Document:

ex101to1012g04197_12152011.htm

Exhibit 10.1

 

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

 

THIS SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT is entered into effective as of July 14, 2009, by and between Steel Partners Holdings L.P. (formerly WebFinancial L.P.) a Delaware limited partnership (the “Partnership”), and Steel Partners LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (together with its permitted assignees, the “Manager”).

 

WHEREAS, the Partnership and the Manager previously entered into an Amended and Restated Management Agreement effective as of July 14, 2009 (the “Original Agreement”) pursuant to which the Manager agreed to perform various services on behalf of and for the benefit of the Managed Entities (defined below); and

 

WHEREAS, the Partnership and the Manager wish to amend and restate the Original Agreement to reflect certain new terms that are mutually agreed to by the Partnership and Manager in connection with the various management services to be performed by the Manager on behalf of and for the benefit of the Managed Entities.

 

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

 

SECTION 1.           DEFINITIONS. The following terms have the following meanings assigned to them:

 

(a)           “Additional Option” shall have the meaning set forth in SECTION 9(b).

 

(b)           “Adjustment” shall have the meaning set forth in SECTION 9(a).

 

(c)           “Affiliate” shall mean with respect to any Person any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such Person, or any director, officer or employee or partner of such Person.

 

(d)           “Aggregate Exercise Price” shall have the meaning set forth in SECTION 9(a).

 

(e)           “Agreement” means this Management Agreement, as amended from time to time.

 

(f)           “Business” means the business of the Managed Entities.

 

(g)           “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following:

 

(i)           the sale, lease or transfer, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Manager, taken as a whole, to any Person other than one of the Manager’s Affiliates or any Person, including trusts, which operates for the benefit of any of the current owners of the Manager; or

 

  

  

  

 

(ii)           the acquisition by any Person or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provision), including any group acting for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act), other than its Affiliates, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, by way of merger, consolidation or other business combination or purchase of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, or any successor provision) of 20% or more of the total voting power of the voting capital interests of the Manager.

 

(h)           “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

(i)           “Common Units” shall have the meaning set forth in SECTION 9(a).

 

(j)           “Excess Funds” shall have the meaning set forth in SECTION 2(h).

 

(k)           “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

(l)           “Exercise Price” shall have the meaning set forth in SECTION 9(a).

 

(m)           “General Partner” means the general partner of the Partnership.

 

(n)           “Governing Instruments” means, with regard to any entity, the articles of incorporation and bylaws in the case of a corporation, certificate of limited partnership (if applicable) and the partnership agreement in the case of a general or limited partnership, the articles of formation and the operating agreement in the case of a limited liability company, the trust instrument in the case of a trust, or similar governing documents, in each case as amended from time to time.

 

(o)           “Grant Date” shall have the meaning set forth in SECTION 9(a).

 

(p)           “Independent Directors” means those directors of the General Partner who are not Affiliates of the Manager or any of its Affiliates.

 

(q)           “Investment Company Act” means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

(r)           “Investments” means the investments of the Managed Entities.

 

  

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(s)           “Issuance” shall have the meaning set forth in SECTION 9(b).

 

(t)           “Limited Partners” means the limited partners of the Partnership.

 

(u)           “Management Fee” shall have the meaning set forth in SECTION 8(a).

 

(v)           “Managed Entities” means the Partnership, Steel Partners II, L.P., and each Subsidiary that the Manager designates as a “Managed Entity” from time to time.

 

(w)           “Offshore Fund” means Steel Partners II (Offshore) Ltd.

 

(x)           “Onshore Fund” means Steel Partners II (Onshore) LP.

 

(y)           “Options” shall have the meaning set forth in SECTION 9(a).

 

(z)           “Partnership Account” shall have the meaning set forth in SECTION 5.

 

(aa)            “Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, estate, trust, unincorporated association, any federal, state, county or municipal government or any bureau, department or agency thereof and any fiduciary acting in such capacity on behalf of any of the foregoing.

 

(bb)           “Relevant Market Cap” shall have the meaning set forth in SECTION 8(a).

 

(cc)           “Relevant NAV” shall have the meaning set forth in SECTION 8(a).

 

(dd)           “Restricted Jurisdiction” means any foreign country with respect to which investments or other transactions are in any way restricted by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control, the Transaction Control Regulations, the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, the Foreign Funds Control Regulations, the Iranian Assets Control Regulations, the South African Transactions Regulations or the Libyan Sanctions Regulations of the United States Treasury Department or any similar regulations of such Department relating to any other country (31 C.F.R., Subtitle B, Chapter V, as amended), or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality of or in any such country or any territory or other place subject to the jurisdiction thereof.

 

(ee)           “Securities” means publicly issued and privately placed: corporate and municipal bonds, notes, debentures and other debt obligations; United States and foreign government bonds, bills, notes and other debt obligations and United States and foreign government agency bonds, notes and other debt obligations issued by or on behalf of United States or other foreign government agencies (excluding any Restricted Jurisdiction); money market instruments; other interest-bearing securities; depository receipts; bankers’ acceptances; foreign exchange; trust receipts; common and preferred stock; debentures; warrants; installment receipts; preorganization certificates and subscriptions; limited partnership interests; general partnership interests; other interests or property of whatever kind or nature of any Person, government or entity whatsoever commonly regarded as securities; financial instruments commonly known as “floors”, “swaps” and “caps”; financial, securities- or currency-linked derivative instruments; currency interests; options, including puts and calls and any combinations thereof (written by a Managed Entity or others); and rights and derivative instruments convertible into or related to the aforementioned securities, including without limitation short positions in any such securities.

 

  

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(ff)           “Subsidiary” means any subsidiary of the Partnership (any entity in which the Partnership owns in excess of 50% of the voting and economic interest); any partnership, the general partner of which is the Partnership or any subsidiary of the Partnership; and any limited liability company, the managing member of which is the Partnership or any subsidiary of the Partnership.

 

(gg)           “Transaction Fees” shall mean any transaction, commitment, “break-up” or other fees received directly as a result of an agreement to commit capital to a transaction or in the event that a proposed transaction is not consummated.

 

SECTION 2.           APPOINTMENT AND DUTIES OF THE MANAGER.

 

(a)           The Partnership hereby appoints the Manager to manage the Managed Entities subject to the further terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and the Manager hereby agrees to perform each of the duties set forth herein. The appointment of the Manager shall be exclusive to the Manager except to the extent that the Manager otherwise agrees, in its sole and absolute discretion, and except to the extent that the Manager elects, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, to cause the duties of the Manager hereunder to be delegated to or provided by third parties, whether or not affiliated with the Manager (provided that no such delegation by the Manager shall relieve the Manager of responsibility therefor), and the Partnership, at the direction of the Manager, will enter into agreements directly with such third parties to whom such duties may be delegated, as the Manager deems appropriate.

 

(b)           The Manager, in its capacity as manager of the Managed Entities, at all times will be subject to the supervision of the General Partner and will have only such functions and authority as the General Partner may delegate to it including, without limitation, the functions and authority identified herein and delegated to the Manager hereby. The Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Managed Entities and will perform (or cause to be performed) such services and activities relating to the operations of the Managed Entities as may be appropriate, including, without limitation:

 

(i)           serving as the Partnership’s consultant with respect to the periodic review of the Business and operations of the Managed Entities and any modifications to its purpose as directed by the General Partner and consented to by the Manager (such policy guidelines as initially approved as Appendix A to this Agreement, as the same may be modified with such approval, the “Guidelines”) and other policies established by the General Partner and approved by the Manager;

 

  

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(ii)           investigation, analysis, selection and implementation of business opportunities for the Managed Entities;

 

(iii)           with respect to prospective business opportunities and investments by the Managed Entities and dispositions of assets of the Managed Entities, conducting negotiations with sellers and purchasers and their respective agents, representatives and investment bankers, and having discretion to determine if and when to proceed with any such business opportunities, investments or dispositions including entering into, on behalf of the Managed Entities, any agreements with other Persons with respect to any such business opportunities, investments or dispositions;

 

(iv)           entering into any agreements on behalf of the Managed Entities in connection with the performance of its obligations under this Agreement;

 

(v)           engaging and supervising, on behalf of the Managed Entities and at the Managed Entities’ expense, independent contractors which provide legal, accounting, investment banking, banking, securities brokerage, custodial, administration and other services and such other services as may be required relating to the Business and/or Investments;

 

(vi)           negotiating on behalf of the Managed Entities for the sale, exchange or other disposition of any assets;

 

(vii)           coordinating and managing the operations of any joint venture or co-investment interests held by the Managed Entities and conducting all matters with the joint venture or co-investment partners;

 

(viii)           providing executive and administrative personnel, office space and office services required in rendering services to the Managed Entities;

 

(ix)           administering the day-to-day operations of the Managed Entities and performing and supervising the performance of such other administrative functions necessary in the management of the Managed Entities as may be agreed upon by the General Partner and the Manager, including, without limitation, the collection of revenues and the payment of the Managed Entities’ debts and obligations and maintenance of appropriate computer services to perform such administrative functions;

 

(x)           communicating on behalf of the Managed Entities with Persons holding equity interests or the holders of any debt securities of the Managed Entities as required to satisfy the reporting and other requirements of any governmental bodies or agencies or trading markets and to maintain effective relations with such holders;

 

  

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(xi)           counseling the Managed Entities in connection with policy decisions to be made by the General Partner or the relevant management team of a Managed Entity;

 

(xii)           evaluating and implementing hedging strategies and engaging in hedging activities on behalf of the Partnership or a Managed Entity, consistent with such strategies, as so modified from time to time;

 

(xiii)           counseling the Managed Entities regarding the maintenance of their exemption from the registration requirements of the Investment Company Act and monitoring compliance with the requirements for maintaining an exemption from that Act;

 

(xiv)           assisting the Managed Entities in developing criteria for asset purchase and Business commitments that are specifically tailored to the Managed Entities’ Business and in line with the Guidelines;

 

(xv)           monitoring the operating performance of the Managed Entities and providing periodic reports with respect thereto to the General Partner or the relevant management team of a Managed Entity, including comparative information with respect to such operating performance and budgeted or projected operating results;

 

(xvi)           investing and re-investing any moneys and securities of the Managed Entities (including making short-term investments pending further investment in the operations of the Managed Entities, payment of fees, costs and expenses, or payments of dividends or distributions to limited partners) and advising each Managed Entity as to its capital structure and capital raising alternatives;

 

(xvii)           causing each Managed Entity to retain qualified accountants and legal counsel, as applicable, to assist in developing appropriate accounting procedures, compliance procedures and testing systems with respect to financial reporting obligations and compliance with the provisions of the Code applicable to partnerships and to conduct quarterly compliance reviews with respect thereto;

 

(xviii)           causing each Managed Entity to qualify to do business in all applicable jurisdictions and to obtain and maintain all appropriate licenses;

 

(xix)           assisting each Managed Entity in complying with all regulatory requirements applicable to the such Managed Entity in respect of its business activities, including preparing or causing to be prepared all financial statements required under applicable regulations and contractual undertakings and all reports and documents, if any, required under the Exchange Act;

 

(xx)           taking all necessary actions to enable the Managed Entities to make required tax filings and reports, including soliciting holders for required information to the extent provided by the provisions of the Code applicable to partnerships;

 

  

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(xxi)           handling and resolving all claims, disputes or controversies (including all litigation, arbitration, settlement or other proceedings or negotiations) in which the Managed Entities may be involved or to which the Managed Entities may be subject arising out of the day-to-day operations of the Managed Entities;

 

(xxii)           using commercially reasonable efforts to cause expenses incurred by or on behalf of the Managed Entities to be commercially reasonable or commercially customary;

 

(xxiii)           performing such other services as may be required from time to time for management and other activities relating to the Managed Entities as the General Partner or the relevant management team of a Managed Entity shall reasonably request or the Manager shall deem appropriate under the particular circumstances; and

 

(xxiv)           using commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Managed Entities to comply with all applicable laws.

 

(c)           The Manager may enter into agreements with other parties, including its Affiliates, or direct the Managed Entities to enter into such agreements directly, for the purpose of engaging one or more parties for and on behalf of the Managed Entities to provide management and/or other services to the Managed Entities pursuant to agreement(s) with terms which are then customary for agreements regarding the provision of services to companies that have businesses similar in type to the Managed Entities; provided that with respect to any agreements entered into with Affiliates of the Manager pursuant to which such Affiliates shall perform any obligations of the Manager under this Agreement and in respect of which the Manager receives the Management Fee, the Manager shall provide prompt notice of the terms of such agreement or arrangement to the Independent Directors, and further provided that any arrangement entered into directly by the Managed Entities with such other party to perform any obligations of the Manager under this Agreement shall result in a reduction of the Management Fee payable under this Agreement in the amount of the fees charged under such direct arrangement.

 

(d)           As provided in SECTION 2(b)(v), the Manager may retain, for and on behalf, and at the sole cost and expense, of the Partnership or the Managed Entities, such services of accountants, legal counsel, appraisers, insurers, brokers, transfer agents, registrars, developers, investment banks, financial advisors, banks and other lenders and others as the Manager deems necessary or advisable in connection with the management and operations of the Managed Entities and the Business.  Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Manager shall have the right to cause any such services to be rendered by its employees or Affiliates. The Partnership or the Managed Entities shall pay or reimburse the Manager or its Affiliates performing such services for the cost and expenses thereof; provided that such costs and reimbursements as to Affiliates of the Manager are no greater than those which would be payable to outside professionals or consultants engaged to perform such services pursuant to agreements negotiated on an arm’s-length basis.

 

  

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(e)           As frequently as the Manager may deem necessary or advisable, or at the direction of the General Partner, the Manager shall, at the sole cost and expense of the Partnership or the Managed Entities, prepare, or cause to be prepared, any reports and other information with respect to the Business as may be reasonably requested by the General Partner.

 

(f)           The Manager shall prepare, or cause to be prepared, at the sole cost and expense of the Partnership or the Managed Entities, all reports, financial or otherwise, with respect to the Managed Entities reasonably required by the General Partner in order for the Managed Entities to comply with their Governing Instruments or any other materials required to be filed with any governmental body or agency, and shall prepare, or cause to be prepared, all materials and data necessary to complete such reports and other materials including, without limitation, an annual audit of the Managed Entities’ books of account by a nationally recognized independent accounting firm.

 

(g)           The Manager shall prepare regular reports for the General Partner to enable the General Partner to review the Business and compliance with the Guidelines and policies approved by the General Partner.

 

(h)           Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, the Manager shall not be required to expend money (“Excess Funds”) in connection with any expenses that are required to be paid for or reimbursed by the Managed Entities in excess of that contained in any applicable Partnership Account or otherwise made available by the Managed Entities to be expended by the Manager hereunder or any other party with respect to the Managed Entities. Failure of the Manager to expend Excess Funds out-of-pocket shall not give rise or be a contributing factor to the right of the Partnership under SECTION 16(a) to terminate this Agreement due to the Manager’s unsatisfactory performance.

 

(i)           Managers, members, partners, officers, employees or agents may serve as directors, officers, employees, agents, nominees or signatories for the Managed Entities, to the extent permitted by their Governing Instruments or by any resolutions duly adopted by the General Partner pursuant to the Partnership’s Governing Instruments. When executing documents or otherwise acting in such capacities for a Managed Entity, such persons shall use their respective titles in the Partnership or such other Managed Entity, to the extent that they are an officer of the Partnership or such other Managed Entity or shall use their respective titles in the Manager.

 

(j)           The General Partner shall pass any and all necessary resolutions to provide for the delegation of its duties to the Manager under this Agreement (and to facilitate the delegation of duties to the Manager in respect of the other Managed Entities), and to permit such delegation to be approved or evidenced by acts of the Board of Directors, or by any certificate duly signed by any officer of the General Partner (or, as applicable, the officers or authorized persons of the other Managed Entities), to verify or confirm the authority of the Manager or any of its members, partners, officers, employees or agents authority to enter into agreements on behalf of and bind the Partnership (and each Managed Entity).

 

  

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(k)           In performing its duties under this SECTION 2, the Manager shall be entitled to rely reasonably on qualified experts and professionals (including, without limitation, accountants, legal counsel and other professional service providers) hired by the Manager at the Managed Entities’ sole cost and expense.

 

SECTION 3.           DEVOTION OF TIME; ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES.

 

(a)           The Manager will provide the Managed Entities with appropriate support personnel required to enable the Manager to provide the management services contemplated hereunder, and such personnel shall devote such time to the management of the Managed Entities as the Manager reasonably deems necessary and appropriate, commensurate with the level of activity of the Managed Entities from time to time. 

 

(b)           It is understood that the Manager and its members, officers, employees, agents, or Affiliates may provide management services to any Person, including to Limited Partners and Persons whose business or investments may be similar to those of the Partnership, and may engage in any other business activity.  The Manager and its Affiliates shall be permitted to give advice to the Managed Entities that differs from that provided to its clients (and, where applicable, is different from the advice it has given in conjunction with its other business activities), even though the objectives of such other clients may be substantially the same or similar as those of the Managed Entities.  The Manager shall discharge its duties under this Agreement with the same degree of skill, care, and diligence as it uses in the administration of its other clients, but shall not be obligated to treat the Managed Entities more favorably than or preferentially to its other clients, or where applicable any of its other businesses, except to the extent otherwise required by applicable law.

 

(c)           Subject to SECTION 7(c), and applicable law, nothing contained herein shall limit or otherwise restrict the Manager or any of its members, officers, employees, agents, or Affiliates from buying, selling, or trading for its or their own account.

 

(d)           Nothing contained herein shall prevent the Manager, or any Person affiliated or associated in any way with the Manager, from contracting or entering into any financial, banking, brokerage, or other transactions with the Managed Entities, nor shall it prevent any Limited Partner, or any Person the securities of which are held by or for the account of the Managed Entities, from being interested in any such transaction, except to the extent prohibited by applicable law.

 

  

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SECTION 4.           MANAGER AS INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

 

(a)           The Manager shall, for all purposes of this Agreement, be deemed to be an independent contractor and not an agent or employee of the Managed Entities and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, shall have no authority to act for or to represent the Managed Entities or otherwise to be deemed an agent of the Managed Entities.

 

(b)           Except as the General Partner may be required to retain such powers as are required by a counterparty, during the term of this Agreement, the Manager shall have sole power to acquire, dispose of, and to vote (and take any action and all other actions deemed appropriate by the Manager relating to) the Investments and other assets of the Managed Entities, in each case in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 5.          BANK ACCOUNTS. The Manager may establish and maintain one or more bank accounts, brokerage accounts, custody accounts or other similar types of accounts in the name of the Partnership or any Subsidiary (any such account, a “Partnership Account”), and may collect and deposit funds into any such Partnership Account or Partnership Accounts, and disburse funds from any such Partnership Account or Partnership Accounts; and the Manager shall from time to time render appropriate accountings of such collections and payments to the General Partner and, upon request, to the auditors of the Managed Entities.

 

SECTION 6.          RECORDS; CONFIDENTIALITY. The Manager shall maintain appropriate books of account and records relating to services performed under this Agreement, and such books of account and records shall be accessible for inspection by representatives of the Managed Entities at any time during normal business hours upon one (1) business day’s advance written notice. The Manager shall keep confidential any and all information obtained in connection with the services rendered under this Agreement and shall not disclose any such information to nonaffiliated Persons (or use the same except in furtherance of its duties under this Agreement) except (i) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, (ii) to legal counsel, accountants and other professional advisors; (iii) to appraisers, financing sources and others in the ordinary course of the Business; (iv) to governmental officials having jurisdiction over the Partnership or the Managed Entities; (v) in connection with any governmental or regulatory filings of any of the Managed Entities or disclosure or presentations to any of the Managed Entities’ investors; or (vi) as required by law or legal process to which the Manager or any Person to whom disclosure is permitted hereunder is a party. The foregoing shall not apply to information which has previously become publicly available through the actions of a Person other than the Manager or any other Person to which the Manager makes disclosure in accordance with the terms of this SECTION 6. The provisions of this SECTION 6 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement for a period of one year.

 

SECTION 7.          OBLIGATIONS OF MANAGER; RESTRICTIONS.

 

(a)           The Manager shall require each Person entering into any agreement with the Managed Entities to make such representations and warranties, if any, as may, in the judgment of the Manager, be necessary and appropriate. In addition, the Manager shall take such other action necessary or appropriate with regard to the protection of the Managed Entities and the Business.

 

  

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(b)           The Manager shall refrain from any action that, in its sole judgment made in good faith, (i) is not in compliance in all material respects with the Partnership’s Agreement of Limited Partnership and the Guidelines as then in effect, (ii) would, to the knowledge of the Manager, violate any law, rule or regulation of any governmental body or agency having jurisdiction over any of the Managed Entities or any Subsidiary or that would otherwise not be permitted by the relevant Governing Instruments.  If the Manager is ordered to take any such action by any of the Managed Entities, the Manager shall promptly notify the General Partner of the Manager’s judgment that such action would adversely affect such status or violate any such law, rule or regulation or the Governing Instruments.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Manager, nor its Affiliates, members, managers, directors, officers, stockholders or employees shall be liable to the Managed Entities, the General Partner, or the Managed Entities’ limited partners, interest holders or shareholders, for any act or omission by the Manager, its Affiliates, members, managers, directors, officers, stockholders or employees except as provided in SECTION 14.

 

(c)           Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, the Manager shall not (i) consummate any transaction which would involve the acquisition by any of the Managed Entities of an asset in which the Manager or any of its Affiliates has a direct or indirect ownership interest or the sale by any of the Managed Entities of an asset to the Manager or any of its Affiliates or to any Person in which the Manager or any of its Affiliates has a direct or indirect ownership interest, or (ii) under circumstances where the Manager is subject to an actual or potential material conflict of interest because it manages both the Managed Entities and another Person (not an Affiliate of the Managed Entities) with which any of the Managed Entities has a contractual relationship, or otherwise, take any action constituting the granting to such Person of a waiver, forbearance or other relief, or the enforcement against such Person of remedies, under or with respect to the applicable contract, unless such transaction or action, as the case may be and in each case, is approved by the Independent Directors.  As applicable now or in the future, to the extent that any such transaction is approved by the Independent Directors such consent shall constitute client consent to principal trades pursuant to the provisions of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

SECTION 8.            COMPENSATION.  The Manager, as full compensation for services rendered pursuant to this Agreement, shall be paid by the Partnership as follows:

 

(a)           The Manager shall receive a monthly management fee (the “Management Fee”) with respect to the Partnership in an amount equal to 1/12 of (i) (x) the sum of the net asset value of the Common Units of the Partnership and the Deferred Fee Accounts (as defined in the Deferred Fee Agreement), each as of the last day of the prior month (the “Relevant NAV”), until such time as the Common Units are listed on a nationally recognized exchange, or (y) the sum of the market capitalization of the Partnership (as determined and evidenced by the Manager) and the Deferred Fee Accounts, each as of the last day of the prior month (the “Relevant Market Cap”), once the Common Units have been listed on a nationally recognized exchange, multiplied by (ii) one and one-half percent (1.5%).  For purposes of this Section 8(a), the last day of the prior month shall be a “Computation Date” (as defined in the Deferred Fee Agreement).

 

  

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(b)           The Manager shall compute each installment of the Management Fee within fifteen (15) business days after the last day of the immediately preceding month with respect to which the Relevant NAV or Relevant Market Cap was determined. A copy of the computations made by the Manager to calculate such installment shall promptly be delivered to the General Partner for informational purposes only. At the request of the Manager the Partnership shall, from time to time, advance to the Manager or its designees the amount of any Management Fee for any month based on the Manager’s good faith estimate of the Management Fee for such month pending the final determination of the Management Fee for such month. Upon delivery of the final computation of the Management Fee for such month, after taking into account any advances to the Manager or its designees, the amount due (i) to the Manager or its designees by the Partnership or (ii) to the Partnership by the Manager or its designees shall be paid no later than the first day of the next calendar month following the calendar month in which the final Management Fee computation was delivered to the Partnership.

 

(c)           For the avoidance of doubt, any services provided by an Affiliate of the Manager or any officers or employees thereof (other than services specifically required to be provided by the Manager pursuant to this Agreement), to other than the Managed Entities, shall be provided under a separate arrangement and any compensation related thereto shall be in addition to any compensation payable to the Manager related to its services to the Managed Entities, provided that such amounts are no greater than those which would be payable to outside professionals, consultants or the Subsidiary’s officers, directors or employees engaged to perform such services pursuant to agreements negotiated on an arm’s-length basis.  Except as otherwise provided herein, any services provided by the Manager to an entity other than the Managed Entities (other than services specifically required to be provided by the Manager pursuant to this Agreement), can be charged a separate fee from the Management Fee.

 

SECTION 9.          INCENTIVE OPTIONS.

 

(a)           The Partnership hereby grants to the Manager options (the “Options”) to purchase Common Units of the Partnership, as defined in the Partnership's Limited Partnership Agreement (“Common Units”), subject to the following terms and conditions as set forth in this SECTION 9 (references in this SECTION 9 to the "Manager" shall include any Affiliate or Persons designated by the Manager to be a recipient of Options):

 

(i)           The aggregate number of Common Units subject to the Options shall be 4,965,690, which is equal to fifteen percent (15%) of the sum of the Common Units of the Partnership outstanding and the number of notional units used to determine the Deferred Fee Accounts in accordance with that certain Second Amended and Restated Deferred Fee Agreement, effective as of July 15, 2009, between the Partnership and WGL Capital Corp. (the “Deferred Fee Agreement”), each as of July 15, 2009 (the “Grant Date”), on a fully diluted basis;

 

  

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(ii)           The per Common Unit exercise price of the Options shall be $31.81.  In addition, subject to SECTION 9(a)(viii) herein, the Exercise Price shall be adjusted for any cash distributions, any distributions-in-kind and any release to the former partners of the Onshore Fund of amounts previously held in reserve to satisfy certain potential contingent liabilities and unknown expenses of the Onshore Fund;

 

(iii)           The Options shall vest immediately upon issuance;

 

(iv)           The Options shall expire on December 31, 2011;

 

(v)           Subject to limitations, if any, under Section 409A of the Code, all or a portion of the Options shall be transferable to any Affiliate of the Manager or any officer or employee of the Manager or its Affiliates;

 

(vi)           The Options may be exercised in whole or in part during their term, and the Exercise Price shall be payable (a) in cash or by check, bank draft or money order payable to the order of the Partnership, (b) through a “cashless exercise” procedure whereby the Option holder delivers irrevocable instructions to a broker to deliver promptly to the Partnership an amount equal to the aggregate Exercise Price of the Options being exercised (the “Aggregate Exercise Price”), (c) by the Option holder’s delivery to the Partnership of Common Units owned by the Option holder having a fair market value on the payment date equal to the Aggregate Exercise Price, (d) by a "net exercise" procedure through which the Option holder directs the Partnership to withhold the number of Common Units subject to the Options having a fair market value equal to the Aggregate Exercise Price, (e) on such other terms and conditions as may be agreed to by the Partnership and the Manager, or (f) pursuant to any combination of the foregoing;

 

(vii)           If there shall occur any change in the capital structure of the Partnership by reason of any Common Unit split, Common Unit reverse split, Common Unit dividend or other dividend of equity, subdivision, combination or reclassification of the Common Units, any recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin off, reorganization or partial or complete liquidation, sale or transfer of all or part of the assets of the Partnership or its Affiliates or other transaction or event having an effect similar to any of the foregoing, then, subject to SECTION 9(a)(viii) herein, there shall be an appropriate adjustment of (i) the aggregate number and/or kind of Common Units or other property (including cash) to be issued upon the exercise of Options and (ii) the Exercise Price thereof; and

 

(viii)           Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, no adjustment to the terms of the Options (i.e., any “modification”, “extension”, “substitution” or “assumption” of the Options, in each case, as defined in Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(b)(5)(v) (or any successor regulation)) (“Adjustment”) shall occur pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise without the written consent of the Manager if such Adjustment would result in the Options providing for a deferral of compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code; and

 

  

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(ix)           The Options shall be subject to such other customary terms as are reasonably acceptable to the Manager and a committee of the board of directors of the General Partners composed entirely of one or more Independent Directors.

 

(b)           In addition, if any issuance (an “Issuance”) of Common Units, options, convertible securities or any other right to acquire Common Units by the Partnership following the Grant Date (other than upon the issuance or exercise of Options) results in an increase in the number of outstanding Common Units on a fully diluted basis as compared to the number of outstanding Common Units as of the date of the most recent Issuance (or, in the case of the first Issuance, since the Grant Date), the Manager shall promptly be issued an additional option (each, an “Additional Option”) to purchase a number of Common Units so that as of the date of grant of the Additional Option, after taking into account the number of outstanding Common Units on a fully diluted basis and all Options granted since the Grant Date, the Manager shall hold outstanding Options (in the aggregate) to acquire fifteen percent (15%) of the sum of the Common Units of the Partnership outstanding and the number of notional units used to determine the Deferred Fee Accounts in accordance with the Deferred Fee Agreement, on a fully diluted basis (provided, that, for this purpose only, Options and Additional Options previously issued and Common Units issued upon exercise of such Options by the Manager shall be considered to be outstanding as of the date of such determination).  Each Additional Option shall (i) be vested and exercisable to the same extent that the Options are vested and exercisable on the date of grant of such Additional Option, (ii) have an Exercise Price per Common Unit equal to the fair market value of a Common Unit on the date of grant of such Additional Option, as determined in accordance with Section 409A of the Code, and (iii) otherwise be subject to the same terms as the Options, unless otherwise agreed to by the Manager.

 

(c)           Notwithstanding anything else herein, the parties acknowledge that the Manager may voluntarily forfeit or surrender all or a portion of the Options granted to it to allow the underlying Common Units to be available for the Partnership to make equity grants to other Persons as directed by the Manager.

 

(d)           The Manager may request the Partnership to implement a unit appreciation rights or other form of incentive compensation plan in lieu of or in combination with the Options which will provide comparable incentive compensation to the Manager as provided herein, the Partnership will also take any other reasonable actions requested by the Manager in connection with the implementation of the incentive compensation arrangements contemplated herein, subject to the approval of the Independent Directors, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

SECTION 10.            EXPENSES OF THE PARTNERSHIP.  The Partnership or the Managed Entities will bear (or reimburse the Manager or its designees with respect to) all reasonable costs and expenses of the Managed Entities, and the Manager and the General Partner or their Affiliates relating to the operation of the Managed Entities as provided in the Limited Partnership Agreement and elsewhere in this Agreement, including, but not limited to:

 

  

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(a)           Costs of legal, tax, accounting, consulting, auditing, administrative, compliance, marketing, investor relations and other similar services rendered for the Managed Entities or the General Partner, including such services rendered by providers retained by the Manager, an Affiliate of the Manager or the Partnership, or any officers or employees thereof, in amounts in the case of Affiliates which are no greater than those which would be payable to outside professionals or consultants engaged to perform such services pursuant to agreements negotiated on an arm’s-length basis.

 

(b)           Costs associated with any computer software or hardware, electronic equipment or purchased information technology services from third party vendors.

 

(c)           Costs of maintaining or determining compliance with all federal, state and local rules and regulations or any other regulatory agency.

 

(d)           Director and officer liability insurance premiums and the cost of any “errors and omissions” or similar insurance that any Managed Entity requires the Manager or its Affiliates to maintain for benefit of a Managed Entity in connection with the services rendered under this Agreement.

 

(e)           Other fees payable to third party administrators and service providers.

 

(f)           Expenses connected with communications to holders of securities of the Managed Entities and other bookkeeping and clerical work necessary in maintaining relations with holders of such securities and in complying with the continuous reporting and other requirements of governmental bodies or agencies, including, without limitation, all costs of preparing and filing required reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the costs payable by the Partnership to any transfer agent and registrar in connection with the listing and/or trading of the Partnership’s units on any exchange, the fees payable by the Partnership to any such exchange in connection with its listing, costs of preparing, printing and mailing the Partnership’s annual report to the holders of its limited partnership interests and proxy materials with respect to any meeting of the interest holders of the Partnership, including such services as rendered by providers retained by the Manager, an Affiliate of the Manager or a company affiliated with the Partnership, or any officers or employees thereof, in amounts which as to Affiliates are no greater than those which would be payable to outside professionals or consultants engaged to perform such services pursuant to agreements negotiated on an arm’s-length basis.

 

(g)           Litigation expenses, including professional and consulting fees incurred in connection with managing the business of the Managed Entities and General Partner.

 

  

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(h)           Expenses incurred by managers, officers, employees and agents of the Manager or its Affiliates for travel on behalf of the Managed Entities and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred by managers, officers, employees and agents of the Manager or its Affiliates.

 

(i)           All other expenses actually incurred by the Manager and the General Partner which are reasonably necessary for the performance by the Manager of its duties and functions under this Agreement.

 

The provisions of this SECTION 10 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement to the extent such expenses have previously been incurred or are incurred in connection with such expiration or termination.  For the avoidance of doubt, the expenses payable by the Managed Entities as described in this SECTION 10 are exclusive of, and in addition to, the Management Fee.

SECTION 11.        CALCULATION OF EXPENSES.  The Manager shall prepare from time to time a statement documenting the expenses of the Managed Entities and the expenses incurred by the Manager on behalf of the Managed Entities and shall deliver such statement to the Managed Entities.  Expenses incurred by the Manager and payable to the Manager pursuant to SECTION 10 shall be reimbursed by the Managed Entities to the Manager within 30 days following the date of delivery of such statement; provided, however, that such reimbursements may be offset by the Manager against amounts due to the Managed Entities. At the election of the Partnership, the Manager will allocate the expenses between the Partnership and certain Subsidiaries, based on an allocation formula determined in good faith by the Manager, the Partnership and any Subsidiary, and shall provide directly to the Partnership and each Subsidiary the computation of the expenses so allocated. If that separate computation is provided, the Partnership and each of its Subsidiaries will be liable for payment of its allocable share of any amounts payable under this SECTION 11 and shall pay such amount directly to the Manager. The provisions of this SECTION 11 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 12.        BROKERAGE SERVICES.

 

(a)           The Manager is responsible for selecting executing brokers.  Securities transactions for the Managed Entities are allocated to brokers on the basis of reliability and the Manager’s duty to seek best price and execution.  The Manager has selected Mutual Securities, Inc. (“Mutual Securities”) as an introducing broker and may, from time to time, direct up to a substantial portion of the Managed Entities’ trades to such firm among others.  Jack Howard, an officer of the General Partner and the Manager, is affiliated with Mutual Securities and therefore benefits from the commissions paid by the Managed Entities.  The Manager will only use Mutual Securities when such use would not compromise the Manager’s obligation to seek best price and execution, provided, however, that the Managed Entities may pay commissions to Mutual Securities which are higher than those that can be obtained elsewhere to the extent that the Manager determines that the rates paid are consistent with the quality of research and brokerage services provided.

 

  

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(b)           The Manager may enter into “soft dollar” or directed brokerage arrangements with one or more brokerage firms with which each Managed Entity does business.  Under the terms of such arrangements, the cost of certain services used in the investment decision-making process may be paid by the brokerage firm on each Managed Entity’s behalf or such services may be provided to each Managed Entity at a reduced cost, or at no cost.  If the Manager elects to utilize soft dollars, these arrangements will be within the parameters of the safe harbor available in Section 28(e) of the Exchange Act, which permits “soft dollar” credits to be used to pay for the cost of research, trade execution and other expenses directly related to the investment decision-making process.

 

SECTION 13.        TRANSACTION FEES. Any Transaction Fee or other similar fee payable in connection with the Business, including any Investment made by a Managed Entity, except as may be otherwise provided by the Partnership Agreement, will be paid directly to the Manager or an Affiliate of the Manager and credited against the Management Fee or the Managed Entities’ expenses to be reimbursed to the Manager or its Affiliates.

 

SECTION 14.        LIMITS OF MANAGER RESPONSIBILITY; INDEMNIFICATION.

 

(a)           The Manager, its members, officers, employees, Affiliates, agents, and legal representatives and the members, officers, employees, Affiliates, agents, and legal representatives of any of their respective Affiliates (each, an “Indemnified Person”) shall not be liable for and the Managed Entities shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Person from and against any loss or expense suffered or sustained by such Indemnified Person including, without limitation, any judgment, settlement, reasonable attorneys’ fees, and other costs and expenses incurred in connection with the defense of any actual or threatened action or proceeding (collectively, “Losses”), provided that such Losses did not result from willful misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of such Indemnified Person’s obligations and duties or by reason of such Indemnified Person’s reckless disregard of its obligations and duties, if any, under this Agreement (in which case the Manager shall indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and the Managed Entities from and against all Losses incurred in connection therewith).  The Managed Entities shall jointly and severally advance to any Indemnified Person reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred in connection with the defense of any action or proceeding that arises out of such conduct.  In the event that such an advance is made by the Managed Entities, the Indemnified Person shall agree jointly and severally to reimburse the Managed Entities for such fees, costs, and expenses to the extent that it shall be determined that he, she, or it was not entitled to indemnification.

 

(b)           Notwithstanding any of the foregoing to the contrary, the provisions of this SECTION 14 shall not be construed so as to provide for the exculpation or indemnification of any Indemnified Person for any liability (including, without limitation, liability under U.S. securities laws that, under certain circumstances, impose liability even on persons who act in good faith), to the extent, but only to the extent, that such exculpation or indemnification would be in violation of applicable law, but shall be construed so as to effectuate the provisions of this SECTION 14 to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

  

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SECTION 15.        NO JOINT VENTURE. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to make the Partner and the Manager partners or joint venturers or impose any liability as such on either of them.

 

SECTION 16.        TERM.  (a) This Agreement shall be effective as of the date first set forth above (the “Effective Date”), and, subject to SECTION 18, shall continue until December 31, 2011 (the “Initial Term”) and shall be automatically renewed for successive one-year terms thereafter (each, a “Renewal Term”) unless determined otherwise by a majority of the Independent Directors.  If the Partnership elects not to renew this Agreement at the expiration of the Initial Term or any Renewal Term as set forth above, the Partnership shall deliver to the Manager prior written notice (the “Termination Notice”) of the Partnership’s intention not to renew this Agreement not less than 180 days prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or applicable Renewal Term.

 

 (b) If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this SECTION 16, such termination shall be without any further liability or obligation of either party to the other, except as provided in SECTION 6, SECTION 8, SECTION 10, SECTION 14, and SECTION 20.

 

SECTION 17.         DELEGATION; ASSIGNMENT.

 

(a)           Unless as otherwise provided in the limited partnership agreement of the Partnership, no assignment of this Agreement shall be made by the Manager unless the Independent Directors approve such an assignment (including a deemed assignment occurring as a result of a Change of Control), and this Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event that it is assigned absent such approval; provided, however, that no such consent shall be required in the case of an assignment by the Manager to an Affiliate and the Manager shall give notice to the Partnership of such an assignment.  The Manager shall notify the Partnership in writing sufficiently in advance of any proposed Change of Control of the Manager, in order to enable the Partnership to consider whether an assignment shall occur and to determine whether to consent to the assignment or to enter into a new management agreement with the Manager. Any such permitted assignment shall bind the assignee under this Agreement in the same manner as the Manager is bound.  In addition, the assignee shall execute and deliver to the Partnership a counterpart of this Agreement naming such assignee as Manager.

 

(b)           It is understood that nothing contained in this SECTION 17 shall operate to prevent the Manager from delegating the whole or any part or parts of its functions, powers, discretions, duties, or obligations hereunder or any of them to any Person that is an Affiliate of the Manager or the Partnership or any other Person approved by the Partnership (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), and any such delegation may be on such terms and conditions as the Manager shall determine; provided that the Manager shall evaluate and coordinate the services offered by others.  In addition, provided that the Manager provides prior written notice to the Company for informational purposes only, nothing contained in this Agreement shall preclude any pledge, hypothecation or other transfer of any amounts payable to the Manager under this Agreement.

 

  

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(c)           This Agreement shall not be assigned by the Partnership without the prior written consent of the Manager, except in the case of assignment by the Partnership to another organization which is a successor (by merger, consolidation or purchase of assets) to the Partnership, in which case such successor organization shall be bound under this Agreement in the same manner as the Partnership.

 

SECTION 18.         TERMINATION UNDER CERTAIN EVENTS.

 

(a)           The Partnership may terminate this Agreement effective upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of termination from the Partnership to the Manager if (i) the Manager materially breaches any provision of this Agreement and such breach shall continue for a period of more than 30 days after written notice thereof specifying such breach and requesting that the same be remedied in such 30-day period, (ii) the Manager engages in any act of fraud, misappropriation of funds, or embezzlement against any Managed Entity, (iii) there is an event of gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Manager in the performance of its duties under this Agreement, (iv) there is a commencement of any proceeding relating to the Manager’s bankruptcy or insolvency, or (v) there is a dissolution of the Manager or (vi) there is a Change of Control of the Manager, not consented to by the Partnership pursuant to SECTION 17(a).

 

(b)           In the event Mr. Warren Lichtenstein is no longer substantially involved with the Manager (a “Key Man Event”), the Manager for a period of 180 days from the date of the Key Man Event shall take no material actions with respect to the Managed Entities without the prior approval of the Independent Directors, but shall continue to manage the day-to-day affairs of the Managed Entities (the “Suspension Period”).  The Manager will promptly notify the General Partner of the occurrence of a Key Man Event. During the Suspension Period the General Partner shall consult with the Manager concerning the Manager continuing to manage the Managed Entities without the involvement of Mr. Lichtenstein.  The Independent Directors shall determine no later than the end of the Suspension Period whether to (i) terminate this Agreement, or (ii) end the Suspension Agreement by reaffirming this Agreement and thereupon deleting this SECTION 18(b) or amending this Agreement as may be agreed between the Partnership and the Manager.

 

(c)           The Manager may terminate this Agreement effective upon 60 days’ prior written notice of termination to the Partnership in the event that the Managed Entities shall default in the performance or observance of any material term, condition or covenant contained in this Agreement and such default shall continue for a period of 30 days after written notice thereof specifying such default and requesting that the same be remedied in such 30-day period.

 

(d)           The Manager may terminate this Agreement, in the event any of the Managed Entities becomes regulated as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act, with such termination deemed to have occurred immediately prior to such event.

 

  

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(e)           The Manager may terminate this Agreement at any time immediately effective upon written notice of termination to the Partnership in the event that the election of the majority of the members of the board of directors of the General Partner that were originally elected and approved by the Manager no longer constitute a majority of the members of the board of directors, unless their replacements or successors were approved by the Manager.

 

SECTION 19.        ACTION UPON EXPIRATION OR TERMINATION. In the event of termination pursuant to Sections 18(a), (b) or (d), from and after the effective date of the expiration or termination of this Agreement, the Manager shall not be entitled to compensation for further services under this Agreement, but shall be paid all compensation accruing to the date of expiration or termination. In the event of termination pursuant to Sections 18 (c) or (e), from and after the effective date of the expiration or termination of this Agreement the Manager shall be paid all compensation accruing to the date of expiration or termination plus a termination fee equal to the Management Fee that would otherwise be payable to the Manager for the Initial Term or Renewal Term, as applicable, based upon the aggregate Management Fee earned by the Manager or its Affiliates during the 12-month period immediately preceding the date of such termination, calculated as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal quarter prior to the date of termination plus the Termination Fee.  Upon such expiration or termination, the Manager shall forthwith:

 

(i)           after deducting any accrued compensation and reimbursement for its expenses to which it is then entitled, pay over to the Partnership or a Subsidiary all money collected and held for the account of the Partnership or a Subsidiary pursuant to this Agreement;

 

(ii)           deliver to the General Partner a full accounting, including a statement showing all payments collected by it and a statement of all money held by it, covering the period following the date of the last accounting furnished to the General Partner with respect to the Partnership or a Subsidiary; and

 

(iii)           deliver to the General Partner all property and documents of the Partnership or any Subsidiary then in the custody of the Manager.

 

SECTION 20.        RELEASE OF MONEY OR OTHER PROPERTY UPON WRITTEN REQUEST.  Any money or other property of the Managed Entities held by the Manager under this Agreement shall be held by the Manager as custodian for the Partnership or other Managed Entity, and the Manager’s records shall be appropriately marked clearly to reflect the ownership of such money or other property by the Partnership or such Managed Entity. Upon the receipt by the Manager of a written request signed by a duly authorized officer of the Partnership requesting the Manager to release to the Partnership or any Managed Entity any money or other property then held by the Manager for the account of the Partnership or any Subsidiary under this Agreement, the Manager shall release such money or other property to the Partnership or any Managed Entity, but in no event later than 10 business days following such request. The Manager shall not be liable to the Partnership, any Managed Entity, the General Partner, or the Partnership’s or a Managed Entity’s shareholders, interest holders or partners for any acts performed or omissions to act by the Partnership or any Managed Entity in connection with the money or other property released to the Partnership or any Managed Entity in accordance with the second sentence of this SECTION 20. The Partnership and any Managed Entity shall indemnify the Manager and its members, managers, officers and employees against any and all expenses, losses, damages, liabilities, demands, charges and claims of any nature whatsoever, which arise in connection with the Manager’s release of such money or other property to the Partnership or any Managed Entity in accordance with the terms of this SECTION 20. Indemnification pursuant to this provision shall be in addition to any right of the Manager to indemnification under SECTION 14 of this Agreement.

 

  

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SECTION 21.        NOTICES. Unless expressly provided otherwise in this Agreement, all notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given, made and received when delivered against receipt or upon actual receipt of (i) personal delivery, (ii) delivery by reputable overnight courier, (iii) delivery by facsimile transmission with telephonic confirmation or (iv) delivery by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed as set forth below:

 

(a)           If to the Partnership:

Steel Partners Holdings L.P.

c/o Steel Partners Holdings GP LLC

590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor

New York, New York 10022

United States

Attention: General Partner

 

(b)           If to the Manager:

Steel Partners LLC

590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor

New York, New York 10022

United States

Attention: Warren Lichtenstein

Either party may alter the address to which communications or copies are to be sent by giving notice of such change of address in conformity with the provisions of this SECTION 21 for the giving of notice.

 

SECTION 22.       BINDING NATURE OF AGREEMENT; SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, personal representatives, successors and permitted assigns as provided in this Agreement.

 

  

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SECTION 23.        ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement contains the entire agreement and understanding among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, inducements and conditions, express or implied, oral or written, of any nature whatsoever with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement. The express terms of this Agreement control and supersede any course of performance and/or usage of the trade inconsistent with any of the terms of this Agreement. This Agreement may not be modified or amended other than by an agreement in writing signed by the parties hereto.

 

SECTION 24.        GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES UNDER THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

SECTION 25.        NO WAIVER; CUMULATIVE REMEDIES. No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising, on the part of any party hereto, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege.  The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by law.  No waiver of any provision hereto shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver.

 

SECTION 26.        HEADINGS. The headings of the sections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed part of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 27.        COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original as against any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall become binding when one or more counterparts of this Agreement, individually or taken together, shall bear the signatures of all of the parties reflected hereon as the signatories.

 

SECTION 28.        SEVERABILITY. Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction

 

SECTION 29.        GENDER. Words used herein regardless of the number and gender specifically used, shall be deemed and construed to include any other number, singular or plural, and any other gender, masculine, feminine or neuter, as the context requires.

 

 

[Signature Page to Follow]

  

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

	  	
STEEL PARTNERS LLC

	  	  	  
	  	  	  
	  	
By:

	/s/ Warren Lichtenstein	  
	  	  	
Name:

	
Warren Lichtenstein

	  	  	
Title:

	
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

	  	  	  
	  	  	  
	  	
STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.

	  	
By:

	
Steel Partners Holdings GP LLC

	  	  	
its general partner,

	  	  	  
	  	  	  
	  	
By:

	/s/ Warren Lichtenstein	  
	  	  	
Name:

	
Warren Lichtenstein

	  	  	
Title:

	
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

	  	  	  	  	  	  	  

 

  

23ex103to1012g04197_12152011.htm

Exhibit 10.3

LICENSE AGREEMENT

 

THIS AGREEMENT is entered into as of the 1st day of January, 2009, by and between Steel Partners LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, having an address at 590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10022 (“Licensor”) and Steel Partners Holdings L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, having an address at 590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10022 (“Licensee”).

 

Whereas, Licensor’s Trademarks (as defined below) are famous and valuable, and are associated with substantial goodwill in connection with management and other services; and

 

Whereas, Licensee recognizes the fame, value of, and goodwill associated with the Trademarks and that all rights to the Trademarks, and the goodwill associated therewith, belong exclusively to Licensor; and

 

Whereas, Licensee desires to obtain a license to use the Trademarks as service marks in connection with the provision of the Services throughout the world (the “Territory”); and

 

Whereas, Licensor is prepared to grant such a license to Licensee subject to the terms and conditions set forth below.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and the mutual covenants herein expressed, and for other good consideration, which the parties hereby acknowledge, the parties hereby agree as follows.

 

ARTICLE 1.  DEFINITIONS

 

1.1           Management Agreement means that certain Management Agreement dated as of January 1, 2009 between Licensor, as Manager, and Licensee (defined therein as the “Partnership”) as the same may be amended or restated.

 

1.2           Materials means any advertising, marketing and/or promotional materials or any other forms of identification affixed to or used in connection with Licensee’s business (the “Services”) that bear any of the Trademarks.

 

1.3           Term means the duration of this Agreement, as set forth in Paragraph 3.1.

 

1.4           Trademarks means the trademarks set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto together with any derivatives thereof as may be agreed upon from time to time by the parties.

 

ARTICLE 2.  GRANT

 

2.1           License.  Subject to all of the obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement, Licensor hereby grants to Licensee a royalty-free, non-exclusive non-assignable license during the Term to use the Trademarks in connection with (i) Licensee’s partnership and subsidiaries’ names and (ii) the provision of Services anywhere in the Territory.  Such use may include the use of any of the Trademarks on Materials and/or as domain names or part of domain names used by Licensee in connection with the Services.

 

  

  

  

 

ARTICLE 3.  TERM OF THE AGREEMENT

 

3.1           Term.  The term of this Agreement (the “Term”) shall commence effective as of the date hereof and, unless sooner terminated in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, shall run concurrently with the term of the Management Agreement (and shall expire automatically upon the expiration of the term of the Management Agreement or the termination of the Management Agreement, as the case may be).

 

ARTICLE 4.  APPROVALS

 

4.1           Approvals.  All submissions for approval by Licensee hereunder shall be deemed approved unless Licensor delivers a notice of disapproval within twenty (20) days after receipt of such request from Licensee. Licensor will endeavor to provide an explanation for its disapprovals, but its failure to do so will not affect the finality of its determination.

 

ARTICLE 5.  QUALITY CONTROL

 

5.1           Overall Commitment to Quality.  Licensee shall maintain the distinctiveness of the Trademarks and all use of the Trademark in connection with the Services shall be consistent with the image and high quality of the Trademarks (“Quality”).

 

5.2           Samples of Materials.  Upon Licensor’s request, Licensee shall submit samples of Materials bearing any of the Trademarks to Licensor for Licensor’s review. All Materials shall be at least equal in Quality to any samples reviewed by Licensor hereunder.

 

5.3           Non-Conforming Materials.  If any Materials or any other use of any of the Trademarks by Licensee is, in the reasonable discretion of Licensor, not in accordance with the previously approved Quality, or is otherwise not acceptable to Licensor in its reasonable discretion, Licensor may so notify Licensee, and Licensee shall promptly change such materials to conform with Licensor’s instructions.

 

5.4           Withdrawal of Approval.  If at any time any Materials or any other use of any of the Trademarks by Licensee ceases to be acceptable to Licensor, Licensor shall have the right in the exercise of its reasonable discretion to withdraw its approval of such materials and/or use of such Trademark by Licensee upon reasonable notice to Licensee. Upon withdrawal of approval, Licensee shall promptly cease such use.

 

5.5           Compliance with Applicable Laws – Generally.  All use of the Trademarks by Licensee hereunder shall be in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations in the Territory, and in such a manner as will not tend to mislead or deceive the public or damage the reputation of the Trademarks.

 

ARTICLE 6.  PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

6.1           Public Announcements.  Licensee’s press releases and other public announcements related to Licensee’s use of the Trademarks hereunder are subject to approval by Licensor.  In this regard, Licensee shall, upon Licensor’s request, submit such press releases and public announcements to Licensor for Licensor’s reasonable approval. Licensee shall cease the dissemination of any press releases or other public announcements that have been disapproved by Licensor.

 

  

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ARTICLE 7.  TRADEMARKS

 

7.1           Rights to the Trademark.  Licensee acknowledges the great value of the goodwill associated with the Trademarks, and acknowledges that the Trademarks and all the rights therein, and goodwill attached thereto, belong exclusively to Licensor.

 

7.2           Protecting the Trademarks.  Licensee shall cooperate fully and in good faith with Licensor for the purpose of securing, preserving and protecting Licensor’s rights in and to the Trademarks.

 

7.3           Compliance with Notice and Other Requirements.  Licensee shall use the Trademarks strictly in compliance with all applicable legal requirements.  Whenever the Trademarks are used by Licensee in any Materials or otherwise in written materials associated with the Services, they shall be followed, in the case of a registered trademark by the registration symbol, i.e., ® and in the case of all other trademarks by the symbol TM or SM, or other appropriate symbols of similar import acceptable to Licensor or required by applicable law.

 

7.4           Use of Trademarks on Invoices, etc.  Upon Licensor’s request, Licensee shall submit to Licensor for prior approval, the proposed use of the Trademarks on invoices, business cards, order forms, stationery and related materials and in advertising in telephone and other directory listings.

 

ARTICLE 8.  INSOLVENCY

 

8.1           Effect of Proceeding in Bankruptcy, etc.  If either party institutes for its protection or is made a defendant in any proceeding under bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or receivership law, or if either party is placed in receivership or makes an assignment for benefit of creditors or is unable to meet its debts in the regular course of business, the other party may elect to terminate this Agreement immediately by written notice to the other party without prejudice to any right or remedy the terminating party may have, including, but not limited to, damages for breach.

 

8.2           Rights Personal.  The license and rights granted hereunder are personal to Licensee.  No assignee for the benefit of creditors, receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, sheriff or any other officer or court charged with taking over custody of Licensee’s assets or business, shall have any right to continue performance of this Agreement or to exploit or in any way use the Trademarks if this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Paragraph 9.1, except as may be required by law.

 

ARTICLE 9.  EXPIRATION AND TERMINATION

 

9.1           Termination.  If Licensee breaches any of its material obligations under this Agreement, Licensor shall have the right to terminate this Agreement by giving Licensee a notice of intention to terminate. Termination shall become effective automatically and without further notice unless Licensee completely cures such breach within sixty (60) days after receipt of such notice.

 

  

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9.2           Effect of Expiration or Termination.  Upon expiration of the Term or termination of this Agreement for any reason whatsoever:

 

	
  

	
a.

	
Reversion of Rights.  All of the rights of Licensee under this Agreement shall terminate and immediately revert to Licensor. Licensee, except as specified below, shall immediately discontinue use of the Trademarks, whether in connection with the Services or otherwise, and shall not resume the use thereof or adopt any colorable imitation of any of the Trademarks or any of their components or designs incorporated therein or material parts thereof.

 

	
  

	
b.

	
Materials.  At Licensor’s option, Licensee shall (i) promptly destroy, or (ii) convey to Licensor (at a price equal to Licensee’s book value thereof) and free of all liens and encumbrances, all Materials and any plates, engravings, computer tapes, computer disks, hard drives and all other computer files used exclusively by Licensee to make or reproduce the Trademarks in Licensee’s possession or control, and all items affixed with likenesses or reproductions of the Trademarks in Licensee’s possession or control.

 

ARTICLE 10.  NOTICES

 

10.1           Manner of Notice.  Any notice, request for approval, communication or legal service of process required or arising out of or under this Agreement will be effective only when personally delivered in writing, or on the date when the notice, request, service or communication is transmitted confirmed by electronic facsimile (with a second confirmation copy to be sent by mail) or the day after the notice, service or communication is sent by overnight air courier service (e.g., FedEx Courier); or five (5) days after the date of mailing by first class registered mail.  All notices will be sent to the parties at the addresses listed below or to such other persons and addresses as may be designated in writing by the parties to each other.  The date a notice will be deemed to be transmitted, sent by overnight air courier or mailed will be the date at the notifying party’s place of business at the time of transmission, sending or mailing.

 

	
To Licensor:

	
Steel Partners LLC

	
  

	
590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor

	
  

	
New York, NY 10022

	
  

	
Attention: Warren Lichtenstein

	
  

	
Telephone: 212-520-2300

	
  

	
Facsimile: 212-520-2331

 

	
To Licensee:

	
Steel Partners Holdings L.P.

	
  

	
590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor

	
  

	
New York, NY 10022

	
  

	
Attention: Warren Lichtenstein

	
  

	
Telephone: 212-520-2300

	
  

	
Facsimile: 212-520-2331

 

  

4

  

 

ARTICLE 11.  MISCELLANEOUS

 

11.1           Benefit.  This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto, and to their permitted successors and assigns.

 

11.2           Entire Agreement; Amendment.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and this Agreement may not be amended or modified, except in a writing signed by both parties hereto.

 

11.3           Non-Waiver.  The failure of either party to enforce at any time any term, provision or condition of this Agreement, or to exercise any right or option herein, will in no way operate as a waiver thereof, nor will any single or partial exercise preclude any other right or option herein; and no waiver whatsoever will be valid unless in writing, signed by the waiving party, and only to the extent set forth in such writing.

 

11.4           No Assignment Without Consent.  The license and rights granted to Licensee hereunder are personal in nature, and Licensee may not sell, transfer, lease, sublicense or assign this Agreement or its rights or interest hereunder, or any part hereof, by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Licensor, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, except that Licensee shall have the right, upon written notice to Licensor, to assign this Agreement to a corporation, subsidiary or affiliate under the same direction and control as Licensee; provided, however, that in such event Licensee unconditionally guarantees the performance and obligations of such corporation, subsidiary or affiliate under this Agreement.

 

11.5           Severability.  If any provision or any portion of any provision of this Agreement is construed to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable, such shall be deemed stricken and deleted from this Agreement to the same extent and effect as if never incorporated herein, but all other provisions of this Agreement and any remaining portion of any provision which is not deemed illegal, invalid or unenforceable in part shall continue in full force and effect.

 

11.6           Governing Law.  This Agreement has been negotiated, prepared, executed and delivered in several jurisdictions, including the State of New York, United States of America.  Accordingly, in order to establish with certainty that this Agreement will be governed by one body of well-developed commercial law, the parties hereto have expressly agreed that this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, applicable to contracts executed and fully to be performed therein, to the exclusion of any other applicable body of governing law.

 

11.7           Jurisdiction.  The parties hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and any of the courts of the State of New York in any dispute arising under this Agreement and agree further that service of process or notice in any such action, suit or proceeding will be effective if in writing and issued as provided in Paragraph 11.1 hereof.

 

11.8           Headings.  The headings of the Articles and Paragraphs of this Agreement are for convenience only and in no way limit or affect the terms or conditions of this Agreement.

 

  

5

  

 

11.9           Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

	
STEEL PARTNERS LLC

	  	
STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.

	  	  	  
	  	  	  
	
By:

	

/s/ Sanford Antignas

	  	
By:

	
Steel Partners II GP LLC, General Partner

	 	
Name:

	
Sanford Antignas

	  	  	  
	 	
Title:

	
Chief Operating Officer

	  	  	  
	  	  	  	  	
By:

	

/s/ Sanford Antignas

	  	  	  	  	 	
Name:

	
Sanford Antignas

	  	  	  	  	 	
Title:

	
Chief Operating Officer

 

  

6

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