Document:

ex10a.htm

Exhibit (10)(a)

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to the 1933 Act Registration Statement (Form N-4 No. 333-141766) and Amendment No. 300 to the 1940 Act Registration Statement (Form N-4 No. 811-08441), and to the use therein of our reports dated (a) March 31, 2016, with respect to the financial statements of Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York and (b) April 12, 2016, with respect to the financial statements of Lincoln Life & Annuity Variable Annuity Account H for the interests in a separate account under individual flexible payment deferred variable annuity contracts.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

November 16, 2016Exhibit

Exhibit 10.1
Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation

	
								
	Annual Cash Retainer Fee 
 
	 
	$
	68,000
	 
	 

	Lead Director Additional Annual Cash Retainer
	 
	$
	20,000
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	Annual Equity Retainer (in common stock equivalent)†
	 
	 
	

	$100,000
	

	 

	

Annual Retainer - Committee Member:
	 
	 
	 

	Audit
	 
	$
	12,000
	 
	 

	Leadership Development and Compensation Committee
	 
	$
	6,000
	 
	 

	Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee
	 
	$
	6,000
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 

	Additional Annual Retainer for Committee Chairs:
	 
	 
	 

	Audit
	 
	$
	15,000
	 
	 

	Executive
	 
	$
	15,000
	 
	 

	Leadership Development and Compensation
	 
	$
	15,000
	 
	 

	Nominating/Corporate Governance
	 
	$
	15,000
	 
	 

Subsidiary Board Retainers:*
Annual Retainer- Subsidiary Board Member**                                     $9,000
Additional Annual Retainer- Subsidiary Board Lead Director***                         $15,000
In the event of extraordinary circumstances resulting in an excessive number of Board or Committee meetings beyond the typical number of meetings of a Board or Committee in a given year, the Board retains discretion to pay an additional per meeting fee of $1,500 to each attending non-employee director that is a member of such Board or Committee.
† The number of shares to be based upon the closing price of a share of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant.
* Subsidiary Boards include the Boards of Directors for New Jersey Natural Gas, NJR Energy Services, NJR Clean Energy Ventures and NJR Energy Investments.  
**Subsidiary Board Member Annual Retainers and any additional meeting fees are based upon each member only being compensated for one meeting when joint Boards of Directors meetings occur.
***Lead Directors of more than one subsidiary Board will only be paid a single annual retainer fee of $15,000 for service as Lead Director on those Boards.chre_ex101.htm

EXHIBIT 10.1
 
AGREEMENT FOR SHARE EXCHANGE
 
This AGREEMENT FOR SHARE EXCHANGE (this “Agreement”) is entered into on April 14, 2011, with an effective date of July 14, 2010, by and among CH Real Estate II, Inc., a Utah corporation (“CHRE INC”), CH Real Estate, LLC, a Utah limited liability company (“CHRE LLC”), and the sole owner of CHRE LLC, Curt Hansen, as of July 14, 2010. Such shareholder owns 100% of the shares of CHRE LLC and is sometimes referred to herein as the “Shareholder.”
 
RECITALS
 
WHEREAS, CHRE INC desires to acquire all of the equity ownership of CHRE LLC in exchange for the consideration and upon the terms set forth below; and 
 
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of CHRE INC and the managers of CHRE LLC have each approved the proposed transaction, contingent upon satisfaction prior to closing of all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, which shall be considered an integral part of this Agreement, and the covenants, conditions, representations and warranties hereinafter set forth, the parties hereby agree as follows:
 
ARTICLE I 
THE EXCHANGE
 
1.1 The Exchange. At the Closing (as hereinafter defined), CHRE INC shall acquire 100% ownership of CHRE LLC. Consideration to be paid by CHRE INC shall be a total of 9,600,000 shares of its common stock (the “Shares”) in exchange for 100% ownership of CHRE LLC (such exchange of shares shall be referred to herein as the “Exchange”). The Exchange shall take place upon the terms and conditions provided for in this Agreement and in accordance with applicable law. Immediately following completion of the share exchange transaction through issuance of the Shares, CHRE INC shall have a total of 9,600,000 shares of its common stock issued and outstanding. For federal income tax purposes, it is intended that the Exchange shall constitute a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). 
 
1.2 Closing and Effective Time. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the parties shall hold a closing (the “Closing”) on (i) the first business day on which the last of the conditions set forth in Article V to be fulfilled prior to the Closing is fulfilled or waived or (ii) at such time and place as the parties hereto may agree. Notwithstanding the foregoing, February 14, 2012 shall be the effective date of the Exchange (the “Effective Time”), but in no event shall the Closing occur later than April 14, 2011 unless both parties agree, in writing, to extend the Closing beyond that date.
 
1.3 Actions at Closing. At Closing:
 
(a) The Shareholder shall execute and deliver to CHRE INC 100% ownership CHRE LLC. 
 
(b) The parties to this Agreement further agree to execute, acknowledge and deliver such additional documents, take such additional actions and furnish such additional information as may be reasonably necessary to carry out fully the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
	 
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ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 
2.1 Representations and Warranties of CHRE INC. CHRE INC represents and warrants to CHRE LLC as follows:
 
(a) Organization, Standing and Power. CHRE INC is or will be after the effective date, a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Utah and has all requisite power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted, and is duly qualified and in good standing to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or the ownership or leasing of its properties makes such qualification necessary except for any such failure, which when taken together with all other failures, is not likely to have a Material Adverse Effect. “Material Adverse Effect” means any material adverse effect on the business, operations, assets, financial condition or prospects of CHRE LLC or CHRE INC, if any, taken as a whole, or on the transactions contemplated hereby or by the agreements or instruments to be entered into in connection herewith.
 
(b) Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. Copies of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of CHRE INC, which have been delivered to CHRE LLC, are true, correct and complete copies thereof. 
 
(c) Authority. CHRE INC has all requisite power to enter into this Agreement and, subject to approval of the proposed transaction by its shareholders, has the requisite power and authority to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. Except as specified herein, no other corporate or shareholder proceedings on the part of CHRE INC are necessary to authorize the Exchange and the other transactions contemplated hereby.
 
(d) Conflict with Agreements; Approvals. The execution and delivery of this Agreement does not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not, conflict with, or result in any violation of any provision of the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of CHRE INC or of any loan or credit agreement, note, mortgage, indenture, lease, benefit plan or other agreement, obligation, instrument, permit, concession, franchise, license, judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to CHRE LLC or its properties or assets except for any such conflict or violation, which when taken together with all other conflict or violation, is not likely to have a Material Adverse Effect. No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing with, any governmental entity is required by or with respect to CHRE INC in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by CHRE INC, or the consummation by CHRE INC of the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
(e) Books and Records. CHRE INC has made and will make available for inspection by CHRE LLC upon reasonable request all the books of account, relating to the business of CHRE INC. Such books of account have been maintained in the ordinary course of business. All documents furnished or caused to be furnished to CHRE LLC by CHRE INC are true and correct copies, and there are no amendments or modifications thereto except as set forth in such documents.
 
(f) Compliance with Laws. CHRE INC is and has been in compliance in all material respects with all laws, regulations, rules, orders, judgments, decrees and other requirements and policies imposed by any governmental entity applicable to it, its properties or the operation of its businesses.
 
(g) Litigation. There is no suit, action or proceeding pending, or, to the knowledge of CHRE INC threatened against or affecting CHRE INC, which is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on CHRE INC, nor is there any judgment, decree, injunction, rule or order of any governmental entity or arbitrator outstanding against CHRE INC having, or which, insofar as reasonably can be foreseen, in the future could have, any such effect.
 
(h) Taxes. CHRE INC has filed all tax returns and reports required to be filed as of the Closing with all other jurisdictions where such filing is required by law; and CHRE INC has paid, or made adequate provision for the payment of all taxes, interest, penalties, assessments or deficiencies due and payable on, and with respect to such periods or accruing prior to Closing. As of the Closing, CHRE INC knows of (i) no other tax returns or reports which were required to be filed which have not been so filed and (ii) no unpaid assessment for additional taxes for any fiscal period ending before the Closing. 
   	 
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2.2 Representations and Warranties of CHRE LLC. CHRE LLC represents and warrants to CHRE INC as follows:
 
(a) Organization, Standing and Power. CHRE LLC is an LLC duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Utah and has all requisite power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted, and is duly qualified and in good standing to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or the ownership or leasing of its properties makes such qualification necessary except for any such failure, which when taken together with all other failures, is not likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
 (b) Articles of Organization. Copies of the Articles of Organization, which have been delivered to CHRE INC, are true, correct and complete copies thereof. 
 
(c) Authority. CHRE LLC has all requisite power to enter into this Agreement and, subject to approval of the proposed transaction by its shareholders, has the requisite power and authority to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. Except as specified herein, no other corporate or shareholder proceedings on the part of CHRE LLC are necessary to authorize the Exchange and the other transactions contemplated hereby.
 
(d) Conflict with Agreements; Approvals. The execution and delivery of this Agreement does not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not, conflict with, or result in any violation of any provision of the Articles of Organization or Operating Agreement of CHRE LLC or of any loan or credit agreement, note, mortgage, indenture, lease, benefit plan or other agreement, obligation, instrument, permit, concession, franchise, license, judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to CHRE LLC or its properties or assets except for any such conflict or violation, which when taken together with all other conflict or violation, is not likely to have a Material Adverse Effect. No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing with, any governmental entity is required by or with respect to CHRE LLC in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by CHRE LLC, or the consummation by CHRE LLC of the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
(e) Books and Records. CHRE LLC has made and will make available for inspection by CHRE INC upon reasonable request all the books of account, relating to the business of CHRE LLC. Such books of account have been maintained in the ordinary course of business. All documents furnished or caused to be furnished to CHRE INC by CHRE LLC are true and correct copies, and there are no amendments or modifications thereto except as set forth in such documents.
 
(g) Compliance with Laws. CHRE LLC is and has been in compliance in all material respects with all laws, regulations, rules, orders, judgments, decrees and other requirements and policies imposed by any governmental entity applicable to it, its properties or the operation of its businesses.
 
(h) Litigation. There is no suit, action or proceeding pending, or, to the knowledge of CHRE LLC threatened against or affecting CHRE LLC, which is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on CHRE LLC, nor is there any judgment, decree, injunction, rule or order of any governmental entity or arbitrator outstanding against CHRE LLC having, or which, insofar as reasonably can be foreseen, in the future could have, any such effect.
 
(i) Taxes. CHRE LLC has filed all tax returns and reports required to be filed as of the Closing with all other jurisdictions where such filing is required by law; and CHRE LLC has paid, or made adequate provision for the payment of all taxes, interest, penalties, assessments or deficiencies due and payable on, and with respect to such periods or accruing prior to Closing. As of the Closing, CHRE LLC knows of (i) no other tax returns or reports which were required to be filed which have not been so filed and (ii) no unpaid assessment for additional taxes for any fiscal period ending before the Closing. 
 
(j) Licenses, Permits; Intellectual Property. CHRE LLC owns or possesses in the operation of its business all material authorizations which are necessary for it to conduct its business as now conducted. Neither the execution nor delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will require any notice or consent under or have any material adverse effect upon any such authorizations.
 
(k) Title to Property. CHRE LLC has good and marketable title in fee simple to all real property and good and marketable title to all personal property owned by them which is material to the business of CHRE LLC, in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and defects except such as are described in Schedule 2(s) or such as would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Any real property and facilities held under lease by CHRE LLC are held by it under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with such exceptions as would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
   	 
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2.3 Representations and Warranties of Shareholder. Shareholder represents and warrants to CHRE INC as follows:
 
(a) Shares Free and Clear. The shares or membership interest of CHRE LLC which Shareholder owns are free and clear of any liens, claims, options, charges or encumbrances of any nature.
 
(b) Unqualified Right to Transfer Shares. Shareholder has the unqualified right to sell, assign, and deliver the shares of CHRE LLC and, upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, CHRE INC will acquire good and valid title to such shares or membership interest, free and clear of all liens, claims, options, charges, and encumbrances of whatsoever nature.
 
(c) Agreement and Transaction Duly Authorized. Shareholder is authorized to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the share exchange transaction described herein. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will constitute a violation or default under any term or provision of any contract, commitment, indenture, other agreement or restriction of any kind or character to which such Shareholder is a party or by which such Shareholder is bound.
 
(d) Share Ownership. Shareholder is presently the only shareholder of CHRE LLC, and owns 100% of the equity ownership of CHRE LLC.
 
ARTICLE III
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
3.1 Restricted Shares. The Shares will not be registered under the Securities Act, but will be issued pursuant to applicable exemptions from such registration requirements for transactions not involving a public offering and/or for transactions which constitute “offshore transactions” as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”). Accordingly, the Shares will constitute “restricted securities” for purposes of the Securities Act and the holders of Shares will not be able to transfer such shares except upon compliance with the registration requirements of the Securities Act or in reliance upon an available exemption therefrom. The certificates evidencing the Shares shall contain a legend to the foregoing effect. 
 
3.2 Access to Information. Upon reasonable notice, CHRE INC and CHRE LLC shall each afford to the officers, employees, accountants, counsel and other representatives of the other company, access to all their respective properties, books, contracts, commitments and records and all other information concerning its business, properties and personnel as such other party may reasonably request. Unless otherwise required by law, the parties will hold any such information which is nonpublic in confidence until such time as such information otherwise becomes publicly available through no wrongful act of either party, and in the event of termination of this Agreement for any reason each party shall promptly return all nonpublic documents obtained from any other party, and any copies made of such documents, to such other party.
 
ARTICLE IV
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
 
4.1 Conditions to Each Party’s Obligation to Effect the Exchange. The respective obligations of each party to effect the Exchange shall be conditional upon the filing, occurring or obtainment by the other party of all authorizations, consents, orders or approvals of, or declarations or filings with, or expirations of waiting periods imposed by any governmental entity or by any applicable law, rule, or regulation governing the transactions contemplated hereby. 
 
4.2 Conditions to Obligations of CHRE INC. The obligation of CHRE INC to effect the Exchange is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions on or before the Closing unless waived by CHRE INC:
 
(a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of CHRE LLC set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date) as of the Closing as though made on and as of the Closing, except as otherwise stated in this Agreement, and CHRE LLC shall complete all government and legal process to transfer 100% of the ownerships from the Shareholder to CHRE INC.
    	 
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4.3 Conditions to Obligations of CHRE INC. The obligation of CHRE INC to effect the Exchange is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions on or before the Closing unless waived by CHRE INC:
 
(a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of CHRE LLC set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date) as of the Closing as though made on and as of the Closing, except as otherwise stated in this Agreement.
 
ARTICLE V
TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT
 
5.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing:
 
(a) by mutual consent of CHRE INC, CHRE LLC, and the Shareholder;
 
(b) by either CHRE INC, CHRE LLC, and/or the Shareholder, if there has been a material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of the other party or parties, as set forth in this Agreement, which breach has not been cured within five (5) business days following receipt by the breaching party of notice of such breach, or if any permanent injunction or other order of a court or other competent authority preventing the consummation of the Exchange shall have become final and non-appealable.
 
5.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of termination of this Agreement by any party as provided in Section 5.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and, subject to the following, there shall be no liability or obligation on the part of any party hereto. In the event of termination under Section 5.1(a), all costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses. In the event of termination under Section 5.1(b), all costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement by the non-breaching party shall be paid by the other party.
 
5.3 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by mutual agreement of CHRE INC, CHRE LLC, and the Shareholder. Any such amendment must be by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.
 
5.4 Extension; Waiver. At any time prior to the Closing, any party hereto, by action taken individually or authorized by their respective Board of Directors, may, to the extent legally allowed, (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other parties hereto, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto and (c) waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions contained herein. Any agreement on the part of a party hereto to any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in a written instrument signed on behalf of such party.
 
ARTICLE VI
GENERAL PROVISIONS
 
6.1 Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements. All of the representations, warranties and agreements in this Agreement or in any instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall survive the Effective Time for as long as the applicable status of limitation shall remain open. 
    	 
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6.2 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally, telecopied (which is confirmed) or mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice), with a copy to Vincent & Rees, L.C., 175 South Main, 15th Floor, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111:
 
(a) If to CHRE INC:
 
175 South Main Street, 15th Floor
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
 
(b) If to CHRE LLC:
 
175 South Main Street, 15th Floor
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
 
(c) If to Shareholder:
 
175 South Main Street, 15th Floor
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
 
6.3 Interpretation. When a reference is made in this Agreement to Sections, such reference shall be to a Section of this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the words “include,” “includes,” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” The phrase “made available” in this Agreement shall mean that the information referred to has been made available if requested by the party to whom such information is to be made available.
 
6.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when two or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties, it being understood that all parties need not sign the same counterpart.
 
6.5 Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiaries; Rights of Ownership. This Agreement (including the documents and the instruments referred to herein) constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and is not intended to confer upon any person other than the parties hereto any rights or remedies hereunder.
 
6.6 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Utah without regard to principles of conflicts of law. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of any Utah state court or any federal court in the State of Utah in respect of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, and irrevocably accept for themselves and in respect of their property, generally and unconditionally, the jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts.
 
6.7 No Remedy in Certain Circumstances. Each party agrees that, should any court or other competent authority hold any provision of this Agreement or part hereof or thereof to be null, void or unenforceable, or order any party to take any action inconsistent herewith or not to take any action required herein, the other party shall not be entitled to specific performance of such provision or part hereof or thereof or to any other remedy, including but not limited to money damages, for breach hereof or thereof or of any other provision of this Agreement or part hereof or thereof as a result of such holding or order.
 
6.8 Publicity. Except as otherwise required by law or the rules of the SEC, so long as this Agreement is in effect, no party shall issue or cause the publication of any press release or other public announcement with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement without the written consent of the other party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
 
6.9 Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the parties hereto (whether by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other parties. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties and their respective successors and assigns.
    	 
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ARTICLE VII
OTHER PROVISIONS
 
7.1 Bankruptcy, Insolvency, Etc. In the case of CHRE INC instituting (a) any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or liquidation proceedings or other proceedings, voluntary or involuntary, for relief under any bankruptcy law or any law for the relief of debtors or (b) the dissolution, liquidation, or winding up of CHRE INC or any substantial portion of its business prior to the date which is eighteen (18) months following the Effective Time, this Agreement shall be deemed null and void and CHRE INC shall immediately return to the Shareholder the CHRE LLC Shares.
 
IN WITNESS WHEROF, this Agreement has been signed by the parties set forth below as of the date set forth above.
 
[Signatures on the following page]
 
	 
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		CH Real Estate II, Inc., a Utah corporation	
	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	By: 	/s/ Curt Hansen
	
	 
		Curt Hansen
	
	 
	 
	Chief Executive Officer & Chairman
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	CH Real Estate, LLC, a Utah LLC
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 

		By:	/s/ Curt Hansen
	
	 
		Curt Hansen
	
	 
	 
	Manager
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	SHAREHOLDER of CH Real Estate, LLC, a Utah LLC
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 

		By:	/s/ Curt Hansen
	
	 
	 
	Curt Hansen
	 

 
 
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