Document:

Exhibit

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), is made on this 21 day of December, 2007, by and between Nature's Sunshine Products, Inc., a Utah Corporation, having its principal place of business in Provo, Utah ("the Company" or "NSP") and Bryant J. Yates ("Executive").
The Company desires to engage Executive to provide services for NSP and Executive desires to provide such services on the terms and conditions below.
		
	1.
	Employment.

		
	1.
	Positions and Duties. Executivee will serve as President - International of the Company, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of the Company. In addition, without additional compensation, if requested by the Company, Executive will serve in other officer positions of the Company and its subsidiaries. Executive shall devote his best efforts and substantially all of his business time and services to the Company to perform such duties as may be customarily incident to such position of an enterprise of the size and nature of the Company and as may reasonably be assigned from time to time by the CEO of the Company. or the Company, as the case may be. Executive will render his services hereunder to the Company, shall use his best efforts, judgment and energy in the performance of the duties assigned to him, and shall abide by the Company's Code of Conduct and any. other applicable Company policies, and shall comply with any and all applicable laws, including but not limited to insider trading/reporting requirements and the policies and procedures as may be set forth in the employee handbook, manuals and other materials provided by the Company.

		
	2.
	Place of Performance. Executive shall perform his services hereunder at the Company's executive offices in Provo, Utah; provided, however, that Executive will be required to travel from time to time as reasonably required for business purposes.

		
	2.
	Compensation and Benefits.

		
	1.
	Base Salary. Executive shall receive an annual salary of $160,360.00 paid in accordance with the Company's payroll practices, as in effect from time to time. Base salary shall be subject to review on at least an annual basis by the CEO. Executive understands that no further compensation will be given for his/her name being used as an officer or shareholder on any corporation, subsidiary or branch.

		
	2.
	Discretionary Bonus. Executive shall also be eligible to participate in the executive bonus program or any successor program (the "EBP"). Payment of any bonus under the EBP is in NSP’s sole discretion and such payments will be made in accordance with section 409A.

		
	3.
	Employee Benefits. Executive will be eligible to participate in retirement/savings, health insurance, term lifè insurance, long term disability insurance and other employee benefit plans, policies or arrangements maintained by the Company for its employees generally and, at the discretion of the Board, in incentive plans, stock option plans and change in control severance plans maintained by the Company for its executives. if any, subject to the terms and conditions of such plans, policies or arrangements. including but not limited to those benefits outlined in the Employee Handbook.

		
	4.
	Stock Options. The Company may from time to time grant to Executive options (the "Options") to purchase shares of NSP common stock pursuant to the price, terms and conditions set forth in the then applicable Stock Option Plan, as amended from time to time, or as otherwise set forth in a Stock Option Agreement.

		
	3.
	Indemnification; D&O Insurance. 

The Company will indemnify Executive for and hold Executive harmless from and against any and all losses, costs, damages or expenses (including attorneys' fees) arising out of any claim or legal proceeding brought against Executive, relating in any way to services performed by Executive for the Company. This indemnification provision is intended to be broadly interpreted and to provide for indemnification to the full extent permitted by law. The Company will maintain directors' and officers' liability insurance in amounts and on terms reasonable and customary for similarly situated companies.

		
	4.
	Expenses. In accordance with the Company's normal policies for expense reimbursement, the Company shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable travel, entertainment and other expenses incurred or paid by Executive in connection with, or related to, the performance of Executive's duties, responsibilities or services under this Agreement, upon presentation of documentation, including expense statements, vouchers and/or such other supporting information as the Company may request.

		
	5.
	Termination. Upon cessation of his employment with the Company, Executive will be entitled only to such compensation and benefits as described in this Section 5.

		
	1.
	Termination without Cause. If Executive's employment by the Company is terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined below), Executive will be entitled to:

		
	1.
	payment of all accrued and unpaid base salary through the date of such termination;

		
	2.
	monthly severance payments equal to one-twelfth of Executive's base salary as of the date of such termination for a period equal to twelve (12) months (the "Severance Period").

		
	3.
	payment of the cost for continuation of Executive's health insurance coverage under COBRA (and for his or her family members if Executive provided for their coverage during his or her employment) during the Severance Period and in accord with the NSP plan applicable to NSP employees currently in effect.

		
	2.
	Release. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement, the payments and benefits described above are conditioned on Executive's execution and delivery to the Company of a release substantially identical to that attached hereto as Exhibit A in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, if applicable, and any applicable state law (the "Release"). The severance benefits described in Section 5.1.2 will be paid after the Release becomes irrevocable.

		
	3.
	Termination for Cause. If Executive's employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for Cause then the Company's obligation to Executive will be limited solely to the payment of accrued and unpaid base salary through the date of such termination. To terminate Executive's employment for Cause, the CEO, in consultation with the Board of Directors, must determine in good faith that Cause has occurred.

		
	1.
	"Cause" means:

		
	a)
	continuing performance by Executive deemed unsatisfactory to NSP acting reasonably and in good faith or conduct by Executive deemed unacceptable by NSP acting reasonably and in good faith;

		
	b)
	conviction of, or the entry of a plea of guilty or no contest to, a felony or any crime that may materially adversely affect the business, standing or reputation of the Company;

		
	c)
	dishonesty, fraud, embezzlement or other misappropriation of funds;

		
	d)
	material breach of this Agreement:

		
	e)
	willful refusal to perform the lawful and reasonable directives of the CEO or the Board.

		
	4.
	Resignation by Executive. Executive may resign his/her employment by giving the Company four weeks' notice of said resignation; NSP may elect to pay Employee's base salary in lieu of notice. If Executive resigns, then the Company's obligation to Executive will be limited solely to the payment of accrued and unpaid base salary through the date of such termination.

		
	5.
	Termination upon Death or Incapacity of Executive. Executive's employment with the Company shall terminate upon the death or incapacity of Executive. In the event of termination of Executive's employment by reason of Executive's death or incapacity, the provisions governing termination without cause, above, shall apply. "Incapacity" shall mean that Executive is, for a period of 90 days or more, unable to perform Executive's duties effectively, for reasons such as emotional, mental or physical illness, deficiency, or disability.

		
	6.
	Foreign Entities. Without regard to the circumstances of Executive's termination from employment, Executive hereby also covenants that upon termination, if she/he is listed as an officer, director, partner, secretary or shareholder on any corporation, subsidiary or branch on behalf of Nature's Sunshine Products, Inc. or any related entity, he/she will sign over any and all rights to stock and/or resign as an officer or 

director prior to departure from the Company as required by the law applicable to the entity or by that entity's procedural requirements.

		
	6.
	Restrictive Covenants. In recognition of the compensation and other benefits provided to Executive pursuant to this Agreement, Executive agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Section (the "Restrictive Covenants"). These Restrictive Covenants will apply without regard to whether any termination or cessation of Executive's employment is initiated by the Company or Executive, and without regard to the reason for that termination or cessation.

		
	1.
	  Covenant Not To Compete. Executive covenants that, during his employment by the Company and for a period of twelve (12) months following immediately thereafter, (the "Restricted Period"), Executive will not do any of the following, directly or indirectly:

		
	1.
	engage, be employed by, participate in, plan for or organize any Competing Business of the Company or any subsidiary or joint venture of the Company; "Competing Business" means any business enterprise that distributes through a multilevel marketing program or that engages in any activity that competes anywhere in the world with any activity in which the Company is then engaged, including sales or distribution of herbs, vitamins or nutritional supplements or any product, which the Company sells or distributes at the time of Executive's termination;

		
	2.
	become interested in (as owner, stockholder, lender, partner, coventurer, director, officer, employee, agent or consultant) any person, firm, corporation, association or other entity engaged in a Competing Business. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may hold up to 2% of the outstanding securities of any class of any publicly-traded securities of any company;

		
	3.
	influence or attempt to influence any employee, sales leader, manager, coordinator, consultant, supplier, licensor, licensee, contractor, agent, strategic partner, distributor, customer or other person to terminate his or her employment with the Company or modify any written or oral agreement, relationship, arrangement or course of dealing the Company; or

		
	4.
	solicit for employment or employ or retain (or arrange to have any other person or entity employ or retain) any person who has been employed or retained by any member of the Company within the preceding twelve (12) months. For this purpose, advertisements for employment placed in newspapers of general circulation will not be considered solicitation.

		
	5.
	Extension of Restrictive Covenants. The Company may elect to extend the twelve (12) month post-termination non-compete and non-solicitation period by up to twelve (12) additional months by delivering written notice of such extension to Executive at least thirty (30) days prior to the end of that twelve (12) month period and by making monthly payments to Executive for the number of months equal to the length of the extension specified by the Company in its notice to the Executive. The amount of each such additional monthly payment will be equal to one-twelfth of the base salary in effect at the time of Executive's termination of employment.

		
	2.
	Confidentialitv. Executive recognizes and acknowledges that the Proprietary Information (as defined below) is a valuable, special and unique asset of the business of the Company. As a result, both during the Term and thereafter, Executive will not, without the prior written consent of the Company, for any reason divulge to any third-party or use for his/her own benefit. or for any purpose other than the exclusive benefit of the Company, any Proprietary Information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Executive is compelled to disclose Proprietary Information by court order or other legal process, to the extent permitted by applicable law, he shall promptly so notify the Company so that it may seek a protective order or other assurance that confidential treatment of such Proprietary Information shall be afforded, and Executive shall reasonably cooperate with the Company in connection therewith. If Executive is so obligated by court order or other legal process to disclose Proprietary Information, Executive will disclose only the minimum amount of such Proprietary Information as is necessary for Executive to comply with such court order or other legal process.

		
	3.
	Property of the Company.

		
	1.
	Proprietary Information.    All right, title and interest in and to Proprietary Information will be and remain the sole and exclusive property of the Company. Executive will not remove from the Company's offices or premises any documents, records, notebooks, files, correspondence, reports, memoranda or similar materials of or containing Proprietary Information, or other materials or property of any kind belonging to the Company unless necessary or appropriate in the performance of his duties to the Company. If Executive removes such materials or property in the performance of his duties, he will return such materials or property promptly after the removal has served its purpose. Executive will not make, retain, remove and/or distribute any copies of any such materials or property, or divulge to any third person the nature of and/or contents of such materials' or property, except to the extent necessary to perfórm his/her duties on behalf of the Company. Upon termination of Executive's employment with the Company, s/he will leave with the Company or promptly return to the Company all originals and copies of such materials or property then in his/her possession.

		
	a)
	"Proprietary Information" means any and all proprietary information developed or acquired by the Company that has not been specifically authorized to be disclosed. Such Proprietary Information shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following items and information relating to the following items: (a) all trade secrets (including research and development, know-how, formulas, compositions, manufacturing and production processes and techniques, methodologies, technical data, designs, drawings and specifications) as well as all inventions (whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice) and all improvements thereto, (b) computer codes and instructions, processing systems and techniques, inputs, and outputs (regardless of the media on which stored or located) and hardware and software configurations, designs, architecture and interfaces, (c) business research, studies, procedures and costs, (d) financial data, (e) distributor network information, the identities of actual and prospective distributors and distribution methods, (f) marketing data, methods, plans and efforts, (g) the identities of actual and prospective suppliers, (h) the terms of contracts and agreements with, the needs and requirements of and the Company's course of dealing with, actual or prospective suppliers, (i) personnel information, (j) customer and vendor credit information, and (k) information received from third parties subject to obligations of nondisclosure or non-use. Failure by the Company to mark any of the Proprietary Information as confidential or proprietary shall not affect its status as Proprietary Information.

		
	2.
	Intellectual Property. Executive agrees that all the Intellectual Property (as defined below) will be considered "works made for hire'  as that term is defined in Section 101 of the Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. § 101) and that all right, title and interest in such Intellectual Property will be the sole and exclusive property of the Company. To the extent that any of the Intellectual Property may not by law be considered a work made for hire, or to the extent that, notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive retains any interest in the Intellectual Property, Executive hereby irrevocably assigns and transfers to the Company any and all right, title, or interest that Executive may now or in the future have in the Intellectual Property under patent, copyright, trade secret, trademark or other law, in perpetuity or for the longest period otherwise permitted by law, without the necessity of further consideration. The Company will be entitled to obtain and hold in its own name all copyrights, patents, trade secrets, trademarks and other similar registrations with respect to such Intellectual Property. Executive further agrees to execute any and all documents and provide any further cooperation or assistance reasonably required by the Company to perfect, maintain or otherwise protect its rights in the Intellectual Property, at no cost to Executive. If the Company is unable after reasonable efforts to secure Executive's signature, cooperation or assistance in accordance with the preceding sentence, whether because of Executive's incapacity or any other reason whatsoever, Executive hereby designates and appoints the Company or its designee as Executive's agent and attorney-in-fact to act on his behalf solely for the purpose of executing and filing documents and doing all other lawfully permitted acts necessary or desirable to perfect, maintain or otherwise protect the Company's rights in the Intellectual Property. Executive acknowledges and agrees that such appointment is coupled with an interest and is therefore irrevocable.

		
	a)
	"Intellectual Property" means (a) all inventions (whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice), all improvements thereto, and all patents and patent applications 

claiming such inventions, (b) all trademarks, service marks, trade dress, logos, trade names, fictitious names, brand names, brand marks and corporate names, together with all translations, adaptations, derivations, and combinations thereof and including all goodwill associated therewith, and all applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith, (c) all copyrightable works, all copyrights, and all applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith, (d) all mask works and all applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith, (e) all trade secrets (including research and development, know-how, formulas, compositions, manufacturing and production processes and techniques, methodologies, technical data, designs, drawings and specifications), (I) all computer software (including data, source and object codes and related documentation), (g) all other proprietary rights or (h) all copies and tangible embodiments thereof (in whatever form or medium) which, in the case of any or all of the foregoing, have been or are developed or created in whole or in part by Executive at any time and at any place while Executive is employed by the Company and have been or are created for the purpose of performing Executive's duties on behalf of the Company.

		
	4.
	Acknowledgements.     Executive acknowledges that the Restrictive Covenants are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate interests of the Company, that the duration and geographic scope of the Restrictive Covenants are reasonable given the nature of this Agreement and the position Executive holds within the Company, and that the Company would not enter into this Agreement or otherwise employ or continue to employ Executive unless Executive agrees to be bound by the Restrictive Covenants set forth in this Section 6.

		
	5.
	 Remedies and Enforcement Upon Breach.

		
	1.
	Intention. It is the intention of the parties that the foregoing restrictive covenant be enforced as written, and, in any other event, enforced to the greatest extent (but to no greater extent) in time, territory and degree of participation as permitted by applicable law. Accordingly, in the event that any court to which a dispute over these restrictions may be referred shall find any of these restrictions overly broad or unreasonable in any way, that court must enforce the restrictions to the greatest extent deemed reasonable.

		
	2.
	Specific Enforcement. Executive acknowledges that any breach by him, willfully or otherwise, of the Restrictive Covenants will cause continuing and irreparable injury to the Company for which monetary damages would not be an adequate remedy. In the event of any such breach or threatened breach by Executive of any of the Restrictive Covenants, the Company shall be entitled to injunctive or other similar equitable relief in any court, without any requirement that a bond or other security be posted, and this Agreement shall not in any way limit remedies of law or in equity otherwise available to the Company.

		
	3.
	Enforceability. If any court holds the Restrictive Covenants unenforceable by reason of their breadth or scope or otherwise, it is the intention of the parties hereto that such determination not bar or in any way affect the right of the Company to the relief provided above in the courts of any other jurisdiction within the geographic scope of such Restrictive Covenants.

		
	4.
	Disclosure of Restrictive Covenants. Executive agrees to disclose the existence and terms of the Restrictive Covenants to any employer that Executive may work for during the Restricted Period.

		
	5.
	Extension of Restricted Period. If the Executive breaches Section 6.1 in any respect, the restrictions contained in that section will be extended for a period equal to the period that the Executive was in breach.

		
	7.
	Miscellaneous.

		
	1.
	Other Agreements. Executive represents and warrants to the Company that there are no restrictions, agreements or understandings whatsoever to which Executive is a party that would prevent or make unlawful his/her execution of this Agreement, that would be inconsistent or in conflict with this Agreement or Executive's obligations hereunder, or that would otherwise prevent, limit or impair the performance of Executive's duties under this Agreement.

		
	2.
	Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, and the Company shall require any such successor to expressly assume and agree in writing to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place, or, in the event the Company remains in existence, the Company shall continue to employ Executive under the terms hereof. As used in this Agreement, the "Company" shall mean the Company and any successor to its business and/or assets, which assumes or is obligated to perform this Agreement by contract, operation of law or otherwise. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive and his personal or legal representatives, executors, estate, trustee, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees. devisees and legatees. The duties of Executive hereunder are personal to Executive and may not be assigned by him. If Executive dies and any amounts become payable under this Agreement, the Company will pay those amounts to his estate.

		
	3.
	Governing Law and Enforcement: Disputes. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Utah, without regard to the principles of conflicts of laws. Any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement will be instituted in a state or federal court in the State of Utah, and Executive and the Company hereby consent to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction of such court(s) and hereby waive any objection(s) that they may have to personal jurisdiction, the laying of venue of any such proceeding and any claim or defense of inconvenient forum.

		
	4.
	Waivers. The waiver by either party of any right hereunder or of any breach by the other party will not be deemed a waiver of any other right hereunder or of any other breach by the other party. No waiver will be deemed to have occurred unless set forth in writing. No waiver will constitute a continuing waiver unless specifically stated, and any waiver will operate only as to the specific term or condition waived.

		
	5.
	Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law. However, if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision, and this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced as though the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been herein contained.

		
	6.
	Survival. Section 6 of this Agreement will survive termination of this Agreement and/or the cessation of Executive's employment by the Company.

		
	7.
	Notices. Any notice or communication required or permitted under this Agreement shall be made in writing and shall be sufficient if personally delivered or sent by registered or certified mail and addressed, if to Employee, to Employee's address set forth in NSP's records, or if to NSP, to its principal office, to the attention of the CEO. Such notice shall be deemed given when delivered if delivered personally, or, if sent by registered or certified mail, at the earlier of actual receipt or three days after mailing in United States mail, addressed as aforesaid with postage prepaid.

		
	8.
	Entire Agreement: Amendments. This Agreement, the attached exhibits, the Plan, and the Award Agreement contain the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof; and merge and supersede all prior and contemporaneous discussions, agreements and understandings of every nature relating to Executive's employment or engagement with, or compensation by, the Company and any of its affiliates or subsidiaries or any of their predecessors, including, without limitation, the Existing Agreement. This Agreement may not be changed or modified, except by an agreement in writing signed by each of the parties hereto.

		
	9.
	Withholding. All payments to Executive will be subject to tax withholding in accordance with applicable law.

		
	10.
	Section Headings. The headings of sections and paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or construction of any provision of this Agreement.

		
	11.
	Counterparts: Facsimile. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts (including by facsimile signature), each of which will be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

		
	12.
	Third Party Beneficiaries. Subject to Section 7.2 this Agreement will be binding on, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties and their respective heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns. This Agreement does not confer any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities to any entity or person other than Executive and the Company and Executive's and the Company's permitted successors and assigns, although this Agreement will inure to the benefit of the Company.

[This space left blank intentionally; signature page follows]

		
	Employee:
	Employer: 

		
	BRYANT J. YATES
	NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC.

/s/ Bryant Yates                By /s/ Douglas Faggioli                
Signature
Name Douglas Faggioli                
                            
Title CEO/President____________________________

EXHIBIT A
RELEASE AGREEMENT
THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT (this "Release") is made as of the day of ________________ day of _____________, _______________by and between(the "Executive") and Nature Sunshine Products, Inc. (the "Company").
WHEREAS, Executive's employment as an executive of the Company has terminated; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 5 of the Employment Agreement by and between the Company and Executive dated ____________ (the "Agreement"), the Company has agreed to pay Executive certain amounts and to provide him with certain rights and benefits, subject to the execution of this Release.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and the mutual promises contained herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties agree as follows:
		
	8.
	Consideration. Executive acknowledges that: (i) the payments, rights and benefits set forth in Section 5 of the Agreement constitute full settlement of all his/her rights under the Agreement, and (ii) except as otherwise provided specifically in this Release. the Company does not and will not have any other liability or obligation to Executive under the Agreement. Executive further acknowledges that, in the absence of his execution of this Release. the benefits and payments specified in the Agreement (other than those specified) would not otherwise be due to him/her.

		
	9.
	Release and Covenant Not to Sue.

		
	1.
	Executive and the Company each hereby fully and forever releases and discharges the other, and all of their respective predecessors and successors, assigns, stockholders, subsidiaries, parents, affiliates, officers, directors, trustees, employees, agents and attorneys, past and present and in their respective capacities as such (the Company and Executive and each such respective person or entity is each referred to as a "Released Person") from any and all claims, demands, liens, agreements, contracts, covenants, actions, suits, causes of action, obligations, controversies, debts, costs, expenses, damages, judgments, orders and liabilities, of whatever kind or nature, direct or indirect, in law, equity or otherwise, whether known or unknown, arising through the date of this Release, including those arising out of Executive's employment by the Company or the termination thereof, including, but not limited to, any claims for relief or causes of action under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq., or any other federal, state or local statute, ordinance or regulation regarding discrimination in employment and any claims, demands or actions based upon alleged wrongful or retaliatory discharge or breach of contract under any state or federal law.

		
	2.
	Executive and the Company expressly represent that they have not filed a lawsuit or initiated any other administrative proceeding against a Released Person and that neither has assigned any claim against a Released Person. Executive and the Company each further promise not to initiate a lawsuit or to bring any other claim against the other or any Released Person arising out of or in any way related to Executive's employment by the Company or the termination of that employment. This Release will not prevent Executive from filing a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (or similar state agency) or participating in any investigation conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (or similar state agency); provided, however, that any claims by Executive for personal relief in connection with such a charge or investigation (such as reinstatement or monetary damages) would be barred. This Release shall not affect Executive's rights under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act or the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act to have a judicial determination of the validity of this release and waiver.

		
	10.
	Restrictive Covenants. Executive acknowledges that the restrictive covenants contained in Section 6 of the Agreement will survive the termination of his employment. Executive affirms that those restrictive covenants are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate interests of the Company, that he received adequate consideration in exchange for agreeing to those restrictions and that he will abide by those restrictions.

		
	11.
	Non-Disparagement. Neither Executive nor the Company will disparage the other or any of their respective Released Persons or otherwise take any action which could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the personal or professional reputation of the other or their respective Released Persons.

		
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	25.
	Cooperation. Executive further agrees that, subject to reimbursement of his reasonable expenses, he will cooperate fully with the Company and its counsel with respect to any matter (including litigation, investigations, or governmental proceedings) in which Executive was in anyway involved during his employment with the Company. Executive shall render such cooperation in a timely manner on reasonable notice from the Company.

		
	26.
	Rescission Right. Executive expressly acknowledges and recites that (a) he has read and understands the terms of this Release in its entirety, (b) he has entered into this Release knowingly and voluntarily, without any duress or coercion; (c) he has been advised orally and is hereby advised in writing to consult with an attorney with respect to this Release before signing it; (d) he was provided twenty-one (21) calendar days after receipt of the Release to consider its terms before signing it; (e) should he nevertheless elect to execute this Agreement sooner than 21 days after he has received it, he specifically and voluntarily waives the right to claim or allege that he has not been allowed by the Company or by any circumstances beyond his control to consider this Agreement for a full 21 days; and (t) he is provided seven (7) calendar days from the date of signing to terminate and revoke this Release. in which case this Release shall be unenforceable, null and void. Executive may revoke this Release during those seven (7) days by providing written notice of revocation to the Company at the address specified in Section 7.8 of the Agreement.

		
	27.
	Challenge. If Executive violates or challenges the enforceability of any provisions of the Restrictive Covenants or this Release, no further payments, rights or benefits under Section 5 of the Agreement will be due to Executive (except where such provision would be prohibited by applicable law, rule or regulation).

		
	28.
	Miscellaneous.

		
	1.
	No Admission of Liability. This Release is not to be construed as an admission of any violation of any federal, state or local statute, ordinance or regulation or of any duty owed by the Company to Executive. There have been no such violations, and the Company specifically denies any such violations.

		
	2.
	No Reinstatement. Executive agrees that he will not without the consent of the Company apply for reinstatement with the Company or seek in any way to be reinstated, reemployed or hired by the Company in the future,

		
	3.
	Successors and Assigns. This Release shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and Executive and their respective successors, permitted assigns executors, administrators and heirs. Executive shall not may make any assignment of this Release or any interest herein, by operation of law or otherwise. The Company may assign this Release to any successor to all or substantially all of its assets and business by means of liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, transfer of assets, or otherwise.

		
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	5.
	Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Release will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law. However, if any provision of this Release is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision, and this Release will be reformed, construed and enforced as though the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been herein contained.

		
	6.
	Entire Agreement: Amendments. Except as otherwise provided herein, this Release contains the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof, and merges and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous discussions, agreements and understandings of every nature relating to the subject matter hereof This Release may not be changed or modified, except by an agreement in writing signed by each of the parties hereto.

		
	7.
	Governing Law. This Release shall be governed by, and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Utah, without regard to the application of the principles of conflicts of laws.

		
	8.
	Counterparts and Facsimiles. This Release may be executed, including execution by facsimile signature, in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

		
	Employee:
	Employer: 

		
	BRYANT J. YATES
	NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC.

By                         
Signature
Name                         
                            
Title __________________________________

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT AMENDMENT
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT AMENDMENT (the "Amendment"), is made on this 30th day of December, 2008, by and between Nature's Sunshine Products, Inc., a Utah Corporation, having its principal place of business in Provo, Utah ("the Company" or "NSP") and Bryant J. Yates ("Executive").
The Company and Executive have entered into an Employment Agreement dated December 21, 2007.
In order to ensure that such Employment Agreement complies with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, the Company and Executive agree to amend the Employment Agreement as follows:
		
	29.
	Section 4 shall be amended by adding the following at the end thereof:

Each reimbursement must be made no later than the end of the Company's fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the expense was incurred. All such reimbursements shall be made no later than the end of the calendar year in which the Executive separates from service with the Company, or if later, the following March 15th. The amount of reimbursements in any calendar year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year.
		
	30.
	Section 5.1.3 shall be amended by adding the following at the end thereof:

In the event that Executive is required to include benefits received from the health plan in his or her taxable income, the Company will reimburse Executive for up to $6,000 of the tax liability. Such reimbursement will be made no later than the end of the calendar year following the year in which the amount is includible in the Executive's income.
		
	31.
	The last sentence of Section 5.5 shall be replaced with the following:

"Incapacity" shall mean that the Executive is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, or that the Executive has been determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration.    
In addition, the parties agree that any other provisions of the Employment Agreement shall be interpreted, if possible, so as to avoid a violation of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A.

Except to the extent modified by this Amendment, the terms and conditions of the Employment Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC

By: /s/ Douglas Faggioli                
Title: President and CEO                
		
	BRYANT J. YATES
	                       

_/s/ Bryant Yates___________________
ExecutiveExhibit

Exhibit 10.1

EXECUTION VERSION

             

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
Dated as of March 16, 2018
By and Among
MERITAGE HOMES CORPORATION
as Issuer,
the GUARANTORS named herein
and
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC
RBC CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC
CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
MIZUHO SECURITIES USA LLC
PNC CAPITAL MARKETS LLC
SUNTRUST ROBINSON HUMPHREY, INC.
U.S. BANCORP INVESTMENTS, INC.
WOODROCK SECURITIES, L.P.
as Initial Purchasers,
6.00% Senior Notes due 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	
						
	 
	 
	 
	 
	Page
	

	Section 1.
	Definitions
	 
	 
	1
	

	Section 2.
	Exchange Offer
	 
	 
	4
	

	Section 3.
	Shelf Registration Statement
	 
	 
	7
	

	Section 4.
	Liquidated Damages
	 
	 
	8
	

	Section 5.
	Registration Procedures
	 
	 
	10
	

	Section 6.
	Registration Expenses
	 
	 
	17
	

	Section 7.
	Indemnification
	 
	 
	18
	

	Section 8.
	Rules 144 and 144A
	 
	 
	20
	

	Section 9.
	Underwritten Registrations
	 
	 
	20
	

	Section 10.
	Miscellaneous
	 
	 
	21
	

	SIGNATURES
	 
	 
	 
	S-1
	

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
This Registration Rights Agreement (this “Agreement”) is dated as of March 16, 2018, by and among Meritage Homes Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), and each of the Guarantors (as defined herein) (the Company and the Guarantors are referred to collectively herein as the “Issuers”), on the one hand, and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Mizuho Securities USA LLC, PNC Capital Markets LLC, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc., U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. and WoodRock Securities, L.P. (together, the “Initial Purchasers”), on the other hand.
This Agreement is entered into in connection with the Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 2, 2018, by and among the Issuers and the Initial Purchasers (the “Purchase Agreement”), relating to the offering of $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 6.00% Senior Notes due 2025 (including the guarantees thereof by the Guarantors, the “Notes”).  The execution and delivery of this Agreement is a condition to the Initial Purchasers’ obligation to purchase the Notes under the Purchase Agreement.
The parties hereby agree as follows:
Section 1.Definitions
As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
“action” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(c) hereof.
“Advice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5 hereof.
“Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the first introductory paragraph hereto.
“Applicable Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b) hereof.
“Board of Directors” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5 hereof.
“Business Day” shall mean a day that is not a Legal Holiday.
“Commission” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 “Company” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereto and shall also include the Company’s permitted successors and assigns.
 “day” shall mean a calendar day.
“Delay Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5 hereof.
“Effectiveness Period” shall have the meaning set forth in the second paragraph of Section 3(a) hereof.
“Event Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(b) hereof.

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“Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
“Exchange Notes” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) hereof.
“Exchange Offer” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) hereof.
“Exchange Offer Registration Statement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) hereof.
“FINRA” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(s) hereof.
“Free Writing Prospectus” shall mean each free writing prospectus (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) prepared by or on behalf of the Company or used or referred to by the Company in connection with sale of the Notes or the Exchange Notes.
“Guarantors” shall mean each of the Persons executing this Agreement (as set forth on Schedule A) on the date hereof and each Person who executes and delivers a counterpart of this Agreement hereafter pursuant to Section 10(e) hereof.
“Holder” shall mean any holder of a Registrable Note or Registrable Notes.
“Indenture” shall mean the Indenture, dated as of June 2, 2015, by and among the Issuers and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which the Notes are being issued, as amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.
“Initial Purchasers” shall have the meaning set forth in the first introductory paragraph hereof.
“Initial Shelf Registration Statement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(a) hereof.
“Inspectors” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(n) hereof.
“Issue Date” shall mean March 16, 2018, the date of original issuance of the Notes.
“Issuers” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereto.
“Legal Holiday” shall mean a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in New York, New York are required by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed.
“Liquidated Damages” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a) hereof.
“Losses” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(a) hereof.
“Notes” shall have the meaning set forth in the second introductory paragraph hereto.
“Participant” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(a) hereof.
“Participating Broker-Dealer” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b) hereof.

2

“Person” shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated limited liability company, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.
“Private Exchange” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b) hereof.
“Private Exchange Notes” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b) hereof.
“Prospectus” shall mean the prospectus included in any Registration Statement (including, without limitation, any prospectus subject to completion and a prospectus that includes any information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A promulgated under the Securities Act), as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, and all other amendments and supplements to the Prospectus, including post-effective amendments, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such Prospectus.
“Purchase Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the second introductory paragraph hereof.
“Records” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(n) hereof.
“Registrable Notes” shall mean each Note upon its original issuance and at all times subsequent thereto, each Exchange Note as to which Section 2(c)(iv) hereof is applicable upon original issuance and at all times subsequent thereto and each Private Exchange Note upon original issuance thereof and at all times subsequent thereto, in each case until (i) a Registration Statement (other than, with respect only to any Exchange Note as to which Section 2(c)(iv) hereof is applicable, the Exchange Offer Registration Statement) covering such Note, Exchange Note or Private Exchange Note has been declared effective by the Commission and such Note, Exchange Note or such Private Exchange Note, as the case may be, has been disposed of in accordance with such effective Registration Statement, (ii) such Note has been exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Offer for an Exchange Note or Exchange Notes that may be resold without restriction under state and federal securities laws, (iii) such Note, Exchange Note or Private Exchange Note, as the case may be, ceases to be outstanding for purposes of the Indenture or (iv) the later of (x) the date which is one year after the Issue Date (such period to be extended in the event and to the extent of any Delay Period) and (y) the date upon which such Note or Private Exchange Note has been sold in compliance with Rule 144.
“Registration Default” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a) hereof.
“Registration Statement” shall mean any appropriate registration statement of the Issuers covering any of the Registrable Notes filed with the Commission under the Securities Act, and all amendments and supplements to any such Registration Statement, including post-effective amendments, in each case including the Prospectus contained therein, all exhibits thereto and all material incorporated by reference therein.
“Requesting Participating Broker-Dealer” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b) hereof.
“Rule 144” shall mean Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule (other than Rule 144A) or regulation hereafter 

3

adopted by the Commission providing for offers and sales of securities made in compliance therewith resulting in offers and sales by subsequent holders that are not affiliates of an issuer of such securities being free of the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.
“Rule 144A” shall mean Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule (other than Rule 144) or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission.
“Rule 415” shall mean Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission.
“Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
“Shelf Filing Event” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(c) hereof.
“Shelf Registration Statement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(b) hereof.
“Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(b) hereof.
“TIA” shall mean the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
“Trustee” shall mean the trustee under the Indenture.
“underwritten registration or underwritten offering” shall mean a registration in which securities of the Company are sold to an underwriter for reoffering to the public.
Section 2.Exchange Offer
(a)The Issuers shall (i) file a Registration Statement (the “Exchange Offer Registration Statement”) within 45 days after the Issue Date with the Commission on an appropriate registration form with respect to a registered offer (the “Exchange Offer”) to exchange any and all of the Registrable Notes for a like aggregate principal amount of notes (including the guarantees with respect thereto, the “Exchange Notes”) that are identical in all material respects to the Notes (except that the Exchange Notes bear no restrictive legend thereon and shall not contain terms with respect to Liquidated Damages upon a Registration Default), (ii) use their respective reasonable best efforts to cause the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act within 105 days after the Issue Date and (iii) use their respective reasonable best efforts to complete the Exchange Offer within 165 days after the Issue Date.  The Exchange Offer shall be deemed completed or consummated for purposes of this Agreement upon delivery by the Company to the Trustee under the Indenture of Exchange Notes in the same aggregate principal amount as the aggregate principal amount of Notes tendered (and not withdrawn) by Holders thereof pursuant to the Exchange Offer.  Upon the Exchange Offer Registration Statement being declared effective by the Commission, the Company will offer the Exchange Notes in exchange for surrender of the Notes.  The Company shall keep the Exchange Offer open for not less than 30 days (or longer if required by applicable law to complete the Exchange Offer) after the date notice of the Exchange Offer is mailed to Holders.

4

Each Holder that participates in the Exchange Offer will be required to represent to the Company in writing (which may be contained in the applicable letter of transmittal) that (i) any Exchange Notes to be received by it will be acquired in the ordinary course of its business, (ii) it has no arrangement or understanding with any Person to participate in the distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the Exchange Notes in violation of the Securities Act, (iii) it is not an affiliate (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of any Issuer or, if it is an affiliate, it will comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act to the extent applicable, (iv) if such Holder is not a broker-dealer, it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of Exchange Notes, (v) if such Holder is a broker-dealer that will receive Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Notes that were acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities, it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes and (vi) the Holder is not acting on behalf of any Persons who could not truthfully make the foregoing representations.
(b)The Company and the Initial Purchasers acknowledge that the staff of the Commission has taken the position that any broker-dealer that elects to exchange Notes that were acquired by such broker-dealer for its own account as a result of market-making or other trading activities for Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer (a “Participating Broker-Dealer”) may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and must deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes (other than a resale of an unsold allotment resulting from the original offering of the Notes).
The Company and the Initial Purchasers also acknowledge that the staff of the Commission has taken the position that if the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement includes a plan of distribution containing a statement to the above effect and the means by which Participating Broker-Dealers may resell the Exchange Notes, without naming the Participating Broker-Dealers or specifying the amount of Exchange Notes owned by them, such Prospectus may be delivered by Participating Broker-Dealers to satisfy their prospectus delivery obligations under the Securities Act in connection with resales of Exchange Notes for their own accounts, so long as the Prospectus otherwise meets the requirements of the Securities Act.
In light of the foregoing, if requested by a Participating Broker-Dealer (a “Requesting Participating Broker-Dealer”), the Issuers agree to use their reasonable best efforts to keep the Exchange Offer Registration Statement continuously effective for a period of up to 105 days after the date on which the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective, or such longer period if extended pursuant to the last paragraph of Section 5 hereof (such period, the “Applicable Period”), or such earlier date as all Requesting Participating Broker-Dealers shall have notified the Company in writing that such Requesting Participating Broker-Dealers have resold all Exchange Notes acquired in the Exchange Offer.  The Company shall include a plan of distribution in such Exchange Offer Registration Statement that meets the requirements set forth in the preceding paragraph.
If, prior to consummation of the Exchange Offer, any Holder holds any Notes acquired by it that have, or that are reasonably likely to be determined to have, the status of an unsold allotment in an initial distribution, or if any Holder is not entitled to participate in the Exchange Offer, the Company upon the request of any such Holder shall simultaneously with the delivery of the Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer, issue and deliver to any such Holder, in exchange (the “Private Exchange”) for such Notes held by any such Holder, a like principal amount of notes (the “Private Exchange Notes”) of the Company that are identical in all material respects to the Exchange Notes, except for the placement of a restrictive legend on such Private Exchange Notes.  The Private 

5

Exchange Notes shall be issued pursuant to the same indenture as the Exchange Notes and bear the same CUSIP number as the Exchange Notes.
In connection with the Exchange Offer, the Company shall:
		
	(1)
	mail or cause to be mailed to each Holder entitled to participate in the Exchange Offer a copy of the Prospectus forming part of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, together with an appropriate letter of transmittal and related documents;

		
	(2)
	utilize the services of a depositary for the Exchange Offer with an address in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York;

		
	(3)
	permit Holders to withdraw tendered Notes at any time prior to the close of business, New York time, on the last Business Day on which the Exchange Offer shall remain open; and

		
	(4)
	otherwise comply in all material respects with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.

As soon as practicable after the close of the Exchange Offer and the Private Exchange, if any, the Company shall:
		
	(1)
	accept for exchange all Registrable Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Exchange Offer and the Private Exchange, if any;

		
	(2)
	deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee for cancellation all Registrable Notes so accepted for exchange; and

		
	(3)
	cause the Trustee to authenticate and deliver promptly to each Holder of Notes, Exchange Notes or Private Exchange Notes, as the case may be, equal in principal amount to the Notes of such Holder so accepted for exchange.

The Exchange Offer and the Private Exchange shall not be subject to any conditions, other than that (i) the Exchange Offer or Private Exchange, as the case may be, does not violate applicable law or any applicable interpretation of the staff of the Commission, (ii) no action or proceeding shall have been instituted or threatened in any court or by any governmental agency which might materially impair the ability of the Issuers to proceed with the Exchange Offer or the Private Exchange, and no material adverse development shall have occurred in any existing action or proceeding with respect to the Issuers that would impair their ability to so proceed and (iii) all governmental approvals shall have been obtained, which approvals the Issuers deem necessary for the consummation of the Exchange Offer or Private Exchange.
In the event that the Issuers are unable to consummate the Exchange Offer or the Private Exchange due to any event listed in clauses (i) through (iii) above, the Issuers shall not be deemed to have breached any covenant under this Section 2.
The Exchange Notes and the Private Exchange Notes shall be issued under the Indenture (with such changes as are necessary to comply with any requirements of the Commission to effect or maintain the qualification thereof under the TIA) which has been qualified under the TIA and shall provide that the Exchange Notes shall not be subject to the transfer restrictions set forth in the Indenture.  The Indenture shall provide that when a vote or consent of the Holders is required, the Exchange Notes, the Private Exchange Notes, the Notes and any other notes issued under the Indenture shall vote and consent together on all matters as one class and that none of the Exchange Notes, the Private Exchange Notes, the Notes or any other notes issued under the Indenture will have the right to vote or consent as a separate class on any matter.

6

(c)In the event that (i) any changes in law or the applicable interpretations of the staff of the Commission do not permit the Issuers to effect the Exchange Offer, (ii) for any reason the Exchange Offer is not consummated within 165 days of the Issue Date, (iii) any Holder notifies the Company that it is prohibited by law or the applicable interpretations of the staff of the Commission from participating in the Exchange Offer, (iv) in the case of any Holder that participates in the Exchange Offer, such Holder does not receive Exchange Notes on the date of the exchange that may be sold without restriction under state and federal securities laws (other than due solely to the status of such holder as an affiliate of any Issuer), (v) the Initial Purchasers so request with respect to Notes that have, or that are reasonably likely to be determined to have, the status of unsold allotments in an initial distribution or (vi) any Holder of Private Exchange Notes so requests (each such event referred to in clauses (i) through (vi) of this sentence, a “Shelf Filing Event”), then the Issuers shall file a Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to Section 3 hereof.
Section 3.Shelf Registration Statement
If at any time a Shelf Filing Event shall occur, then:
(a)    Shelf Registration Statement.  The Issuers shall file with the Commission a Registration Statement for an offering to be made on a continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 covering all of the Registrable Notes not exchanged in the Exchange Offer, Private Exchange Notes and Exchange Notes as to which Section 2(c)(iv) is applicable, which may be an amendment to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (the “Initial Shelf Registration Statement”).  The Issuers shall file with the Commission the Initial Shelf Registration Statement as promptly as practicable and in any event on or prior to 45 days after the Company determines or is notified that a Shelf Filing Event has occurred.  The Initial Shelf Registration Statement shall be on Form S-3 or another appropriate form permitting registration of such Registrable Notes for resale by Holders in the manner or manners designated by them (including, without limitation, one or more underwritten offerings).  The Issuers shall not permit any securities other than the Registrable Notes to be included in the Initial Shelf Registration Statement or in any Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement (as defined below).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event a Shelf Filing Event occurs as a result of the event set forth in Section 2(c)(ii), the Issuers’ obligation to file an Initial Shelf Registration pursuant to this Section 3 shall cease ab initio if the Exchange Offer is completed within 180 days of the Issue Date, or, if such date is not a Business Day, the next day that is a Business Day.
The Issuers shall use their respective reasonable best efforts (x) to cause the Initial Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act on or prior to the 90th day after the Company determines or is notified that such a Shelf Filing Event has occurred and (y) to keep the Initial Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective under the Securities Act for the period ending on the date which is one year from the date it becomes effective (or one year if the Initial Shelf Registration Statement is filed at the request of the Initial Purchasers), subject to extension pursuant to the penultimate paragraph of Section 5 hereof (the “Effectiveness Period”), or such shorter period ending when (i)  all Registrable Notes covered by the Initial Shelf Registration Statement have been sold in the manner set forth and as contemplated in the Initial Shelf Registration Statement or cease to be outstanding or (ii) a Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement covering all of the Registrable Notes covered by and not sold under the Initial Shelf Registration Statement or an earlier Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement has been declared effective under the Securities Act; provided, however, that (i) the Effectiveness Period in respect of the Initial Shelf Registration Statement shall be extended to the extent required to permit dealers to comply with the applicable prospectus delivery requirements of Rule 174 under the 

7

Securities Act and as otherwise provided herein and (ii) the Company may suspend the effectiveness of the Initial Shelf Registration Statement by written notice to the Holders solely as a result of the filing of a post-effective amendment to the Initial Shelf Registration Statement where such post-effective amendment is not yet effective and needs to be declared effective to permit holders to use the related Prospectus.
(b)    Subsequent Shelf Registration Statements.  If the Initial Shelf Registration Statement or any Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement ceases to be effective for any reason at any time during the Effectiveness Period (other than because of the sale of all of the securities registered thereunder), the Issuers shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to obtain the prompt withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness thereof, and in any event shall as soon as practicable after such cessation amend the Initial Shelf Registration Statement or such Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement, as the case may be, in a manner to obtain the withdrawal of the order suspending the effectiveness thereof, or file an additional “shelf” Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 415 covering all of the Registrable Notes covered by and not sold under the Initial Shelf Registration Statement or such earlier Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement (each, a “Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement”).  If a Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement is filed, the Issuers shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to cause the Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act as soon as practicable after such filing and to keep such Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective for a period equal to the number of days in the Effectiveness Period less the aggregate number of days during which the Initial Shelf Registration Statement and any Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement was previously continuously effective.  As used herein, the term “Shelf Registration Statement” means the Initial Shelf Registration Statement and any Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement.
(c)    Supplements and Amendments.  The Issuers agree to supplement or make amendments to the Shelf Registration Statement as and when required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable to the registration form used for such Shelf Registration Statement or by the Securities Act or rules and regulations thereunder for shelf registration, or if reasonably requested by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes covered by such Registration Statement or by any underwriter of such Registrable Notes; provided, however, that the Issuers shall not be required to supplement or amend any Shelf Registration Statement upon the request of a Holder or any underwriter if such requested supplement or amendment would, in the good faith judgment of the Company (based on advice of counsel), violate the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Section 4.Liquidated Damages
(a)The Issuers and the Initial Purchasers agree that the Holders will suffer damages if the Issuers fail to fulfill their obligations under Section 2 or Section 3 hereof and that it would not be feasible to ascertain the extent of such damages with precision.  Accordingly, the Issuers agree that if:
(i)the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is not filed with the Commission on or prior to the 45th day following the Issue Date, or, if that day is not a Business Day, then the next day that is a Business Day,
(ii)the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is not declared effective on or prior to the 105th day following the Issue Date, or, if that day is not a Business Day, then the next day that is a Business Day,

8

(iii)the Exchange Offer is not completed on or prior to the 165th day following the Issue Date, or, if that day is not a Business Day, then the next day that is a Business Day, or
(iv)the Shelf Registration Statement is required to be filed but is not filed or declared effective within the time periods set forth herein or is declared effective but thereafter ceases to be effective or usable prior to the expiration of the Effectiveness Period, except if the Shelf Registration Statement ceases to be effective or usable as specifically permitted by the penultimate paragraph of Section 5 hereof
(each such event referred to in clauses (i) through (iv) a “Registration Default”), liquidated damages in the form of additional cash interest (“Liquidated Damages”) will accrue on the affected Notes and the affected Exchange Notes, as applicable.  The rate of Liquidated Damages will be 0.25% per annum for the first 90-day period (or portion thereof) immediately following the occurrence of a Registration Default, increasing by an additional 0.25% per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period (or portion thereof) up to a maximum amount of additional interest of 1.00% per annum, from and including the date on which any such Registration Default shall occur to, but excluding, the earlier of (1) the date on which all Registration Defaults have been cured or (2) the first anniversary of the Issue Date.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (1) the amount of Liquidated Damages payable shall not increase because more than one Registration Default has occurred and is pending, (2) a Holder of Notes or Exchange Notes who is not entitled to the benefits of the Shelf Registration Statement (i.e., such Holder has not elected to include information) shall not be entitled to Liquidated Damages with respect to a Registration Default that pertains to the Shelf Registration Statement and (3) no Holder of Notes constituting an unsold allotment from the original sale of the Notes by the Company to the Initial Purchasers shall be entitled to Liquidated Damages by reason of a Registration Default that pertains to an Exchange Offer.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, with respect to any Registration Default, (1) upon filing of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (and/or, if applicable, the Shelf Registration Statement), in the case of clause (i) or (iv) above, (2) upon the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (and/or, if applicable, the Shelf Registration Statement), in the case of clause (ii) or (iv) above, (3) upon completion of the Exchange Offer, in the case of clause (iii) above, or (4) upon the filing of a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or an additional Registration Statement that causes the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (and/or, if applicable, the Shelf Registration Statement) to again be declared effective or made usable, the applicable Registration Default shall be deemed to have been cured.
(b)The Company shall notify the Trustee within one Business Day after each and every date on which an event occurs in respect of which Liquidated Damages are required to be paid (an “Event Date”).  Any amounts of Liquidated Damages due pursuant to this Section 4 will be payable in addition to any other interest payable from time to time with respect to the Registrable Notes in cash semi-annually on the interest payment dates specified in the Indenture (to the holders of record as specified in the Indenture), commencing with the first such interest payment date occurring after any such Liquidated Damages commence to accrue.  The amount of Liquidated Damages will be determined in a manner consistent with the calculation of interest under the Indenture.

9

Section 5.Registration Procedures
In connection with the filing of any Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2 or 3 hereof, the Issuers shall effect such registrations to permit the sale of the securities covered thereby in accordance with the intended method or methods of disposition thereof, and pursuant thereto and in connection with any Registration Statement filed by the Issuers hereunder, the Issuers shall:
(a)    Prepare and file with the Commission the Registration Statement or Registration Statements prescribed by Section 2 or 3 hereof, and use their reasonable best efforts to cause each such Registration Statement to become effective and remain effective as provided herein; provided, however, that, if (1) such filing is pursuant to Section 3 hereof, or (2) a Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2 hereof is required to be delivered under the Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period relating thereto, before filing any Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto, the Company shall furnish to and afford the Holders of the Registrable Notes covered by such Registration Statement or each such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, their counsel and the managing underwriters, if any, a reasonable opportunity to review copies of all such documents (including copies of any documents to be incorporated by reference therein and all exhibits thereto) proposed to be filed (in each case at least five Business Days prior to such filing).  The Issuers shall not file any Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto if the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes covered by such Registration Statement, or any such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, their counsel, or the managing underwriters, if any, shall reasonably object within five Business Days after receipt thereof.
(b)    Prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and post-effective amendments to each Initial Shelf Registration Statement or Exchange Offer Registration Statement, as the case may be, as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement continuously effective for the Effectiveness Period or the Applicable Period, as the case may be; cause the related Prospectus to be supplemented by any Prospectus supplement required by applicable law, and as so supplemented to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 (or any similar provisions then in force) promulgated under the Securities Act; and comply with the provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such Registration Statement as so amended or in such Prospectus as so supplemented and with respect to the subsequent resale of any securities being sold by a Participating Broker-Dealer covered by any such Prospectus, in each case, in accordance with the intended methods of distribution set forth in such Registration Statement or Prospectus, as so amended.
(c)    If (1) a Shelf Registration Statement is filed pursuant to Section 3 hereof, or (2) a Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2 hereof is required to be delivered under the Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period relating thereto from whom the Issuers have received written notice that it will be a Participating Broker-Dealer in the Exchange Offer, notify the selling Holders of Registrable Notes, or each such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, their counsel and the managing underwriters, if any, as promptly as possible, and, if requested by any such Person, confirm such notice in writing, (i) when a Prospectus or any Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed, and, with respect to a Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment, when the same has become effective under the Securities Act  (including in such notice a written statement that any Holder may, upon request in writing, obtain, at the sole 

10

expense of the Company, one conformed copy of such Registration Statement or post-effective amendment including financial statements and schedules, documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference and exhibits), (ii) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose, (iii) if at any time when a Prospectus is required by the Securities Act to be delivered in connection with sales of the Registrable Notes or resales of Exchange Notes by Participating Broker-Dealers the representations and warranties of the Issuers contained in any agreement (including any underwriting agreement) contemplated by Section 5(m) hereof cease to be true and correct in all material respects, (iv) of the receipt by any of the Issuers of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification or exemption from qualification of a Registration Statement or any of the Registrable Notes or the Exchange Notes for offer or sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose, (v) of the happening of any event, the existence of any condition or any information becoming known to any Issuer that makes any statement made in such Registration Statement or related Prospectus or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference untrue in any material respect or that requires the making of any changes in or amendments or supplements to such Registration Statement, Prospectus or documents so that, in the case of the Registration Statement, it will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and that in the case of the Prospectus, it will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and (vi) of the Company’s determination that a post-effective amendment to a Registration Statement would be appropriate.
(d)    If (1) a Shelf Registration Statement is filed pursuant to Section 3 hereof, or (2) a Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2 hereof is required to be delivered under the Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period, use their reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement or of any order preventing or suspending the use of a Prospectus or suspending the qualification (or exemption from qualification) of any of the Registrable Notes or the Exchange Notes, as the case may be, for sale in any jurisdiction, and, if any such order is issued, to use their reasonable best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any such order at the earliest practicable moment.
(e)    If (1) a Shelf Registration Statement is filed pursuant to Section 3 or (2) a Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2 hereof is required to be delivered under the Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period and if requested by the managing underwriter or underwriters (if any), the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes covered by such Registration Statement or any Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, (i) as promptly as practicable incorporate in such Registration Statement or Prospectus a prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information as the managing underwriter or underwriters (if any), such Holders or any Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be (based upon advice of counsel), reasonably request as necessary to be included therein and (ii) make all required filings of such prospectus supplement or such post-effective amendment as soon as practicable after the Company has received notification of the matters to be incorporated in such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment; provided, however, that the Issuers shall not be 

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required to take any action hereunder that would, in the good faith judgment of the Company (based on advice of counsel), violate applicable laws.
(f)    If (1) a Shelf Registration Statement is filed pursuant to Section 3 hereof or (2) a Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2 hereof is required to be delivered under the Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period, furnish to each selling Holder of Registrable Notes and a single counsel to such Holders, or each such Participating Broker-Dealer and their counsel, as the case may be, who so requests and each managing underwriter, if any, and a single counsel for such underwriters, at the sole expense of the Company, one conformed copy of the Registration Statement or Registration Statements and each post-effective amendment thereto, including financial statements and schedules, and, if requested, all documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference and any exhibits.
(g)    If (1) a Shelf Registration Statement is filed pursuant to Section 3 hereof, or (2) a Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2 hereof is required to be delivered under the Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period, deliver to each selling Holder of Registrable Notes and a single counsel to such Holders, or each such Participating Broker-Dealer and their counsel, as the case may be, and the underwriters, if any, and a single counsel for such underwriters, at the sole expense of the Company, as many copies of the Prospectus or Prospectuses (including each form of preliminary prospectus) and each amendment or supplement thereto and any documents incorporated by reference therein as such Persons may reasonably request; and, subject to the last paragraph of this Section 5, the Issuers hereby consent to the use of such Prospectus and each amendment or supplement thereto (provided the manner of such use complies with any limitations resulting from any applicable laws, including state securities or “Blue Sky” laws, and subject to the provisions of this Agreement) by each of the selling Holders of Registrable Notes or each such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, and the underwriters or agents, if any, and dealers (if any), in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Notes or the sale by Participating Broker-Dealers of the Exchange Notes covered by or pursuant to such Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto.
(h)    Prior to any public offering of Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes or any delivery of a Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period, use their reasonable best efforts to register or qualify, and to cooperate with the selling Holders of Registrable Notes or each such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, and their respective counsel in connection with the registration or qualification (or exemption from such registration or qualification) of such Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes, as the case may be, for offer and sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions within the United States as any selling Holder, Participating Broker-Dealer, or the managing underwriter or underwriters reasonably request in writing; provided, however, that where Exchange Notes held by Participating Broker-Dealers or Registrable Notes are offered other than through an underwritten offering, the Company agrees to cause the Company’s counsel to perform Blue Sky investigations and file registrations and qualifications required to be filed pursuant to this Section 5(h), keep each such registration or qualification (or exemption therefrom) effective during the period such Registration Statement is required to be kept effective and do any and all other acts or things reasonably necessary or advisable to enable the disposition in such jurisdictions of such Exchange Notes or Registrable Notes covered by the applicable Registration Statement; provided, however, that no Issuer shall be 

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required to (A) qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not then so qualified, (B) take any action that would subject it to general service of process in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so subject or (C) subject itself to taxation in excess of a nominal dollar amount in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so subject.
(i)    If a Shelf Registration Statement is filed pursuant to Section 3 hereof, cooperate with the selling Holders of Registrable Notes and the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Registrable Notes to be sold, which certificates shall not bear any restrictive legends and shall be in a form eligible for deposit with The Depository Trust Company; and enable such Registrable Notes to be in such denominations and registered in such names as the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, or selling Holders may reasonably request at least two Business Days prior to any sale of such Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes.
(j)    Use their reasonable best efforts to cause the Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes covered by any Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be reasonably necessary to enable the seller or sellers thereof or the underwriter or underwriters, if any, to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes, except as may be required solely as a consequence of the nature of such selling Holder’s business, in which case the Company will cooperate in all reasonable respects with the filing of such Registration Statement and the granting of such approvals.
(k)    If (1) a Shelf Registration Statement is filed pursuant to Section 3 hereof, or (2) a Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2 hereof is required to be delivered under the Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period, upon the occurrence of any event contemplated by Section 5(c)(v) or 5(c)(vi) hereof, as promptly as practicable prepare and (subject to Section 5(a) and the penultimate paragraph of this Section 5) file with the Commission, at the sole expense of the Company, a supplement or post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or a supplement to the related Prospectus or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference, or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of the Registrable Notes being sold thereunder or to the purchasers of the Exchange Notes to whom such Prospectus will be delivered by a Participating Broker-Dealer, any such Prospectus will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(l)    Prior to the effective date of the first Registration Statement relating to the Registrable Notes, (i) provide the Trustee with certificates for the Registrable Notes in a form eligible for deposit with The Depository Trust Company and (ii) unless an existing CUSIP number covering already registered notes issued under the Indenture may be used with respect to the Registrable Notes, provide a new CUSIP number for the Registrable Notes.
(m)    In connection with any underwritten offering of Registrable Notes pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement, enter into an underwriting agreement as is customary in underwritten offerings of debt securities similar to the Notes in form reasonably satisfactory to the Issuers and take all such other actions as are reasonably requested by the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, in order to expedite or facilitate the registration or the disposition of such Registrable Notes and, in such connection, (i) make such representations and warranties to, and covenants with, the underwriters with respect to the business of the Issuers and their subsidiaries (including any acquired 

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business, properties or entity, if applicable) and the Registration Statement, Prospectus and documents, if any, incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference therein, in each case, as are customarily made by issuers to underwriters in underwritten offerings of debt securities similar to the Notes, and confirm the same in writing if and when requested in form reasonably satisfactory to the Issuers; (ii) upon the request of any underwriter, use their reasonable best efforts to obtain the written opinions of counsel to the Company and written updates thereof in form, scope and substance reasonably satisfactory to the managing underwriter or underwriters, addressed to the underwriters covering the matters customarily covered in opinions requested in underwritten offerings and such other matters as may be reasonably requested by the managing underwriter or underwriters; (iii) upon the request of any underwriter, use their reasonable best efforts to obtain “cold comfort” letters and updates thereof in form, scope and substance reasonably satisfactory to the managing underwriter or underwriters from the independent certified public accountants of the Company (and, if necessary, any other independent certified public accountants of any subsidiary of the Company or of any business acquired by the Company for which financial statements and financial data are, or are required to be, included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement), addressed to each of the underwriters, such letters to be in customary form and covering matters of the type customarily covered in “cold comfort” letters in connection with underwritten offerings of debt securities similar to the Notes, and such other matters as reasonably requested by the managing underwriter or underwriters as permitted by the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 72; and (iv) if an underwriting agreement is entered into, cause the same to contain indemnification provisions and procedures no less favorable than those set forth in Section 7 hereof (or such other provisions and procedures acceptable to Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Registrable Notes covered by such Registration Statement and the managing underwriter or underwriters or agents, if any) with respect to all parties to be indemnified pursuant to said Section.  The above shall be done at each closing under such underwriting agreement, or as and to the extent required thereunder.
(n)    If (1) a Shelf Registration Statement is filed pursuant to Section 3 hereof or (2) a Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2 hereof is required to be delivered under the Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period, make available for inspection by any selling Holder of such Registrable Notes being sold or each such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, any underwriter participating in any such disposition of Registrable Notes, if any, and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by any such selling Holder or each such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, or underwriter (collectively, the “Inspectors”), at the offices where normally kept, during reasonable business hours, all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and instruments of the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Records”) as shall be reasonably necessary to enable them to exercise any applicable due diligence responsibilities, and cause the appropriate officers, directors and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries to supply all information reasonably requested by any such Inspector in connection with such Registration Statement and Prospectus.  Each Inspector shall agree in writing that it will keep the Records confidential and not disclose any Records that the Company determines, in good faith, to be confidential and that it notifies the Inspectors in writing are confidential unless (i) the disclosure of such Records is necessary to avoid or correct a misstatement or omission in such Registration Statement or Prospectus, (ii) the release of such Records is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other order from a court of competent jurisdiction, (iii) disclosure of such information is necessary or advisable in connection with any action, claim, suit or proceeding, directly or indirectly, involving or potentially involving such Inspector and arising out of, based upon, relating to, or involving this 

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Agreement or the Purchase Agreement, or any transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or arising hereunder or thereunder, or (iv) the information in such Records has been made generally available to the public other than through an act of such Inspector in violation of this Section 5(n); provided, however, that, if practicable, prior notice shall be provided as soon as practicable to the Issuers of the potential disclosure of any information by such Inspector pursuant to clause (ii) of this sentence to permit the Issuers to obtain a protective order or to take other appropriate action to prevent the disclosure of such information and that such Inspector shall take such actions as are reasonably necessary to protect the confidentiality of such information (if practicable) to the extent such action is otherwise not inconsistent with, an impairment of or in derogation of the rights and interests of the Holder or any Inspector.
(o)    Cause the Indenture to be qualified under the TIA not later than the effective date of the Exchange Offer or the first Registration Statement relating to the Registrable Notes; and in connection therewith, cooperate with the Trustee and the Holders of the Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes, as applicable, to effect such changes to the Indenture as may be required for the Indenture to be so qualified in accordance with the terms of the TIA; and execute, and use their reasonable best efforts to cause the Trustee to execute, all documents as may be required to effect such changes, and all other forms and documents required to be filed with the Commission to enable the Indenture to be so qualified in a timely manner.
(p)    Comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission and make generally available to the Company’s securityholders earnings statements satisfying the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder (or any similar rule promulgated under the Securities Act) (i) commencing at the end of any fiscal quarter in which Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes are sold to underwriters in a firm commitment or best efforts underwritten offering and (ii) if not sold to underwriters in such an offering, commencing on the first day of the first fiscal quarter of the Company after the effective date of a Registration Statement.
(q)    Upon the request of a Holder, upon consummation of the Exchange Offer or a Private Exchange, use their reasonable best efforts to obtain an opinion of counsel to the Issuers, in a form customary for underwritten transactions, addressed to the Trustee for the benefit of all Holders of Registrable Notes participating in the Exchange Offer or the Private Exchange, as the case may be, that the Exchange Notes or Private Exchange Notes, as the case may be, and the Indenture constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the Issuers, enforceable against the Issuers in accordance with its respective terms, subject to customary exceptions and qualifications.
(r)    If the Exchange Offer or a Private Exchange is to be consummated, upon delivery of the Registrable Notes by Holders to the Company (or to such other Person as directed by the Company) in exchange for the Exchange Notes or the Private Exchange Notes, as the case may be, mark, or cause to be marked, on such Registrable Notes that such Registrable Notes are being cancelled in exchange for the Exchange Notes or the Private Exchange Notes, as the case may be; in no event shall such Registrable Notes be marked as paid or otherwise satisfied.
(s)    Cooperate with each seller of Registrable Notes covered by any Registration Statement and each underwriter, if any, participating in the disposition of such Registrable Notes and their respective counsel in connection with any filings required to be made with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”).

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(t)    Use their reasonable best efforts to take all other steps necessary or advisable to effect the registration of the Exchange Notes and/or Registrable Notes covered by a Registration Statement contemplated hereby.
(u)    The Company represents, warrants and covenants that it (including its agents and representatives) will not prepare, make, use, authorize, approve or refer to any Free Writing Prospectus in connection with the Exchange Offer or any Shelf Registration Statement.
The Company may require each seller of Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes as to which any registration is being effected to furnish to the Issuers such information regarding such seller and the distribution of such Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes as the Company may, from time to time, reasonably request.  The Issuers may exclude from such registration the Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes of any seller so long as such seller fails to furnish such information within a reasonable time after receiving such request.  Each seller as to which any Shelf Registration Statement is being effected agrees to furnish promptly to the Company all information required to be disclosed in order to make any information previously furnished to the Company by such seller not materially misleading.
If any such Registration Statement refers to any Holder by name or otherwise as the holder of any securities of the Company, then such Holder shall have the right to require (i) the insertion therein of language, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such Holder, to the effect that the holding by such Holder of such securities is not to be construed as a recommendation by such Holder of the investment quality of the securities covered thereby and that such holding does not imply that such Holder will assist in meeting any future financial requirements of the Company, or (ii) in the event that such reference to such Holder by name or otherwise is not required by the Securities Act or any similar federal statute then in force, the deletion of the reference to such Holder in any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement filed or prepared subsequent to the time that such reference ceases to be required.
Each Holder of Registrable Notes and each Participating Broker-Dealer agrees by acquisition of such Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes that, upon actual receipt of any notice from the Company (x) of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 5(c)(ii), 5(c)(iv), 5(c)(v), or 5(c)(vi) hereof, or (y) that the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors”) has resolved that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for doing so, then the Company may delay the filing or the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or the Shelf Registration Statement (if not then filed or effective, as applicable) and shall not be required to maintain the effectiveness thereof or amend or supplement the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or the Shelf Registration Statement, in all cases, for a period (a “Delay Period”) expiring upon the earlier to occur of (i) in the case of the immediately preceding clause (x), such Holder’s or Participating Broker-Dealer’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 5(k) hereof or until it is advised in writing (the “Advice”) by the Company that the use of the applicable Prospectus may be resumed, and has received copies of any amendments or supplements thereto or (ii) in the case of the immediately preceding clause (y), the date which is the earlier of (A) the date on which such business purpose ceases to interfere with the Company’s obligations to file or maintain the effectiveness of any such Registration Statement pursuant to this Agreement or (B) 60 days after the Company notifies the Holders of such good faith determination.  There shall not be more than 60 days of Delay Periods during any 12-month period.  Each of the Effectiveness Period and the Applicable Period, if applicable, shall be extended by the number of days 

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during any Delay Period.  Any Delay Period will not alter the obligations of the Company to pay Liquidated Damages under the circumstances set forth in Section 4 hereof.
In the event of any Delay Period pursuant to clause (y) of the preceding paragraph, notice shall be given as soon as practicable after the Board of Directors makes such a determination of the need for a Delay Period and shall state, to the extent practicable, an estimate of the duration of such Delay Period and shall advise the recipient thereof of the agreement of such Holder provided in the next succeeding sentence.  Each Holder, by his acceptance of any Registrable Note, agrees that during any Delay Period, each Holder will discontinue disposition of such Notes or Exchange Notes covered by such Registration Statement or Prospectus or Exchange Notes to be sold by such Holder or Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be.
Section 6.Registration Expenses
All fees and expenses incident to the performance of or compliance with this Agreement by the Issuers shall be borne by the Issuers, whether or not the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or the Shelf Registration Statement is filed or becomes effective or the Exchange Offer is consummated, including, without limitation, (i) all registration and filing fees (including, without limitation, (A) fees with respect to filings required to be made with FINRA in connection with an underwritten offering and (B) fees and expenses of compliance with state securities or Blue Sky laws (including, without limitation, reasonable fees and disbursements of one counsel in connection with Blue Sky qualifications of the Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes and determination of the eligibility of the Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes for investment under the laws of such jurisdictions (x) where the holders of Registrable Notes are located, in the case of an Exchange Offer, or (y) as provided in Section 5(h) hereof, in the case of Exchange Notes to be sold by a Participating Broker-Dealer during the Applicable Period)), (ii) printing expenses, including, without limitation, expenses of printing certificates for Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes in a form eligible for deposit with The Depository Trust Company and of printing prospectuses if the printing of prospectuses is requested by the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, or by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes included in any Registration Statement or in respect of Exchange Notes to be sold by any Participating Broker-Dealer during the Applicable Period, as the case may be, (iii) messenger, telephone and delivery expenses, (iv) fees and disbursements of counsel for the Issuers and reasonable fees and disbursements of one special counsel for all of the sellers of Registrable Notes (exclusive of any counsel retained pursuant to Section 7 hereof), (v) fees and disbursements of all independent certified public accountants referred to in Section 5(m)(iii) hereof (including, without limitation, the expenses of any special audit and “cold comfort” letters required by or incident to such performance), (vi) Securities Act liability insurance, if the Issuers desire such insurance, (vii) fees and expenses of all other Persons retained by any of the Issuers, (viii) internal expenses of the Issuers (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of officers and employees of any of the Issuers performing legal or accounting duties), (ix) the expense of any audit, (x) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the securities to be registered on any securities exchange, and the obtaining of a rating of the securities, in each case, if applicable, and (xi) the expenses relating to printing, word processing and distributing all Registration Statements, underwriting agreements, the Indenture and any other documents necessary in order to comply with this Agreement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary, each Holder shall pay all underwriting discounts and commissions of any underwriters with respect to any Registrable Notes sold by or on behalf of it.

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Section 7.Indemnification
(a)Each Issuer, jointly and severally, agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Holder of Registrable Notes, each Initial Purchaser and each Participating Broker-Dealer selling Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period, each Person, if any, who controls any such Person within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act, the agents, employees, officers and directors of each Holder, each Initial Purchaser and each such Participating Broker-Dealer and the agents, employees, officers and directors of any such controlling Person (each, a “Participant”) from and against any and all losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses whatsoever (including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees and any and all reasonable expenses whatsoever incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever, and any and all reasonable amounts paid in settlement of any claim or litigation) (collectively, “Losses”) to which they or any of them may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise insofar as such Losses (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto) or Prospectus (as amended or supplemented if the Company shall have furnished any amendments or supplements thereto), any preliminary prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus used in violation of this Agreement or any issuer information filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act, or caused by, arising out of or based upon any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the case of the Prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that the foregoing indemnity shall not be available to any Participant insofar as such Losses are caused by any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to such Participant furnished to the Company in writing by or on behalf of such Participant expressly for use therein.
(b)Each Participant agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless each Issuer, each Person, if any, who controls any Issuer within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act, and each of their respective agents, employees, officers and directors and the agents, employees, officers and directors of any such controlling Person from and against any Losses to which they or any of them may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise insofar as such Losses (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto) or Prospectus (as amended or supplemented if the Company shall have furnished any amendments or supplements thereto) or any preliminary prospectus, or caused by, arising out of or based upon any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the case of the Prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that any such Loss arises out of or is based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to such Participant furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of such Participant expressly for use therein.
(c)Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under subsection 7(a) or 7(b) above of notice of the commencement of any action, suit or proceeding (collectively, an “action”), such indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under such subsection, notify each party against whom indemnification is to be sought in writing of the commencement of such action (but the failure so to notify an indemnifying party shall not relieve 

18

such indemnifying party from any liability that it may have under this Section 7 except to the extent that it has been prejudiced in any material respect by such failure or from any liability which it otherwise may have).  In case any such action is brought against any indemnified party, and it notifies an indemnifying party of the commencement of such action, the indemnifying party will be entitled to participate in such action, and to the extent it may elect by written notice delivered to the indemnified party promptly after receiving the aforesaid notice from such indemnified party, to assume the defense of such action with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the indemnified party or parties shall have the right to employ its or their own counsel in any such action, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such indemnified party or parties unless (i) the employment of such counsel shall have been authorized in writing by the indemnifying parties in connection with the defense of such action, (ii) the indemnifying parties shall not have employed counsel to take charge of the defense of such action within a reasonable time after notice of commencement of the action, or (iii) the indemnified party or parties shall have reasonably concluded that there may be defenses available to it or them that are different from or additional to those available to one or all of the indemnifying parties (in which case the indemnifying parties shall not have the right to direct the defense of such action on behalf of the indemnified party or parties), in any of which events such reasonable fees and expenses of counsel shall be borne by the indemnifying parties; provided, however, that the indemnifying party will not be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one counsel (together with appropriate local counsel) designated by the indemnified party or parties at any time for all indemnified parties in connection with any one action or separate but similar or related actions arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances.  An indemnifying party shall not be liable for any settlement of any claim or action effected without its written consent, which consent may not be unreasonably withheld.  No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement (x) includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding and (y) does not include any statement as to or any admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party.
(d)In order to provide for contribution in circumstances in which the indemnification provided for in this Section 7 is for any reason held to be unavailable from the indemnifying party, or is insufficient to hold harmless a party indemnified under this Section 7, each indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such aggregate Losses (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by each indemnifying party, on the one hand, and each indemnified party, on the other hand, from the sale of the Notes to the Initial Purchasers or the resale of the Registrable Notes by such Holder, as applicable, or (ii) if such allocation is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to above but also the relative fault of each indemnified party, on the one hand, and each indemnifying party, on the other hand, in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such Losses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.  The relative benefits received by the Issuers, on the one hand, and each Participant, on the other hand, shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as (x) the total proceeds from the sale of the Notes to the Initial Purchasers (net of discounts and commissions but before deducting expenses) received by the Issuers are to (y) the total net profit received by such Participant in connection with the sale of the Registrable Notes.  The relative fault of the parties shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the 

19

Issuers or such Participant and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission or alleged statement or omission.
(e)The parties agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 7 were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take into account the equitable considerations referred to above.  Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7, (i) in no case shall any Participant be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the net profit received by such Participant in connection with the sale of the Registrable Notes exceeds the amount of any damages that such Participant has otherwise been required to pay by reason of any untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission and (ii) no Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.  For purposes of this Section 7, each Person, if any, who controls any Participant within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act and each director, officer, employee and agent of such Participant shall have the same rights to contribution as such Participant, and each Person, if any, who controls any Issuer within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act and each director, officer, employee and agent of such Issuer or Person who controls such Issuer shall have the same rights to contribution as such Issuer.  Any party entitled to contribution will, promptly after receipt of notice of commencement of any action against such party in respect of which a claim for contribution may be made against another party or parties under this Section 7, notify such party or parties from whom contribution may be sought, but the omission to so notify such party or parties shall not relieve the party or parties from whom contribution may be sought from any obligation it or they may have under this Section 7 or otherwise, except to the extent that it has been prejudiced in any material respect by such failure; provided, however, that no additional notice shall be required with respect to any action for which notice has been given under this Section 7 for purposes of indemnification.  Anything in this section to the contrary notwithstanding, no party shall be liable for contribution with respect to any action or claim settled without its written consent; provided, however, that such written consent was not unreasonably withheld.
Section 8.Rules 144 and 144A
The Company covenants that it will file the reports required to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations adopted by the Commission thereunder in a timely manner in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and, if at any time the Company is not required to file such reports, it will, upon the request of any Holder or beneficial owner of Registrable Notes, make available such information necessary to permit sales pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, in each case for so long as any Registrable Notes remain outstanding.  The Issuers further covenant for so long as any Registrable Notes remain outstanding that they will take such further action as any Holder of Registrable Notes may reasonably request from time to time to enable such Holder to sell Registrable Notes without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by (a) Rule 144 and Rule 144A under the Securities Act, as such Rules may be amended from time to time, or (b) any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission.
Section 9.Underwritten Registrations
If any of the Registrable Notes covered by any Shelf Registration Statement are to be sold in an underwritten offering, the investment banker or investment bankers and manager or managers that will manage the offering will be selected by the Holders of a majority in aggregate 

20

principal amount of such Registrable Notes included in such offering and shall be reasonably acceptable to the Company.
No Holder of Registrable Notes may participate in any underwritten registration hereunder if such Holder does not (a) agree to sell such Holder’s Registrable Notes on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements and (b) complete and execute all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.
Section 10.Miscellaneous
(a)    No Inconsistent Agreements.  The Issuers have not entered, as of the date hereof, and shall not enter, after the date of this Agreement, into any agreement with respect to any of their securities that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders of Registrable Notes in this Agreement or otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof.  The rights granted to the Holders hereunder do not conflict with and are not inconsistent with, in any material respect, the rights granted to the holders of any of the Issuers’ other issued and outstanding securities under any such agreements.  The Issuers have not entered and will not enter into any agreement with respect to any of their securities which will grant to any Person piggy-back registration rights with respect to any Registration Statement.
(b)    Adjustments Affecting Registrable Notes.  The Issuers shall not, directly or indirectly, take any action with respect to the Registrable Notes as a class that would adversely affect the ability of the Holders of Registrable Notes to include such Registrable Notes in a registration undertaken pursuant to this Agreement.
(c)    Amendments and Waivers.  The provisions of this Agreement may not be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof may not be given except pursuant to a written agreement duly signed and delivered by (I) the Issuers and (II) (A) the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Registrable Notes and (B) in circumstances that would adversely affect the Participating Broker-Dealers, the Participating Broker-Dealers holding not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Exchange Notes held by all Participating Broker-Dealers; provided, however, that Section 7 and this Section 10(c) may not be amended, modified or supplemented except pursuant to a written agreement duly signed and delivered by each Holder and each Participating Broker-Dealer (including any Person who was a Holder or Participating Broker-Dealer of Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes, as the case may be, disposed of pursuant to any Registration Statement) adversely affected by any such amendment, modification, supplement or waiver.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, a waiver or consent to depart from the provisions hereof with respect to a matter that relates exclusively to the rights of Holders of Registrable Notes whose securities are being sold pursuant to a Registration Statement and that does not directly or indirectly affect, impair, limit or compromise the rights of other Holders of Registrable Notes may be given by Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes being sold pursuant to such Registration Statement.
(d)    Notices.  All notices and other communications (including, without limitation, any notices or other communications to the Trustee) provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand-delivery, registered first-class mail, next-day air courier or telecopier:

21

(i)if to a Holder of the Registrable Notes or any Participating Broker-Dealer, at the most current address of such Holder or Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, set forth on the records of the registrar under the Indenture.
(ii)if to the Issuers, at the address as follows:
Meritage Homes Corporation
8800 E. Raintree Drive
Suite 300
Scottsdale, AZ  85260
Telephone:  (480) 515-8100
Fax:  (480) 627-5022
Attention:  Hilla Sferruzza and Tim White
With a copy to:
Snell & Wilmer L.L.P.
One Arizona Center
400 E. Van Buren Street
Phoenix, AZ  85004-2223
Telephone:  (602) 382-6316
Fax:  (602) 382-6070
Attention:  Jeffrey Beck, Esq.
(iii)if to the Initial Purchasers, at the address as follows:
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
383 Madison Avenue
New York, New York  10179
Fax:  (212) 270-0994
Attention:  Ken Lang
With a copy to:
Cahill Gordon & Reindel llp
80 Pine Street

22

New York, NY  10005
Telephone:  (212) 701-3000
Fax:  (212) 269-5420
Attention:  Daniel J. Zubkoff, Esq.
All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: when delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt is acknowledged by the recipient’s telecopier machine, if telecopied; and on the next Business Day, if timely delivered to an air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery.
Copies of all such notices, demands or other communications shall be concurrently delivered by the Person giving the same to the Trustee at the address and in the manner specified in the Indenture.
(e)    Guarantors.  So long as any Registrable Notes remain outstanding, the Issuers shall cause each Person that becomes a guarantor of the Notes under the Indenture to execute and deliver a counterpart to this Agreement which subjects such Person to the provisions of this Agreement as a Guarantor.  Each of the Guarantors agrees to join the Company in all of its undertakings hereunder to effect the Exchange Offer for the Exchange Notes and the filing of any Shelf Registration Statement required hereunder.
(f)    Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of each of the parties hereto, the Holders and the Participating Broker-Dealers; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not inure to the benefit of or be binding upon a successor or assign of a Holder unless and to the extent such successor or assign holds Registrable Notes.
(g)    Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed by facsimile or PDF and in any number of counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
(h)    Headings.  The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.
(i)    Governing Law.  THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY OR DISPUTE RELATING TO OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AS APPLIED TO CONTRACTS MADE AND PERFORMED WHOLLY WITHIN THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW.
(j)    Severability.  If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions set forth herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated, and the parties hereto shall use their 

23

reasonable best efforts to find and employ an alternative means to achieve the same or substantially the same result as that contemplated by such term, provision, covenant or restriction.
(k)    Securities Held by the Company or Its Affiliates.  Whenever the consent or approval of Holders of a specified percentage of Registrable Notes is required hereunder, Registrable Notes held by the Company or any of its affiliates (as such term is defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) shall not be counted in determining whether such consent or approval was given by the Holders of such required percentage.
(l)    Third-Party Beneficiaries.  Holders and beneficial owners of Registrable Notes and Participating Broker-Dealers are intended third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement, and this Agreement may be enforced by such Persons.  No other Person is intended to be, or shall be construed as, a third-party beneficiary of this Agreement.
(m)    Attorneys’ Fees.  As between the parties to this Agreement, in any action or proceeding brought to enforce any provision of this Agreement, or where any provision hereof is validly asserted as a defense, the successful party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees actually incurred in addition to its costs and expenses and any other available remedy.
(n)    Entire Agreement.  This Agreement, together with  the Purchase Agreement and the Indenture, is intended by the parties as a final and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and therein and any and all prior oral or written agreements, representations, or warranties, contracts, understandings, correspondence, conversations and memoranda between the Holders on the one hand and the Issuers on the other, or between or among any agents, representatives, parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, predecessors in interest or successors in interest with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof are merged herein and replaced hereby.

24

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

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

	
			
	MERITAGE PASEO CROSSING, LLC

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	Meritage Homes of Arizona, Inc.

	Its:
	Sole Member

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

	
			
	MERITAGE PASEO CONSTRUCTION, LLC

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	Meritage Homes Construction, Inc.

	Its:
	Sole Member

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

	
			
	MERITAGE HOMES OF ARIZONA, INC.

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

S- 1

	
			
	MERITAGE HOMES CONSTRUCTION, INC.

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

	
			
	MERITAGE HOMES OF TEXAS HOLDING, INC.

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

	
			
	MERITAGE HOMES OF CALIFORNIA, INC.

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

	
				
	 	MERITAGE HOMES OF TEXAS JOINT VENTURE HOLDING COMPANY, LLC

	 
	 	 
	 
	 

	 	By:
	Meritage Homes of Texas, LLC

	 	Its:
	Sole Member

	 	 
	 
	 

	 	By:
	Meritage Homes of Texas Holding, Inc.

	 	Its:
	Sole Member

	 	 
	 
	 

	 	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 	 
	 

S- 2

	
			
	MERITAGE HOLDINGS L.L.C.

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	Meritage Homes of Texas Holding, Inc.

	Its:
	Sole Member

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

	
			
	MERITAGE-HOMES OF NEVADA, INC.

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

	
			
	MTH-CAVALIER, LLC

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	Meritage Homes Construction, Inc.

	Its:
	Sole Member

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

	
			
	MTH GOLF, LLC

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	Meritage Homes Construction, Inc.

	Its:
	Sole Member

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

S- 3

	
			
	MERITAGE HOMES OF COLORADO, INC.

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

	
			
	MERITAGE HOMES OF FLORIDA, INC.

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

	
			
	CALIFORNIA URBAN HOMES, LLC

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	Meritage Homes of California, Inc.

	Its:
	Sole Member and Manager

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

	
			
	MERITAGE HOMES OF TEXAS, LLC

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	Meritage Homes of Texas Holding, Inc.

	Its:
	Sole Member 

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

S- 4

	
			
	MERITAGE HOMES OPERATING COMPANY, LLC

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	Meritage Holdings, L.L.C.

	Its:
	Manager

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	Meritage Homes of Texas Holding, Inc.

	Its:
	Sole Member

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

	
			
	WW PROJECT SELLER, LLC

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	Meritage Paseo Crossing. LLC

	Its:
	Sole Member

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	Meritage Homes of Arizona, Inc.

	Its:
	Sole Member

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

	
			
	MERITAGE HOMES OF THE CAROLINAS, INC.

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

	
			
	CAREFREE TITLE AGENCY, INC.

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

S- 5

	
			
	M&M FORT MYERS HOLDINGS, LLC

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	Meritage Paseo Crossing. LLC

	Its:
	Sole Member and Manager

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	Meritage Homes of Arizona, Inc.

	Its:
	Sole Member

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

	
			
	MERITAGE HOMES OF FLORIDA REALTY LLC

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	Meritage Homes of Florida, Inc.

	Its:
	Sole Member and Manager

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

	
			
	MERITAGE HOMES OF TENNESSEE, INC.

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

	
			
	MERITAGE HOMES OF SOUTH CAROLINA, INC.

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

S- 6

	
			
	MTH REALTY LLC

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	Meritage Paseo Crossing, LLC

	Its:
	Sole Member and Manager

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	Meritage Homes of Arizona, Inc.

	Its:
	Sole Member

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

	
			
	MERITAGE HOMES OF GEORGIA, INC.

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

	
			
	MTH GA REALTY LLC

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	Meritage Homes of Georgia, Inc.

	Its:
	Sole Member and Manager

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

	
			
	MTH SC REALTY LLC

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	Meritage Homes of South Carolina, Inc.

	Its:
	Sole Member and Manager

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

S- 7

	
			
	MTH SHELF CO., INC.

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

	
			
	MLC HOLDINGS, INC. DBA MLC LAND HOLDINGS, INC.

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

	
			
	MERITAGE HOMES OF GEORGIA REALTY, LLC

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	Meritage Homes of Georgia, Inc.

	Its:
	Sole Member and Manager

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Name:
	Hilla Sferruzza

	 
	Title:
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

	 
	 

S- 8

	
			
	J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/ Jeffrey Genova

	 
	Name:
	Jeffrey Genova

	 
	Title:
	Executive Director

	
			
	RBC CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/ James S. Wolfe

	 
	Name:
	James S. Wolfe

	 
	Title:
	Managing Director, Head of Global Leveraged Finance

	 
	 

	
			
	CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/  John G. McAuley

	 
	Name:
	John G. McAuley

	 
	Title:
	Managing Director

	
				
	 	MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED

	 
	 	 
	 
	 

	 	By:
	/s/ Timothy J. Olsen

	 	 
	Name:
	Timothy J. Olsen

	 	 
	Title:
	Managing Director Investment Banking

	
			
	MIZUHO SECURITIES USA LLC

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/ John Dweck

	 
	Name:
	John Dweck

	 
	Title:
	Managing Director

	
			
	PNC CAPITAL MARKETS LLC

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/ Robert W. Thomas

	 
	Name:
	Robert W. Thomas

	 
	Title:
	Managing Director

S- 9

	
			
	SUNTRUST ROBINSON HUMPHREY, INC.

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/ Chris White

	 
	Name:
	Chris White

	 
	Title:
	Managing Director

	
			
	U.S. BANCORP INVESTMENTS, INC.

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/ Jeff Kane

	 
	Name:
	Jeff Kane

	 
	Title:
	Managing Director

	
			
	WOODROCK SECURITIES, L.P.

	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/ P. Mathew Verghese

	 
	Name:
	P. Mathew Verghese

	 
	Title:
	Managing Director

S- 10

Schedule A
Guarantors
1.    Meritage Paseo Crossing, LLC
2.    Meritage Paseo Construction, LLC
3.    Meritage Homes of Arizona, Inc.
4.    Meritage Homes Construction, Inc.
5.    Meritage Homes of Texas Holding, Inc.
6.    Meritage Homes of California, Inc.
7.    Meritage Homes of Texas Joint Venture Holding Company, LLC
8.    Meritage Holdings, L.L.C.
9.    Meritage Homes of Nevada, Inc.
10.    MTH-Cavalier, LLC
11.    MTH Golf, LLC
12.    Meritage Homes of Colorado, Inc.
13.    Meritage Homes of Florida, Inc.
14.    California Urban Homes, LLC
15.    Meritage Homes of Texas, LLC
16.    Meritage Homes Operating Company, LLC
17.    WW Project Seller, LLC
18.    Meritage Homes of the Carolinas, Inc.
19.    Carefree Title Agency, Inc.
20.    M&M Fort Myers Holdings, LLC
21.      Meritage Homes of Florida Realty LLC
22.    Meritage Homes of Tennessee, Inc.
23.      Meritage Homes of South Carolina, Inc.
24.      MTH Realty LLC
25.      Meritage Homes of Georgia, Inc.
26.      MTH GA Realty LLC
27.      MTH SC Realty LLC
28.      MTH Shelf Co., Inc.
29.      MLC Holdings, Inc. dba MLC Land Holdings, Inc.
30.      Meritage Homes of Georgia Realty, LLC

S- 11

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