section 10(a).

(b)In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 9 of this Agreement that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 10 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial on the merits and the Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination.  If a Change of Control shall have occurred, in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 10, the Company shall have the burden of proving the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement or reimbursement of Expenses, as the case may be.

(c)If a determination shall have been made or deemed to have been made pursuant to Section 8 or 9 of this Agreement that the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 10, absent (i) a misstatement by the Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make the Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

(d)The Company shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 10 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement.

(e)In the event that the Indemnitee, pursuant to this Section 10, seeks a judicial adjudication to enforce his rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Agreement, the Indemnitee shall be entitled to recover from the Company, and shall be 

indemnified by the Company against, any and all Expenses (of the types described in the definition of Expenses in Section 1 of this Agreement) actually and reasonably incurred by him in such judicial adjudication, but only if he prevails therein.  If it shall be determined in said judicial adjudication that the Indemnitee is entitled to receive part but not all of the indemnification or advancement of Expenses sought, the Expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with such judicial adjudication shall be appropriately prorated.

11.Non-Exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Subrogation.

(a)The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement of Expenses as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which the Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Articles of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of shareholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise.  No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or any provision hereof shall be effective as to any Indemnitee with respect to any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in his Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal.

(b)To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, officers, employees, agents or fiduciaries of the Company or of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise which such person serves at the request of the Company, the Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, employee or agent under such policy or policies.

(c)In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of the Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.

(d)The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment of amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder if and to the extent that the Indemnitee has otherwise actually received such payment under any insurance policy, contract, agreement or otherwise.

(e)The Company may, to the full extent authorized by law, create a trust fund, grant a security interest and/or use other means (including, without limitation, letters of credit, surety bonds and other similar arrangements) to ensure the payment of such amounts as may become necessary to effect indemnification provided hereunder.

12.Duration of Agreement.  This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the later of:  (a) six years after the date that the Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company or of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise which the Indemnitee 

served at the request of the Company; or (b) the final termination of all pending Proceedings in respect of which the Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement or reimbursement of Expenses hereunder and of any proceeding commenced by the Indemnitee pursuant to Section 11 of this Agreement relating thereto.  

13.Exceptions to Indemnification Rights.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, except for Indemnification or advancement of Expenses in a Proceeding to enforce or claim therein to enforce the provisions of that Agreement, the Indemnitee shall not be entitled to Indemnification or advancement of Expenses with respect to any Proceeding, or any claim therein, brought or made by him against the Company or the Company against the Indemnitee; except as provided in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation.  Provided further that no right of indemnification under the provisions set forth herein shall be available to the Indemnitee unless within 15 days after the later of (i) the filing of or (ii) learning of any such Proceeding he shall have offered the Company in writing the opportunity to handle and defend such Proceeding at its own expense.

14.Gender.  Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate.

15.Successors.  Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective legal representatives, successors and assigns.

16.Severability.  In the event any parts of this Agreement are found to be void, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless be binding with the same effect as though the void parts were deleted.

17.Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  The execution of this Agreement may be by actual or facsimile signature.

18.Benefit.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their legal representatives, successors and assigns.

19.Notices and Addresses.  All notices, offers, acceptance and any other acts under this Agreement (except payment) shall be in writing, and shall be sufficiently given if delivered to the addressee in person, by Federal Express or similar receipted delivery, or by email delivery as follows:

The Company:                    Aspen Group, Inc.
276 Fifth Avenue 
New York, NY 10001
                        Attention: Mr. Michael Mathews
                        Email: ____________________

with a copy to:                    Michael D. Harris, Esq.
                        Nason, Yeager, Gerson, Harris & Fumero, P.A.
                        3001 PGA Boulevard, Suite 305
                        Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
                        Email: ____________________

To the Indemnitee:                Robert Alessi
____________________
____________________
Email: ______________

With a copy to:                

or to such other address as either of them, by notice to the other may designate from time to time.  Time shall be counted to, or from, as the case may be, the delivery in person or by mailing.

20.Attorneys’ Fees.  In the event that there is any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or to the interpretation, breach or enforcement thereof, and any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement is filed, the prevailing party shall be entitled to an award by the court of reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses.

21.Oral Evidence.  This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior oral and written agreements between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.  Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally, except by a statement in writing signed by the party or parties against which enforcement or the change, waiver discharge or termination is sought.

22.Governing Law.  This Agreement and any dispute, disagreement, or issue of construction or interpretation arising hereunder whether relating to its execution, its validity, the obligations provided herein or performance shall be governed or interpreted according to the internal laws of the State of Delaware without regard to choice of law considerations.  

23.Arbitration.  Any controversy, dispute or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or its interpretation, application, implementation, breach or enforcement which the parties are unable to resolve by mutual agreement, shall be settled by submission by either party of the controversy, claim or dispute to binding arbitration in New York County, New York (unless the parties agree in writing to a different location), before a single arbitrator in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect.  In any such arbitration proceeding the parties agree to provide all discovery deemed necessary by the arbitrator.  The decision and award made by the arbitrator shall be final, binding and conclusive on all parties hereto for all purposes, and judgment may be entered thereon in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
    

24.Section or Paragraph Headings.  Section headings herein have been inserted for reference only and shall not be deemed to limit or otherwise affect, in any matter, or be deemed to interpret in whole or in part any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement.

[Signature Page To Follow]

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the day and year indicated below.

                            ASPEN GROUP, INC.

                            By:                         
Date                                Michael Mathews
                                Chief Executive Officer

                            INDEMNITEE:

                            By:                        
Date                                Robert AlessiDocument

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PURCHASE AGREEMENT
March 11, 2021
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC
      As Representative of the Initial Purchasers
383 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10179
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Introductory.  Tempur Sealy International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), proposes to issue and sell to J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (“J.P. Morgan”) and the other several Initial Purchasers named in Schedule A (the “Initial Purchasers”), acting severally and not jointly, the respective amounts set forth in such Schedule A of $800,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 4.000% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “Notes”).  J.P. Morgan has agreed to act as the representative of the several Initial Purchasers (the “Representative”) in connection with the offering and sale of the Notes.
The Securities (as defined below) will be issued pursuant to an indenture, to be dated as of the Closing Date (as defined in Section 2 hereof) (the “Indenture”), among the Company, the Guarantors (as defined below) and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”).  Notes will be issued only in book-entry form in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of The Depository Trust Company (the “Depositary”).
The payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis, jointly and severally by (i) the entities listed on Schedule B hereof as “Guarantors” on the Closing Date (as defined below) and (ii) any Subsidiary (as defined below) of the Company formed or acquired after the Closing Date that executes an additional guarantee in accordance with the terms of the Indenture (collectively, (i) and (ii) and their respective successors and assigns, being referred to herein as the “Guarantors”), pursuant to their guarantees (the “Guarantees”).  The Notes and the Guarantees are herein collectively referred to as the “Securities.”
The (i) issuance and sale of the Notes, (ii) issuance of the Guarantees, (iii) execution of the Indenture, (iv) use of the proceeds from the issuance of the Securities in accordance with “Use of Proceeds” as described in the Offering Memorandum and (v) payment of all related fees and expenses are referred to herein collectively as the “Transactions.”
This Agreement, the Securities and the Indenture are referred to herein collectively as the “Transaction Documents.”
For purposes of this Agreement, “Subsidiary” means, in respect of any person, any corporation, company (including any limited liability company), association, partnership, joint venture or other business entity of which a majority of the total voting power of all classes of capital stock or other interests (including partnership interests) of that person then outstanding 
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and normally entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by (i) that person, (ii) that person and one or more Subsidiaries of that person, or (iii) one or more Subsidiaries of that person. 
The Company understands that the Initial Purchasers propose to make an offering of the Securities on the terms and in the manner set forth herein and in the Pricing Disclosure Package and agrees that the Initial Purchasers may resell, subject to the conditions set forth herein, all or a portion of the Securities to purchasers (the “Subsequent Purchasers”) on the terms set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package (the first time when sales of the Securities are made is referred to as the “Time of Sale”).  The Securities are to be offered and sold to or through the Initial Purchasers without being registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act of 1933 (as amended, the “Securities Act,” which term, as used herein, includes the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder), in reliance upon exemptions therefrom.  Pursuant to the terms of the Securities and the Indenture, investors who acquire Securities shall be deemed to have agreed that Securities may only be resold or otherwise transferred, after the date hereof, if such Securities are registered for sale under the Securities Act or if an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act is available (including the exemptions afforded by Rule 144A under the Securities Act (“Rule 144A”) or Regulation S under the Securities Act (“Regulation S”)).
The Company has prepared and delivered to each Initial Purchaser copies of a Preliminary Offering Memorandum, dated March 11, 2021 (the “Preliminary Offering Memorandum”), and has prepared and delivered to each Initial Purchaser copies of a Pricing Supplement, dated March 11, 2021 (the “Pricing Supplement”), describing the terms of the Securities, each for use by such Initial Purchaser in connection with its solicitation of offers to purchase the Securities.  The Preliminary Offering Memorandum and the Pricing Supplement, attached as Exhibit B, are herein referred to as the “Pricing Disclosure Package”.  Promptly after this Agreement is executed and delivered, the Company will prepare and deliver to each Initial Purchaser a final offering memorandum dated the date hereof (the “Final Offering Memorandum”).
All references herein to the terms “Pricing Disclosure Package” and “Final Offering Memorandum” shall be deemed to mean and include all information filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended, the “Exchange Act,” which term, as used herein, includes the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder) prior to the Time of Sale and specifically incorporated by reference in the Pricing Disclosure Package (including the Preliminary Offering Memorandum) or the Final Offering Memorandum (as the case may be), and all references herein to the terms “amend,” “amendment” or “supplement” with respect to the Final Offering Memorandum shall be deemed to mean and include all information filed under the Exchange Act after the Time of Sale and incorporated by reference in the Final Offering Memorandum.
The Company and the Guarantors hereby confirm their agreements with the Initial Purchasers as follows:
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SECTION 1.    Representations and Warranties.  Each of the Company and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, hereby represents, warrants and covenants to each Initial Purchaser that, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date (references in this Section 1 to the “Offering Memorandum” are to (x) the Pricing Disclosure Package in the case of representations and warranties made as of the date hereof and (y) the Final Offering Memorandum in the case of representations and warranties made as of the Closing Date, including, in each case, the information incorporated by reference therein):
(a)    No Registration Required.  Subject to compliance by the Initial Purchasers with the representations and warranties set forth in Section 2 hereof and with the procedures set forth in Section 7 hereof, it is not necessary in connection with the offer, sale and delivery of the Securities to the Initial Purchasers and to each Subsequent Purchaser in the manner contemplated by this Agreement and the Offering Memorandum to register the Securities under the Securities Act or to qualify the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act,” which term, as used herein, includes the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder).
(b)    No Integration of Offerings or General Solicitation.  None of the Company, its affiliates (as such term is defined in Rule 501 under the Securities Act) (each, an “Affiliate”), or any person acting on its or any of their behalf (other than the Initial Purchasers, as to whom the Company makes no representation or warranty) has, directly or indirectly, solicited any offer to buy or offered to sell, or will, directly or indirectly, solicit any offer to buy or offer to sell, in the United States or to any United States citizen or resident, any security which is or would be integrated with the sale of the Securities in a manner that would require the Securities to be registered under the Securities Act.  None of the Company, its Affiliates, or any person acting on its or any of their behalf (other than the Initial Purchasers, as to whom the Company makes no representation or warranty) has engaged or will engage, in connection with the offering of the Securities, in any form of general solicitation or general advertising within the meaning of Rule 502 under the Securities Act or in any manner involving a public offering within the meaning of Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.  With respect to those Securities sold in reliance upon Regulation S, (i) none of the Company, its Affiliates or any person acting on its or their behalf (other than the Initial Purchasers, as to whom the Company makes no representation or warranty) has engaged or will engage in any directed selling efforts within the meaning of Regulation S and (ii) each of the Company and its Affiliates and any person acting on its or their behalf (other than the Initial Purchasers, as to whom the Company makes no representation or warranty) has complied and will comply with the offering restrictions set forth in Regulation S.
(c)    Eligibility for Resale under Rule 144A.  When issued on the Closing Date, the Securities will be eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A and will not be, at the Closing Date, of the same class as securities listed on a national securities exchange registered under Section 6 of the Exchange Act or quoted in a U.S. automated interdealer quotation system.
(d)    The Pricing Disclosure Package and Offering Memorandum.  Neither the Pricing Disclosure Package, as of the Time of Sale, nor the Final Offering Memorandum, as of its date or (as amended or supplemented in accordance with Section 3(a), as applicable) as of the 
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Closing Date, contains or represents an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that this representation, warranty and agreement shall not apply to statements in or omissions from the Pricing Disclosure Package, the Final Offering Memorandum or any amendment or supplement thereto made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any Initial Purchaser furnished to the Company in writing by such Initial Purchaser through the Representative expressly for use in the Pricing Disclosure Package, the Final Offering Memorandum or any amendment or supplement thereto, as the case may be.  The Pricing Disclosure Package contains, and the Final Offering Memorandum will contain, all the information specified in, and meeting the requirements of, Rule 144A.  The Company has not distributed and will not distribute, prior to the later of the Closing Date and the completion of the Initial Purchasers’ distribution of the Securities, any offering material in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities other than the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Final Offering Memorandum.
(e)    Company Additional Written Communications.  The Company has not prepared, made, used, authorized, approved or distributed and will not prepare, make, use, authorize, approve or distribute any written communication that constitutes an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy the Securities other than (i) the Pricing Disclosure Package, (ii) the Final Offering Memorandum and (iii) any electronic road show or other written communications, in each case used in accordance with Section 3(a).  Each such communication by the Company or its agents and representatives pursuant to clause (iii) of the preceding sentence (each, a “Company Additional Written Communication”), when taken together with the Pricing Disclosure Package, did not as of the Time of Sale, and at the Closing Date will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that this representation, warranty and agreement shall not apply to statements in or omissions from each such Company Additional Written Communication made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any Initial Purchaser furnished to the Company in writing by such Initial Purchaser through the Representative expressly for use in any Company Additional Written Communication.
(f)    Incorporated Documents.  The documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Offering Memorandum at the time they were or hereafter are filed with the Commission (collectively, the “Incorporated Documents”) complied and will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.  Each such Incorporated Document, when taken together with the Pricing Disclosure Package, did not as of the Time of Sale, and at the Closing Date will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(g)    The Purchase Agreement.  This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and the Guarantors.  
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(h)    Authorization of the Notes.  The Notes to be purchased by the Initial Purchasers from the Company will on the Closing Date be in the form contemplated by the Indenture, have been duly authorized for issuance and sale pursuant to this Agreement and the Indenture and, at the Closing Date, will have been duly executed by the Company and, when authenticated in the manner provided for in the Indenture and delivered against payment of the purchase price therefor, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except as the enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws relating to or affecting the rights and remedies of creditors or by general equitable principles and will be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture.  
(i)    Authorization of the Indenture.  The Indenture (including the Guarantees) has been duly authorized by the Company and the Guarantors.  On the Closing Date, the Indenture (including the Guarantees) will have been duly executed and delivered by the Company and the Guarantors and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery thereof by the Trustee, will constitute a valid and binding agreement of the Company and the Guarantors, enforceable against each of the Company and Guarantors in accordance with its terms, except as the enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws relating to or affecting the rights and remedies of creditors or by general equitable principles.
(j)    Description of the Transaction Documents.  The Transaction Documents will conform in all material respects to the respective statements relating thereto contained in the Offering Memorandum.
(k)    No Material Adverse Change.  Except as otherwise disclosed in the Offering Memorandum (exclusive of any amendment or supplement thereto), since the date of the most recent financial statements of the Company included or incorporated by reference into each of the Offering Memorandum (exclusive of any amendment or supplement thereto): (i) there has been no material adverse change, or any development that could reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business, operations or prospects, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, of the Company and its Subsidiaries, considered as one entity (any such change is called a “Material Adverse Change”); (ii) the Company and its Subsidiaries, considered as one entity, have not incurred any material liability or obligation, indirect, direct or contingent, not in the ordinary course of business nor entered into any material transaction or agreement not in the ordinary course of business; and (iii) there has been no dividend or distribution of any kind declared, paid or made by the Company or, except for dividends paid to the Company or other Subsidiaries, any of its Subsidiaries on any class of capital stock or repurchase or redemption by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of any class of capital stock.
(l)    Independent Accountants.  Ernst & Young LLP, which expressed its opinion with respect to the Company’s financial statements (which term as used in this Agreement includes the related notes thereto) and supporting schedule filed with the Commission and incorporated by reference in the Offering Memorandum is an independent registered public 
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accounting firm within the meaning of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the rules of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, and any non-audit services provided by Ernst & Young LLP to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries have been approved by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company. 
(m)    Preparation of the Financial Statements.  The financial statements, together with the related schedules and notes, included or incorporated by reference in the Offering Memorandum present fairly in all material respects the consolidated financial position of the entities to which they relate as of and at the dates indicated and the results of their operations and cash flows for the periods specified.  Such financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles as applied in the United States (“GAAP”) applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved, except as may be expressly stated in the related notes thereto.  The financial data set forth in the Offering Memorandum under the caption “Summary Financial Information” fairly present in all material respects the information set forth therein on a basis consistent with that of the audited financial statements contained in the Offering Memorandum.  The statistical and market related data and forward looking statements included in the Offering Memorandum are based on or derived from sources that the Company believes to be reliable and the Company believes such data is accurate in all material respects and represents its good faith estimates that are made on the basis of data derived from such sources. The interactive data in eXtensible Business Reporting Language included or incorporated by reference in the Offering Memorandum fairly present the information called for in all material respects and have been prepared in accordance with the Commission’s rules and guidelines applicable thereto.
(n)    Incorporation and Good Standing of the Company and its Subsidiaries.  Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has been duly incorporated or formed, as applicable, and is validly existing as a corporation or limited liability company, as applicable, in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or formation, as applicable, and has corporate, partnership or limited liability company, as applicable, power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Offering Memorandum and, in the case of the Company and the Guarantors, to enter into and perform its obligations under each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party.  Each of the Company and each Subsidiary is duly qualified as a foreign corporation or limited liability company, as applicable, to transact business and is in good standing or equivalent status in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is required, whether by reason of the ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of business, except for such jurisdictions where the failure to so qualify or to be in good standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Change.  All of the issued and outstanding capital stock or other ownership interest of each Subsidiary has been duly authorized and validly issued, is fully paid and non-assessable and is owned by the Company directly or through Subsidiaries, free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance or claim, except as disclosed in the Offering Memorandum.  The Company does not own or control, directly or indirectly, a majority of the total voting power of any corporation, association or other entity other than (i) the Subsidiaries listed in Exhibit 21.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and (ii) the Subsidiaries that, when considered in the aggregate as 
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a single subsidiary, would not constitute a “significant subsidiary” under Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act as of the end of the year covered by such Annual Report.
(o)    Capitalization.  At December 31, 2020, on a consolidated basis, after giving effect to the Transactions, the Company would have an authorized and outstanding capitalization as set forth in the Offering Memorandum under the caption “Capitalization” (other than for subsequent issuances of capital stock, if any, pursuant to employee benefit plans described in the Offering Memorandum or upon exercise of outstanding options described in the Offering Memorandum).  
(p)    Non-Contravention of Existing Instruments; No Further Authorizations or Approvals Required.  Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is (i) in violation of its charter, bylaws or other constitutive document, (ii) in default (or, with the giving of notice or lapse of time, would be in default) (“Default”) under any indenture, mortgage, loan or credit agreement, note, contract, franchise, lease or other instrument to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of them may be bound (including, without limitation, (a) the Company’s Indenture dated as of May 24, 2016, among the Company, certain Subsidiaries of the Company as guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, as amended and (b) the Company’s Credit Agreement, dated as of October 16, 2019, among the Company, the additional borrowers party thereto, the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, as amended (the “Credit Agreement”), or to which any of the property or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is subject (each, an “Existing Instrument”) or (iii) in any violation of any law, administrative regulation or administrative or court decree applicable to the Company or any Subsidiary, except, in the case of clause (ii) or (iii) above, for such Defaults as would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Change and as would not materially adversely affect the transactions contemplated hereby.  The execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents by the Company and the Guarantors party thereto, and the issuance and delivery of the Securities, and consummation of the Transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and by the Offering Memorandum (i) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and will not result in any violation of the provisions of the charter, bylaws or other constitutive document of the Company or any Subsidiary, (ii) will not conflict with or constitute a breach of, or Default or a Debt Repayment Triggering Event (as defined below) under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to, or require the consent of any other party to, any Existing Instrument, and (iii) will not result in any violation of any law, administrative regulation or administrative or court decree applicable to the Company or any Subsidiary, except, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) of this sentence, for such conflicts, breaches, Defaults, Debt Repayment Triggering Events, liens, charges, encumbrances or violations as would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Change.  Assuming the Initial Purchasers observe the procedures set forth in Section 7 herein, no consent, approval, authorization or other order of, or registration or filing with, any court or other governmental or regulatory authority or agency is required for the execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents by the Company and the Guarantors to the extent a party thereto, or the issuance and delivery of the 
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Securities, or consummation of the Transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and by the Offering Memorandum, except such as have been obtained or made by the Company and are in full force and effect under the Securities Act, applicable securities laws of the several states of the United States or provinces of Canada.  As used herein, a “Debt Repayment Triggering Event” means any event or condition which gives, or with the giving of notice or lapse of time would give, the holder of any note, debenture or other evidence of indebtedness (or any person acting on such holder’s behalf) the right to require the repurchase, redemption or repayment of all or a portion of such indebtedness by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(q)    No Material Actions or Proceedings.  Except as otherwise disclosed in the Offering Memorandum, there are no legal or governmental actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened (i) against or involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) which has as the subject thereof any property owned or leased by, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and any such action, suit or proceeding, if determined adversely to the Company or such Subsidiary, that would result in a Material Adverse Change or adversely affect the consummation of the Transactions.  No material labor dispute with the employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries exists or, to the Company’s knowledge, is threatened or imminent.  To the Company’s or any Guarantor’s knowledge, no material labor dispute with the employees of any principal supplier of the Company exists or is threatened or imminent.
(r)    Intellectual Property Rights.  The Company and its Subsidiaries own or possess or have the right to use on reasonable terms all trademarks, trade names, patent rights, copyrights, licenses, approvals, trade secrets and other intellectual property, proprietary and similar rights (collectively, “Intellectual Property Rights”) necessary to conduct their respective businesses as now conducted, as described in the Offering Memorandum, except where the failure to own or possess or have the right to use the same would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Change; and the expected expiration of any of such Intellectual Property Rights would not result in a Material Adverse Change.  Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice of infringement or conflict with, any asserted Intellectual Property Rights of others, which infringement, misappropriation, violation, or conflict, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, would result in a Material Adverse Change. Except as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Change, to the Company’s knowledge, (i) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating any Intellectual Property Rights of any third party, and (ii) no third party is infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating any Intellectual Property Rights owned or purported to be owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.  
(s)    IT Systems.  The Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ respective information technol-ogy, equipment, computers, systems, networks, hardware, software, websites, applications, and databases, including any and all data (including all personal, personally identifiable, sensitive, confidential or regulated data (“Personal Data”)) and information stored thereon or transmitted thereby (collectively, “IT Systems”) are adequate for, and operate and perform in all material re-spects as required in connection with, the operation of their respective 
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businesses as now con-ducted, as described in the Offering Memorandum, free and clear in each case of all bugs, errors, defects, Trojan horses, time bombs, malware and other corruptants, except for any such corruptants that would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Mate-rial Adverse Change.  The Company and its Subsidiaries have implemented and maintained commercially reasonable controls, policies, procedures and safeguards to maintain and protect their material confidential information and the integrity, continuous operation, redundancy and security of the IT Systems, and there has been no security breach, malfunction, or other security compromise of or relating to any of the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ IT Systems or Personal Data (including any unauthorized disclosure, use or loss of, or access to, the same), except for those that have been fully remedied without material cost or liability or the duty to notify any other person or entity, nor any incidents under internal review or investigations relating to the same. 
(t)    Data Privacy.  The Company and its Subsidiaries currently comply in all material respects with all applicable laws, regulations, rules, judgments, orders, internal and external-facing policies and contractual obligations (“Privacy Legal Obligations”) relating to the privacy and security of IT Systems and Personal Data (including the receipt, collection, processing, sharing, transfer, usage, import, export, disclosure, storage and disposal thereof) and to the protection of such IT Systems and Personal Data from unauthorized use, access, disclosure, misappropriation or modification.  Except as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Change, (i) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries have received any notification of or complaint regarding, or is aware of any other facts that would reasonably indicate, non-compliance with any Privacy Legal Obligation, and (ii) there is no pending, or to the Company’s knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body alleging non-compliance by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with any Privacy Legal Obligation.
(u)    All Necessary Permits, etc.  The Company and each Subsidiary possess such valid and current certificates, authorizations or permits issued by the appropriate state, federal or foreign regulatory agencies or bodies necessary to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct their respective businesses, except where the failure so to possess would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Change, and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of, or non-compliance with, any such certificate, authorization or permit which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would result in a Material Adverse Change.
(v)    Title to Properties.  The Company and each of its Subsidiaries has good and marketable title to all the properties and assets reflected as owned in the financial statements referred to in Section 1(m) hereof, in each case free and clear of any security interests, mortgages, liens, encumbrances, equities, claims and other defects, except as disclosed in the Offering Memorandum and except such as do not materially and adversely affect the value of such property and do not materially interfere with the use made or proposed to be made of such property by the Company or such Subsidiary.  The real property, improvements, equipment and personal property held under lease by the Company or any Subsidiary are held under valid and 
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enforceable leases, with such exceptions as are not material and do not materially interfere with the use made or proposed to be made of such real property, improvements, equipment or personal property by the Company or such Subsidiary.
(w)    Tax Law Compliance.  Except as otherwise disclosed in the Offering Memorandum, the Company and its Subsidiaries have filed all necessary federal, state and foreign income and franchise tax returns and have paid all taxes required to be paid by any of them and, if due and payable, any related or similar assessment, fine or penalty levied against any of them except as may be being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and except for such taxes, assessments, fines or penalties the nonpayment of which would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Change.  The Company has made adequate charges, accruals and reserves in accordance with GAAP in the applicable financial statements referred to in Section 1(m) hereof in respect of all federal, state and foreign income and franchise taxes for all periods as to which the tax liability of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has not been finally determined. 
(x)    Company and Guarantors Not an “Investment Company”.  The Company has been advised of the rules and requirements under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act,” which term, as used herein, includes the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder).  Neither the Company nor any Guarantor is, or after receipt of payment for the Securities will be, an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act, and the Company and the Guarantors will each conduct its business in a manner so that it will not become subject to the Investment Company Act.
(y)    Insurance.  Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries is insured by recognized, financially sound institutions with policies in such amounts and with such deductibles and covering such risks as are generally deemed adequate and customary for their businesses including, without limitation, policies covering real and personal property owned or leased by the Company and its Subsidiaries against theft, damage, destruction, acts of vandalism, flood and earthquakes.  The Company has no reason to believe that it or any Subsidiary will not be able (i) to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such policies expire or (ii) to obtain comparable coverage from similar institutions as may be necessary or appropriate to conduct its business as now conducted and at a cost that would not result in a Material Adverse Change.  In the past five years, neither of the Company nor any Subsidiary has been denied any insurance coverage which it has sought or for which it has applied that, individually or in the aggregate, would result in a Material Adverse Change.
(z)    No Price Stabilization or Manipulation.  None of the Company or any of the Guarantors has taken and will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that might be reasonably expected to cause or result in stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities.
(aa)    Solvency.  The Company and the Guarantors, taken as a whole, are, and immediately after the Closing Date will be, Solvent.  As used herein, the term “Solvent” means, with respect to any person on a particular date, that on such date (i) the fair market value of the 
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assets of such person is greater than the total amount of liabilities (including contingent liabilities) of such person, (ii) the present fair salable value of the assets of such person is greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liabilities of such person on its debts as they become absolute and matured, (iii) such person is able to realize upon its assets and pay its debts and other liabilities, including contingent obligations, as they mature and (iv) such person does not have unreasonably small capital.
(bb)    Compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley.  The Company and its Subsidiaries and their respective officers and directors are in compliance in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act,” which term, as used herein, includes the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder).
(cc)    Company’s Accounting System.  The Company and its Subsidiaries maintain a system of accounting controls that is in compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and is sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that: (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain accountability for assets; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences; and (v) interactive data in eXtensible Business Reporting Language included or incorporated by reference in the Offering Memorandum is prepared in accordance with the Commission’s rules and guidelines applicable thereto.  .
(dd)    Disclosure Controls and Procedures.  The Company has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act); such disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that material information relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries is made known to the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of the Company by others within the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and such disclosure controls and procedures are reasonably effective to perform the functions for which they were established subject to the limitations of any such control system; the Company’s auditors and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company have been advised of: (i) any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial data; and (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a role in the Company’s internal controls; and since the date of the most recent evaluation of such disclosure controls and procedures, there have been no significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
(ee)    Regulations T, U, X.  Neither the Company nor any Guarantor nor any of their respective Subsidiaries nor any agent thereof acting on their behalf has taken, and none of them will take, any action that might cause this Agreement or the issuance or sale of the Securities to 
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violate Regulation T, Regulation U or Regulation X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
(ff)    Compliance with and Liability Under Environmental Laws.  Except as otherwise disclosed in the Offering Memorandum or as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change: (i) each of the Company and its Subsidiaries and their respective operations and facilities are in compliance with, and not subject to any known liabilities under, applicable Environmental Laws, which compliance includes, without limitation, having obtained and being in compliance with any permits, licenses or other governmental authorizations or approvals, and having made all filings and provided all financial assurances and notices, required for the ownership and operation of the business, properties and facilities of the Company or its Subsidiaries under applicable Environmental Laws, and compliance with the terms and conditions thereof; (ii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written communication from a governmental authority, citizens group, employee or otherwise that alleges that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of any Environmental Law; (iii) there is no claim, action or cause of action filed with a court or governmental authority, no investigation with respect to which the Company has received written notice, and no written notice by any person, entity or governmental authority alleging actual or potential liability on the part of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries based on or pursuant to any Environmental Law pending or, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, threatened against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any person or entity whose liability under or pursuant to any Environmental Law the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has retained or assumed either contractually or by operation of law; (iv) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is conducting or paying for, in whole or in part, any investigation, response or other corrective action pursuant to any Environmental Law at any site or facility, nor is any of them subject or a party to any order, judgment, decree, contract or agreement which imposes any obligation or liability under any Environmental Law; (v) no lien, charge, encumbrance or restriction has been recorded pursuant to any Environmental Law with respect to any assets, facility or property owned, operated or leased by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; and (vi) there are no past or present actions, activities, circumstances, conditions or occurrences, including, without limitation, the Release or threatened Release of any Material of Environmental Concern, that could reasonably be expected to result in a violation of or liability under any Environmental Law on the part of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including without limitation, any such liability which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has retained or assumed either contractually or by operation of law.
For purposes of this Agreement, “Environment” means ambient air, indoor air, surface water, groundwater, drinking water, soil, surface and subsurface strata, and natural resources such as wetlands, flora and fauna. “Environmental Laws” means the common law and all federal, state, local and foreign laws or regulations, ordinances, codes, orders, decrees, judgments and injunctions issued, promulgated or entered thereunder, relating to pollution or protection of the Environment or human health, including without limitation, those relating to (i) the Release or threatened Release of Materials of Environmental Concern; and (ii) the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, generation, treatment, storage, transport, handling or recycling of Materials of Environmental Concern.  “Materials of Environmental Concern” means any 
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substance, material, pollutant, contaminant, chemical, waste, compound, or constituent, in any form, including without limitation, petroleum and petroleum products, subject to regulation or which can give rise to liability under any Environmental Law.  “Release” means any release, spill, emission, discharge, deposit, disposal, leaking, pumping, pouring, dumping, emptying, injection or leaching into the Environment, or into, from or through any building, structure or facility.
(gg)    Periodic Review of Costs of Environmental Compliance.  In the ordinary course of its business, the Company conducts a periodic review of the effect of Environmental Laws on the business, operations and properties of the Company and its Subsidiaries, in the course of which it identifies and evaluates associated costs and liabilities (including, without limitation, any capital or operating expenditures required for clean-up, closure of properties or compliance with Environmental Laws or any permit, license or approval, any related constraints on operating activities and any potential liabilities to third parties).  On the basis of such review and the amount of its established reserves, the Company has reasonably concluded that such associated costs and liabilities would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Change. 
(hh)    ERISA Compliance.  Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Change, (i) the Company and its Subsidiaries and any “employee benefit plan” (as defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (as amended, “ERISA,” which term, as used herein, includes the regulations and published interpretations thereunder)) established or maintained by the Company, its Subsidiaries or their ERISA Affiliates (as defined below) are in compliance in all respects with ERISA and, to the knowledge of the Company, each “multiemployer plan” (as defined in Section 4001 of ERISA) to which the Company, its Subsidiaries or an ERISA Affiliate contributes (a “Multiemployer Plan”) is in compliance in all respects with ERISA; (ii) no “reportable event” (as defined under ERISA) has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur with respect to any “employee benefit plan” established or maintained by the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of their ERISA Affiliates; (iii) no “single employer plan” (as defined in Section 4001 of ERISA) established or maintained by the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of their ERISA Affiliates, if such “employee benefit plan” were terminated, would have any “amount of unfunded benefit liabilities” (as defined under ERISA); (iv) neither the Company, its Subsidiaries nor any of their ERISA Affiliates has incurred or reasonably expects to incur any liability under (x) Title IV of ERISA with respect to termination of, or withdrawal from, any “employee benefit plan” or (y) Sections 412, 4971, 4975 or 4980B of the Code; and (v) each “employee benefit plan” established or maintained by the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of their ERISA Affiliates that is intended to be qualified under Section 401 of the Code is so qualified and nothing has occurred, whether by action or failure to act, which would cause the loss of such qualification.  For purposes hereof, “ERISA Affiliate” means, with respect to the Company or a Subsidiary, any member of any group of organizations described in Section 414 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as amended, the “Code,” which term, as used herein, includes the regulations and published interpretations thereunder) of which the Company or such Subsidiary is a member.
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(ii)    Compliance with Labor Laws.  Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Change, (i) there is (A) no unfair labor practice complaint pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries before the National Labor Relations Board, and no grievance or arbitration proceeding arising out of or under collective bargaining agreements pending, or to the Company’s knowledge, threatened, against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (B) no strike, labor dispute, slowdown or stoppage pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and (C) no union representation question existing with respect to the employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and, to the Company’s knowledge, no union organizing activities taking place and (ii) there has been no violation of any federal, state or local law relating to discrimination in hiring, promotion or pay of employees or of any applicable wage or hour laws.
(jj)    Related Party Transactions.  No relationship, direct or indirect, exists between or among any of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company, on the one hand, and any director, officer, member, stockholder, customer or supplier of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company, on the other hand, which is required by the Securities Act to be disclosed in a registration statement on Form S-1 which is not so disclosed in the Offering Memorandum.  There are no outstanding loans, advances (except advances for business expenses in the ordinary course of business) or guarantees of indebtedness by the Company or any Affiliate of the Company to or for the benefit of any of the officers or directors of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company or any of their respective family members.
(kk)    No Unlawful Contributions or Other Payments.  Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of the Company or any Guarantor, any director, officer, agent, employee or Affiliate of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is aware of or has (i) used any corporate funds for any unlawful contribution, gift, entertainment or other unlawful expense relating to political activity; (ii) made or taken an act in furtherance of an offer, promise or authorization of any direct or indirect unlawful payment or benefit to any foreign or domestic government official or employee , including of any government-owned or controlled entity or of a public international organization, or any person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of any of the foregoing, or any political party or party official or candidate for political office; (iii) taken any action, directly or indirectly, that has resulted or would result in a violation by such persons of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended (the “FCPA”), or any applicable law or regulation implementing the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, or committed an offence under the Bribery Act 2010 of the United Kingdom, or any other applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption law, including, without limitation, making use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of inter-state commerce corruptly in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay or authorization of the payment of any money, or other property, gift, promise to give, or authorization of the giving of anything of value to any “foreign official” (as such term is defined in the FCPA) or any foreign political party or official thereof or any candidate for foreign political office, in contravention of the FCPA or taken an act in furtherance of any unlawful bribe or other unlawful benefit, including, without limitation, any  rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other unlawful or improper payment or benefit in violation of applicable anti-bribery 
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or anti-corruption laws; and the Company, its Subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of the Company, its Affiliates have con-ducted their businesses in compliance with the applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws and have instituted, maintain and enforce policies and procedures designed to ensure, and which are reasonably expected to continue to ensure, continued compliance therewith.
(ll)    No Conflict with Money Laundering Laws.  The operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in compliance in all material respects with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the money laundering statutes of all applicable jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar applicable rules, regulations or guidelines issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”) and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the best knowledge of the Company or any Guarantor, threatened.
(mm)    No Conflict with Sanctions Laws.  Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of the Company or any Guarantor, any director, officer, agent, employee or Affiliate of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is currently a person with whom dealings are prohibited or restricted under any sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S. government, (including, without limitation, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of State and including, without limitation, the designation as a “specially designated national” or “blocked person”), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, or Her Majesty’s Treasury or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, “Sanctions” and any such person, a “Sanctioned Person”), nor is the Company or any of its Subsidiaries located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject or target of comprehensive Sanctions, including Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria (each, a “Sanctioned Country”). The Company will not, directly or indirectly, use any of the proceeds of the offering contemplated by this Agreement, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person, (i) to fund or facilitate any activities of or business with any person that, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is the subject or target of Sanctions, (ii) to fund or facilitate any activities of or business in any Sanctioned Country, or (iii) in any other manner, in each if such would result in a violation by any person participating in the offering, whether as initial purchaser, underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise, of Sanctions. For the past five years, the Company and its subsidiaries have not knowingly engaged in, are not now knowingly engaged in any dealings or transactions with any person that at the time of the dealing or transaction is or was the subject of the target of Sanctions or with any Sanctioned Country.
(nn)    Regulation S.  The Company, the Guarantors and their respective Affiliates and all persons acting on their behalf (other than the Initial Purchasers, as to whom the Company and the Guarantors make no representation) have complied with and will comply with the offering restrictions requirements of Regulation S in connection with the offering of the Securities outside the United States and, in connection therewith, the Offering Memorandum will contain the 
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disclosure required by Rule 902.  The Company is a “reporting issuer,” as defined in Rule 902 under the Securities Act.
Any certificate signed by an officer of the Company or any Guarantor and delivered to the Initial Purchasers or to counsel for the Initial Purchasers shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the Company or such Guarantor to each Initial Purchaser as to the matters set forth therein.
SECTION 2.    Purchase, Sale and Delivery of the Securities.
(a)    The Securities.  Each of the Company and the Guarantors agrees to issue and sell to the Initial Purchasers, severally and not jointly, all of the Securities, and, subject to the conditions set forth herein, the Initial Purchasers agree, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company and the Guarantors the aggregate principal amount of Securities set forth opposite their names on Schedule A, at a purchase price of 99.00% of the principal amount thereof, payable on the Closing Date, on the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements herein contained, and upon the terms herein set forth.
(b)    The Closing Date.  Delivery of certificates for the Securities in global form to be purchased by the Initial Purchasers and payment therefor shall be made at the offices of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, 450 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10017 (or such other place as may be agreed to by the Company and the Representative) at 9:00 a.m. New York City time, on March 25, 2021, or such other time and date as the Representative shall designate by notice to the Company (the time and date of such closing are called the “Closing Date”).  The Company hereby acknowledges that circumstances under which the Representative may provide notice to postpone the Closing Date as originally scheduled include, but are in no way limited to, any determination by the Company or the Initial Purchasers to recirculate to investors copies of an amended or supplemented Offering Memorandum or a delay as contemplated by the provisions of Section 17 hereof.
(c)    Delivery of the Securities.  The Company shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Representative for the accounts of the several Initial Purchasers certificates for the Notes at the Closing Date against the irrevocable release of a wire transfer of immediately available funds for the amount of the purchase price therefor.  The certificates for the Notes shall be in such denominations and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of the Depositary, and shall be made available for inspection on the business day preceding the Closing Date at the offices of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, 450 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10017 (or such other place in New York City as the Representative may designate).  
(d)    Initial Purchasers as Qualified Institutional Buyers.  Each Initial Purchaser severally and not jointly represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Company that:
(i)     it will offer and sell Securities only to (a) persons who it reasonably believes are “qualified institutional buyers” within the meaning of Rule 144A (“Qualified Institutional Buyers”) in transactions meeting the requirements of Rule 144A or (b) upon the terms and conditions set forth in Annex I to this Agreement;
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(ii)    it is an institutional “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act; and
(iii)    it will not offer or sell Securities by any form of general solicitation or general advertising, including but not limited to the methods described in Rule 502(c) under the Securities Act.
SECTION 3.    Additional Covenants.  Each of the Company and the Guarantors further covenants and agrees with each Initial Purchaser as follows:
(a)    Preparation of Final Offering Memorandum; Initial Purchasers’ Review of Proposed Amendments and Supplements and Company Additional Written Communications.  As promptly as practicable following the Time of Sale and in any event not later than the second business day following the date hereof, the Company will prepare and deliver to the Initial Purchasers the Final Offering Memorandum, which shall consist of the Preliminary Offering Memorandum as modified only by the information contained in the Pricing Supplement.  The Company will not amend or supplement the Preliminary Offering Memorandum or the Pricing Supplement, other than in accordance with Section 3(b) below.  The Company will not amend or supplement the Final Offering Memorandum prior to the Closing Date unless the Representative shall previously have been furnished a copy of the proposed amendment or supplement at least two business days prior to the proposed use or filing, and shall not have objected to such amendment or supplement.  Before making, preparing, using, authorizing, approving or distributing any Company Additional Written Communication, the Company will furnish to the Representative a copy of such written communication for review and will not make, prepare, use, authorize, approve or distribute any such written communication to which the Representative reasonably objects.
(b)    Amendments and Supplements to the Final Offering Memorandum and Other Securities Act Matters.  If at any time prior to the Closing Date (i) any event shall occur or condition shall exist as a result of which any of the Pricing Disclosure Package as then amended or supplemented would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading or (ii) it is necessary to amend or supplement any of the Pricing Disclosure Package to comply with law, the Company and the Guarantors will, as promptly as possible, notify the Initial Purchasers thereof and forthwith prepare and (subject to Section 3(a) hereof) furnish to the Initial Purchasers such amendments or supplements to any of the Pricing Disclosure Package as may be necessary so that the statements in any of the Pricing Disclosure Package as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, be misleading or so that any of the Pricing Disclosure Package will comply with all applicable law.  If, prior to the completion of the placement of the Securities by the Initial Purchasers with the Subsequent Purchasers, any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Final Offering Memorandum, as then amended or supplemented, in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances when the Final Offering Memorandum is delivered to a Subsequent Purchaser, not misleading, or if in the reasonable judgment of the Representative or 
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counsel for the Initial Purchasers it is otherwise necessary to amend or supplement the Final Offering Memorandum to comply with law, the Company and the Guarantors agree to promptly prepare (subject to Section 3(a) hereof) and furnish at their own expense to the Initial Purchasers, amendments or supplements to the Final Offering Memorandum so that the statements in the Final Offering Memorandum as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances at the Closing Date and at the time of sale of the Securities, be misleading or so that the Final Offering Memorandum, as amended or supplemented, will comply with all applicable law.
The Company hereby expressly acknowledges that the indemnification and contribution provisions of Sections 8 and 9 hereof are specifically applicable and relate to each offering memorandum, amendment or supplement referred to in this Section 3.
(c)    Copies of the Offering Memorandum.  The Company agrees to furnish the Initial Purchasers, without charge, as many copies of the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Final Offering Memorandum and any amendments and supplements thereto as they shall reasonably request.
(d)    Blue Sky Compliance.  Each of the Company and the Guarantors shall cooperate with the Representative and counsel for the Initial Purchasers to qualify or register (or to obtain exemptions from qualifying or registering) all or any part of the Securities for offer and sale under the securities laws of the several states of the United States, the provinces of Canada or any other jurisdictions designated by the Representative, shall comply with such laws and shall continue such qualifications, registrations and exemptions in effect so long as required for the distribution of the Securities.  None of the Company or any of the Guarantors shall be required to qualify as a foreign corporation or to take any action that would subject it to general service of process in any such jurisdiction where it is not presently qualified or where it would be subject to taxation as a foreign corporation.  The Company will advise the Representative promptly of the suspension of the qualification or registration of (or any such exemption relating to) the Securities for offering, sale or trading in any jurisdiction or any initiation or threat of any proceeding for any such purpose, and in the event of the issuance of any order suspending such qualification, registration or exemption, each of the Company and the Guarantors shall use its best efforts to obtain the withdrawal thereof.
(e)    Use of Proceeds.  The Company shall apply the net proceeds from the sale of the Securities sold by it in the manner described under the caption “Use of Proceeds” in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Final Offering Memorandum.
(f)    The Depositary.  The Company will cooperate with the Initial Purchasers and use its best efforts to permit the Securities to be eligible for clearance and settlement through the facilities of the Depositary.
(g)    Additional Issuer Information.  Prior to the completion of the placement of the Securities by the Initial Purchasers with the Subsequent Purchasers, the Company shall file, on a timely basis, with the Commission and the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) all reports and documents required to be filed under Section 13 or 15 of the Exchange Act.  Additionally, at 
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any time when the Company is not subject to Section 13 or 15 of the Exchange Act, for the benefit of holders and beneficial owners from time to time of the Securities, the Company shall furnish, at its expense, upon request, to holders and beneficial owners of Securities and prospective purchasers of Securities information (“Additional Issuer Information”) satisfying the requirements of Rule 144A(d).
(h)    Agreement Not To Offer or Sell Additional Securities.  During the period of 90 days following the date hereof, the Company will not, without the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan (which consent may be withheld at the sole discretion of J.P. Morgan), directly or indirectly, sell, offer, contract or grant any option to sell, pledge, transfer or establish an open “put equivalent position” within the meaning of Rule 16a-1 under the Exchange Act, or otherwise dispose of or transfer, or announce the offering of, or file any registration statement under the Securities Act in respect of, any debt securities of the Company or securities exchangeable for or convertible into debt securities of the Company (other than as contemplated by this Agreement).
(i)    Future Reports to the Initial Purchasers.  At any time when the Company is not subject to Section 13 or 15 of the Exchange Act and any Securities remain outstanding, the Company will furnish to the Representative and, upon request, to each of the other Initial Purchasers: (i) as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year, copies of the Company’s balance sheet as of the close of such fiscal year and statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended and the opinion thereon of the Company’s independent public or certified public accountants; (ii) as soon as practicable after the filing thereof would otherwise be required pursuant to the rules and regulations under Section 13 or 15 of the Exchange Act, copies of each proxy statement, Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Current Report on Form 8-K or other report that would otherwise be filed by the Company with the Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) or any securities exchange; and (iii) as soon as available, copies of any report or communication of the Company mailed generally to holders of its capital stock or debt securities (including the holders of the Securities), if, in each case, such documents are not filed with the Commission within the time periods specified by the Commission’s rules and regulations under Section 13 or 15 of the Exchange Act.  Any filings made by the Company pursuant to this section with the Commission’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system (“EDGAR”) shall be deemed to have been furnished to the Representative and the other Initial Purchasers.
(j)    No Integration.  The Company agrees that it will not and will cause its Affiliates not to make any offer or sale of securities of the Company of any class if, as a result of the doctrine of “integration” referred to in Rule 502 under the Securities Act, such offer or sale would render invalid (for the purpose of (i) the sale of the Securities by the Company to the Initial Purchasers, (ii) the resale of the Securities by the Initial Purchasers to Subsequent Purchasers or (iii) the resale of the Securities by such Subsequent Purchasers to others) the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act provided by Section 4(a)(2) thereof or by Rule 144A or by Regulation S thereunder or otherwise.
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(k)    No General Solicitation or Directed Selling Efforts.  The Company agrees that it will not and will not permit any of its Affiliates or any other person acting on its or their behalf (other than the Initial Purchasers, as to which no covenant is given) to (i) solicit offers for, or offer or sell, the Securities by means of any form of general solicitation or general advertising within the meaning of Rule 502(c) of Regulation D or in any manner involving a public offering within the meaning of Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act or (ii) engage in any directed selling efforts with respect to the Securities within the meaning of Regulation S, and the Company will and will cause all such persons to comply with the offering restrictions requirement of Regulation S with respect to the Securities.
(l)    No Restricted Resales.  During the one year period after the Closing Date (or such shorter period as may be provided for in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, as the same may be in effect from time to time), the Company will not, and will not permit any of its “affiliates” (as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act) to resell any of the Notes that constitute “restricted securities” under Rule 144 that have been reacquired by any of them.
(m)    Legended Securities.  Each certificate for a Note will bear the legend contained in “Notice to Investors” in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum for the time period and upon the other terms stated in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum.
The Representative on behalf of the several Initial Purchasers, may, in its sole discretion, waive in writing the performance by the Company or any Guarantor of any one or more of the foregoing covenants or extend the time for their performance.
SECTION 4.    Payment of Expenses.  Each of the Company and the Guarantors agrees to pay all costs, fees and expenses incurred in connection with the performance of its obligations hereunder and in connection with the Transactions, including, without limitation, (i) all expenses incident to the issuance and delivery of the Securities (including all printing and engraving costs), (ii) all necessary issue, transfer and other stamp taxes in connection with the issuance and sale of the Securities to the Initial Purchasers, (iii) all fees and expenses of the Company’s and the Guarantors’ counsel, independent public or certified public accountants and other advisors, (iv) all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, printing, filing, shipping and distribution of the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Final Offering Memorandum (including financial statements and exhibits), and all amendments and supplements thereto, and the Transaction Documents, (v) all filing fees, attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by the Company, the Guarantors or the Initial Purchasers in connection with qualifying or registering (or obtaining exemptions from the qualification or registration of) all or any part of the Securities for offer and sale under the securities laws of the several states of the United States, the provinces of Canada or other jurisdictions designated by the Initial Purchasers (including, without limitation, the cost of preparing, printing and mailing preliminary and final blue sky or legal investment memoranda and any related supplements to the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Final Offering Memorandum), (vi) the fees and expenses of the Trustee, including the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Trustee in connection with the Indenture and the Securities, (vii) any fees payable in connection with the rating of the Securities with the ratings agencies, (viii) any filing fees incident to, and any reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel to the 
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Initial Purchasers in connection with the review by FINRA, if any, of the terms of the sale of the Securities, (ix) all fees and expenses (including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) of the Company and the Guarantors in connection with approval of the Securities by the Depositary for “book-entry” transfer, and the performance by the Company and the Guarantors of their respective other obligations under this Agreement and (x) all expenses incident to the “road show” for the offering of the Securities, with such expenses incurred under this clause (x) subject to a maximum aggregate amount of $300,000 except in respect of expenses approved by the Company in writing.  Except as provided in this Section 4 and Sections 6, 8 and 9 hereof, the Initial Purchasers shall pay their own expenses, including the fees and disbursements of their counsel. 
SECTION 5.    Conditions of the Obligations of the Initial Purchasers.  The obligations of the several Initial Purchasers to purchase and pay for the Securities as provided herein on the Closing Date shall be subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties on the part of the Company and the Guarantors set forth in Section 1 hereof as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date as though then made and to the timely performance by the Company of its covenants and other obligations hereunder, and to each of the following additional conditions:
(a)    Accountant’s Comfort Letters.  On the date hereof, the Initial Purchasers shall have received from Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm for the Company, a “comfort letter” dated the date hereof addressed to the Initial Purchasers, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representative, covering the financial statements and certain financial information in the Pricing Disclosure Package and other customary matters.  In addition, on the Closing Date, the Initial Purchasers shall have received from such accountants a “bring-down comfort letter” dated the Closing Date addressed to the Initial Purchasers, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representative, in the form of the “comfort letter” delivered on the date hereof, except that (i) such bring-down comfort letter shall cover the financial statements and certain financial information in the Final Offering Memorandum and any amendment or supplement thereto and (ii) procedures shall be brought down to a date no more than 3 days prior to the Closing Date.
(b)    No Material Adverse Change or Ratings Agency Change.  For the period from and after the date of this Agreement and prior to the Closing Date:
(i)    in the reasonable judgment of the Representative there shall not have occurred any Material Adverse Change; and
(ii)    there shall not have occurred any downgrading, nor shall any notice have been given of any intended or potential downgrading or of any review for a possible change that does not indicate the direction of the possible change, in the rating accorded the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their securities or indebtedness by any “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” registered under Section 15E of the Exchange Act.
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(c)    Opinion of Counsel for the Company.  On the Closing Date the Initial Purchasers shall have received the favorable opinions of Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP and McGuire, Wood & Bissette, counsel for the Company and the Guarantors, and of the Company’s General Counsel, each dated as of such Closing Date, the forms of which are attached as Exhibit A.
(d)    Opinion of Counsel for the Initial Purchasers.  On the Closing Date the Initial Purchasers shall have received the favorable opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, counsel for the Initial Purchasers, dated as of such Closing Date, with respect to such matters as may be reasonably requested by the Initial Purchasers.
(e)    Officers’ Certificate.  On the Closing Date the Initial Purchasers shall have received a written certificate executed by the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer or President of the Company and each Guarantor and the Chief Financial Officer or Chief Accounting Officer of the Company and each Guarantor, dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect set forth in Section 5(b)(ii) hereof, and further to the effect that:
(i)    for the period from and after the date of this Agreement and prior to the Closing Date there has not occurred any Material Adverse Change;
(ii)    the representations, warranties and covenants of the Company and the Guarantors set forth in Section 1 hereof were true and correct as of the date hereof and are true and correct as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as though expressly made on and as of the Closing Date; and
(iii)    each of the Company and the Guarantors has complied with all the agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to the Closing Date.
(f)    Indenture.  The Company and the Guarantors shall have executed and delivered the Indenture, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Initial Purchasers, and the Initial Purchasers shall have received executed copies thereof.
(g)    Additional Documents.  On or before the Closing Date, the Initial Purchasers and counsel for the Initial Purchasers shall have received such information, documents and opinions as they may reasonably require for the purposes of enabling them to pass upon the issuance and sale of the Securities as contemplated herein, or in order to evidence the accuracy of any of the representations and warranties, or the satisfaction of any of the conditions or agreements, herein contained.
(h)    Good Standing.  The Representative shall have received on and as of the Closing Date satisfactory evidence of the good standing of the Company and the Guarantors in their respective jurisdictions of organization and their good standing in such other jurisdictions as the Representative may reasonably request, in each case in writing or any standard form of telecommunication from the appropriate governmental authorities of such jurisdictions.
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(i)    DTC.  The Securities shall be eligible for clearance and settlement through DTC.
If any condition specified in this Section 5 is not satisfied when and as required to be satisfied, this Agreement may be terminated by the Representative by notice to the Company at any time on or prior to the Closing Date, which termination shall be without liability on the part of any party to any other party, except that Sections 4, 6, 8 and 9 hereof shall at all times be effective and shall survive such termination.
SECTION 6.    Reimbursement of Initial Purchasers’ Expenses.  If this Agreement is terminated by the Representative pursuant to Section 5 or 10 hereof, including if the sale to the Initial Purchasers of the Securities on the Closing Date is not consummated because of any refusal, inability or failure on the part of the Company to perform any agreement herein or to comply with any provision hereof, the Company agrees to reimburse the Initial Purchasers, severally, upon demand for all documented out-of-pocket expenses that shall have been reasonably incurred by the Initial Purchasers in connection with the proposed purchase and the offering and sale of the Securities, including, without limitation, fees and disbursements of counsel, printing expenses, travel expenses, postage, facsimile and telephone charges.
SECTION 7.    Offer, Sale and Resale Procedures.  Each of the Initial Purchasers, on the one hand, and the Company and each of the Guarantors, on the other hand, hereby agree to observe the following procedures in connection with the offer and sale of the Securities:
(a)    Offers and sales of the Securities will be made only by the Initial Purchasers or Affiliates thereof qualified to do so in the jurisdictions in which such offers or sales are made.  Each such offer or sale shall only be made to persons whom the offeror or seller reasonably believes to be Qualified Institutional Buyers or non-U.S. persons outside the United States to whom the offeror or seller reasonably believes offers and sales of the Securities may be made in reliance upon Regulation S upon the terms and conditions set forth in Annex I hereto, which Annex I is hereby expressly made a part hereof.
(b)    No general solicitation or general advertising (within the meaning of Rule 502 under the Securities Act or in any manner involving a public offering within the meaning of Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act) will be used in the United States in connection with the offering of the Securities.
(c)    Following the sale of the Securities by the Initial Purchasers to Subsequent Purchasers pursuant to the terms hereof, the Initial Purchasers shall not be liable or responsible to the Company for any losses, damages or liabilities suffered or incurred by the Company, including any losses, damages or liabilities under the Securities Act, arising from or relating to any resale or transfer of any Security.
SECTION 8.    Indemnification.
(a)    Indemnification of the Initial Purchasers.  Each of the Company and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Initial Purchaser, its Affiliates, directors, officers and employees, and each person, if any, who controls any Initial 
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Purchaser within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act against any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense, as incurred, to which such Initial Purchaser, Affiliate, director, officer, employee or controlling person may become subject, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other federal or state statutory law or regulation, or at common law or otherwise (including in settlement of any litigation, if such settlement is effected with the written consent of the Company), insofar as such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense (or actions in respect thereof as contemplated below) arises out of or is based: (i) upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum, the Pricing Supplement, any Company Additional Written Communication or the Final Offering Memorandum (or any amendment or supplement thereto), or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; or (ii) in whole or in part upon any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of the Company contained herein; and to reimburse each Initial Purchaser and each such Affiliate, director, officer, employee or controlling person for any and all expenses (including the fees and disbursements of one firm of counsel chosen by the Representative in addition to any local counsel) as such expenses are reasonably incurred by such Initial Purchaser or such Affiliate, director, officer, employee or controlling person in connection with investigating, defending, settling, compromising or paying any such loss, claim, damage, liability, expense or action; provided, however, that the foregoing indemnity agreement shall not apply, with respect to an Initial Purchaser, to any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense to the extent, but only to the extent, arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of such Initial Purchaser through the Representative expressly for use in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum, the Pricing Supplement, any Company Additional Written Communication or the Final Offering Memorandum (or any amendment or supplement thereto).  The indemnity agreement set forth in this Section 8(a) shall be in addition to any liabilities that the Company may otherwise have.
(b)    Indemnification of the Company and the Guarantors.  Each Initial Purchaser agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each Guarantor, each of their respective directors, officers and each person, if any, who controls the Company or any Guarantor within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, against any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense, as incurred, to which the Company, any Guarantor or any such director, officer or controlling person may become subject, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or other federal or state statutory law or regulation, or at common law or otherwise (including in settlement of any litigation, if such settlement is effected with the written consent of such Initial Purchaser), insofar as such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense (or actions in respect thereof as contemplated below) arises out of or is based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum, the Pricing Supplement, any Company Additional Written Communication or the Final Offering Memorandum (or any amendment or supplement thereto), or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission 
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or alleged omission was made in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum, the Pricing Supplement, any Company Additional Written Communication or the Final Offering Memorandum (or any amendment or supplement thereto), in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of such Initial Purchaser through the Representative expressly for use therein; and to reimburse the Company, any Guarantor and each such director, officer or controlling person for any and all expenses (including the fees and disbursements of counsel) as such expenses are reasonably incurred by the Company, any Guarantor or such director, officer or controlling person in connection with investigating, defending, settling, compromising or paying any such loss, claim, damage, liability, expense or action.  Each of the Company and the Guarantors hereby acknowledges that the only information that the Initial Purchasers through the Representative have furnished to the Company expressly for use in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum, the Pricing Supplement, any Company Additional Written Communication or the Final Offering Memorandum (or any amendment or supplement thereto) are the statements set forth in the fourth and fifth sentences of the eighth paragraph, the tenth paragraph and the eleventh paragraph under the caption “Plan of Distribution” in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum and the Final Offering Memorandum.  The indemnity agreement set forth in this Section 8(b) shall be in addition to any liabilities that each Initial Purchaser may otherwise have.
(c)    Notifications and Other Indemnification Procedures.  Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 8 of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against an indemnifying party under this Section 8, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof; provided that the failure to so notify the indemnifying party will not relieve it from any liability which it may have to any indemnified party under this Section 8 except to the extent that it has been materially prejudiced by such failure (through the forfeiture of substantive rights and defenses) and shall not relieve the indemnifying party from any liability that the indemnifying party may have to an indemnified party other than under this Section 8.  In case any such action is brought against any indemnified party and such indemnified party seeks or intends to seek indemnity from an indemnifying party, the indemnifying party will be entitled to participate in and, to the extent that it shall elect, jointly with all other indemnifying parties similarly notified, by written notice delivered to the indemnified party promptly after receiving the aforesaid notice from such indemnified party, to assume the defense thereof with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party; provided, however, if the defendants in any such action include both the indemnified party and the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that a conflict may arise between the positions of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party in conducting the defense of any such action or that there may be legal defenses available to it and/or other indemnified parties which are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party, the indemnified party or parties shall have the right to select separate counsel to assume such legal defenses and to otherwise participate in the defense of such action on behalf of such indemnified party or parties.  Upon receipt of notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of such indemnifying party’s election so to assume the defense of such action and approval by the indemnified party of counsel, the indemnifying party will not be liable to such indemnified party under this Section 8 for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof 
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unless (i) the indemnified party shall have employed separate counsel in accordance with the proviso to the immediately preceding sentence (it being understood, however, that the indemnifying party shall not be liable for the expenses of more than one separate counsel (together with local counsel (in each jurisdiction)), which shall be selected by the Representative (in the case of counsel representing the Initial Purchasers or their related persons), representing the indemnified parties who are parties to such action) or (ii) the indemnifying party shall not have employed counsel satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party within a reasonable time after notice of commencement of the action, in each of which cases the fees and expenses of counsel shall be at the expense of the indemnifying party.
(d)    Settlements.  The indemnifying party under this Section 8 shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, which will not be unreasonably withheld, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify the indemnified party against any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense by reason of such settlement or judgment.  Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by this Section 8, the indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 45 days after receipt by such indemnifying party of the aforesaid request, (ii) such indemnifying party shall have received notice of the terms of such settlement at least 30 days prior to such settlement being entered into and (iii) such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed the indemnified party in accordance with such request or disputed in good faith the indemnified party’s entitlement to such reimbursement prior to the date of such settlement.  No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement, compromise or consent to the entry of judgment in any pending or threatened action, suit or proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity was or could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement, compromise or consent (i) includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such action, suit or proceeding and (ii) does not include any statements as to or any findings of fault, culpability or failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party.
SECTION 9.    Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in Section 8 hereof is for any reason held to be unavailable to or otherwise insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the aggregate amount paid or payable by such indemnified party, as incurred, as a result of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses referred to therein (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Initial Purchasers, on the other hand, from the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Company and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Initial Purchasers, on the other hand, in connection with the statements or omissions or inaccuracies in the 
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representations and warranties herein which resulted in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.  The relative benefits received by the Company and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Initial Purchasers, on the other hand, in connection with the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the total net proceeds from the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement (before deducting expenses but after deducting Initial Purchaser discounts and commissions) received by the Company, and the total discount received by the Initial Purchasers bear to the aggregate initial offering price of the Securities.  The relative fault of the Company and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Initial Purchasers, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any such untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact or any such inaccurate or alleged inaccurate representation or warranty relates to information supplied by the Company and the Guarantors, on the one hand, or the Initial Purchasers, on the other hand, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission or inaccuracy.
The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 8 hereof, any legal or other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with investigating or defending any action or claim.  The provisions set forth in Section 8 hereof with respect to notice of commencement of any action shall apply if a claim for contribution is to be made under this Section 9; provided, however, that no additional notice shall be required with respect to any action for which notice has been given under Section 8 hereof for purposes of indemnification.
The Company, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 9 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Initial Purchasers were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this Section 9.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 9, no Initial Purchaser shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the discount received by such Initial Purchaser in connection with the Securities distributed by it.  No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11 of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.  The Initial Purchasers’ obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 9 are several, and not joint, in proportion to their respective commitments as set forth opposite their names in Schedule A.  For purposes of this Section 9, each director, officer and employee of an Initial Purchaser and each person, if any, who controls an Initial Purchaser within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act shall have the same rights to contribution as such Initial Purchaser, and each director of the Company or any Guarantor, and each person, if any, who controls the Company or any Guarantor within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act shall have the same rights to contribution as the Company and the Guarantors.
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SECTION 10.    Termination of this Agreement.  Prior to the Closing Date, this Agreement may be terminated by the Representative by notice given to the Company if at any time: (i) trading or quotation in any of the Company’s securities shall have been suspended or limited by the Commission or by the NYSE, or trading in securities generally on either the Nasdaq Stock Market or the NYSE shall have been suspended or limited, or minimum or maximum prices shall have been generally established on any of such quotation system or stock exchange by the Commission or FINRA; (ii) a general banking moratorium shall have been declared by any of federal or New York authorities; (iii) there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of national or international hostilities or any crisis or calamity, or any change in the United States or international financial markets as in the judgment of the Representative is material and adverse and makes it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offering sale or delivery of the Securities in the manner and on the terms described in the Pricing Disclosure Package or to enforce contracts for the sale of securities; or (iv) in the judgment of the Representative there shall have occurred any Material Adverse Change.  Any termination pursuant to this Section 10 shall be without liability on the part of (i) the Company or any Guarantor to any Initial Purchaser, except that the Company and the Guarantors shall be obligated to reimburse the expenses of the Initial Purchasers pursuant to Sections 4 and 6 hereof, (ii) any Initial Purchaser to the Company, or (iii) any party hereto to any other party, except that the provisions of Sections 8 and 9 hereof shall at all times be effective and shall survive such termination.
SECTION 11.    Representations and Indemnities to Survive Delivery.  The respective indemnities, rights of contribution, agreements, representations, warranties and other statements of the Company, the Guarantors, their respective officers and the several Initial Purchasers set forth in or made pursuant to this Agreement will remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Initial Purchaser, the Company, any Guarantor or any of their partners, officers or directors or any controlling person, as the case may be, and will survive delivery of and payment for the Securities sold hereunder and any termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 12.    Notices.  All communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be mailed, hand delivered, couriered or facsimiled and confirmed to the parties hereto as follows:
If to the Initial Purchasers:
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
383 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10179 
Facsimile: 212-270-1063
Attention: John Fiore
with a copy to:
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
450 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017
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Facsimile: 212-701-5111
Attention: Michael Kaplan, Shane Tintle
If to the Company or the Guarantors:
Tempur Sealy International, Inc.
1000 Tempur Way
Lexington, Kentucky 40511
Facsimile: 859-455-2805
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
with a copy to:
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP 
One Liberty Plaza 
New York, NY 10006
Facsimile: 212-225-3999
Attention: Nicolas Grabar 
Any party hereto may change the address or facsimile number for receipt of communications by giving written notice to the others.
SECTION 13.    Successors.  This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto, and to the benefit of the indemnified parties referred to in Sections 8 and 9 hereof, and in each case their respective successors, and no other person will have any right or obligation hereunder.  The term “successors” shall not include any Subsequent Purchaser or other purchaser of the Securities as such from any of the Initial Purchasers merely by reason of such purchase.
SECTION 14.    Authority of the Representative.  Any action by the Initial Purchasers hereunder may be taken by the Representative on behalf of the Initial Purchasers, and any such action taken by the Representative shall be binding upon the Initial Purchasers.
SECTION 15.    Partial Unenforceability.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any section, paragraph or provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other section, paragraph or provision hereof.  If any section, paragraph or provision of this Agreement is for any reason determined to be invalid or unenforceable, there shall be deemed to be made such minor changes (and only such minor changes) as are necessary to make it valid and enforceable.
SECTION 16.    Governing Law Provisions.  THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY OR DISPUTE RELATING TO OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED IN SUCH STATE WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES THEREOF.
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(a)    Consent to Jurisdiction.  Any legal suit, action or proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby (“Related Proceedings”) may be instituted in the federal courts of the United States of America located in the City and County of New York or the courts of the State of New York in each case located in the City and County of New York (collectively, the “Specified Courts”), and each party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction (except for suits, actions, or proceedings instituted in regard to the enforcement of a judgment of any Specified Court in a Related Proceeding (a “Related Judgment”), as to which such jurisdiction is non-exclusive) of the Specified Courts in any Related Proceeding.  Service of any process, summons, notice or document by mail to such party’s address set forth above shall be effective service of process for any Related Proceeding brought in any Specified Court.  The parties irrevocably and unconditionally waive any objection to the laying of venue of any Specified Proceeding in the Specified Courts and irrevocably and unconditionally waive and agree not to plead or claim in any Specified Court that any Related Proceeding brought in any Specified Court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
(b)    Each of the parties hereto hereby waives any right to trial by jury in any suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement.
SECTION 17.    Default of One or More of the Several Initial Purchasers.  If any one or more of the several Initial Purchasers shall fail or refuse to purchase Securities that it or they have agreed to purchase hereunder on the Closing Date, and the aggregate number of Securities which such defaulting Initial Purchaser or Initial Purchasers agreed but failed or refused to purchase does not exceed 10% of the aggregate number of the Securities to be purchased on such date, the other Initial Purchasers shall be obligated, severally, in the proportions that the number of Securities set forth opposite their respective names on Schedule A bears to the aggregate number of Securities set forth opposite the names of all such non-defaulting Initial Purchasers, or in such other proportions as may be specified by the Initial Purchasers with the consent of the non-defaulting Initial Purchasers, to purchase the Securities which such defaulting Initial Purchaser or Initial Purchasers agreed but failed or refused to purchase on the Closing Date.  If any one or more of the Initial Purchasers shall fail or refuse to purchase Securities and the aggregate number of Securities with respect to which such default occurs exceeds 10% of the aggregate number of Securities to be purchased on the Closing Date, and arrangements satisfactory to the Initial Purchasers and the Company for the purchase of such Securities are not made within 48 hours after such default, this Agreement shall terminate without liability of any party to any other party except that the provisions of Sections 4, 6, 8 and 9 hereof shall at all times be effective and shall survive such termination.  In any such case either the Initial Purchasers or the Company shall have the right to postpone the Closing Date, as the case may be, but in no event for longer than seven days in order that the required changes, if any, to the Final Offering Memorandum or any other documents or arrangements may be effected.
As used in this Agreement, the term “Initial Purchaser” shall be deemed to include any person substituted for a defaulting Initial Purchaser under this Section 17.  Any action taken under this Section 17 shall not relieve any defaulting Initial Purchaser from liability in respect of any default of such Initial Purchaser under this Agreement.
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SECTION 18.    No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility.  Each of the Company and the Guarantors acknowledges and agrees that: (i) the purchase and sale of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement, including the determination of the offering price of the Securities and any related discounts and commissions, is an arm’s-length commercial transaction between the Company and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the several Initial Purchasers, on the other hand, and the Company and the Guarantors are capable of evaluating and understanding and understand and accept the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (ii) in connection with each transaction contemplated hereby and the process leading to such transaction each Initial Purchaser is and has been acting solely as a principal and is not the agent or fiduciary of the Company and the Guarantors or their respective Affiliates, stockholders, creditors or employees or any other party; (iii) no Initial Purchaser has assumed or will assume an advisory or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Company and the Guarantors with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto (irrespective of whether such Initial Purchaser has advised or is currently advising the Company and the Guarantors on other matters) or any other obligation to the Company and the Guarantors except the obligations expressly set forth in this Agreement; (iv) the several Initial Purchasers and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Company and the Guarantors, and the several Initial Purchasers have no obligation to disclose any of such interests by virtue of any fiduciary or advisory relationship; and (v) the Initial Purchasers have not provided any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice with respect to the offering contemplated hereby, and the Company and the Guarantors have consulted their own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent they deemed appropriate.
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties to this Agreement and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings and negotiations (whether written or oral) between the Company, the Guarantors and the several Initial Purchasers, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof.  The Company and the Guarantors hereby waive and release, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims that the Company and the Guarantors may have against the several Initial Purchasers with respect to any breach or alleged breach of fiduciary duty.  
SECTION 19.    Recognition of the U.S. Special Resolution Regimes.
(a)    In the event that any Initial Purchaser that is a Covered Entity becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer from such Initial Purchaser of this Agreement, and any interest and obligation in or under this Agreement, will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement, and any such interest and obligation, were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.
(b)    In the event that any Initial Purchaser that is a Covered Entity or a BHC Act Affiliate of such Initial Purchaser becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under this Agreement that may be exercised against such Initial Purchaser are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could 
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be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.
As used in this Section 16(f):
“BHC Act Affiliate” has the meaning assigned to the term “affiliate” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. § 1841(k).
“Covered Entity” means any of the following:
(i) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b);
(ii) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or
(iii) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).
“Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.
“U.S. Special Resolution Regime” means each of (i) the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder and (ii) Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
SECTION 20.    General Provisions.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each one of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Agreement by telecopier, facsimile or other electronic transmission (i.e., a “pdf” or “tif”) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart thereof.  This Agreement may not be amended or modified unless in writing by all of the parties hereto, and no condition herein (express or implied) may be waived unless waived in writing by each party whom the condition is meant to benefit.  The section headings herein are for the convenience of the parties only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.
[Signature Pages Follow]

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If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, kindly sign and return to the Company the enclosed copies hereof, whereupon this instrument, along with all counterparts hereof, shall become a binding agreement in accordance with its terms.
Very truly yours,
Tempur Sealy International, Inc.
By:    /s/ James Schockett
Name: James Schockett
Title:   Vice President and Treasurer

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Tempur-Pedic Management, LLC
Tempur World, LLC
Tempur Production USA, LLC
Comfort Revolution, LLC
Tempur-Pedic North America, LLC
Tempur-Pedic Technologies, LLC
Tempur Franchising US, LLC
Tempur Retail Stores, LLC
Tempur Holding, LLC
Tempur Sherwood, LLC
Sealy Mattress Corporation
Sealy Mattress Company
Sealy Mattress Company of Puerto Rico
Sealy, Inc.
Sleep Outfitters USA, LLC
Sleep Outfitters Outlet, LLC
The Ohio Mattress Company Licensing and Components Group
Sealy Mattress Manufacturing Company, LLC
Sealy Ecommerce, LLC
Sealy Technology LLC
Tempur Sealy International Distribution, LLC
Sealy US Sales, LLC,
Sherwood Midwest, LLC,
Sherwood Southeast, LLC
Sherwood Southwest, LLC
Sherwood West, LLC
Sherwood Northeast, LLC
as Guarantors
By:    /s/ James Schockett
Name: James Schockett
Title:   Vice President and Treasurer

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The foregoing Purchase Agreement is hereby confirmed and accepted by the Initial Purchasers as of the date first above written.
By: J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC, 
      Acting on behalf of itself and as the Representative of
      the several Initial Purchasers listed in Schedule A hereto
By: /s/ Kevin Thies
      Kevin Thies
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