Document:

Unassociated Document

April 15, 2011            

Global Cornerstone Holdings Limited

641 Lexington Avenue

28th Floor

New York, NY  10022

Re: Initial Public Offering

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     

This letter (“Letter Agreement”) is being delivered to you in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) to be entered into by and between Global Cornerstone Holdings Limited, a British Virgin Islands business company (the “Company”) and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as representative of the several underwriters (the “Underwriters”), relating to an underwritten initial public offering (the “Offering”), of 8,000,000 of the Company’s units (the “Units”), each comprised of one ordinary share no par value of the Company (the “Ordinary Shares”), and one warrant exercisable for one Ordinary Share (each, a “Warrant”). The Units sold in the Offering shall be quoted and traded on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 and prospectus (the “Prospectus”) filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”). Certain capitalized terms used herein are defined in paragraph 11 hereof.

     

In order to induce the Company and the Underwriters to enter into the Underwriting Agreement and to proceed with the Offering and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Global Cornerstone Holdings LLC (the “Sponsor”), each of the members of Global Cornerstone Holdings LLC (each, a “Member” and collectively, the “Members”), hereby agree with the Company as follows:

     

1. The Sponsor and Members hereby agree that if the Company seeks shareholder approval of a proposed Business Combination, then in connection with such proposed Business Combination, the Sponsor and each Member shall vote all Founder Shares and any Ordinary Shares acquired by it in the Offering or the secondary public market in favor of such proposed Business Combination. The Sponsor and Members hereby further agree that if the Company seeks to amend its amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, the Sponsor and Members will have the discretion to vote in any manner they choose.

     

2. The Sponsor and Members hereby agree that in the event that the Company fails to consummate a Business Combination (as defined in the Underwriting Agreement) within the Applicable Period, the Sponsor and each Member shall take all reasonable steps to cause the Company to (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible, redeem the Ordinary Shares sold as part of the Units in the Offering, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest earned on the Trust Account net of taxes payable (less up to $100,000 of such net interest to pay dissolution expenses and any interest income released to the Company to fund its working capital requirements), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish Public Shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) cease all operations except for the purposes of any winding up of our affairs as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject in each case to the Company’s obligations under the laws of the British Virgin Islands to provide for claims of creditors and other requirements of applicable law.

  

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Each of the Members, the Sponsor and the Company will not propose any amendment to the Company's amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that would affect the substance or timing of the Company's obligation, as described in Regulation 23 of the  amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, to redeem the

Ordinary Shares held by Public Shareholders.

Each of the Members and the Sponsor acknowledges that he, she, or it has no right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the Trust Account or any other asset of the Company as a result of any liquidation of the Company with respect to the Founder Shares. The Sponsor and the Members hereby further waive, with respect to any Ordinary Shares held by it or them, as the case may be, any redemption rights any of them may have in connection with the consummation of a Business Combination, including, without limitation, any such rights available in the context of a shareholder vote to approve such Business Combination or in the context of a tender offer made by the Company to purchase Ordinary Shares (although the Sponsor and the Members shall be entitled to redemption and liquidation rights with respect to any Ordinary Shares (other than the Founder Shares) they hold if the Company fails to consummate a Business Combination within the Applicable Period).

     

3. During the period commencing on the effective date of the Underwriting Agreement and ending 180 days after such date, none of the Sponsor or the Members shall (i) sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, with respect to any Units, Ordinary Shares, Warrants or any securities convertible into, or exercisable, or exchangeable for, Ordinary Shares owned by him, her or it, (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any Units, Ordinary Shares, Warrants or any securities convertible into, or exercisable, or exchangeable for, Ordinary Shares owned by him, her or it, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise, or (iii) publicly announce any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (i) or (ii).

     

4. In the event of the liquidation of the Trust Account, each of Messrs. James Dunning, Alan Hassenfeld and Gregory Smith (“Indemnitors”), pro-rata on a 40%, 40% and 20% basis, respectively, agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Company against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever (including, but not limited to, any and all legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, whether pending or threatened, or any claim whatsoever) to which the Company may become subject as a result of any claim by (i) any third party for services rendered or products sold to the Company or (ii) a prospective target business with which the Company has entered into an acquisition agreement with (a “Target”); provided, however, that such indemnification of the Company by the Indemnitors shall apply only to the extent necessary to ensure that such claims by a third party for services rendered (other than the Company’s independent public accountants) or products sold to the Company or a Target do not reduce the amount of funds in the Trust Account to below $10.00 per Ordinary Share sold in the Offering (the “Offering Shares”) (or approximately $9.97 per Offering Share if the underwriters’ over-allotment option, as described in the Prospectus, is exercised in full, or such pro rata amount in between $9.97 and $10.00 per Offering Share that corresponds to the portion of the over-allotment option that is exercised), and provided, further, that only if such third party or Target has not executed an agreement waiving claims against and all rights to seek access to the Trust Account whether or not such agreement is enforceable. In the event that any such executed waiver is deemed to be unenforceable against such third party, the Indemnitors shall not be responsible for any liability as a result of any such third party claims. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, such indemnification of the Company by the Indemnitors shall not apply as to any claims under the Company’s obligation to indemnify the Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Indemnitors shall have the right to defend against any such claim with counsel of their choice reasonably satisfactory to the Company if, within 15 days following written receipt of notice of the claim to the Indemnitors, the Indemnitors notify the Company in writing that they shall undertake such defense.

  

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5. To the extent that the Underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option to purchase an additional 1,200,000 Ordinary Shares (as described in the Prospectus), the Sponsor agrees that it shall return to the Company for cancellation, at no cost, the number of Founder Shares held by the Sponsor determined by multiplying 263,414 by a fraction, (i) the numerator of which is 1,200,000 minus the number of Ordinary Shares purchased by the Underwriters upon the exercise of their over-allotment option, and (ii) the denominator of which is 1,200,000. The Sponsor further agrees that to the extent that (a) the size of the Offering is increased or decreased and (b) the Sponsor has either purchased or sold Ordinary Shares or an adjustment to the number of Founder Shares has been effected by way of a share split, share dividend, reverse share split, contribution back to capital or otherwise, in each case in connection with such increase or decrease in the size of the Offering, then (i) the references to 1,200,000 in the numerator and denominator of the formula in the immediately preceding sentence shall be changed to a number equal to 15% of the number of shares included in the Units issued in the Offering and (ii) the reference to 263,414 in the formula set forth in the immediately preceding sentence shall be adjusted to such number of Ordinary Shares that the Sponsor would have to return to the Company in order to hold 18% of the Company’s issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares after the Offering (assuming the Underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option). In addition, a portion of the Founder Shares in an amount equal to 4.0% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares immediately after the Offering (the “Earnout Shares”), shall be returned to the Company for cancellation, at no cost, on the four-year anniversary of the closing of the Company's initial Business Combination unless prior to such time (y) the last sales price of the Company’s Ordinary Shares equals or exceeds $13.00 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period; or (z) the Company consummates a subsequent liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction that results in all of the Company’s shareholders having the right to exchange their Ordinary Shares for cash, securities or other property for an amount which equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like).

     

6. (a) In order to minimize potential conflicts of interest that may arise from multiple corporate affiliations, each Member agrees that until the earliest of the Company’s Business Combination, liquidation or, if such member is an officer of the Company, such time as such Member ceases to be an officer or director of the Company, he, she or it shall present to the Company for its consideration, prior to presentation to any other entity, any business opportunity with an enterprise value of $100 million or more, subject to any pre-existing fiduciary or contractual obligations he, she or it might have.

  

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(b) Each Member understands that the Company may effect a Business Combination with a single target business or multiple target businesses simultaneously and agrees that he, she or it shall not participate in the formation of, or become an officer or director of, any blank check company until the Company has entered into a definitive agreement regarding its initial Business Combination or the Company has failed to complete an initial Business Combination within the Applicable Period of the Offering; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall override any Member’s fiduciary obligations to any entity with which he, she or it is currently directly or indirectly associated or affiliated or by whom he, she or it is currently employed.

          

(c) Each Member hereby agrees and acknowledges that (i) each of the Underwriters and the Company would be irreparably injured in the event of a breach by such Member of his, her or its obligations under paragraphs 7(a) and/or 7(b) herein, (ii) monetary damages may not be an adequate remedy for such breach and (iii) the non-breaching party shall be entitled to injunctive relief, in addition to any other remedy that such party may have in law or in equity, in the event of such breach.

     

7. (a) Each of the Members and the Sponsor acknowledges and agrees that until: (i) with respect to (A) the Non-Earnout Shares, one year after the completion of the Company’s initial Business Combination or earlier if, subsequent to the Company’s initial Business Combination, the last sales price of the Ordinary Shares equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after the Company’s initial Business Combination (the “Non-Earnout Lock-Up Period”), and (B) the Earnout Shares, such date within four years subsequent to the completion of the Company’s initial Business Combination, if ever, that the last sales price of the Ordinary Shares equals or exceeds $13.00 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after the Company’s initial Business Combination (the “Earnout Lock-Up Period”); or (ii) the Company consummates a subsequent liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction that results in all of the Company’s shareholders having the right to exchange their Ordinary Shares for cash, securities or other property, that equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like); the undersigned shall not, except as described in the Prospectus, (A) sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, with respect to the Founder Shares, (B) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any of the Founder Shares, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of the Ordinary Shares or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, or (C) publicly announce any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (A) or (B).

          

(b) Until 30 days after the completion of the Company’s initial Business Combination (the “Sponsor Lock-Up Period”), each of the undersigned shall not, except as described in the Prospectus, (i) sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder, with respect to the Sponsor Warrants and the respective Ordinary Shares underlying the Sponsor Warrants, (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any of the Sponsor Warrants and the respective Ordinary Shares underlying the Sponsor Warrants, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of the Ordinary Shares or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, or (iii) publicly announce any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (i) or (ii).

  

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(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs 7(a) and 7(b) herein, each of the Members and the Sponsor may transfer the Founder Shares and/or Sponsor Warrants and the respective Ordinary Shares underlying the Sponsor Warrants (i) to the Company’s officers or directors, any affiliate or family member of any of the Company’s officers or directors or any affiliate of the Sponsor or to any Member(s) of the Sponsor; (ii) in the case of any Member, by gift to a member of such Member’s immediate family or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is a member of such Member’s immediate family, an affiliate of such Member or to a charitable organization; (iii) in the case of any Member, by virtue of the laws of descent and distribution upon death of such Member; (iv) in the case of any Member, pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order; (v) by virtue of the laws of the state of Delaware or the Sponsor’s limited liability company agreement upon dissolution of the Sponsor; (vi) in the event of the Company’s liquidation prior to the completion of the Company’s Business Combination; or (vii) in the event that, subsequent to the consummation of the Company’s Business Combination, the Company consummates a merger, share exchange or other similar transaction that results in all of the Company’s shareholders having the right to exchange their Ordinary Shares for cash, securities or other property; provided, however, that, in the case of clauses (i) through (iv), these permitted transferees enter into a written agreement with the Company agreeing to be bound by the forfeiture restrictions and transfer restrictions in paragraphs 7(a) and 7(b) herein, as the case may be; and provided further that the Sponsor and the Members agree that the Sponsor shall not transfer, assign or sell the Earnout Shares during the Earnout Lock-Up Period prior to the Earnout Shares being earned.

          

(d) Further, each Member and the Sponsor agrees that after the Non-Earnout Lock-Up Period, the Earnout Lock-Up Period or the Sponsor Lock-Up Period, as applicable, has elapsed, the Founder Shares and the Sponsor Warrants and the respective Ordinary Shares underlying such Warrants, shall only be transferable or saleable pursuant to a sale registered under the Securities Act or pursuant to an available exemption from registration under the Securities Act. The Company, each Member and the Sponsor each acknowledge that pursuant to that certain registration rights agreement to be entered into among the Company, the Members and the Sponsor, each of the Members and the Sponsor may request that a registration statement relating to the Founder Shares, and the Sponsor Warrants and/or the Ordinary Shares underlying the Sponsor Warrants be filed with the Commission prior to the end of the Non-Earnout Lock-Up Period, the Earnout Lock-Up Period, or the Sponsor Lock-Up Period, as the case may be; provided, however, that such registration statement does not become effective prior to the end of the Non-Earnout Lock-Up Period, the Earnout Lock-Up Period or the Sponsor Lock-Up Period, as applicable.

          

(e) Each Member, the Sponsor and the Company understands and agrees that the transfer restrictions set forth in this paragraph 7 shall supersede any and all transfer restrictions relating to (i) the Founder Shares set forth in that certain Securities Purchase Agreement, effective as of January 25, 2011, by and between the Company and the Sponsor, and (ii) the Sponsor Warrants set forth in that certain Sponsor Warrants Purchase Agreement, effective as of February 4, 2011, by and between the Company and the Members. The Company will direct each of the certificates evidencing the Founder Shares to be legended with the applicable transfer restrictions.

  

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8. Each Member’s biographical information furnished to the Company is true and accurate in all respects and does not omit any material information with respect to such Member’s background. The Member’s questionnaire furnished to the Company is true and accurate in all respects. Each Member represents and warrants that: such Member is not subject to or a respondent in any legal action for, any injunction, cease-and-desist order or order or stipulation to desist or refrain from any act or practice relating to the offering of securities in any jurisdiction; such Member has never been convicted of, or pleaded guilty to, any crime (i) involving fraud, (ii) relating to any financial transaction or handling of funds of another person, or (iii) pertaining to any dealings in any securities and such Member is not currently a defendant in any such criminal proceeding; and neither such Member nor the Sponsor has ever been suspended or expelled from membership in any securities or commodities exchange or association or had a securities or commodities license or registration denied, suspended or revoked.

   

9. Except as disclosed in the Prospectus, neither the Sponsor, any Member, nor any affiliate of the Sponsor or any Member, nor any director or officer of the Company, shall receive any finder’s fee, reimbursement, consulting fee, monies in respect of any repayment of a loan or other compensation prior to, or in connection with, any services rendered in order to effectuate the consummation of the Company’s initial Business Combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is), other than the following: repayment of an aggregate of $150,000 in loans made to the Company by the Sponsor; payment of an aggregate of $3,000 per month for office space, secretarial and administrative services pursuant to an Administrative Services Agreement, payment of $35,000 by the Company to the Sponsor upon consummation of the Offering and an aggregate of approximately $17,000 per month until the consummation of a Business Combination or the Applicable Period for a management fee pursuant to an Amended and Restated Letter Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2011, between the Company and the Sponsor; up to $350,000 to be paid to Byron I. Sproule as a bonus upon consummation of an initial Business Combination; and reimbursement for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to identifying, investigating and consummating an initial Business Combination, so long as no proceeds of the Offering held in the Trust Account may be applied to the payment of such expenses prior to the consummation of a Business Combination, except that the Company may, for purposes of funding its working capital requirements (including paying such expenses), receive from the Trust Account up to $800,000 in interest income (net of taxes payable), in the event the Underwriters’ over-allotment option in the Offering is not exercised in full, or $920,000 in interest income (net of taxes payable), if the Underwriters’ over-allotment option in the Offering is exercised in full (or, if the over-allotment option is not exercised in full, but is exercised in part, the amount in interest income (net of taxes payable) to be released shall be increased proportionally in relation to the proportion of the over-allotment option which was exercised); and repayment of loans, if any, and on such terms as to be determined by the Company from time to time, made by the Sponsor or an affiliate of the Sponsor or certain of the Company’s officers and directors to finance transaction costs in connection with a Business Combination, provided, that, if the Company does not consummate a Business Combination, a portion of the working capital held outside the Trust Account may be used by the Company to repay such loaned amounts so long as no proceeds from the Trust Account are used for such repayment; provided, however, that the Company may, for purposes of funding its working capital requirements (including repaying such loans), receive from the Trust Account up to $800,000 in interest income (net of taxes payable on such interest), in the event the Underwriters’ over-allotment option in the Offering is not exercised in full, or $920,000 in interest income (net of taxes payable on such interest), if the Underwriters’ over-allotment option in the Offering is exercised in full (or, if the over-allotment option is not exercised in full, but is exercised in part, the amount in interest income (net of taxes payable on such interest) to be released shall be increased proportionally in relation to the proportion of the over-allotment option which was exercised).

  

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10. The Sponsor, and each Member has full right and power, without violating any agreement to which he, she or it is bound (including, without limitation, any non-competition or non-solicitation agreement with any employer or former employer), to enter into this Letter Agreement and each Member, if an officer and/or director of the Company, hereby consents to being named in the Prospectus as an officer and/or director of the Company. 

     

11. As used herein, (i) “Applicable Period” shall mean 21 months from the closing of the Offering (ii) “Business Combination” shall mean the acquisition, share exchange, share reconstruction and amalgamation or contractual control arrangement with, purchase of all or substantially all of the assets of, or engagement in any other similar business combination with one or more businesses or assets; (iii) “Founder Shares” shall mean the 2,019,512 Ordinary Shares of the Company acquired by the Sponsor for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000, or approximately $0.012 per share, prior to the consummation of the Offering; (iv) “Non-Earnout Shares” shall mean the Founder Shares exclusive of the Earnout Shares; (v) “Public Shareholders” shall mean the holders of securities issued in the Offering; (vi) “Sponsor Warrants” shall mean the Warrants to purchase up to 3,000,000 Ordinary Shares of the Company that are acquired by the Sponsor for an aggregate purchase price of $3.0 million, or $1.00 per Warrant in a private placement that shall occur simultaneously with the consummation of the Offering; and (vii) “Trust Account” shall mean the trust fund into which a portion of the net proceeds of the Offering shall be deposited and that will be held by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as trustee.

     

12. This Letter Agreement, and the exhibits thereto, constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior understandings, agreements, or representations by or among the parties hereto, written or oral, to the extent they relate in any way to the subject matter hereof or the transactions contemplated hereby. This Letter Agreement may not be changed, amended, modified or waived (other than to correct a typographical error) as to any particular provision, except by a written instrument executed by all parties hereto.

     

13. No party hereto may assign either this Letter Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other party. Any purported assignment in violation of this paragraph shall be void and ineffectual and shall not operate to transfer or assign any interest or title to the purported assignee. This Letter Agreement shall be binding on the Sponsor, each of the Members, and each of their respective successors, heirs, personal representatives and assigns.

     

14. This Letter Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to conflicts of law principles that would result in the application of the substantive laws of another jurisdiction. The parities hereto (i) all agree that any action, proceeding, claim or dispute arising out of, or relating in any way to, this Letter Agreement shall be brought and enforced in the courts of New York City, in the State of New York, and irrevocably submits to such jurisdiction and venue, which jurisdiction and venue shall be exclusive and (ii) waives any objection to such exclusive jurisdiction and venue or that such courts represent an inconvenient forum.

     

15. Any notice, consent or request to be given in connection with any of the terms or provisions of this Letter Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sent by express mail or similar private courier service, by certified mail (return receipt requested), by hand delivery or facsimile transmission.

  

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16.  If the Company seeks shareholder approval of its Business Combination and does not conduct redemptions of its Ordinary Shares in connection with its Business Combination pursuant to the tender offer rules of the Commission, each of the Company, the Sponsor, the Members, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates are permitted to purchase Ordinary Shares in privately negotiated transactions either prior to or following the consummation of the Company’s Business Combination. With respect to such purchases, each of the Company, the Sponsor, the Members, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates will not make any such purchases when either the Company or they are in possession of any material non-public information not disclosed to the seller or during a restricted period under Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such a purchase would include a contractual acknowledgement that the seller, although still the record holder of the Company's Ordinary Shares is no longer the beneficial owner thereof and therefore agrees not to exercise its redemption rights. In the event that the Company, the Sponsor, the Members, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates purchase Ordinary Shares in privately negotiated transactions from Public Shareholders who have already elected to exercise their redemption rights, such selling shareholders would be required to revoke their prior elections to redeem their shares. To the extent that the Sponsor, the Members, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates enter into a private purchase, they would identify and contact only potential selling shareholders who have expressed their election to redeem their shares for a pro rata share of the trust account or vote against the Business Combination. Pursuant to the terms of such arrangements, any Ordinary Shares so purchased by the Sponsor, the Members, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates would then revoke such selling shareholder’s election to redeem such Ordinary Shares. Except for the limitations described in the Prospectus on the use of trust proceeds released to the Company prior to consummating the initial Business Combination, there is no limit on the amount of Ordinary Shares that could be acquired by the Company or its affiliates, or the price the Company or its affiliates may pay, if the Company holds a shareholder vote.

     

17. This Letter Agreement shall terminate on the earlier of (i) the expiration of the Non-Earnout Lock-up Period, the Earnout Lock-Up Period or the Sponsor Lock-Up Period, whichever is longest, or (ii) the liquidation of the Company; provided, however, that this Letter Agreement shall earlier terminate in the event that the Offering is not consummated and closed by _____________, 2011, provided further that paragraph 4 of this Letter Agreement shall survive such liquidation.

[Signature page follows]

  

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Sincerely,  

	 
	  	  	 
	  	
GLOBAL CORNERSTONE HOLDINGS LLC

	 
	  	  	 
	  	
By:  

	
/s/ James D. Dunning Jr.

	 
	 	 	James D. Dunning Jr.	 
	 	 	Executive Manager	 

	
MEMBERS

	 
	  	 
	
By:

	
/s/ James D. Dunning Jr.

	 
	  	
James D. Dunning Jr.

	 
	  	  	 
	
By:

	
/s/ Alan G. Hassenfeld

	 
	  	
Alan G. Hassenfeld

	 
	  	  	 
	
By:

	
/s/ Gregory E. Smith

	 
	  	
Gregory E. Smith

	 
	  	  	 
	
By:

	
/s/ Elliot Stein, Jr.

	 
	  	
Elliot Stein, Jr.

	 
	  	  	 
	
By:

	
/s/ Byron Sproule

	 
	  	
Byron Sproule

	 
	  	  	 
	
By:

	
/s/ Hubert Holmes

	 
	  	
Hubert Holmes

	 
	  	  	 
	
By:

	
/s/ Shannon Self

	 
	  	
Shannon Self

	 
	  	  	 
	
By:

	
/s/ Vaidyanathan Shankar

	 
	  	
Vaidyanathan Shankar

	 
	  	  	 
	
By:

	
/s/ Richard Leung

	 
	  	
Richard Leung

	 
	  	  	 
	
By:  

	
/s/ Donald Totter

	 
	  	
Donald Totter

	 

Letter Agreement Signature Pages

  

 

  

	
Acknowledged and Agreed:

	  
	
GLOBAL CORNERSTONE HOLDINGS LIMITED

	  
	
By:  

	
/s/ James D. Dunning Jr.

	 	James D. Dunning Jr.
	 	Chief Executive Officer

Letter Agreement Signature Pages

  

 

  

	  	
Sincerely,

	  	  
	  	
GLOBAL CORNERSTONE HOLDINGS LLC

	  	  
	  	
By:  

	
/s/ James D. Dunning Jr.

	  	
Name:  

	James D. Dunning Jr.
	  	
Title:

	Executive Manager

	
By:  

	
/s/ James D. Dunning Jr.

	  	
Name:  James D. Dunning Jr.

	  	
Title:  Chairman and Chief Executive Office

	  	  
	
By:

	
/s/ Alan G. Hassenfeld

	  	
Name:  Alan G. Hassenfeld

	  	
Title:  Director

	  	  
	
By:

	
/s/ Gregory E. Smith

	  	
Name:  Gregory E. Smith

	  	
Title:  President and Director

	  	  
	
By:

	
/s/ Elliot Stein, Jr.

	  	
Name:  Elliot Stein, Jr.

	  	
Title:  Director

	  	  
	
By:

	
/s/ Byron Sproule

	  	
Name:  Byron Sproule

	  	
Title:  Chief Financial Officer and

	  	
Executive Vice-President

	
Acknowledged and Agreed:

	  
	
GLOBAL CORNERSTONE HOLDINGS LIMITED

	  
	
By:  

	
/s/ James D. Dunning Jr.

	
Name:  

	
James D. Dunning Jr.

	
Title:

	Chief Executive Officer

Letter Agreement Signature PagesExecution Version

 

HOTEL MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

 

Index

 

	
Article No.

	  	
     

	  	
Page

	  	  	  	  	  
	
I.

	  	
Operating Term

	  	
2

	
II.

	  	
Operation of the Hotel

	  	
3

	
III.

	  	
Operator and Hotel Employees

	  	
5

	
IV.

	  	
Operating Receipts and Expenses

	  	
6

	
V.

	  	
Advertising

	  	
6

	
VI.

	  	
Working Capital and Bank Accounts

	  	
6

	
VII.

	  	
Books, Records, and Statements

	  	
7

	
VIII.

	  	
Fees and Payment to Operator

	  	
8

	
IX.

	  	
Gross Sales Revenue and Net Operating Income

	  	
9

	
X.

	  	
Repairs, Maintenance and Capital Improvement

	  	
10

	
XI.

	  	
Proprietary and Confidential Information

	  	
10

	
XII.

	  	
Insurance

	  	
11

	
XIII.

	  	
Owner to Pay Real & Personal Property Taxes

	  	
13

	
XIV.

	  	
Damage or Destruction – Condemnation

	  	
13

	
XV.

	  	
Title to Hotel

	  	
14

	
XVI.

	  	
Events of Default

	  	
14

	
XVII.

	  	
Set-Off

	  	
15

	
XVIII.

	  	
Notices

	  	
15

	
XIX.

	  	
Assignment by Operator

	  	
16

	
XX.

	  	
Indemnification

	  	
16

	
XXI.

	  	
Miscellaneous

	  	
16

	
XXII.

	  	
Entire Agreement; Reliance; Amendments

	  	
17

  

  

 

 

HOTEL MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

 

This HOTEL MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) made this 19th day of January, 2011 between LVP Metairie Holding Corp., with offices located at 1985 Cedar Bridge Avenue, Suite 1, Lakewood, New Jersey 08701 (“Owner”), and TRANS INNS MANAGEMENT, INC. a Michigan corporation with offices located at 31525 W. Twelve Mile Road, Suite LL-1, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334 (“Operator”).

 

WITNESSETH

 

WHEREAS, Owner is the owner of the 125 room Hotel known as the Towneplace Suites – Metairie (the “Hotel”) located at 5424 Citrus Boulevard, Harahan, LA 70123-6102 (“Premises”); and

 

WHEREAS, Operator is experienced in the planning, decorating, furnishing, equipping and promoting, as well as the ownership, management and operation of hotels; and

 

WHEREAS, Owner desires, that the Hotel be operated in accordance with the standards of Marriott International (Franchisor) and to turn over to Operator control and responsibility in the operation, direction, management, and supervision of the Hotel, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, Owner and Operator covenant and agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

Operating Term

The Initial   Operating  Term   of this  Agreement  shall   commence  at   12:01   a.m.   on January 19, 2011 and terminate at 11:59 p.m. on the first (1st) anniversary. The Initial Term shall automatically renew for additional nine (9) periods of one (1) year each (each, a “Renewal Term”), unless either party notifies the other party otherwise in writing, no less than 90 days, or as otherwise mutually agreed by the parties, prior to the end of the Initial Operating Term or any Renewal Term. The Initial Operating Term and all Renewal Terms are collectively referred to as the “Operating Term.”

 

This Agreement may be cancelled by Owner for any reason with 90 days notice. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if this Agreement is terminated at any time prior to the expiration of the Initial Operating Term for any reason other than upon an Event of Default by the Operator, Owner shall pay to Operator an early termination fee equal to the amount that would have been paid to Operator under this Agreement for the remainder of the Initial Operating Term based on budgeted gross receipts.

  

2

 

 

ARTICLE II

 

Operation of the Hotel

 

Owner hereby engages Operator as the exclusive Operator of the Hotel during the Operating Term and Operator shall provide or cause to be provided all services and perform or cause to be performed all functions that are customary and usual to such an operation, including those functions and services provided to other comparable hotels under the management and direction of Operator or to hotels of a similar nature to the Hotel, or as may be required by any franchise agreement between Owner and Franchisor provided to Operator and attached to this Agreement as an exhibit (any such agreement, the “Franchise Agreement”).

 

Operator will perform the day-to-day operations of the Hotel. Franchisor has the right to communicate directly with Operator and the managers at the Hotel regarding day-to-day operations of the Hotel, provided that such communications are promptly communicated to Owner, and such communications will be deemed made to Owner because Operator and the managers at the Hotel are acting on behalf of Owner and Operator as their authorized representatives. Franchisor has the right to rely on instructions of Operator and the managers at the Hotel as to matters relating to the operation and promotion of the Hotel, and the agreements of such managers are binding on Operator and Owner.

 

Subject to available working capital and funding as provided by Owner, Operator shall manage the Hotel subject to the standards for the quality of management, maintenance and operation of the Hotel established by Operator or Owner, which shall, at a minimum, meet the expectations of the Franchisor as set forth in the Franchise Agreement. Operator shall at all times during the performance of its duties hereunder act on Owner’s behalf and in Owner’s best interest with respect to the proper protection of Owner’s assets, including, without limitation, the Hotel and Premises, pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. In this capacity, except as disclosed to and approved by Owner in writing. Operator shall deal at arm’s length with all third parties and Operator shall serve Owner’s interest at all times. Other than as expressly provided herein, Operator shall not contract with any entity with which Operator or any subsidiary or affiliate of Operator, or any entity controlled by or which controls Operator, or any entity controlled by principals of Operator or any such affiliates (or any relatives thereof) shall have a financial interest, without Owner’s prior written approval which is not to be unreasonably withheld.

 

Operator shall prepare draft of annual budgets not less than sixty (60) days prior to the commencement of each Fiscal Year to be submitted in writing to Owner for Owner’s written approval. At the expense of Owner and in accordance with the approved budget for each Fiscal Year and subject to the availability of adequate funds from Owner, Operator agrees to keep the Hotel, including all equipment and systems in good order and repair, in a first-class manner as applicable to hotels of a similar nature to the Hotel, in clean and sightly condition, and in compliance with all requirements of the Franchisor, and also in accordance with all applicable rules, regulations, ordinances and requirements of any governing municipal, county, state and federal authority with jurisdiction over the Hotel, and finally to cause the Hotel to comply with all terms and conditions of the documents executed by Owner and Operator in connection with any mortgage of the Hotel (the “Requirements”), all to the extent that compliance with such Requirements are within Operator’s control and pursuant to this Agreement. Operator shall supervise and purchase or arrange for the purchase, at Owner’s expense (subject to the approved budget), of all inventories, provisions, supplies, operating equipment and technology or shared services which, in the normal course of business, are necessary and proper to maintain and operate the Hotel, and to communicate and report operating activity. Operator shall pass through to Owner all discounts (or Owner’s pro rata share, if applicable) received by Operator in connection with such purchases. Operator agrees to review, evaluate, negotiate and enter into service contracts and any other contracts on behalf of Owner which are required in the ordinary course of business of operating the Hotel.

  

3

 

 

Operator shall engage such person(s) as may be reasonably necessary to perform duties of a specialized nature if Operator’s employees cannot perform the same service, including without limitation attorneys over which Operator exercises direct control. Except in the event of an emergency, Operator shall not institute any legal actions or proceedings without prior written consent of Owner, and Owner shall have the right to select the counsel to be engaged to bring such actions.

 

Owner, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, hereby warrants to Operator uninterrupted control and operation of the Hotel and that it will not interfere or involve itself with the day-to-day operations of the Hotel. Owner may, however, directly address itself in writing to Operator at any time on any matters connected with the Hotel or its operations. Operator shall keep Owner advised, as practicable and reasonable, of matters affecting the Hotel which are of a significant nature, and shall obtain Owner’s prior written approval, except as otherwise provided herein and to the extent practicable, of any actions, events or policies which may have a material impact on cash flow or as otherwise required under this Agreement. Operator and Owner shall meet or confer regarding the management and operation of the Hotel quarterly or at other times upon Owner’s reasonable request.

 

Nothing herein shall constitute or be construed to be or create a partnership or joint venture between Owner and Operator. All debts and liabilities to third persons incurred in the course of Operator’s operation and management of the Hotel in accordance with the terms of this Agreement shall be the debts and liabilities of the Owner of the Hotel only, and Operator shall not be liable for any such obligations by reason of its management, supervision, direction and operations of the Hotel for Owner except for those resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Operator. Operator may so inform third parties with whom it deals in the course of Operator’s operation and management of the Hotel in accordance with this Agreement and may take any other reasonable steps to carry out the intent of this paragraph.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Owner shall have the right, at its sole discretion, at any time during the Term of this Agreement to request in writing that Operator modify its standards of management or operation of the Hotel not reflected in the approved budget, provided that the Owner shall bear the cost of any modifications to the standards and operations and to the approved budget. However, such modifications shall not violate standards used in the hotel industry, or by the Franchisor and the Franchise Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Owner shall have the right to revoke, overrule, suspend or terminate any action taken by the Operator in connection with the management or operation of the Hotel, provided that such action shall not violate standards used in the hotel industry, or by the Franchisor and the Franchise Agreement. Any and all requests by the Owner in connection with the management or operation of the Hotel shall be communicated to the Operator. Except in the event of an emergency, Owner shall not interface or communicate directly with the Hotel’s personnel, or the employees of the Employer Affiliate with respect to any matters or issues arising out of this Agreement, or otherwise relating to management or operation of the Hotel.

  

4

 

 

ARTICLE III

 

Operator and Hotel Employees

 

Operator shall cause Trans Inns Associates, Inc. (the “Employer Affiliate”) to hire, employ, train, pay, supervise, discipline and terminate all employees necessary for management and operation of the Hotel. Except for those employees of Operator, all Hotel personnel shall at all times be the employees of the Employer Affiliate, and in no event shall they be deemed to be employees of Owner or Operator. All hiring, compensation, and other employee related matters shall be governed by that certain agreement by and between Owner and the Employer Affiliate, of even date herewith.

 

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including without limitation the terms and conditions of Article II hereof, Owner will have no power or authority to direct, supervise or control Operator or its employees with respect to the means, manner or method of the management or operation of the Hotel in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Operator, in the exercise of its independent judgment, will select the means, manner, and method of performance of its obligations under this Agreement. Operator is responsible to Owner only for the results to be obtained under this Agreement.

 

Operator has the exclusive right to determine compensation and fringe benefits paid to its employees within the approved budget. Operator understands and agrees that Owner will not provide and is not obligated to provide to Operator or any of its employees any social security, unemployment compensation, disability insurance, workers’ compensation or similar coverage, nor any other statutory benefit. Operator acknowledges and agrees that it is Operator’s exclusive and sole responsibility to offer to its employees any benefit plan, program, or arrangement, including but not limited to any pension or retirement plan, profit sharing plan, welfare benefit plan, tax-sheltered annuity plan, discount stock purchase plan, medical, dental, or vision plan, personnel policy, bonus plan or arrangement, incentive award plan or arrangement, vacation policy, severance pay plan, policy, or agreement, deferred compensation agreement or arrangement, executive compensation or supplemental income arrangement, employment agreement, or other employee benefit plan, agreement, arrangement, program, practice, or understanding. Operator, in its discretion, may provide such benefit plans, programs, or arrangements or decide not to offer same. In either event, Operator acknowledges and agrees that Owner does not maintain any benefit plans, programs, or arrangements and is not responsible for offering any such benefit plans, programs, or arrangements. Similarly, Operator acknowledges and agrees that Owner will not offer and is not obligated to offer to Operator or any of its employees any health or major medical insurance or broad form liability insurance. Operator, in its discretion, may offer such insurance or be without such insurance. In either event, Operator acknowledges and agrees that Owner does not maintain any benefit plans, programs, or arrangements and is not responsible for offering any such benefit plans, programs, or arrangements. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, Operator must comply with its obligations under Article XII. Operator shall at all times comply with all applicable federal, state and local employment laws, rules and regulations.

  

5

 

 

Operator further acknowledges and agrees that it is the exclusive and sole responsibility of Operator to pay the employees of Operator and that Owner shall not have any obligation to pay the employees of Operator or be otherwise liable to the employees for any matters set forth in the preceding paragraph.

 

Operator shall indemnify Owner for any losses, damages, costs and expenses suffered or incurred by Owner (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) in connection with any action or claim alleged or asserted by any employee of Operator against Owner in connection with any matters set forth in the preceding two paragraphs. Owner agrees, during the term of this Agreement, and for a one (1) year period following the termination or expiration of this Agreement, not to employ or seek to employ the general manager or sales manager of the Hotel, or any other person employed by Operator at any location other than the Hotel at the time of such termination without first obtaining the prior written consent of the Operator.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

Operating Receipts and Expenses

 

Operator shall collect, for Owner’s account, all amounts that constitute Gross Sales Revenue of the Hotel operations. To the extent that the Gross Sales Revenue of the Hotel is sufficient therefore, Operator shall apply the same to the expense of operating the Hotel as identified in the annual budget; however, in the event the Gross Sales Revenues are insufficient, Owner shall upon request of Operator and in accordance with Article VI supply additional funds as are necessary for the operation of the Hotel and for payment of any amounts due Operator under this Agreement. Operator shall notify Owner as soon as reasonably possible, but not less than 15 days prior to a request by Operator for additional funds pursuant to the preceding sentence that the Gross Sales Revenues are not sufficient to satisfy Operating Expenses. Operator shall, out of the Gross Sales Revenues of the Hotel or working capital supplied by Owner, pay all of the expenses of owning, operating, and maintaining the Hotel including payments of principal and interest on the mortgage of the Hotel, and any income taxes payable by Owner in respect of the Hotel, or any real estate or personal property taxes assessed upon the Hotel or any personal property therein as provided in Article XIII hereof, and the cost of insurance to be provided by Owner pursuant to Article XII hereof (the “Operating Expenses”).

 

ARTICLE V

 

Advertising

 

Operator shall arrange and contract in Owner’s name for all advertising and promotion which Operator may deem necessary for the operation of the Hotel and subject to the approved budget.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

Working Capital and Bank Accounts

 

On or before the date of commencement of the Initial Operating Term of this Agreement, Owner will provide initial working capital in a sufficient amount to operate the Hotel, and thereafter from time to time throughout the Operating Term, if and as reasonably requested by Operator. Owner shall make available to Operator funds sufficient in amount to constitute normal working capital for the uninterrupted and efficient operation of the Hotel.

  

6

 

 

All funds received for the operation of the Hotel, including working capital furnished by Owner, shall be deposited in such Owner’s account as may be selected by Operator and Owner but may not be commingled with other funds of Operator. Operator shall pay to Owner on the last day of each quarter, all receipts of the Hotel then held by Operator in Owner’s account, which in the reasonable judgment of Operator are in excess of amounts necessary for the operation of the Hotel pursuant to the approved budged and amounts due Operator. Upon the expiration or termination of this Agreement and the payment to Operator of all amounts due Operator hereunder upon such expiration or termination, Owner shall have the sole right to all remaining amounts. Upon the expiration or termination of this Agreement, Owner shall provide and pay, in immediately available funds, any and all amounts due Operator under this Agreement, which liabilities of the Owner shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

Books, Records and Statements

 

Operator shall, for the account of Owner, keep full and adequate books of account and other records reflecting the results of operation of the Hotel on an accrual basis, all in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices in the hotel-restaurant industry. To the extent Owner requires Operator to keep the books of account and other records of the Hotel operations in compliance with any other standard, such as in accordance with any loan documents evidencing a loan to Owner secured by the Hotel (the “Loan Documents”), Owner shall reimburse Operator for any additional reasonable expenses actually incurred by Operator in compliance thereof. Tax accounting and year end review and audit services will be the responsibility of the Owner. The books of account and all other records relating to or reflecting the operations will be available to Owner and its representatives at all reasonable times for examination, audit, inspection, and transcription. Operator shall provide to the Hotel and the Owner, solely with respect to the Hotel, centralized accounting and billing services as are furnished by Operator to other hotels owned and/or operated by the Operator to be consistent with the requirements of the Franchise Agreement. All of such books and records pertaining to the Hotel including, without limitation, books of accounts, guest records, and front office records at all times shall be the property of Owner, and Owner shall have the right to inspect, audit, examine and transcribe any of the same, upon providing a reasonable notice to the Operator. Upon any termination of this Agreement, all of such books and records shall thereafter be delivered to Owner and made available to Operator at all reasonable times for inspection, audit, examination, and transcription for a period of one (1) year.

 

Operator shall deliver to Owner at or prior to the end of each month or other accounting period used by Operator in accounting for the operations of the Hotel (but not less than quarterly): (a) a profit and loss statement showing the operation of the Hotel for the immediately preceding month or other such accounting period and for the Fiscal Year to date; (b) a cash flow statement; (c) a balance sheet; (d) departmental schedules comparing actual to budgeted operating results; and (e) such other information as may be reasonably requested by Owner or required by Franchise Agreement. Such statements (a) shall be in the customary form and in the same detail as generally prepared by Operator for other hotels owned and/or operated by it or other operators of similar hotels in the industry, and (b) shall be taken from the books and records maintained by Operator in the manner hereinabove specified.

  

7

 

 

Within sixty (60) days after the end of each Fiscal Year, Operator shall deliver to Owner the reports described in (a) through (d) above showing the results for the Fiscal Year including any necessary year-end adjustments. After the close of a Fiscal Year, Owner may cause an accounting or audit of the books, records, and operations of the Hotel to be performed by any independent certified accounting firm selected by Owner, in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices in the hotel-restaurant industry, as modified by those accounting principles utilized by Operator in its financial reporting and planning for the Hotel operations, and approved by Owner. If the independent certified accounting firm selected by Owner is not one of the “Big Four” (or comparable) accounting firms, Operator shall have the right to approve the auditor if the auditor does not have substantial background in auditing of hotels. Operator shall have the right to review the auditor’s figures prior to such figures becoming final, and further to raise and present to the auditor and Owner any disagreements, explanations or discrepancies that Operator may have with respect to the auditor’s figures. In case the audit reveals errors of the Operator, which result in a difference in the reported revenue and the actual revenue greater than five percent (5%), Operator shall reimburse Owner for the cost of such audit, provided that Operator shall not be liable for any discrepancies caused by data or information obtained from the Franchisor or through the Franchisor’s reporting system.

 

Owner shall raise any objections to said statement to Operator in writing within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of Owner’s fiscal year. Any disputes as to the contents of any accounting matter hereunder shall be determined by an Independent Certified Public Accountant selected by mutual consent by the Owner and the Operator, whose decisions shall be final and conclusive on Operator and Owner.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

Fees and Payment to Operator

 

During each Fiscal Year of the Operating Term as well as during all periods of partial operation of the Hotel while under the management of the Operator (and proportionately for a fraction of a Fiscal Year) Owner shall pay to Operator for services rendered under this Agreement a Basic Fee of three percent (3%) of Gross Sales Revenues.

 

On or before the 15th day of each month during the Operating Term, Operator shall be paid its Basic Fee for the preceding month, all as determined from the books of account referred to in Article VII, by deducting such amount from the Operating Fund. To the extent that the Gross Sales Revenue shall be insufficient for such payments, Owner shall pay to Operator forthwith on demand the said Basic Fee.

 

In addition, an annual Incentive Fee, not to exceed one percent (1%) of Gross Sales Revenue, shall be paid by Owner to Operator in an amount equal to twenty percent (20%) of annual Net Cash Flow, if any, generated by the Hotel. “Net Cash Flow” for purposes of this Article VIII is equal to Net Operating Income reduced by: (a) the lesser of actual annual debt service including principal and interest or $527,725; (b) 4% of annual Gross Sales Revenue; and (c) an amount equal to a 12% annual return on Owner’s capital investment in the property, calculated by including funding for capital improvements only to the extent cumulative capital improvements exceed 4% of cumulative Gross Sales Revenue. This additional incentive fee will be paid in arrears on or before ninety (90) days after the end of each Fiscal Year; all as determined from the books of account referred to in Article VII.

  

8

 

 

Operator shall charge a fee for accounting and billing of $10.00 per guestroom per month, with annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

 

Operator and Owner hereby acknowledge and agree that in the event Operator shall be required to perform extraordinary services beyond the scope required pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, then Operator and Owner shall negotiate in good faith the terms of additional management fees to be paid to Operator prior to commencing such services.

 

In the event there is an operating loss in any Fiscal Year, it will be borne exclusively by Owner.

 

All payments required to be made by Owner to Operator under this Article VIII or any other provision of this Agreement shall, at Operator’s sole option, be payable at 31525 W. Twelve Mile Road, Suite LL-1, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334, or such other places as Operator may from time to time designate, in currency of the United States of America.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

Gross Sales Revenue and Net Operating Income

 

The term “Gross Sales Revenue” as used in this Agreement shall mean all income and proceeds of sales of every kind (whether in cash or on credit) resulting from the operation of the Hotel and all of the facilities therein (exclusive of sales taxes and room taxes), including without limitation, all income received from tenants, transient guests, convenience shop, lessees, and concessionaires and other persons occupying space at the Hotel and/or rendering services to the Hotel guest (but exclusive of all consideration received at the Hotel for Hotel accommodations, goods and services to be provided elsewhere, although arranged by, or on behalf of Operator), all subsidy payments, governmental allowances and awards, any other form of incentive payments or awards from any source whatsoever which are attributable to the operation of the Hotel, and proceeds of use and occupancy insurance actually received by Operator or Owner with respect to the operation of the Hotel (after deduction from said proceeds of all necessary expenses incurred in the adjustment or collection thereof).

 

The words “Net Operating Income” as used in this Agreement shall mean the excess of Gross Sales Revenue over all costs and expenses of maintaining, conducting, and supervising the operation of the Hotel (other than depreciation, amortization and all debt service payments), including (1) state or local taxes, franchise fees and related costs, franchise taxes, and real estate taxes and property insurance premiums; (2) the Incentive Fee payable to Operator; and (3) the costs of any other things specified herein to be done or provided at Owner’s sole expense, incurred by Operator directly or at its request pursuant to this Agreement or as otherwise specifically provided herein, which costs and expenses are properly attributable to operating a hotel property.

  

9

 

 

ARTICLE X

 

Repairs, Maintenance, and Capital Improvement

 

Subject to Owner providing the necessary working capital as required under Article VI hereof, Operator shall from time to time make such expenditures for repairs and maintenance as it deems necessary to keep the Hotel in good operating condition and up to Franchise standards (excluding structural repairs and changes and extraordinary repairs to or replacement of equipment included in the definition of Building and Equipment). Expenditure of any capital items not previously included in an approved budget which is in excess of $5,000 shall require written approval of Owner. Notwithstanding the above, Operator is authorized to make capital expenditures in any amount, without obtaining an approval from Owner, in cases of emergency or as necessary to protect public safety, as determined by Operator in its reasonable discretion. If expenditures are required by reason of any law, ordinance, regulation or order of a competent government authority, only upon Owner’s approval shall Operator be authorized to incur such expenditures or to contest the law, ordinance, regulation or order requiring such expenditure, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

Owner may from time to time at its sole expense make such alterations, or improvements in or to the Hotel as Operator may recommend or as Owner may desire, provided that in the event Owner desires to make any alterations or improvements which would close more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the guestrooms of the Hotel for a period of more than forty-five (45) cumulative days during any calendar year, such alterations or improvements shall be subject to Operator’s approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. Any alterations or improvements made pursuant to this paragraph shall be made so as to minimize unreasonable interruption to the operation of the Hotel.

 

If structural repairs or changes to the Hotel or extraordinary repairs to or replacement of any equipment included in the definition of Building and Appurtenances shall be required at any time during the term of this Agreement to maintain the Hotel in good operating condition, or by reason of any laws, ordinances, rules or regulations now or hereafter in force, or by order of any governmental or municipal power, department, agency, authority or office, or otherwise, or because Operator and Owner jointly agree upon the desirability thereof, then in such event all such repairs, changes, or replacements shall be made with as little interruption to the operation of the Hotel as possible.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Owner shall have the right to contest the need for any such repairs, changes, or replacements required by any law, ordinance, regulation or order of governmental authority and may postpone compliance therewith, if so permitted by law, but in each such event Owner shall protect Operator from any loss, cost, damage, or expense which may result therefrom, such protection to be in a form reasonably satisfactory to Operator.

 

ARTICLE XI

 

Proprietary and Confidential Information

 

At all times during the Operating Term and after termination, Owner shall maintain full and complete ownership of any and all Hotel records. Operator acknowledges and agrees that the Hotel records are the exclusive property of the Owner, are part of the business of operating the Hotel, and have been developed solely in connection with the Hotel, at the sole cost and expense of Owner. Owner shall at all times have full control over and complete access to all Hotel records. No Hotel records shall be destroyed or removed from the Hotel site. Operator shall follow Operator’s procedures relating to confidentiality of records and shall take all actions necessary to safeguard and maintain all Hotel records in confidence, including adherence with any ordinance, law or governmental regulation, and Franchisor’ standards and requirements.

  

10

 

 

ARTICLE XII

 

Insurance

 

Throughout the Operating Term of this Agreement, Owner shall provide and maintain all-risk property damage and business interruption insurance, in an aggregate amount which shall not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the full insurable value thereof and in no event less than the minimum amount necessary to avoid the effect of co-insurance.

 

Owner shall also throughout the Operating Term provide and maintain general liability insurance having a minimum per occurrence limit of Eleven Million and 00/100 Dollars ($11,000,000) ($1,000,000 CGL and $10,000,000 Umbrella) or such other amount required by Franchisor against all claims which may be brought anywhere in the world for bodily injury, death or damage to property of third persons, which insurance shall among other risks include coverage against liability arising out of the ownership or operation of motor vehicles, as well as coverage in the said amount against all claims brought anywhere in the world arising out of alleged (a) assault or battery; (b) false arrest, detention, or imprisonment or malicious prosecution; (c) libel, slander, defamation, or violation of the right of privacy; or (d) wrongful entry or eviction. In no event shall Owner provide less coverage than that required by Franchisor or the Loan Documents. Owner shall pay all premiums on the insurance required under this paragraph of this Article XII, but the cost thereof shall be an Operating Expense.

 

The liability insurance indicated in the previous paragraph shall provide the following minimum coverages:

 

	
  

	
1.

	
Comprehensive General Liability including contractual liability, products/completed operation, independent contractors, personal injury, broad form property damage and extended bodily injury.

 

	
  

	
2.

	
Comprehensive Automobile Liability Insurance including coverage for owned, hired and non-owned automobiles.

 

In addition, Owner shall procure and maintain during the Operating Term such insurance as may be required by any franchise agreement for the Hotel, any ordinance, law or governmental regulation to be carried or maintained by Operator or Owner, in connection with the operation or maintenance of the Hotel or the construction, demolition, maintenance or repair of the Hotel; and (c) such other insurance in amounts as Owner in its reasonable judgment deems advisable for protection against claims, liabilities and losses arising out of or connected with the operation of the Hotel.

 

Operator will maintain or cause to be maintained Workers’ Compensation Insurance and any insurance required by similar employee benefit acts, Employment Practices Liability Insurance, and any similar insurance required by the Franchisor or as may be required by law—against all claims which may be brought anywhere in the world for personal injury or death of any employee of Operator. Operator shall also maintain or cause to be maintained, as part of the Operating Expense, comprehensive crime insurance in an amount equal to at least One Million Dollars ($1,000,000), with limits for Employee Dishonesty, Forgery/Alteration, and Guest Property.

  

11

 

 

Operator shall promptly investigate all incidents causing potential damage or liability to Owner and will submit all required claims, reports or supporting documents to any insurance company providing applicable coverage.

 

All insurance shall be in such form and with such companies as shall be reasonably satisfactory to Operator and Owner, and shall satisfy all terms and conditions of any applicable franchise agreement. Owner shall provide such insurance coverage and limits as described above, or in accordance with the Owner’s franchise agreement, if applicable, whichever is greater. Such property damage policies shall provide that the loss, if any, payable thereunder shall be adjusted with and payable to Owner.

 

All other insurance shall be in the name of Owner, Operator, and such other of Operator’s affiliated companies as Operator shall specify, as the insured and shall contain riders and endorsements adequately protecting the interests of Operator and its subsidiaries and affiliates, as they may appear.

 

Certificates of all policies shall be delivered to Operator prior to the commencement of the Initial Operating Term and thereafter not less than ten (10) days prior to the expiration date of all policies of insurance that must be maintained under the terms of this Agreement.

 

Owner shall have all policies of insurance provide that Operator, and the Employer Affiliate, shall be a Named Insured. Owner assumes all risks in connection with the adequacy of any insurance and waives any claim against Operator or its subsidiaries and affiliates for any liability, cost or expense arising out of any uninsured claim, in part or in full, of any nature whatsoever, excluding gross misconduct or gross negligence.

 

Operator shall have all policies of insurance provide that Owner shall be an additional insured. Operator assume all risks in connection with the adequacy of any insurance and waives any claim against Operator or its subsidiaries or affiliates for any liability, cost or expense arising out of any uninsured claims, in part or in full, of any nature whatsoever, excluding gross misconduct or gross negligence. Certificates of all policies shall provide that they cannot be cancelled on less than thirty (30) days’ written notice to all insured and additional insured parties. All policies of Operator must be maintained through insurance companies licensed to do business in the state in which the Hotel is located, and rated A-/X or better in Best’s Insurance Guide. At Operator’s or Owner’s option, all or any of the foregoing insurance coverages may be provided by a blanket or other policy obtained by Operator or Owner, as the case may be.

 

Insurance premiums and any costs or expense with respect to the insurance or claims described in this Section XII shall be treated as an Operating Expense of the Hotel.

 

Operator shall maintain, at its sole expense, comprehensive general liability insurance and insurance against all property damages and bodily injury claims arising out of Operator’s indemnification obligations set forth in Article XX.

  

12

 

 

ARTICLE XIII

 

Owner to Pay Real and Personal Property Taxes

 

Owner shall pay, or direct Operator to pay, not less than ten (10) days prior to the dates the same become due and payable, with the right to pay the same in installments to the extent permitted by law, all real estate taxes, all personal property taxes, and all betterment assessments levied against the Hotel or any of its component parts. If Gross Operating Revenues and working capital are not sufficient to pay real and personal property taxes, Operator shall request additional funds as described in Article VI, and Owner shall provide additional funds to timely pay any and all taxes assessed. All real property and personal property taxes described in this Article XIII shall be treated as an Operating Expense of the Hotel.

 

Owner may, at its sole expense, contest the validity or the amount of any such tax or assessment, provided that such contest in no way jeopardizes Operator’s rights or continued performance of its services under this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE XIV

 

Damage or Destruction - Condemnation

 

If the Hotel or any portion thereof shall be damaged or destroyed at any time or times during the Operating Term by fire, casualty or any other cause, Owner will at its own cost and expense and with due diligence, repair, rebuild, or replace the same so that after such repairing, rebuilding, or replacing, the Hotel shall be substantially the same as prior to such damage or destruction; provided that if the entire Hotel is destroyed, Owner may, at its sole discretion, elect not to rebuild the Hotel. If, in any of such event, Owner fails to undertake such work one hundred twenty (120) days after the fire or other casualty, or shall fail to complete the same diligently, or shall elect not to rebuild the Hotel, Operator may, at its sole discretion, terminate this Agreement by a written notice to Owner, effective within 15 days of the date it was sent. If thereafter at any time during the Operating Term hereof, Owner repairs, rebuilds, or replaces the Hotel, Operator may within sixty (60) days of the commencement of such repairing, rebuilding, or restoring or of written notice from Owner of its intention to repair, rebuild or replace the Hotel, reinstate this Agreement by written notice to Owner, subject to Owner’s consent in its sole discretion.

 

If the whole of the Hotel shall be taken or condemned in any eminent domain, condemnation compulsory acquisition or like proceeding by any competent authority or if such portion thereof shall be taken or condemned as to make it imprudent or unreasonable, in Operator’s reasonable opinion, to use the remaining portion as a Hotel of the type and class immediately preceding such taking or condemnation, then the Operating Term shall terminate as of the date of such taking or condemnation.

  

13

 

 

ARTICLE XV

 

Title to Hotel

 

Owner covenants and agrees that it has, and that throughout the term of this Agreement it shall maintain, full ownership of the Premises and the building on which the Hotel is operated (the “Building”) and the appurtenances thereof (or if Owner’s right and interest in the Premises or the Building and appurtenances is derived through a lease or other agreement, then Owner agrees to keep and maintain said lease or other agreement in full force and effect throughout the term of the Agreement) and full ownership of the furniture and equipment, as well as operating equipment and operating supplies, used in the operation of the Hotel or added thereto during the Term, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances except those which do not materially affect the operation of the Hotel by Operator. Owner covenants that Operator, upon fulfilling its obligations hereunder, shall and may peaceably and quietly manage, and operate the Hotel during the Operating Term, in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof, and Owner will at its own expense undertake and prosecute and appropriate action, judicial or otherwise, to assure such peaceful and quiet possession by Operator. Owner further agrees that throughout the term of this Agreement it will pay, keep, observe, and perform all payments, terms, covenants, conditions and obligations required under any lease or other agreement or security instrument in respect of the Premises, the Building and appurtenances thereof or the furniture and equipment, operating equipment and operating supplies, used in connection with the operation of the Hotel or added thereto during the Term.

 

ARTICLE XVI

 

Events of Default

 

The following shall constitute events of default:

 

	
  

	
1.

	
The failure of Operator to pay any amount to Owner provided for herein, or the failure of Owner to pay any amount to Operator provided for herein, for a period of ten (10) days after notice of said failure;

 

	
  

	
2.

	
The filing of a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or insolvency or a petition for reorganization under any bankruptcy law by either Owner or Operator;

 

	
  

	
3.

	
The consent to any involuntary petition in bankruptcy by either Owner or Operator;

 

	
  

	
4.

	
The entering of an order, judgment, or decree by any court of competent jurisdiction, or the application of creditor, adjudicating either Owner or Operator a bankrupt or insolvent or approving a petition seeking reorganization or appointing a receiver, trustee, or liquidator of all or a substantial part of such party’s assets;

 

	
  

	
5.

	
The failure of either Owner or Operator to perform, keep or fulfill any of the other covenants, undertakings, obligations, or conditions set forth in this Agreement in a material manner, and the continuance of any such default for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice to the other party of said failure.

 

In any such events of default, the non-defaulting party may give to the defaulting party notice of its intention to terminate the Operating Term after the expiration of a period of thirty (30) days from the date of such notice and, upon the expiration of such period, the Operating Term shall expire. The right to terminate granted hereunder shall not be in substitution of, but shall be in addition to, any and all rights or remedies for breach of contract granted by applicable provision of law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no party shall be liable to the other for speculative or consequential damages.

  

14

 

 

ARTICLE XVII

 

Set-Off

 

Operator and Owner shall each have the right to set-off against any payments to be made to the other under any provisions of this Agreement and against all revenues of the Hotel, any and all liabilities of the other, or any of its affiliated or subsidiary companies.

 

ARTICLE XVIII

 

Notices

 

Any notice, statement, demand or other communication required to be given under the terms of this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered (a) by hand as evidenced by a receipt, (b) sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, (c) sent by Federal Express or other similar receipted overnight delivery service, (d) sent by telecopy capable of verifying receipt to the telecopy numbers set for below, or (e) sent by receipted electronic mail to the electronic mail address set forth below, or at such other address, telecopy number or electronic mail address as from time to time designated by a party. Any such notice which is properly hand-delivered, sent by receipted overnight delivery service, transmitted by receipted telecopy, sent by U.S. mail, return receipt requested, or sent by electronic mail, delivery receipt requested, shall be deemed delivered on the date indicated on the receipt, if it is delivered on or before 5 p.m. on a business day, and if not, then on the next business day.

 

If to Owner:

 

	
  

	
•

	
LVP Metairie Holding Corp.

1985 Cedar Bridge Avenue, Suite 1

Lakewood, NJ 08701

 

	
  

	
•

	
With a copy to: Joseph E. Teichman, General Counsel

 

If to Operator:

 

	
  

	
•

	
Trans Inns Management, Inc.

31525 W. 12 Mile Road, Suite LL-1

Farmington Hills, MI 48334

Attn:   Daniel J. Vosotas

Telecopy:      248-489-4330

Electronic Mail:        dan.vosotas(a).transinns.com; maureen.nulty@transinns.com

  

15

 

 

ARTICLE XIX

 

Assignment by Operator

 

Operator shall have the right to assign all its right, title and interest under this Agreement to a subsidiary or affiliated company of Operator, provided that Operator or a subsidiary of Operator shall at all times own, directly or indirectly, at least fifty-one percent (51%) of each class of voting stock of said subsidiary or affiliate.

 

Operator shall also have the right to assign this Agreement to any successor or assignee of Operator which may result from any merger, consolidation or reorganization or to another corporation which acquires all or substantially all of the business and assets of Operator.

 

No assignment by Owner or Operator shall relieve it from any of its obligations hereunder.

ARTICLE XX

 

Indemnification

 

Owner shall indemnify, protect, hold harmless and defend Operator, the Employer Affiliate, affiliates of both, and all of their respective officers, directors, shareholders, employees and agents, from and against any claims, liabilities, liens, suits, judgments, damages, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees) occurring out of or by reason of this Agreement or otherwise arising in connection with the ownership, use, occupancy or operation of the Hotel, except Owner shall not be liable to Operator, its affiliates or subsidiaries, or Employer Affiliate for the gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith of Operator in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

Operator shall indemnify, protect, hold harmless and defend Owner, its affiliates, and all of its officers, directors, shareholders, employees and agents, from and against any claims, liabilities, liens, suits, judgments, damages, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising solely from or attributable to any gross negligence, willful misconduct or fraud of Operator in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement. In no event shall Operator be liable to Owner or any third party for any claims, liabilities, liens, suits, judgments, damages, costs or expenses arising out of any action, omission, negligence or willful misconduct of the employees or personnel of the Hotel or the Employer Affiliate.

 

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, in no event shall Owner make any claim against Operator, or its affiliates or subsidiaries, or the Employer Affiliate, or their respective officers, directors, shareholders, employees or agents on account of any alleged errors of judgment made in good faith and in Operators reasonable business judgment, in connection with the operation of the Hotel hereunder by Operator.

 

ARTICLE XXI

 

Miscellaneous

	
  

	
1.

	
The words “Fiscal Year” as used in this Agreement shall mean the calendar year.

  

16

 

 

	
  

	
2.

	
Owner and Operator shall execute and deliver all other appropriate supplement agreements and other instruments, and take any other action necessary to make this Agreement fully and legally effective, binding, and enforceable as between them and as against third parties. Except as otherwise provided herein, any fees or expenses incurred in connection therewith shall be borne by Owner.

 

	
  

	
3.

	
The headings of the titles to the several articles of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and are not intended to affect the meaning of any of the provisions hereof.

 

	
  

	
4.

	
The waiver of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement on any occasion or occasions shall not be deemed a waiver of such terms and conditions on any further occasion.

 

	
  

	
5.

	
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Owner, its successors and/or permitted assigns, and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Operator, its affiliates, and subsidiary companies and all of their permitted assigns.

 

	
  

	
6.

	
Operator shall act as an independent contractor in performance of this Agreement. Nothing herein shall constitute or be construed to be or create a partnership or joint venture between Owner and Operator.

 

	
  

	
7.

	
This Agreement may be executed in multiple copies, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one Agreement after each party has signed such counterpart.

 

ARTICLE XXII

 

Entire Agreement; Reliance; Amendments.

 

This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, oral or written. Owner and Operator hereby represent that in entering into this Agreement, Owner and Operator have not relied on any projection of earnings, statements as to the possibility of future success or other similar matter which may have been prepared by Operator or Owner and understands that no guarantee is made or implied by Operator or Owner as to the results. This Agreement shall not be amended except in writing signed by both parties.

 

SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS

  

17

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Operator and Owner have duly executed this Agreement the day and year first above written.

 

	
ATTEST:

	  	
TRANS INNS MANAGEMENT, INC.

	  	  	  
	
/s/ M. Poteze-Bill

	  	
By:

	
/s/ Daniel J. Vosotas

	  	  	  	
Daniel J. Vosotas, CHA,

	  	  	  	
President

	  	  	  
	
ATTEST:

	  	
LVP METAIRIE HOLDING CORP.

	  	  	  
	
/s/ Victoria Dang Kelly

	  	
By:

	
/s/ Joseph E. Teichman

	  	  	  	
Joseph E. Teichman

	  	  	  	
Secretary

  

18

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