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Exhibit 10.44

EXECUTIVE CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT
This Executive Change of Control Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made as of November 28, 2017 to be effective as of January 1, 2018 (the “Effective Date”), by and among State Auto Financial Corporation, an Ohio corporation (“State Auto Financial”), State Auto Property and Casualty Insurance Company, an Iowa-domiciled insurance company (“State Auto P&C”), State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company, an Ohio-domiciled mutual insurance company (“State Auto Mutual”), and Michael E. LaRocco (“Executive”).  State Auto Financial, State Auto P&C, State Auto Mutual and each of their respective insurer subsidiaries and affiliates, present and future, are hereinafter collectively referred to as “State Auto.”
Background Information
A.State Auto P&C is the principal operating subsidiary of State Auto Financial and the employer of record of all employees of State Auto.  State Auto Financial is a majority-owned, publicly-traded holding company subsidiary of State Auto Mutual.  State Auto Mutual is the ultimate controlling entity in the State Auto holding company system.
B.State Auto desires to establish and maintain a sound and vital management team as an important part of State Auto’s overall corporate strategy and as an essential means of protecting and enhancing the interests of State Auto, the Boards of State Auto Financial and State Auto Mutual (collectively, the “Boards”), and their shareholders and policyholders, respectively.  As part of this corporate strategy, State Auto desires to act in the best interests of State Auto to address Executive’s continued service to State Auto and available benefits in the event of an actual or threatened Change of Control (as defined herein) of State Auto Financial or State Auto Mutual.
C.Executive is a party to an Employment Agreement with State Auto dated as of the same date as this Agreement, as it may be amended from time to time (the “Employment Agreement”).  The Employment Agreement does not address the impact of a Change in Control, except to incorporate by reference the provisions of this Agreement.  Therefore, in the event of a Change of Control and the termination of Executive’s employment, as described in Section 2.2 of this Agreement within the time period described therein, the payments and benefits provided to Executive under this Agreement will be in lieu of any payments or benefits that might otherwise be payable under the Employment Agreement.
Statement of Agreement
The parties hereby acknowledge the accuracy of the foregoing Background Information and hereby agree as follows:
Article I          Definitions.
As used in this Agreement, the following defined terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
1.1Annual Base Salary means the greater of (a) the highest annual rate of base salary in effect for Executive during the 12-month period immediately prior to a Change of Control, or (b) the annual rate of base salary in effect on the date Executive’s employment is terminated.
1.2Average Annual Award means the average of the annual aggregate bonus under the Short Term Incentive Plans (or its successors) earned by Executive in each of the three (3) calendar years immediately preceding the calendar year in which the Change of Control occurs.
1.3Cause shall be given the meaning used in the Employment Agreement.
1.4Change of Control means the occurrence of any of the following:
(a)Any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of State Auto Financial representing thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting power of State Auto Financial’s then outstanding securities, excluding (i) any acquisition by State Auto Financial or any Subsidiary; (ii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by State Auto Financial, a Subsidiary or State Auto Mutual; or (iii) any acquisition by State Auto Mutual; or
(b)A majority of the Board of Directors of State Auto Financial at any time is comprised of other than Continuing Directors; or

(c)Any event or transaction State Auto Financial would be required to report in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act; or
(d)Any of the following occurs:
(i)a merger or consolidation of State Auto Financial, other than a merger or consolidation in which the voting securities of State Auto Financial immediately prior to the merger or consolidation continue to represent (either by remaining outstanding or being converted into securities of the surviving entity) more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of State Auto Financial or surviving entity immediately after the merger or consolidation with another entity;
(ii)a sale, exchange, lease, mortgage, pledge, transfer, or other disposition (in a single transaction or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of the assets of State Auto Financial which shall include, without limitation, the sale of assets or earning power aggregating more than fifty percent (50%) of the assets or earning power of State Auto Financial on a consolidated basis;
(iii)a reorganization, reverse stock split, or recapitalization of State Auto Financial which would result in any of the foregoing; or
(iv)a transaction or series of related transactions having, directly or indirectly.  the same effect as any of the foregoing.
(e)With respect to State Auto Mutual, any of the following occurs:
(i)State Auto Mutual affiliates with or is merged into or consolidated with a third party and as a result, a majority of the Board of Directors of State Auto Mutual or its successor is comprised of other than Continuing Directors; or
(ii)State Auto Mutual completes a conversion to a stock insurance company and as a result of which a majority of the Board of Directors of State Auto Mutual or its successor is comprised of other than Continuing Directors.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of this Change of Control definition, the percentage of securities ownership listed under subsection (a) above [i.e., thirty percent (30%)] shall increase or decrease, as the case may be, such that the percentage of securities ownership is consistent with any future changes to the percentage of securities ownership represented in the Change of Control definition in the State Auto Financial Corporation 2017 Long Term Incentive Plan or any successor plan, as amended from time to time.
1.5Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
1.6Confidential Information shall be given the meaning used in the Employment Agreement.
1.7Continuing Director of State Auto Financial or State Auto Mutual, as the case may be, means a director who was either:
(a)first elected or appointed as a director on or prior to the Effective Date; or
(b)subsequent to the Effective Date was elected or appointed as a director if such director was first nominated by the Nominating and Governance Committee of State Auto Financial or the Nominating and Governance Committee of State Auto Mutual, as the case may be, or appointed by at least two-thirds of the total number of the then Continuing Directors of State Auto Financial or State Auto Mutual, as the case may be.
1.8Directly or Indirectly means on Executive’s own behalf, or as an officer, director, shareholder, member, partner, owner, agent, consultant, advisor, coach or employee of any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity.
1.10Disability shall be given the meaning used in the Employment Agreement.
1.10Employee Benefits means the benefits and service credit for benefits as provided under any and all employee retirement income and welfare benefit policies, plans, programs or arrangements in which Executive is entitled to participate, including without limitation any stock option, stock purchase, stock appreciation, savings, pension, supplemental executive retirement, or other retirement income or welfare benefit, deferred compensation, incentive compensation, group or other life, health, medical/hospital, or other insurance (whether funded by actual insurance or 

self-insured by State Auto), disability, salary continuation, expense reimbursement and other employee benefit policies, plans, programs or arrangements that may now exist (and as may be modified from time to time) or any equivalent successor policies, plans, programs or arrangements that may be adopted hereafter (and as may be modified from time to time), providing benefits at least as great in a monetary equivalent as are payable thereunder prior to a Change of Control.
1.11Good Reason means the occurrence of any one or more of the following:
(a)The assignment to Executive of duties which are materially and adversely different from or inconsistent with the duties, responsibilities and status of Executive’s position at any time during the 12-month period prior to a Change of Control, or which result in a significant reduction in Executive’s authority and responsibility as the Chief Executive Officer of State Auto;
(b)Except as may be required due to Exigent Circumstances, as defined in the Employment Agreement, (i) a reduction by State Auto in Executive’s Annual Base Salary in place as of the day immediately prior to a Change of Control; (ii) after a Change of Control the failure to grant salary increases and bonus payments on a basis comparable to those granted to other executives of State Auto; or (iii) a reduction of Executive’s most recent Average Annual Award prior to a Change of Control;
(c)After a Change of Control, a demand by State Auto that Executive relocate to a location in excess of 35 miles from the location where Executive is based as of the day immediately prior to a Change of Control, or in the event of any such relocation with Executive’s express written consent, the failure of State Auto or a Subsidiary to pay (or reimburse Executive for) all reasonable moving expenses incurred by Executive relating to a change of principal residence in connection with such relocation and to indemnify Executive against any loss in the sale of Executive’s principal residence in connection with any such change of residence and any reasonable expenses incurred by Executive that are directly attributable to such sale (for purposes of this provision, “loss” is understood to mean a sale of such principal residence at a price less than the adjusted basis in such residence);
(d)The failure of State Auto to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to State Auto to assume and agree to perform this Agreement, as contemplated in Section 5.1 of this Agreement;
(e)The failure of State Auto to provide Executive with substantially the same Employee Benefits that were provided to him immediately prior to the Change of Control, or with a package of Employee Benefits that, though one or more of such benefits may vary from those in effect immediately prior to a Change of Control, is substantially comparable in all material respects to such Employee Benefits taken as a whole; or
(f)Any material reduction in Executive’s compensation or benefits or a material adverse change in Executive’s location or duties, if such material reduction or material adverse change occurs at any time after the commencement of any discussion with a third party relating to a possible Change of Control of State Auto involving such third party, if such material reduction or material adverse change is in contemplation of such possible Change of Control and such Change of Control is actually consummated within 12 months after the date of such material reduction or material adverse change.
The existence of Good Reason shall not be affected by Executive’s subsequent incapacity due to physical or mental illness.  Executive’s continued employment shall not constitute a waiver of Executive’s rights with respect to any circumstance constituting Good Reason under this Agreement.  Executive shall provide State Auto with written notice of his intent to terminate with Good Reason within a period not to exceed ninety (90) calendar days of the initial existence of the condition constituting Good Reason.  State Auto shall have a period of thirty (30) calendar days in which it may remedy the condition and prevent Executive’s termination for Good Reason.
1.12OTIP means the State Auto Financial Corporation One Team Incentive Plan, as may be amended.
1.13Severance Benefits means the benefits described in Section 2.1 of this Agreement, as adjusted by the applicable provisions of Section 9.1 of this Agreement.
1.14Short Term Incentive Plans means the OTIP and any successor short term incentive compensation plan of State Auto.
1.15Subsidiary means any corporation, insurance company or other entity with a majority of the voting control of which is directly or indirectly owned or controlled at the time by State Auto Financial.

1.16Term means the period commencing on the Effective Date of this Agreement and ending on December 31, 2020, both dates inclusive; provided, however, that if a Change of Control occurs during the Term of this Agreement, the Term of this Agreement will be extended for 36 months beyond the end of the month in which any such Change of Control occurs.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall terminate upon the termination of the Employment Agreement; provided, however, that Sections 2.3 and 2.4, Articles IV, VII through X, and Sections 11.3, 11.6 and 11.8 of the Agreement shall survive Executive’s termination of employment.
Article II        Change of Control.
2.1Severance Benefits.  In the event that State Auto shall undergo a Change of Control, and if Executive then becomes entitled to receive Severance Benefits, State Auto or its respective successor, shall pay or provide to Executive the following Severance Benefits, adjusted by the applicable provisions of Section 9.1:
(a)Annual Base Salary.  In addition to any accrued compensation payable as of Executive’s termination of employment, a lump sum cash amount equal to Executive’s Annual Base Salary multiplied by 2.99.
(b)Annual Incentive Compensation.  In addition to any compensation otherwise payable pursuant to Executive’s bonus arrangements, a lump sum cash amount equal to Executive’s Average Annual Award multiplied by 2.99.  In addition, Executive shall be entitled to receive a prorated annual incentive payment for the year in which the Change of Control occurred, if otherwise eligible for such annual incentive.  Such prorated annual incentive amount, if any, will be determined based on the target award levels established for the year in which the Change of Control occurred.
(c)Stock Options and Other Equity Awards.  Stock options and any other types of equity awards (e.g., restricted shares, performance shares, performance units, etc.) held by Executive become exercisable upon a Change of Control according to the terms of the applicable stock option or equity plan and related agreement (if any) under which such stock options or other equity awards were granted.
(d)Outplacement.  State Auto shall pay all fees for outplacement services incurred by Executive up to a maximum of $35,000, plus provide a travel expense account of up to $5,000 to reimburse job search travel.  Such expenses and reimbursements shall be limited to those expenses incurred within the two (2) calendar years following the calendar year of Executive’s separation from service.  Such expenses shall be paid no later than December 31st of the calendar year following the applicable calendar year in which such reimbursable expense was incurred.
(e)Health Insurance Reimbursement.  State Auto shall pay Executive an amount equal to State Auto’s then current monthly per employee cost of providing State Auto’s health insurance benefit multiplied by 36.
In computing and determining Severance Benefits under subsections (a) and (b), above, a decrease in Executive’s salary or incentive bonus potential shall be disregarded if such decrease occurs within six (6) months before a Change of Control, is in contemplation of such Change of Control, and is taken to avoid the effect of this Agreement should such action be taken after such Change of Control.  In such event, the salary and incentive bonus potential used to determine Severance Benefits shall be that in effect immediately before the decrease that is disregarded pursuant to this Section 2.1.
The Severance Benefits provided in subsections (a), (b) and (e) above shall be contingent upon Executive’s execution of a valid release of State Auto or its successors and their respective officers, directors, agents and employees, from any and all actions, suits, proceedings, claims and demands relating to Executive’s employment.  Provided such release is executed and enforceable, the payment of Severance Benefits shall commence no later than ninety (90) days after Executive’s termination of employment.  In the event that the time period required by applicable law to obtain a valid and enforceable release (including the expiration of any revocation period) begins in one calendar year and ends in another calendar year, notwithstanding the provisions of the previous sentence, Severance Benefits due to Executive shall commence in the second calendar year.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Executive is a “specified employee” as defined in Code Section 409A, such payment shall be subject to and paid according to the provisions of Section 2.4, as described below.
Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Severance Benefits provided in this Section 2.1 shall be the sole severance benefits payable to Executive in the event of any “change of control” (under any definition) of State Auto, and Executive hereby waives and relinquishes any and all rights or severance benefits under any other “change of control” provision applicable to Executive with respect to his employment by State Auto.
2.2Eligibility for Severance Benefits.  State Auto, or its respective successor, shall pay or provide to Executive the Severance Benefits as defined above, in the event that Executive becomes eligible for such Severance Benefits because, during the Term of this Agreement:

(a)Executive’s employment is terminated from all State Auto companies for any reason other than for Cause or the death or Disability of Executive, within twenty-four (24) months after a Change of Control; or
(b)Executive terminates employment for Good Reason within twenty-four (24) months after a Change of Control; or
(c)Executive’s employment is terminated from all State Auto companies for any reason other than for Cause or the death or Disability of Executive after an agreement has been reached with an unaffiliated third party, the performance of which agreement would result in a Change of Control involving such third party, if such Change of Control is actually consummated within twelve (12) months after the date of such termination.
Executive’s termination of employment for all purposes under this Agreement shall be determined to have occurred in accordance with the “separation from service” requirements of Code Section 409A and applicable Treasury Regulations and guidance issued thereunder.
2.3Liquidated Damages; Mitigation.  State Auto hereby acknowledges that it will be difficult and may be impossible for Executive to find reasonably comparable employment, or to measure the amount of damages which Executive may suffer as a result of termination of employment hereunder. Accordingly, the payment of the Severance Benefits by State Auto to Executive in accordance with the terms of this Agreement is hereby acknowledged by State Auto to be reasonable and will be liquidated damages, and Executive will not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor will any profits, income, earnings or other benefits from any source whatsoever create any mitigation, offset, reduction or any other obligation on the part of Executive hereunder or otherwise. State Auto shall not be entitled to set off or counterclaim against amounts payable hereunder with respect to any claim, debt or obligation of Executive.
2.4Specified Employee Delay.  In the event Executive is a “specified employee” as defined in Code Section 409A, any payments under this Agreement due to a separation from service and subject to Code Section 409A shall be delayed until a date that is six (6) months after the date of separation from service (or, if earlier, the date of death of Executive). Payments to which a “specified employee” would otherwise be entitled during the first six (6) months following the date of separation shall be accumulated and paid as of the first date of the seventh month following the date of separation from service.  Interest shall be paid on any such delayed payment at the applicable federal rate under Code Section 7872(f)(2)(A).
Article III      Executive’s Rights Under Certain Plans.
Any references to specific employee benefits arrangements in this Agreement are not intended to exclude Executive from participation in other benefits available to executive personnel generally or to preclude Executive’s right to other compensation or benefits as may be authorized by the Boards at any time; provided that such other compensation or benefits are not severance benefits payable upon a Change in Control. The provisions of this Agreement and any payments provided for hereunder shall not reduce any amounts otherwise payable, or in any way diminish Executive’s existing rights, or rights which would accrue solely as the result of the passage of time under any compensation plan, benefit plan, incentive plan, stock option plan, employment agreement or other contract, plan or arrangement except as may be specified in such contract, plan or arrangement. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, State Auto agrees that the severance benefits provided to Executive herein are in addition to any rights and privileges to which Executive may be entitled as an employee of State Auto under any retirement, insurance, hospitalization or other plan which may now or hereafter be in effect, it being understood that, except to the extent currently provided in such plans, Executive shall have the same rights and privileges to participate in such plans or benefits as any other employee of State Auto.
Article IV       Confidential Information; Forfeiture Events.
4.1Confidential Information.  Executive agrees to receive Confidential Information of State Auto in confidence, and not to disclose to others, assist others in the application of, or use for his own gain, such information, or any part thereof, unless and until it has become public knowledge or has come into the possession of such other or others by legal and equitable means and other than as a result of disclosure by Executive. Executive further agrees that, upon termination of his employment with State Auto, all documents, records, notebooks and similar repositories (including electronic formats) containing Confidential Information, including copies thereof, then in Executive’s possession, whether prepared by him or others, will be left with and/or returned to State Auto. Executive further agrees that the obligation to maintain confidentiality created by this Article IV shall continue in effect for the duration of this Agreement and following the termination of Executive’s employment with State Auto for any reason.
4.2Forfeiture Events; Clawback Rights.
(a)The Board may, in its sole discretion, require Executive to repay to State Auto all or any portion of the amounts paid as Severance Benefits if:

(i)Executive violates any non-competition, non-solicitation or confidentiality covenant applicable to the Executive and for the benefit of State Auto, including such covenants included in the Employment Agreement;
(ii)It is later discovered that Executive engaged in conduct detrimental to State Auto during the Employment Term (as defined in the Employment Agreement) which has a material adverse effect on State Auto as determined by the Board of Directors of State Auto Mutual, in its sole discretion.  For purposes of this provision, no act or failure to act, on the part of Executive, shall be considered “detrimental to State Auto” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of State Auto; or
(iii)(A) The amount of any of the Severance Benefits was calculated based upon the achievement of certain financial results of State Auto that were subsequently the subject of a financial statement restatement by State Auto; and
(B) The amount of Executive’s Severance Benefits would have been lower than the amount actually awarded to Executive had the financial results been properly reported.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Boards determine in their sole discretion that Executive engaged in fraudulent conduct, then the Boards will seek repayment of all Severance Benefits.
This provision shall not be the exclusive remedy of State Auto with respect to such matters.
(b)The terms of any compensation recovery or recoupment policy heretofore or hereafter adopted by the Boards, including any and all amendments thereto (a “clawback policy”), are hereby incorporated into this Agreement by reference.  In addition to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Employment Agreement, Executive agrees that any amounts payable or paid to Executive under this Agreement shall be subject to the terms of any clawback policy of the Boards.
Article V        Successors; Binding Agreement.
5.1As to State Auto.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon State Auto, its successors and assigns, including without limitation, any person, partnership or corporation which may acquire voting control of State Auto Financial or all or substantially all of its assets and business, or which may be a party to any consolidation, merger or other transaction that results in a Change of Control of State Auto Financial or State Auto Mutual. State Auto will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of State Auto to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that State Auto would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. Failure of State Auto to obtain such assumption and agreement prior to the effectiveness of any such succession shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle Executive to compensation from State Auto in the same amount and on the same terms to which Executive would be entitled hereunder if Executive terminated employment for Good Reason following a Change of Control.
5.2As to Executive.  This Agreement shall also inure to the benefit of and be binding on Executive, his heirs, successors and legal representatives. This Agreement shall be enforceable by Executive’s personal and legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. Executive’s rights and benefits under this Agreement may not be assigned, except that if Executive dies while any amount would still be payable to Executive hereunder if Executive had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid to the beneficiary indicated on the Beneficiary Designation attached as Exhibit A or, if there is no such beneficiary, to Executive’s estate. Such payments, if any, shall be made in the same form and at the same time, as such payment would have been made to Executive.
Article VI       COBRA Continuation Coverage.
Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event of any “qualifying event,” as defined in Code Section 4980B, Executive and his qualifying beneficiaries shall be entitled to continuation of health care coverage, as provided under Code Section 4980B(f).  The foregoing is intended as a statement of Executive’s continuation coverage rights and is in no way intended to limit any greater rights of Executive or his qualified beneficiaries.
Article VII     Indemnification; Enforcement Costs; Interest.
7.1Indemnification.  State Auto, as provided for in its Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and its Amended and Restated Bylaws, shall indemnify Executive to the full extent of the general laws of the State of Ohio, now or hereafter in force, including the advance of expenses under procedures provided by such laws.  From the date of a Change of Control, State 

Auto shall (a) for a period of five (5) years after such Change of Control, provide Executive (including Executive’s heirs, executors and administrators) with coverage under a standard directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy at State Auto’s expense, and (b) indemnify and hold harmless Executive, to the fullest extent permitted or authorized by the law of the State of Ohio as it may from time to time be amended, if Executive is (whether before or after the Change of Control) made or threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that Executive is or was a director, officer or employee of State Auto or any Subsidiary, or is or was serving at the request of State Auto or any Subsidiary, as a director, trustee, officer or employee of an insurance company, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise.  The indemnification provided by this Section 7.1 shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Executive may be entitled under the charter or bylaws of State Auto or of any Subsidiary, or any agreement (including the Employment Agreement), vote of shareholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise, both as to action in Executive’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, and shall continue as to Executive after Executive has ceased to be a director, trustee, officer or employee and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of Executive.
7.2Enforcement Cost.  State Auto is aware that, upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Board or a shareholder or policyholder of State Auto, as the case may be, may then cause or attempt to cause State Auto to refuse to comply with their obligations under this Agreement, or may cause or attempt to cause State Auto to institute, or may institute, litigation, arbitration or other legal action seeking to have this Agreement declared unenforceable, or may take, or attempt to take, other action to deny Executive the benefits intended under this Agreement.  In these circumstances, the purpose of this Agreement could be frustrated.  It is the intent of State Auto that Executive not be required to incur the expenses associated with the enforcement of Executive’s rights under this Agreement by litigation, arbitration or other legal action nor be bound to negotiate any settlement of Executive’s rights hereunder under threat of incurring such expenses because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to Executive under this Agreement.  Accordingly, if following a Change of Control it should appear to Executive that State Auto has failed to comply with any of their obligations under this Agreement, or in the event that State Auto or any other person takes any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institute any litigation or other legal action designed to deny, diminish or to recover from Executive, the benefits intended to be provided to Executive hereunder, State Auto irrevocably authorizes Executive from time to time to retain counsel (legal and accounting) of Executive’s choice at the expense of State Auto as provided in this Section 7.2 to represent Executive in connection with the calculation of the Code Section 280G reduction, or the initiation or defense of any litigation or other legal action, whether by or against State Auto or any director, officer, stockholder or other person affiliated with State Auto.  Notwithstanding any existing or prior attorney-client relationship between State Auto and such counsel, State Auto irrevocably consents to Executive entering into an attorney-client relationship with such counsel, and in that connection State Auto and Executive agree that a confidential relationship shall exist between Executive and such counsel.  The reasonable fees and expenses of counsel selected from time to time by Executive as provided in this Section 7.2 shall be paid or reimbursed to Executive by State Auto on a regular, periodic basis upon presentation by Executive of a statement or statements prepared by such counsel in accordance with their customary practices.
7.3Interest.  In any action involving this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to prejudgment interest on any amounts found to be due him from the date such amounts would have been payable to Executive pursuant to this Agreement at an annual rate of interest equal to the prime commercial rate in effect at the corporation’s principal bank or their successor from time to time during the prejudgment period plus four percent.
Article VIII    Cooperation with Regard to Litigation.
Executive agrees to cooperate with State Auto for a period of two (2) years following Executive’s termination of employment by being reasonably available to testify on behalf of State Auto in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, and to assist State Auto in any such action, suit or proceeding by providing information and meeting and consulting with the Boards or their counsel or counsel to State Auto as reasonably requested by the Boards or such counsel.  Executive shall be reimbursed by State Auto for any expenses (including, but not limited to, legal fees) reasonably incurred by Executive in connection with his compliance with the foregoing covenant.
Article IX       Payment of Taxes and Timing.
9.1Excess Severance Payment.  If any Severance Benefit or other benefit paid or provided under Section 2.1, or the acceleration of stock option vesting, would be subject to excise tax pursuant to Code Section 4999 (or any similar federal or state excise tax), but would not be so subject if the total of such payments would be reduced by ten percent (10%) or less, then such payment shall be reduced by the minimum amount necessary so as not to cause State Auto to have paid an Excess Severance Payment as defined in Code Section 280G(b)(1) and so Executive will not be subject to Excise Tax pursuant to Code Section 4999.  The calculation of the Code Section 280G reduction shall be approved by State Auto’s independent certified public accounting firm engaged by State Auto immediately prior to the Change of Control and the calculation shall be provided 

to Executive in writing.  Executive shall then be given fifteen (15) days; or such longer period as Executive reasonably requests and to which State Auto agrees, such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld, to accept or reject the calculation of the Code Section 280G reduction.  If Executive rejects the Code Section 280G reduction calculation and the parties are thereafter unable to agree within an additional forty-five (45) days, the arbitration provisions of Section 10.1 shall control.  State Auto shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable legal and accounting fees incurred with respect to the calculation of the Code Section 280G reduction and any disputes related thereto.  Any payments owed to Executive under this Section 9.1, which are subject to the rules under Code Section 409A and related regulations, shall be made to Executive no later than the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the taxes are remitted to the taxing authority.  In the event that the amount of any Severance Benefit that would be payable to or for the benefit of Executive under this Agreement must be modified or reduced to comply with this provision, it shall be modified or reduced on a pro-rata basis.  In no event shall the total payments be reduced by more than ten percent (10%) in order to avoid treatment as an Excess Severance Payment.
9.2Withholding of Taxes.  State Auto may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city or other taxes as required by law; provided, however, that such payment may not exceed the amount of such taxes due as a result of the payments due under this Agreement. 
In accordance with Code Section 409A and the regulations issued thereunder, this Agreement shall permit the payment of amounts necessary to (a) satisfy the employment tax withholding obligations that arise under this Agreement prior to the date that payment may otherwise be made under this Agreement and/or (b) satisfy the excise tax or underpayment penalties owed under Code Section 409A in the event of a violation of Code Section 409A under this Agreement.
9.3Delayed Payments.  In the event of a genuine dispute between State Auto or any Subsidiary and Executive regarding the amount or timing of benefits under this Agreement, a delay in the payment of amounts under this Agreement shall not cause Executive to violate Code Section 409A to the extent that such delay satisfies the conditions set forth in Code Section 409A and applicable regulations thereunder.
9.4Savings Clause.  If any payments otherwise payable to Executive under this Agreement are prohibited or limited by any statute or regulation in effect at the time the payments would otherwise be payable (any such limiting statute or regulation a “Limiting Rule”):
(a)State Auto will use its best efforts to obtain the consent of the appropriate governmental agency to the payment by State Auto to Executive of the maximum amount that is permitted (up to the amounts that would be due to Executive absent the Limiting Rule); and
(b)Executive will be entitled to elect to have apply, and therefore to receive benefits directly under, either (i) this Agreement (as limited by the Limiting Rule) or (ii) any generally applicable State Auto severance, separation pay and/or salary continuation plan that may be in effect at the time of Executive’s termination.
Following any such election, Executive will be entitled to receive benefits under this Agreement or plan elected only if and to the extent the Agreement or plan is applicable and subject to its specific terms.
Article X        Arbitration.
10.1Arbitration.  The method for resolving any dispute arising out of this Agreement shall be binding arbitration in accordance with this Section 10.1.  Except as provided otherwise in this Section 10.1, arbitration pursuant to this Section 10.1 shall be governed by the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association.  A party wishing to obtain arbitration of an issue shall deliver written notice to the other party, including a description of the issue to be arbitrated.  Within fifteen (15) calendar days after either party demands arbitration, State Auto and Executive shall each appoint an arbitrator.  The fees and expenses of these arbitrators shall be paid by State Auto.  Within fifteen (15) additional calendar days, these two arbitrators shall appoint the third arbitrator by mutual agreement; if they fail to agree within this fifteen (15) calendar day period, then the third arbitrator shall be selected promptly pursuant to the rules of the American Arbitration Association for Employment Arbitration.  The arbitration panel shall hold a hearing in Columbus, Ohio, within ninety (90) calendar days after the appointment of the third arbitrator.  The fees and expenses of the third arbitrator, and any American Arbitration Association fees, shall be paid by State Auto.  Both State Auto and Executive may be represented by counsel (legal and accounting) and may present testimony and other evidence at the hearing.  Each party shall be responsible for the legal fees and other expenses incurred by each party.  Within ninety (90) calendar days after commencement of the hearing, the arbitration panel will issue a written decision; the majority vote of two of the three arbitrators shall control.  The majority decision of the arbitrators shall be binding on the parties.  Executive shall be entitled to seek specific performance of Executive’s rights under this Agreement during the period of time that any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement is pending.

Article XI       General Provisions.
11.1Entire Agreement.  This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the impact of a Change of Control on Executive, and completely supersedes any prior verbal or written agreements or arrangements between the parties hereto, if any, related to a Change of Control.  The parties hereto agree that this Agreement cannot be hereafter amended, modified or supplemented in any respect, except by a subsequent written agreement signed by both parties hereto.  The parties also agree that this Agreement shall be amended and/or modified as necessary to comply with Code Section 409A or regulations issued thereunder as well as requirements or regulations issued under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, as applicable.
11.2Applicable Law.  This Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of Ohio, without giving effect to any of its conflict of law provisions.
11.3Notices.  All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and will be duly given if sent by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the respective parties to the addresses set forth below or such other addresses as the parties may hereafter designate in writing for such purpose:
(a)If to either State Auto Financial, State Auto P&C or State Auto Mutual, to 518 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215, Attention: Corporate Secretary; and
(b)If to Executive, to the last address on file with State Auto.
If the parties by mutual agreement supply each other with email addresses for the purposes of providing notice by email, such notice shall also be proper notice under this Agreement.  Notice sent by certified or registered mail shall be effective two (2) days after deposit by delivery to the U.S. Post Office.
11.4Assignment.  Except as expressly provided herein, neither this Agreement nor any rights, benefits or obligations hereunder may be assigned by Executive without the prior written consent of State Auto Mutual and State Auto Financial.
11.5Capacity.
(a)State Auto Financial, State Auto P&C and State Auto Mutual represent and warrant to Executive that they have the capacity and right to enter into this Agreement and perform all of their obligations under this Agreement without any restriction by any agreement, document, restrictive covenant or otherwise.
(b)Executive represents and warrants to State Auto Financial, State Auto P&C and State Auto Mutual that he has the capacity and right to enter into this Agreement and perform all of his services and other obligations under this Agreement without any restriction by any agreement, document, restrictive covenant or otherwise, except as provided in Section (E)(2) of Article XI of the Employment Agreement.
11.6Waiver.  The failure by a party to exercise or enforce any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement will not constitute or be deemed a waiver of that party’s rights hereunder to enforce each and every term of this Agreement.  The failure by a party to insist upon strict performance of any of the terms and provisions herein will not be deemed a waiver of any subsequent default in the terms or provisions herein.
11.7Rights and Remedies Cumulative.  All rights and remedies of the parties hereunder are cumulative.
11.8Divisibility.  The provisions of this Agreement are divisible.  If any such provision shall be deemed invalid or unenforceable, it shall not affect the applicability or validity of any other provision of this Agreement, and if any such provision shall be deemed invalid or unenforceable as to any periods of time, territory or business activities, such provision shall be deemed limited to the extent necessary to render it valid and enforceable.
11.9Captions and Titles.  Captions and titles have been used in this Agreement only for convenience and in no way define, limit or describe the meaning of any Article or any part thereof.
11.10Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
11.11Code Section 409A Compliance.  It is the intention of both Executive and State Auto that the benefits and rights to which Executive could be entitled to under this Agreement be exempt from or, to the extent that the requirements of Code Section 409A apply, comply with Code Section 409A and the Treasury Regulations thereunder, and the provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in a manner consistent with that intention.  If Executive or State Auto believes, at any time, that any such benefit or right that is subject to Code Section 409A does not so comply, it shall 

promptly advise the other and shall negotiate reasonably and in good faith to amend the terms of such benefits and rights so that they comply with Code Section 409A (with the most limited possible economic effect on Executive and State Auto).
SIGNATURES APPEAR ON NEXT PAGE

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have signed this Agreement which is effective as of the Effective Date.
									
			State Auto Financial Corporation
			
		By	/s/ Robert E. Baker
			Robert E. Baker, Chair of the State Auto Financial Corporation Compensation Committee
			
			State Auto Property and Casualty Insurance Company
			
		By	/s/ Robert E. Baker
			Robert E. Baker, Chair of the State Auto Financial Corporation Compensation Committee
			
			State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company
			
		By	/s/ Robert E. Baker
			Robert E. Baker, Chair of the State Auto Financial Corporation Compensation Committee
			
			Executive
			
		By	/s/ Michael E. LaRocco
			Michael E. LaRocco

Exhibit A
Beneficiary Designation and Notice Form
Beneficiary Designation
In the event of my death, I direct that any amounts due me under this Agreement to which this Beneficiary Designation is attached shall be distributed to the person designated below. If no beneficiary shall be living to receive such assets they shall be paid to the administrator or executor of my estate.

												
	Beneficiary:	Ann LaRocco		
				
	Relationship to Executive:	Wife		
				
				
	Date:	11/28/2017		EXECUTIVE
				
				/s/ Michael E. LaRocco
				Michael E. LaRoccoseas-ex41_297.htm

 

Exhibit 4.1

DESCRIPTION OF REGISTRANT’S SECURITIES
REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

The following is a brief description of the securities of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our”), registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). This description of the terms of our stock does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) and the full text of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended by our certificate of amendment of amended and restated certificate of incorporation (as so amended, our “Certificate of Incorporation”), and our amended and restated bylaws.

Our authorized capital stock consists of 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share.

Common Stock

Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally, including the election or removal of directors. The holders of our common stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.

Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up and after payment in full of all amounts required to be paid to creditors and to the holders of preferred stock having liquidation preferences, if any, the holders of our common stock will be entitled to receive pro rata our remaining assets available for distribution. Holders of our common stock do not have preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. The common stock is not subject to further calls or assessment by us. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. The rights, powers, preferences and privileges of holders of our common stock are subject to those of the holders of any shares of our preferred stock we may authorize and issue in the future.

Preferred Stock

Our Certificate of Incorporation authorizes our Board of Directors to establish one or more series of preferred stock (including convertible preferred stock). Unless required by law or by the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), the authorized shares of preferred stock will be available for issuance without further action by our stockholders. Our Board of Directors is able to determine, with respect to any series of preferred stock, the powers (including voting powers), preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including, without limitation:

	
 
	
•
	
the designation of the series;

	
 
	
•
	
the number of shares of the series, which our Board of Directors may, except where otherwise provided in the preferred stock designation, increase (but not above the total number of authorized shares of the class) or decrease (but not below the number of shares then outstanding);

	
 
	
•
	
whether dividends, if any, will be cumulative or non-cumulative and the dividend rate of the series;

	
 
	
•
	
the dates at which dividends, if any, will be payable;

	
 
	
•
	
the redemption rights and price or prices, if any, for shares of the series;

	
 
	
•
	
the terms and amounts of any sinking fund provided for the purchase or redemption of shares of the series;

 

 

	
 
	
•
	
the amounts payable on shares of the series in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the affairs of the Company;

	
 
	
•
	
whether the shares of the series will be convertible into shares of any other class or series, or any other security, of the Company or any other corporation, and, if so, the specification of the other class or series or other security, the conversion price or prices or rate or rates, any rate adjustments, the date or dates as of which the shares will be convertible and all other terms and conditions upon which the conversion may be made;

	
 
	
•
	
restrictions on the issuance of shares of the same series or of any other class or series; and

	
 
	
•
	
the voting rights, if any, of the holders of the series.

We could issue a series of preferred stock that could, depending on the terms of the series, impede or discourage an acquisition attempt or other transaction that some, or a majority, of the holders of our common stock might believe to be in their best interests or in which the holders of our common stock might receive a premium for their common stock over the market price of the common stock. Additionally, the issuance of preferred stock may adversely affect the holders of our common stock by restricting dividends on the common stock, diluting the voting power of the common stock or subordinating the liquidation rights of the common stock. As a result of these or other factors, the issuance of preferred stock could have an adverse impact on the market price of our common stock.

Dividends

The DGCL permits a corporation to declare and pay dividends out of “surplus” or, if there is no “surplus,” out of its net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year. “Surplus” is defined as the excess of the net assets of the corporation over the amount determined to be the capital of the corporation by the Board of Directors. The capital of the corporation is typically calculated to be (and cannot be less than) the aggregate par value of all issued shares of capital stock. Net assets equals the fair value of the total assets minus total liabilities. The DGCL also provides that dividends may not be paid out of net profits if, after the payment of the dividend, remaining capital would be less than the capital represented by the outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the distribution of assets.

We currently do not pay a dividend. Declaration and payment of any future dividend is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors. The time and amount of dividends will be dependent upon our financial condition, operations, cash requirements and availability, level of indebtedness, debt repayment obligations, capital expenditure needs, contractual restrictions and restrictions in our debt instruments and in any preferred stock, industry trends, the provisions of Delaware law affecting the payment of distributions to stockholders and any other factors our Board of Directors may consider relevant.

Annual Stockholder Meetings

Our Certificate of Incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws provide that annual stockholder meetings will be held at a date, time and place, if any, as exclusively selected by our Board of Directors. To the extent permitted under applicable law, we may conduct meetings by remote communications, including by webcast.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Our Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws and Certain Provisions of Delaware Law

Our Certificate of Incorporation, amended and restated bylaws and the DGCL contain provisions, which are summarized in the following paragraphs, that are intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of our Board of Directors. These provisions are intended to avoid costly takeover battles, reduce our vulnerability to a hostile change of control and enhance the ability of our Board of Directors to maximize stockholder value in connection with any unsolicited offer to acquire us. However, these provisions may have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, deter or prevent a merger or acquisition of the Company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or other takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider in its best interest, including those 

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attempts that might result in a premium over the prevailing market price for the shares of common stock held by stockholders.

Authorized but Unissued Capital Stock

Delaware law does not require stockholder approval for any issuance of authorized shares. However, the listing requirements of the NYSE, which would apply if and so long as our common stock remains listed on the NYSE, require stockholder approval of certain issuances equal to or exceeding 20% of the then outstanding voting power or then outstanding number of shares of common stock. Additional shares that may be used in the future may be used for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings, to raise additional capital or to facilitate acquisitions.

Our Board of Directors may generally issue preferred shares on terms calculated to discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of the Company or the removal of our management. Moreover, our authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock will be available for future issuances without stockholder approval and could be utilized for a variety of corporate purposes, including future offerings to raise additional capital, to facilitate acquisitions and employee benefit plans.

One of the effects of the existence of unissued and unreserved common stock or preferred stock may be to enable our Board of Directors to issue shares to persons friendly to current management, which issuance could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of the Company by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise, and thereby protect the continuity of our management and possibly deprive our stockholders of opportunities to sell their shares of common stock at prices higher than prevailing market prices.

Business Combinations

We have opted out of Section 203 of the DGCL; however, our Certificate of Incorporation contains similar provisions providing that we may not engage in certain “business combinations” with any “interested stockholder” for a three-year period following the time that the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:

	
 
	
•
	
prior to such time, our Board of Directors approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;

	
 
	
•
	
upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of our voting stock outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding certain shares; or

	
 
	
•
	
at or subsequent to that time, the business combination is approved by our Board of Directors and by the affirmative vote of holders of at least 66 2/3% of our outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.

Generally, a “business combination” includes a merger, asset or stock sale or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Subject to certain exceptions, an “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with that person’s affiliates and associates, owns, or within the previous three years owned, 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock. For purposes of this section only, “voting stock” has the meaning given to it in Section 203 of the DGCL.

Under certain circumstances, this provision will make it more difficult for a person who would be an “interested stockholder” to effect various business combinations with the Company for a three-year period. This provision may encourage companies interested in acquiring the Company to negotiate in advance with our Board of Directors because the stockholder approval requirement would be avoided if our Board of Directors approves either the business combination or the transaction which results in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder. These provisions also may have the effect of preventing changes in our Board of Directors and may make it more difficult to accomplish transactions which stockholders may otherwise deem to be in their best interests.

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Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that any direct or indirect transferees of our former controlling stockholder and its affiliates and any group as to which such persons are a party, do not constitute “interested stockholders” for purposes of this provision.

Removal of Directors; Vacancies

Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that directors may be removed with or without cause upon the affirmative vote of a 66 2/3% in voting power of all outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class. In addition, our Certificate of Incorporation also provides that any newly created directorship on the Board of Directors that results from an increase in the number of directors and any vacancies on our Board of Directors may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors, even if less than a quorum or by a sole remaining director.

No Cumulative Voting

Under Delaware law, the right to vote cumulatively does not exist unless the certificate of incorporation specifically authorizes cumulative voting. Our Certificate of Incorporation does not authorize cumulative voting. Therefore, stockholders holding a majority in voting power of the shares of our stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors will be able to elect all our directors.

Special Stockholder Meetings

Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that special meetings of our stockholders may be called at any time only by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or the chairman of the Board of Directors. Our amended and restated bylaws prohibit the conduct of any business at a special meeting other than as specified in the notice for such meeting. These provisions may have the effect of deferring, delaying or discouraging hostile takeovers, or changes in control or management of the Company.

Requirements for Advance Notification of Director Nominations and Stockholder Proposals

Our amended and restated bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and the nomination of candidates for election as directors, other than nominations made by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or a committee of the Board of Directors. In order for any matter to be “properly brought” before a meeting, a stockholder will have to comply with advance notice requirements and provide us with certain information. Generally, to be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be received at our principal executive offices not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders. Our amended and restated bylaws also specify requirements as to the form and content of a stockholder’s notice. Our amended and restated bylaws allow the chairman of the meeting at a meeting of the stockholders to adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of meetings which may have the effect of precluding the conduct of certain business at a meeting if the rules and regulations are not followed. These provisions may also defer, delay or discourage a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquirer’s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to influence or obtain control of the Company.

No Stockholder Action by Written Consent

Any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Company must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of such holders and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such holders; provided, however, that any action required or permitted to be taken by the holders of preferred stock, voting separately as a series or separately as a class with one or more other such series, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, to the extent expressly so provided by the applicable certificate of designation relating to such series of preferred stock.

Supermajority Provisions

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Our Certificate of Incorporation and amended and restated bylaws provide that the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to make, alter, amend, change, add to, rescind or repeal, in whole or in part, our bylaws without a stockholder vote in any matter not inconsistent with the laws of the State of Delaware and our Certificate of Incorporation. Any amendment, alteration, rescission or repeal of our bylaws by our stockholders will require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% in voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of stock of the Company entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class.

The DGCL provides generally that the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, is required to amend a corporation’s certificate of incorporation, unless the certificate of incorporation requires a greater percentage.

Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that the following provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation may be amended, altered, repealed or rescinded only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% in voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of stock of the Company entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class:

	
 
	
•
	
the provision requiring a 66 2/3% supermajority vote for stockholders to amend our amended and restated bylaws;

	
 
	
•
	
the provisions regarding resignation and removal of directors;

	
 
	
•
	
the provisions regarding competition and corporate opportunities;

	
 
	
•
	
the provisions regarding entering into business combinations with interested stockholders;

	
 
	
•
	
the provisions regarding stockholder action by written consent;

	
 
	
•
	
the provisions regarding calling special meetings of stockholders;

	
 
	
•
	
the provisions regarding filling vacancies on our Board of Directors and newly created directorships;

	
 
	
•
	
the provisions eliminating monetary damages for breaches of fiduciary duty by a director; and

	
 
	
•
	
the amendment provision requiring that the above provisions be amended only with a 66 2/3% supermajority vote.

The combination of the lack of cumulative voting and the supermajority voting requirements will make it more difficult for our existing stockholders to replace our Board of Directors as well as for another party to obtain control of us by replacing our Board of Directors. Because our Board of Directors has the power to retain and discharge our officers, these provisions could also make it more difficult for existing stockholders or another party to effect a change in management.

These provisions may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying or preventing changes in control of our management or the Company, such as a merger, reorganization or tender offer. These provisions are intended to enhance the likelihood of continued stability in the composition of our Board of Directors and its policies and to discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual or threatened acquisition of the Company. These provisions are designed to reduce our vulnerability to an unsolicited acquisition proposal. These provisions are also intended to discourage certain tactics that may be used in proxy fights. However, such provisions could have the effect of discouraging others from making tender offers for our shares and, as a consequence, they also may inhibit fluctuations in the market price of our shares that could result from actual or rumored takeover attempts.

Dissenters’ Rights of Appraisal and Payment

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Under the DGCL, with certain exceptions, our stockholders will have appraisal rights in connection with a merger or consolidation of us. Pursuant to the DGCL, stockholders who properly request and perfect appraisal rights in connection with such merger or consolidation will have the right to receive payment of the fair value of their shares as determined by the Delaware Court of Chancery.

Stockholders’ Derivative Actions

Under the DGCL, any of our stockholders may bring an action in our name to procure a judgment in our favor, also known as a derivative action, provided that the stockholder bringing the action is a holder of our shares at the time of the transaction to which the action relates or such stockholder’s stock thereafter devolved by operation of law.

Exclusive Forum

Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that unless we consent to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for any (i) derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf, to the fullest extent permitted by law, of the Company, (ii) action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director or officer of the Company to the Company or the Company’s stockholders, creditors or other constituents, (iii) action asserting a claim against the Company or any director or officer of the Company arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, our Certificate of Incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws, or (iv) action asserting a claim against the Company or any director or officer of the Company governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in each such case subject to said Court of Chancery having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants therein; provided, that, if and only if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware dismisses any such action for lack of subject matter jurisdiction, such action may be brought in another state court sitting in the State of Delaware. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the Company shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the forum provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation.

Conflicts of Interest

Delaware law permits corporations to adopt provisions renouncing any interest or expectancy in certain opportunities that are presented to the corporation or its officers, directors or stockholders. Our Certificate of Incorporation, to the maximum extent permitted from time to time by Delaware law, renounces any interest or expectancy that we have in, or right to be offered an opportunity to participate in, specified business opportunities that are from time to time presented to our officers, directors or stockholders or their respective affiliates, other than those officers, directors, stockholders or affiliates who are our or our subsidiaries’ employees. Our Certificate of Incorporation does not renounce our interest in any business opportunity that is expressly offered to a non-employee director solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Company. To the fullest extent permitted by law, no business opportunity will be deemed to be a potential corporate opportunity for us unless we would be permitted, to undertake the opportunity under our Certificate of Incorporation, we have sufficient financial resources to undertake the opportunity and the opportunity would be in line with our business.

Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors

The DGCL authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors’ fiduciary duties, subject to certain exceptions. Our Certificate of Incorporation includes a provision that eliminates the personal liability of directors for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the DGCL. The effect of these provisions is to eliminate the rights of us and our stockholders, through stockholders’ derivative suits on our behalf, to recover monetary damages from a director for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, including breaches resulting from grossly negligent behavior. However, exculpation does not apply to any director if the director has acted in bad faith, knowingly or intentionally violated the law, authorized illegal dividends or redemptions/repurchases or derived an improper benefit from his or her actions as a director.

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Our amended and restated bylaws provide that we must indemnify and advance expenses to our directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL. We also are expressly authorized to carry directors’ and officers’ liability insurance providing indemnification for our directors, officers and certain employees for some liabilities. We believe that these indemnification and advancement provisions and insurance are useful to attract and retain qualified directors and executive officers.

The limitation of liability, indemnification and advancement provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation and amended and restated bylaws may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions also may have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders. In addition, your investment may be adversely affected to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions.

We currently are party to indemnification agreements with certain of our directors and officers. These agreements require us to indemnify these individuals to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law against liabilities that may arise by reason of their service to us, and to advance expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified.

There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers or employees for which indemnification is sought.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

Listing

Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “SEAS.”

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